Travelers often associate the French Riviera (or the “Côte d’Azur”) with glamorous resorts and celebrity sightings. Yet there’s so much more to discover.
At France Just For You, we believe in helping you experience the south of France beyond the famous beach clubs and yacht-filled harbors, including those local hidden gems of the French Riviera that most tourists miss.
Below, we share some of our favorite French Riviera cities and why each one deserves to be included in your French Riviera road trip.
Nice
Nice is sometimes called the “gateway to the Côte d’Azur” – and for good reason. With its international airport and prime coastal location, it’s a popular first stop for those driving the French Riviera. Here are some things we recommend doing while you’re in Nice:
- Explore the Old Town: Wander through narrow lanes lined with pastel buildings. You’ll find family-run restaurants, boutique shops, and the vibrant Cours Saleya Market.
- Visit the Promenade des Anglais: Stroll or bike along this famous seafront promenade for a taste of Mediterranean life, especially in the early morning or at sunset.
- Check Out Local Art & Culture: Explore the Matisse museum or Chagall museum if you have an interest in French art and want to learn about the city’s cultural heritage.
- Indulge in Niçoise Cuisine: Savor local specialties, such as a classic salade niçoise or socca (chickpea pancake).
- Cimiez Hill: The gardens and Roman ruins of Cimiez offer a peaceful retreat from the center of Nice, particularly if you’re interested in classical civilizations.
We find that Nice can be a convenient hub for those who want to be ‘close to the action’ and still enjoy day trips along the coast or into the hills. If you book with us, we can also arrange for you to be away from the city bustle, if you prefer. We can reserve a room for you at a gorgeous premium B&B just outside of the city, and we’ll guide you to some lesser-known hidden gems just a short drive away.
Browse our self-drive tours of the French Riviera
Cannes
Known worldwide for its famous film festival, you might associate Cannes with the red carpet. But outside of this annual star-studded event, there’s a lot more to discover about Cannes.
- Stroll La Croisette: If money is no object, you may like to indulge in the luxury boutiques! Or, just take a walk along the boulevard, which runs alongside the beach, take a seat on one of the benches, and enjoy people-watching.
- Explore Le Suquet: This historic district was once a fishing village. Today, it’s dotted with old stone houses, cozy restaurants, and panoramic views from the top.
- Forville Market: Experience the local food scene and taste fresh produce, cheeses, and Mediterranean specialties.
- Island Hopping: Prepare a picnic lunch and take a short boat ride to the Lérins Islands (either or Ile Saint-Honorat). They’re a peaceful alternative to Cannes’ busy beaches and offer tranquil hiking trails, historical sights (including a fortress associated with the Man in the Iron Mask, and a monastery that dates back to the 11th century), as well as quiet swimming spots.
- Old Port: Notice the contrast between the tiny fishing boats and mega yachts that are anchored in this harbor – a glimpse into the city’s dual personality.
Whether you’re a film buff or simply want to soak up some more of the Riviera lifestyle, Cannes offers a nice mix of glamor and local charm.
Antibes
Antibes can feel a bit more down-to-earth than some of its more glamorous neighbors on the French Riviera, with a friendly, local ambiance. People live there all year round and there are lots of local shops (as opposed to luxury boutiques).
- Wander the Old Town: You’ll find medieval buildings and a laid-back atmosphere in this part of town. There are many local artisans in the old town, and café terraces that are perfect for people-watching. Be aware that the old town (like many places on the French Riviera) can get extremely crowded in the height of summer.
- Provençal Market: This covered market, open from 7.30am-12pm every day except Monday, can be a nice place to pick up a few goodies for a picnic. It is, however, expensive. If you want to experience an authentic, local market in Provence, we recommend browsing our Provence tours.
- Picasso Museum: Housed in the Château Grimaldi, this museum showcases some notable works by Pablo Picasso, who briefly lived in Antibes. These include La Joie de Vivre (1946) and the Satyr, Faun and Centaur with Trident (1946) triptych.
- Sea Views & Beaches: Visit the local beaches, like the lovely Plage des Ondes, or take a hike along the Le Sentier du Littoral (coastal trail) on the Cap d’Antibes.
- History at Every Turn: Being an ancient Greek trading post, Antibes has many layers of heritage to discover. If you’re interested in archeology, you might like to visit Antibes’ Archeology Museum. It’s housed in Saint-André bastion, a military stronghold built by the famous military engineer Vauban in the 17th century.
Menton
Menton is often called the “Pearl of France” for its sunny climate, charming blend of French and Italian influences, pretty pastel-colored buildings, botanical gardens, and relaxed atmosphere. Sitting on the Italian border, you’ll notice both French and Italian influences on the local culture and cuisine. It feels more down-to-earth and authentic than some other places on the French Riviera.
- Colorful Old Town: Wander gently sloping streets lined with colorful facades and enjoy views of the sea or surrounding hills.
- Menton Botanical Gardens: With its own microclimate, Menton has numerous botanical gardens that showcase both exotic and Mediterranean plants. These include Serre de la Madone, the boulevard-style park Jardins Biovès (which is at the center of the Menton Lemon Festival in Feb-March) and Jardin Botanique Val Rahmeh-Menton.
- Culinary Delights: Known for its citrus fruits, Menton holds an annual Lemon Festival in February. This annual event attracts over 200,000 visitors each year and features elaborate citrus sculptures and parades, with each edition showcasing a different theme. Be sure to try the local citrus-based products in local shops.
- Relaxing Beaches: Plage de Fossan and Plage des Sablettes Est are popular beach spots for a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean.
- Art & Architecture: You may like to visit Menton’s 17th-century baroque Basilica of Saint-Michel Archange and the Jean Cocteau Museum.
If you want to visit a place that feels like a peaceful Italian seaside town with French flair, we think you’ll love Menton.
Monte Carlo (Monaco)
Monaco is technically a separate principality, but also considered to be part of the French Riviera. It’s famous for its luxurious lifestyle, but you can enjoy it without breaking the bank. Monte Carlo is less than half an hour’s drive or train ride away from Nice, making it easy to fit in if you’re driving the French Riviera. We usually recommend it as a day trip that you can do during your French Riviera road trip.
- Casino de Monte Carlo: Even if you don’t gamble, the building’s grand architecture alone is worth a look.
- Palais Princier de Monaco: Watch the Changing of the Guard or explore the State Apartments for an insight into royal history.
- Oceanographic Museum: Marine enthusiasts may enjoy this museum, which features exhibits on ocean exploration and conservation.
- Exotic Garden: This clifftop garden showcases a vast collection of cacti and succulents, and has panoramic views over Monaco and the coast.
- Monaco’s Old Town: Explore the historic streets of the old town, taking in the colorful pastel buildings and the hilltop views.
If you would like to visit Monaco as part of one of our French Riviera tours, we will recommend an itinerary for a day trip based on your interests, as well as some nice restaurants.
©
Chris & Susan
Grasse
Set about half an hour inland from Cannes in the hills above the coast, Grasse is the world’s perfume capital.
- Perfume Heritage: Grasse is home to historic perfume houses like Fragonard, Galimard, and Molinard. You can tour the factories or even create your own custom scent in one of their perfume-making workshops.
- Old Town Charm: Like many of the old towns in this region, it’s full of narrow, winding streets and colorful facades, fountains, and hidden courtyards. A real pleasure to explore on foot!
- Art & Culture: Visit the Musée International de la Parfumerie to learn how the region’s flowers (especially jasmine and roses) has shaped its economy and identity.
- Panoramic Views: Its hilltop location means Grasse has sweeping views over the Mediterranean and the surrounding countryside.
Toulon
Often overlooked, Toulon is a port city with the largest naval base in France. For us, it’s not a ‘must’ to include this in your French Riviera itinerary. However, if you enjoy city breaks and want to see somewhere with more of a down-to-earth feel than the polished Riviera resorts, you may like to stop by.
- Harbor Life: The old port is lined with cafés and restaurants, and you’ll often see ships and ferries arriving or departing throughout the day.
- Cable Car Trip: Take the cable car up Mont Faron for panoramic views of the coastline — and visit the WWII memorial at the top. The Mémorial du Débarquement et de la Libération en Provence explains the events of the summer of 1944 and the pivotal role of French troops in liberating Provence.
- Cours Lafayette market: This is one of the largest of its kind in the region, with a wide range of Provençal produce. But for a more authentic Provençal market, we recommend our self drive tours in Provence, and exploring some of the ‘hidden gem’ markets in Provence.
- Authentic City Life: Toulon offers a more lived-in, authentic feel, with fewer tourists and a strong local identity.
Plan Your French Riviera Adventure with France Just For You
At France Just For You, we specialize in crafting personalized self-drive tours that help you discover the real France beyond the usual tourist hotspots. We’ll:
- Recommend off-the-beaten-path places and activities that we have visited and tried ourselves. You’ll meet welcoming locals, sample the best of local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the regional culture.
- Reserve accommodations at premium B&Bs and boutique hotels we’ve personally visited and love.
- Craft a flexible self-drive itinerary that gives you the freedom to choose what you do each day, from guided tours to leisurely beach strolls.
- Provide an exclusive travel pack and access to our MyFrance app, so you have all the essentials on hand, including our insider tips.
If the French Riviera is on your travel bucket list, let us help you explore it in a way that’s unique to your interests, pace, and sense of adventure.
Feel free to contact us and start planning your Côte d’Azur road trip with us (or complete the trip-planning form below). We’re here to plan the perfect French Riviera vacation—just for you!
