Perfect 7-Day French Riviera Itinerary: Summer Beaches, Luxury, and Coastal Art

The French Riviera in summer is a state of mind as much as a destination. This stretch of Mediterranean coastline, known to the French as the Côte d'Azur for the color of its waters, has been drawing artists, aristocrats, and hedonists since the 19th century. From Nice's Belle Époque promenade to Monaco's casino lights, from Cannes' film festival glamour to the hidden coves of the Calanques, the Riviera offers a particular blend of natural beauty, artistic heritage, and unapologetic luxury.

July and August bring temperatures of 28-32°C, crowds of sun-seekers, and prices that reflect the Riviera's status as Europe's most glamorous coastline. But come prepared with reservations, patience, and a taste for the good life, and you'll understand why Matisse, Picasso, and countless others never wanted to leave.

Getting to the French Riviera

By Air

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) — Main gateway, 7km from Nice center
Terminal 1: Budget airlines
Terminal 2: Full-service carriers

From airport to Nice:

Tram Line 2 — €1.70, 30 minutes to city center
Airport Express Bus 98 — €6, 30 minutes to Promenade des Anglais
Taxi — €35-50 to Nice center, €80-100 to Cannes
Uber — Similar pricing to taxis

By Train

Nice Ville — Main station, TGV from Paris (5h45)
Cannes — TGV from Paris (5h15)
Monaco-Monte-Carlo — TER regional trains

The coastal train line is one of Europe's most scenic. Book at sncf-connect.com

Getting Around

Train (TER) — The coastal rail line runs from Cannes to Ventimiglia (Italy), stopping at all major towns:

Nice to Cannes: 25 minutes, €5-7
Nice to Monaco: 20 minutes, €4-5
Nice to Antibes: 15 minutes, €4-5

Bus (Lignes d'Azur) — €1.70 per journey, covers Nice and surrounds

Car rental — Essential for exploring inland villages and the Corniche roads. Book early in summer.

Uber/Heetch — Available in Nice and Cannes, less so in smaller towns

Summer Weather & Packing

Temperature: 25-32°C (77-90°F), occasional heatwaves to 35°C
Sea temperature: 23-25°C (73-77°F) — perfect for swimming
Rainfall: Rare, but sudden thunderstorms possible
Daylight: Sunrise ~6:00 AM, sunset ~9:00 PM

Essential packing:

Lightweight linen and cotton clothing
Swimwear (bring multiple sets)
Beach cover-ups for restaurants
Sunscreen (SPF 50+ — the Mediterranean sun is intense)
Sunglasses and wide-brimmed hat
Comfortable sandals and walking shoes
Light evening layers (sea breeze can be cool)
Day bag for beach essentials
Reusable water bottle

Day 1: Nice — The Queen of the Riviera

Morning: Promenade des Anglais and Old Town (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM)

Promenade des Anglais
Nice 06000
GPS: 43.6954° N, 7.2656° E

The 7km waterfront promenade is Nice's living room. In summer, the pebble beaches fill by 10 AM, rollerbladers and cyclists share the path, and the Belle Époque hotels—Le Negresco, Le Palais de la Méditerranée—gleam in the sun. Walk the full length from the airport to Castle Hill (2 hours) or rent a blue bike (vélos bleus) from the many stations.

Vieux Nice (Old Town)
GPS: 43.6975° N, 7.2712° E

The maze of narrow streets behind the promenade is Nice at its most authentic. The ochre-colored buildings, laundry hanging from balconies, and the smell of socca (chickpea pancakes) cooking in wood-fired ovens transport you to an older Riviera.

Cours Saleya Market
GPS: 43.6958° N, 7.2715° E
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 6:00 AM - 5:30 PM (flower market), Monday antiques

The main market square bursts with flowers, produce, and Niçoise specialties in summer. Buy olives, tapenade, and fresh fruit for a beach picnic.

Lunch: Chez Pipo (1:00 PM)

Chez Pipo
13 Rue Bavastro, 06300 Nice
GPS: 43.6975° N, 7.2820° E
Price: €12-20 for lunch
Phone: +33 4 93 55 88 82

The best socca in Nice, made in a wood-fired oven since 1923. This chickpea pancake—crispy outside, creamy inside—is the city's signature snack. Eat it standing at the counter with a glass of cold rosé, or sit on the terrace and watch the Port Lympia yacht basin.

Afternoon: Castle Hill and Beach (3:00 PM - 7:00 PM)

Colline du Château (Castle Hill)
06300 Nice
GPS: 43.6948° N, 7.2805° E
Entry: Free
Lift: €1.50 (free to walk up)

The hill that gave Nice its name (Nike, Greek goddess of victory) offers the best views on the Riviera. The castle was destroyed in 1706, but the park remains—a cascade of waterfalls, Mediterranean gardens, and panoramic terraces. In summer, the shade and breeze provide welcome relief.

Beach time: Descend to the pebble beaches below Castle Hill. The water is crystal clear and warm. Rent a lounge chair and umbrella (€20-30) or spread your towel on the pebbles (free).

Evening: Dinner at La Merenda (8:00 PM)

La Merenda
4 Rue de la Terrasse, 06300 Nice
GPS: 43.6970° N, 7.2710° E
Price: €35-50 for dinner
Phone: +33 4 93 62 32 22
Reservations: Essential—book days ahead

Dominique Le Stanc's tiny restaurant has no phone (call the number above for voicemail), no credit cards, and no printed menu. What it has is the best Niçoise cuisine in the city. The daube (beef stew), stuffed vegetables, and pasta with pistou are legendary. In summer, the daily menu depends on what looked good at the market that morning.

Day 2: Nice Museums and Villefranche-sur-Mer

Morning: Musée Matisse and Musée Chagall (9:30 AM - 1:00 PM)

Musée Matisse
164 Avenue des Arènes de Cimiez, 06000 Nice
GPS: 43.7194° N, 7.2764° E
Entry: €12
Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (closed Tuesdays)
Bus: 15, 17, 20, 22 from city center

Matisse lived in Nice from 1917 until his death in 1954, and the museum holds an extraordinary collection of his work. The 17th-century villa sits in an olive grove with views over the city. In summer, the gardens are as beautiful as the art inside.

Musée National Marc Chagall
Avenue Dr Ménard, 06000 Nice
GPS: 43.7150° N, 7.2670° E
Entry: €10
Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (closed Tuesdays)

The museum was designed around Chagall's 17 biblical message paintings—vast, colorful, deeply spiritual works. The garden contains mosaic sculptures and a pond.

Lunch: A Buteghinna (1:00 PM)

A Buteghinna
11 Rue du Marché, 06300 Nice
GPS: 43.6970° N, 7.2715° E
Price: €15-25 for lunch
Phone: +33 4 93 80 31 72

A traditional Niçoise restaurant in the heart of the Old Town. The menu features local specialties: pissaladière (onion tart), salade niçoise, petits farcis (stuffed vegetables), and ratatouille. The terrace is perfect for people-watching.

Afternoon: Villefranche-sur-Mer (3:00 PM - 7:00 PM)

Villefranche-sur-Mer
06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer
GPS: 43.7041° N, 7.3106° E
Train: 10 minutes from Nice, €2.50

One of the most beautiful bays on the Riviera. The deep natural harbor has attracted ships since ancient times, and the Old Town cascades down the hillside in shades of ochre, pink, and terracotta.

Explore:

Rue Obscure — A covered medieval street running through the Old Town
Chapelle Saint-Pierre — Cocteau decorated this 14th-century chapel with fishing-themed frescoes (€4)
The beach — Sandy (rare on the Riviera!) and family-friendly
Citadel — 16th-century fortress with museums and gardens

Swim: The bay is calm and clear—perfect for swimming. The beach is public and free.

Evening: Dinner at La Mère Germaine (8:00 PM)

La Mère Germaine
Quai Amiral Courbet, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer
GPS: 43.7035° N, 7.3110° E
Price: €45-70 for dinner
Phone: +33 4 93 01 71 39
Reservations: Recommended

Right on the harbor, this restaurant has been serving bouillabaisse since 1938. The fish soup with rouille, the grilled sea bass, and the bouillabaisse (order 24 hours ahead) are the specialties. The terrace puts you inches from the yachts bobbing in the harbor.

Day 3: Èze and Monaco

Morning: Èze Village (9:30 AM - 1:00 PM)

Èze Village
06360 Èze
GPS: 43.7278° N, 7.3619° E
Bus: 82 or 112 from Nice (30 minutes)

The most spectacular perched village on the Riviera. Èze clings to a rocky peak 427 meters above the sea, its medieval streets winding up to the Jardin d'Èze at the summit. In summer, arrive early to beat the tour buses.

Le Jardin d'Èze
Entry: €7
Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM

At the top of the village, these exotic gardens feature cacti, succulents, and sculptures by Jean-Philippe Richard. The views over the Mediterranean are breathtaking.

Fragonard Parfumeur
Free entry

The historic perfume factory offers free tours showing how French perfume is made. The shop sells fragrances at reasonable prices.

Lunch: Château Eza (1:00 PM)

Château Eza
Rue de la Pise, 06360 Èze
GPS: 43.7280° N, 7.3615° E
Price: €45-70 for lunch
Phone: +33 4 93 41 12 24
Reservations: Essential

A Michelin-starred restaurant in a 12th-century castle. The terrace hangs over the cliff edge, offering the most dramatic dining views on the Riviera. The lunch menu is (relatively) affordable and features Mediterranean cuisine—sea bass with fennel, lamb with herbs, local vegetables.

Afternoon: Monaco (3:00 PM - 7:00 PM)

Monaco
Train: From Èze-Bord-de-Mer station (10 minutes) or direct from Nice (20 minutes)

The world's second-smallest country packs more glamour per square meter than anywhere else. In summer, the yachts in Port Hercule grow larger, the casino dresses up, and the streets fill with visitors hoping to spot a royal.

Prince's Palace
Place du Palais, 98000 Monaco
GPS: 43.7315° N, 7.4200° E
Entry: €10 (state apartments)
Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (April-October)

The Grimaldi family has ruled Monaco since 1297. The palace sits atop the Rock, with views over the Mediterranean. The state apartments are open in summer, and the changing of the guard happens daily at 11:55 AM.

Oceanographic Museum
Avenue Saint-Martin, 98000 Monaco
GPS: 43.7310° N, 7.4250° E
Entry: €19
Hours: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Jacques Cousteau was director of this cliff-top museum. The aquarium is world-class, with 6,000 specimens including sharks, rays, and Mediterranean species.

Evening: Casino de Monte-Carlo and Dinner (8:00 PM)

Casino de Monte-Carlo
Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco
GPS: 43.7390° N, 7.4280° E
Entry: €17 (includes €10 gaming credit)
Hours: 2:00 PM - 4:00 AM

James Bond's favorite casino. Even if you don't gamble, the Belle Époque architecture and people-watching are worth the entry fee. Dress code applies after 7:00 PM (jacket required for men).

Dinner: Le Louis XV - Alain Ducasse
Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco
GPS: 43.7390° N, 7.4280° E
Price: €250-400 for dinner
Phone: +377 98 06 36 36
Reservations: Essential, weeks ahead

Three Michelin stars in the Hôtel de Paris. Ducasse's flagship celebrates Mediterranean ingredients with extraordinary technique. The gourmand menu is a splurge, but this is one of the world's great restaurants.

Alternative: Café de Paris (next to the casino) for classic brasserie fare with Monaco atmosphere (€50-80).

Day 4: The Corniche Roads and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Morning: Moyenne Corniche Drive (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

Moyenne Corniche (D6007)
Nice to Menton

Rent a car for the day and drive one of Europe's most spectacular roads. The Moyenne Corniche (Middle Road) hugs the cliffs between Nice and the Italian border, offering views that have inspired countless artists and filmmakers.

Route: Nice → Villefranche → Beaulieu-sur-Mer → Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat → Èze → La Turbie → Menton

Stop at:

Villefranche viewpoint — Overlooking the bay
Beaulieu harbor — Superyachts and Belle Époque villas
Èze viewpoint — The village perched above the sea

Lunch: La Voile d'Or (1:00 PM)

La Voile d'Or
7 Avenue Jean Mermoz, 06230 Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
GPS: 43.6880° N, 7.3320° E
Price: €35-55 for lunch
Phone: +33 4 93 76 00 12

On the exclusive peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, this restaurant overlooks the harbor where the world's largest yachts anchor. The seafood is impeccably fresh, the rosé is chilled, and the views are pure Riviera glamour.

Afternoon: Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild (3:00 PM - 7:00 PM)

Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
1 Avenue Ephrussi de Rothschild, 06230 Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
GPS: 43.6865° N, 7.3295° E
Entry: €16 (gardens and villa)
Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild built this pink palace in 1905 to house her art collection and host parties. The result is one of the Riviera's most beautiful estates. The villa contains rare furniture, paintings, and porcelain, but the nine gardens are the real highlight.

The gardens:

French garden — Formal parterres and musical fountains
Spanish garden — Exotic plants and a cloister
Japanese garden — Pagoda and koi pond
Rose garden — In full bloom in summer
Provençal garden — Olive trees and lavender

Allow at least two hours to explore. The tea room serves light lunches and pastries with terrace views.

Evening: Return to Nice, Dinner at Jan (8:00 PM)

Jan
19 Rue Gubernatis, 06000 Nice
GPS: 43.6970° N, 7.2680° E
Price: €75-110 for tasting menu
Phone: +33 4 97 19 32 23
Reservations: Essential

A Michelin-starred restaurant where South African chef Jan Hendrik creates refined cuisine using Niçoise ingredients. The tasting menu might include dishes like rabbit with olives, local fish with citrus, and innovative vegetable preparations. The intimate dining room feels like a dinner party at a friend's home.

Day 5: Cannes and the Lérins Islands

Morning: Cannes and La Croisette (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM)

Cannes
Train: 25 minutes from Nice, €5-7

The name evokes red carpets and movie stars, but Cannes is also a real city with a beautiful setting between the Esterel mountains and the Mediterranean. In summer, the beaches fill, the yachts arrive, and the Croisette becomes a parade of wealth and beauty.

La Croisette
GPS: 43.5500° N, 7.0170° E

The 2km promenade curves along the bay, lined with palm trees, luxury hotels (Carlton, Martinez, Majestic), and designer boutiques. The public beaches (plages publiques) are free; private beaches charge €25-50 for a lounger.

Le Suquet (Old Town)
GPS: 43.5490° N, 7.0120° E

The historic quarter climbs the hill above the port. Narrow streets lead to the Musée de la Castre (€6) and Notre-Dame d'Espérance church, with views over the bay and islands.

Lunch: Astoux et Brun (1:00 PM)

Astoux et Brun
27 Rue Félix Faure, 06400 Cannes
GPS: 43.5510° N, 7.0120° E
Price: €30-50 for lunch
Phone: +33 4 93 39 06 33

A Cannes institution since 1953, this seafood brasserie is where locals go for plateau de fruits de mer (raw seafood towers), bouillabaisse, and oysters. The platters are piled high with lobster, crab, shrimp, and shellfish—perfect for a celebratory lunch.

Afternoon: Île Sainte-Marguerite (3:00 PM - 7:00 PM)

Île Sainte-Marguerite
Ferry: From Cannes port, €17 return, 15 minutes
Company: Trans Côte d'Azur

The largest of the Lérins Islands is a 15-minute boat ride from Cannes but feels worlds away. Covered in pine and eucalyptus forests, with rocky coves and clear water, it's the perfect summer escape.

Fort Royal
Entry: €6

The fortress held the Man in the Iron Mask for 11 years. The museum tells his mysterious story and the island's military history.

Swimming: The island has several beaches. The water is cleaner and calmer than the mainland. Bring snorkel gear—the marine life is abundant.

Hiking: Trails crisscross the island. The walk around the perimeter takes about 2 hours and offers views back to Cannes and the Esterel mountains.

Evening: Dinner at La Palme d'Or (8:00 PM)

La Palme d'Or
Hôtel Martinez, 73 La Croisette, 06400 Cannes
GPS: 43.5495° N, 7.0160° E
Price: €150-250 for tasting menu
Phone: +33 4 92 98 74 14
Reservations: Essential

Two Michelin stars in the legendary Hôtel Martinez. Chef Christian Sinicropi creates artistic, conceptual cuisine that references cinema (appropriate for Cannes). The terrace overlooks the Croisette. This is special-occasion dining at its finest.

Alternative: L'Assiette Provençale (8 Rue du 24 Août) for authentic Niçoise cuisine at reasonable prices (€25-40).

Day 6: Antibes and the Picasso Museum

Morning: Antibes Old Town and Picasso Museum (9:30 AM - 1:00 PM)

Antibes
Train: 15 minutes from Nice, €4-5

The ancient Greek city of Antipolis became a fortress under the Romans and a resort under the Americans in the 1920s. Today it's a working port town with a yacht-filled marina, a vibrant market, and a charming Old Town.

Marché Provençal
Cours Masséna, 06600 Antibes
GPS: 43.5800° N, 7.1250° E
Hours: 6:00 AM - 1:00 PM daily (except Monday in winter)

The covered market is a feast of Provençal produce: olives, tapenades, honey, lavender, and flowers. In summer, the scents are intoxicating.

Musée Picasso
Château Grimaldi, Place Mariejol, 06600 Antibes
GPS: 43.5805° N, 7.1280° E
Entry: €10
Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (closed Mondays)

Picasso lived and worked in this 14th-century castle for six months in 1946, producing an extraordinary body of work. The museum holds the largest collection of his art in a single place—paintings, ceramics, drawings, and sculptures. The terrace offers sea views that inspired many works.

Lunch: Le Vauban (1:00 PM)

Le Vauban
5 Rue de la Pompe, 06600 Antibes
GPS: 43.5800° N, 7.1270° E
Price: €20-35 for lunch
Phone: +33 4 93 34 31 39

A charming bistro in the heart of the Old Town, with a terrace on a quiet square. The menu features fresh market ingredients—grilled fish, ratatouille, and salads. The daily formule (set menu) is excellent value.

Afternoon: Cap d'Antibes and Beaches (3:00 PM - 7:00 PM)

Cap d'Antibes
GPS: 43.5580° N, 7.1300° E

The peninsula south of Antibes is home to some of the Riviera's most exclusive villas and most beautiful coves. The coastal path (Sentier du Littoral) offers spectacular views.

Plage de la Garoupe
GPS: 43.5550° N, 7.1350° E

A sandy beach with crystal-clear water and views of the Alps on clear days. The beach clubs (Garoupe Beach, Keller Beach) rent loungers (€25-40), but there's also a public section.

Villa Eilenroc
Avenue Mrs Beaumont, 06160 Antibes
Entry: Free for gardens

The gardens of this Belle Époque villa are open to the public. The rose garden is spectacular in summer, and the views over the sea are sublime.

Evening: Dinner at Bacon (8:00 PM)

Restaurant Bacon
664 Boulevard de Bacon, 06160 Antibes
GPS: 43.5530° N, 7.1350° E
Price: €60-90 for dinner
Phone: +33 4 93 61 50 63
Reservations: Recommended

On the point of Cap d'Antibes, this restaurant has been serving seafood since 1948. The bouillabaisse is legendary (order ahead), and the fish is caught daily by the restaurant's own boats. The terrace puts you feet from the waves.

Day 7: Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Farewell

Morning: Saint-Paul-de-Vence (9:30 AM - 1:00 PM)

Saint-Paul-de-Vence
06570 Saint-Paul-de-Vence
GPS: 43.6965° N, 7.1225° E
Bus: 400 from Nice (45 minutes) or taxi/Uber

The most beautiful village on the Riviera. Saint-Paul-de-Vence has been an artists' colony since the 1920s, when painters discovered its light and medieval charm. Today it's undeniably touristy, but the rampart walks, art galleries, and views remain magical.

Fondation Maeght
623 Chemin des Gardettes, 06570 Saint-Paul-de-Vence
GPS: 43.7000° N, 7.1150° E
Entry: €16
Hours: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM (summer)

One of Europe's most important modern art museums, set in a stunning building designed by Josep Lluís Sert. The collection includes works by Miró, Giacometti, Chagall, Braque, and Léger. The sculpture garden, with Giacometti's walking men and Miró's playful forms, is worth the entry alone.

Explore the village:

Rampart walk — Views over the countryside to the sea
Place de la Grande Fontaine — The village heart
Art galleries — Dozens line the main street
Colombe d'Or — Historic restaurant/hotel where Picasso paid for meals with paintings

Lunch: La Colombe d'Or (1:00 PM)

La Colombe d'Or
1 Place du Général de Gaulle, 06570 Saint-Paul-de-Vence
GPS: 43.6965° N, 7.1220° E
Price: €45-70 for lunch
Phone: +33 4 93 32 80 02
Reservations: Essential

The legendary restaurant where Modigliani, Picasso, Braque, and Chagall traded paintings for meals. Those paintings still hang on the walls, making this the most art-filled dining room in France. The terrace overlooks the village square. The food is classic Provençal—simple, perfect ingredients, beautifully prepared.

Afternoon: Return to Nice, Beach Time (3:00 PM - 7:00 PM)

Return to Nice for a final afternoon on the beach. The water is warmest in late summer, and the late afternoon light turns the Baie des Anges golden.

Final swim: Take a last dip in the Mediterranean. The pebbles may be hard on your feet, but the water is crystal clear and the setting unforgettable.

Promenade walk: Stroll the full length of the Promenade des Anglais as the sun sets. Watch the rollerbladers, the cyclists, the families, and the lovers. This is the Riviera at its most democratic and beautiful.

Evening: Farewell Dinner at Flaveur (8:00 PM)

Flaveur
25 Rue Gubernatis, 06000 Nice
GPS: 43.6970° N, 7.2680° E
Price: €85-120 for tasting menu
Phone: +33 4 93 62 53 95
Reservations: Essential

Twin brothers Gaël and Mickaël Tourteaux have earned two Michelin stars for their innovative cuisine that honors Niçoise traditions while pushing boundaries. The tasting menu is a journey through the region's flavors—olives, citrus, seafood, vegetables—reimagined with extraordinary technique. The intimate dining room and impeccable service make this the perfect farewell to the Riviera.

Practical Information

Beach Etiquette

Topless sunbathing — Common but not universal; observe what others are doing
Private beaches — Expect to pay €20-50 for a lounger and umbrella
Public beaches — Free, but bring your own umbrella and arrive early (before 10 AM) for space
Swimwear — Cover up when leaving the beach; nude sunbathing only at designated beaches

Driving the Corniches

Three roads run parallel between Nice and Menton:

Basse Corniche (D6098) — Along the water, through towns, slowest but most scenic
Moyenne Corniche (D6007) — Middle route, best balance of views and speed
Grande Corniche (D2564) — Highest route, Napoleon's road, fastest but tunnels miss views

Tips:

Rent a small car—parking is tight in villages
Automatic transmission recommended for steep hills
Book parking in advance in Monaco and Cannes
Fill up before entering Monaco—fuel is cheaper in France

Safety

The Riviera is generally very safe
Watch for pickpockets in Nice Old Town and on beaches
Secure valuables when swimming
Emergency: 112 or 17 (police)

Budget Summary (Per Person)

Budget traveler (€100-150/day):

Accommodation: €60-90 (hostel/budget hotel)
Food: €25-40 (markets, casual restaurants)
Transport: €10-15
Attractions: €10-20

Mid-range (€200-350/day):

Accommodation: €120-200 (3-4 star hotel/Airbnb)
Food: €50-90 (bistros, nice dinners)
Transport: €15-25
Attractions: €20-40

Luxury (€500+/day):

Accommodation: €300-800+ (5-star hotel/villa)
Food: €120-300 (fine dining)
Transport: €50-100 (car rental, taxis)
Attractions: €30-50

Hidden Gems and Local Secrets

Secret Beaches

Plage de la Mala (Cap d'Ail)
GPS: 43.7200° N, 7.4050° E
A hidden cove between Nice and Monaco, reached by stairs from the coastal path. Crystal clear water, fewer crowds than main beaches.

Plage de l'Estagnol (Bormes-les-Mimosas)
GPS: 43.1500° N, 6.3500° E
A wild beach near Saint-Tropez with pine trees backing the sand. No facilities—bring everything you need.

Plage de Passable (Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat)
GPS: 43.6850° N, 7.3280° E
A small beach near the port with views of Nice and Villefranche. Quieter than the main beaches.

Local Food Experiences

Farinata (Nice Old Town)
A chickpea pancake baked in wood-fired ovens. Try it at Chez Pipo or Socca d'Or.

Pan Bagnat (Nice)
The Niçoise salad in sandwich form—tuna, eggs, olives, vegetables on round bread. Perfect beach food.

Pissaladière (Nice)
Onion tart with anchovies and olives. Find it at any boulangerie.

Tarte Tropézienne (Saint-Tropez)
Cream-filled brioche invented by a Polish baker in the 1950s. Available at bakeries throughout the Riviera.

Scenic Drives Beyond the Corniches

Route de la Turbie (Moyenne Corniche to La Turbie)
Views over Monaco and the Mediterranean. Stop at the Trophée d'Auguste (Roman monument).

Route de l'Estérel (Between Cannes and Saint-Raphaël)
The red volcanic rock of the Estérel mountains plunging into the sea. One of France's most spectacular coastal drives.

Col de Vence (Vence to Coursegoules)
Mountain road with views over the Var valley and the sea beyond.

Best Sunset Spots

Château de la Chèvre d'Or (Èze)
Even if you're not dining, the views from the village are spectacular at sunset.

Cap Ferrat Lighthouse (Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat)
The western tip of the peninsula offers sunset views over Nice and the Baie des Anges.

Castle Hill (Nice)
The best free sunset view on the Riviera. Watch the city turn golden.

Port Hercule (Monaco)
Watch the yachts light up as the sun sets behind the Rock.

Water Activities and Sports

Snorkeling and Diving

Île Sainte-Marguerite (Cannes)
Clear water, rocky coves, abundant fish. Bring your own snorkel gear.

Villefranche-sur-Mer
The deep bay has excellent visibility and marine life.

Cap d'Antibes
Several dive operators offer excursions to underwater caves and reefs.

Sailing and Boat Rentals

Nice Port — Rent a small boat (no license required for under 6hp)
Villefranche-sur-Mer — Sailboat charters with skipper
Cannes — Yacht charters for the day (€500+)

Ferry to Île Sainte-Honorat (Cannes)
The smaller Lérins island with a working Cistercian monastery. Peaceful walks and monastery wine.

Water Sports

Stand-up paddleboarding: Available at most beaches (€15-25/hour)
Kayaking: Rent in Nice, Villefranche, or Cannes
Jet skiing: Available at larger beaches (€60-80/30 minutes)
Parasailing: Cannes and Nice (€80-120)

Day Trips from the Riviera

Saint-Tropez (1.5 hours from Nice)

Place des Lices Market — Tuesday and Saturday mornings
Citadel — Maritime museum and views
Pampelonne Beach — Famous beach clubs (Club 55, Nikki Beach)

The drive along the coast is beautiful; in summer, traffic is terrible. Take the boat from Nice or Cannes instead (€40-60 return).

Menton (30 minutes from Nice)

Jardin de Fontana Rosa — Mexican-inspired garden
Old Town — Pastel colors and Italian influence
Fête du Citron — February festival (if visiting early summer)

The most Italian of French towns, with beautiful gardens and a relaxed atmosphere.

Mercantour National Park (1 hour from Nice)

Vallée des Merveilles — Prehistoric rock carvings
Lac d'Allos — Alpine lake at 2,200m
Hiking trails — Wildlife including ibex and chamois

Escape the heat in the mountains. The park has 600km of marked trails.

Grasse (45 minutes from Nice)

Fragonard Parfumeur — Free tours and perfume-making workshops
Molinard — Historic perfume house
International Perfume Museum — History of fragrance (€6)

The world's perfume capital. Create your own scent at a perfume workshop (€50-80).

Shopping on the Riviera

Local Specialties

Nice:

Olive wood products — Cutting boards, utensils (Cours Saleya market)
Lavender — Sachets, essential oil, honey
Provençal fabrics — Tablecloths, napkins (Les Olivades, 7 Rue Saint-François de Paule)

Cannes:

Designer boutiques — La Croisette has them all
Sandy Lane (7 Rue Bivouac Napoléon) — Local designer

Monaco:

Luxury everything — Casino Square boutiques
Condiment Maille — Mustard boutique (10 Rue de la Turbie)

Markets

Cours Saleya (Nice) — Daily except Monday (flowers), Monday (antiques)
Forville Market (Cannes) — Daily morning market
Condamine Market (Monaco) — Daily except Monday

Best Souvenirs

Bottles of local rosé — Château Minuty, Whispering Angel, Domaines Ott
Olive oil — From Nice or the hinterland
Herbes de Provence — The real thing, dried locally
Savon de Marseille — Traditional soap
Calissons d'Aix — Almond candies

Photography Tips for the Riviera

Best light:

Early morning — 7:00-9:00 AM for empty streets and soft light
Golden hour — 7:30-9:00 PM in summer
Blue hour — 9:00-10:00 PM when the coast lights up

Iconic shots:

Èze village — From the N7 road below
Nice Promenade — From Castle Hill or Hotel Negresco
Monaco — From the Tête de Chien viewpoint above La Turbie
Villefranche — The harbor from the citadel

Avoiding crowds:

Saint-Paul-de-Vence — Arrive before 9:00 AM
Monaco — Visit on weekdays, avoid Grand Prix week
Beaches — Go early (before 10 AM) or late (after 5 PM)

Final Thoughts

The French Riviera in summer is a paradox—exclusive yet democratic, historic yet relentlessly modern, natural yet utterly cultivated. You can spend €500 on dinner or €5 on a socca, swim next to a billionaire or find a secluded cove all to yourself, admire Picasso's paintings in the morning and create your own memories by afternoon.

The light that drew Matisse and Chagall still paints the coast in impossible colors at sunset. The Mediterranean still sparkles with that particular shade of blue that has no name. And the promise of glamour, beauty, and pleasure still draws visitors from around the world.

Seven days on the Riviera is enough to understand its allure, but not enough to exhaust its possibilities. You'll leave planning your return.

Bon voyage et profitez bien!