Aerial view of Nice and the Promenade des Anglais along the Mediterranean coast, French Riviera
✦ Updated for 2026

The French Riviera
Côte d'Azur Travel Guide

300 days of sunshine, glamorous coastal towns, hilltop medieval villages, and some of Europe's finest cuisine — all along 115 km of dazzling Mediterranean coast.

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300+
Days of Sunshine Per Year
115 km
Of Mediterranean Coastline
6+
World-Famous Destinations
18th C
History as a Luxury Retreat
115 km
Mediterranean coastline
27°C
Average summer temperature
20 min
Nice to Monaco by train
1946
First Cannes Film Festival
UNESCO
Nice, World Heritage Site
400+
Years of perfumery in Grasse
Must-Visit Destinations

Top Towns on the French Riviera

From the UNESCO-listed Promenade des Anglais in Nice to the dazzling superyacht harbour of Monaco, each Riviera town offers its own unforgettable personality along the Côte d'Azur.

Promenade des Anglais in Nice, French Riviera, with palm trees and Mediterranean sea Best Base

Nice — Gateway to the Côte d'Azur

France's fifth-largest city is the beating heart of the French Riviera. Stroll the iconic Promenade des Anglais — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — explore the labyrinthine lanes of Vieux-Nice (Old Town), and browse the vibrant Cours Saleya flower and produce market. The Matisse Museum and Musée d'Art Moderne round out a superb cultural programme, while private and public beaches line the azure seafront. Nice makes an ideal base for day trips to Monaco, Eze, Antibes and Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Nice Travel Guide →
Luxury yachts moored in Cannes harbour, French Riviera Glitz & Glamour

Cannes

Synonymous with the world-famous Cannes Film Festival each May, this elegant city also offers the luxurious La Croisette boulevard, designer boutiques on Rue d'Antibes, the charming hilltop quarter of Le Suquet, and pristine sandy beaches. Year-round, the superyacht-filled Vieux Port captures Cannes at its most glamorous.

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Monaco coastline and superyachts in Port Hercules, Monte Carlo Principality

Monaco & Monte Carlo

Europe's second-smallest sovereign state packs extraordinary luxury into less than 2 km². Visit the legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo, watch the Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit wind through narrow streets, explore the Prince's Palace, and take in panoramic views from the Exotic Garden. The Port Hercules marina gleams with world-class superyachts year-round.

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Medieval hilltop village of Eze perched above the Mediterranean sea, French Riviera Hilltop Village

Eze

Perched 430 metres above the Mediterranean, Eze is one of the most dramatic hilltop villages (villages perchés) in all of Provence. Wander medieval cobblestoned alleys, visit the Fragonard perfumery, and soak in breathtaking views from the Exotic Garden. The perfect half-day excursion from Nice or Monaco.

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Old Town ramparts and harbour of Antibes, Côte d'Azur Culture & Art

Antibes

Tucked between Cannes and Nice, Antibes enchants with its 14th-century Château Grimaldi (home to the Picasso Museum), sandy Plage de la Garoupe, and the largest pleasure-craft port in Europe, Port Vauban. The colourful old town streets are rich with art galleries, markets, and authentic Provençal restaurants.

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Saint-Tropez harbour with colourful fishing boats and the Citadel in the background Celebrity Escape

Saint-Tropez

Once a sleepy fishing village, Saint-Tropez became a byword for glamour after Brigitte Bardot put it on the map in the 1950s. Today it balances a charming old Citadel, the famous Pampelonne Beach, exclusive beach clubs, and one of the Riviera's finest art museums, the Annonciade — all wrapped in a quaint, yacht-filled harbour.

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Nice old town Cours Saleya flower market with colourful stalls and historic architecture
🌺
Cours Saleya Market
Open Tue–Sun, from 6 am
Nice, Côte d'Azur

The Art, Architecture & Flavours of Nice

Nice (pronounced Neese in French) is far more than a gateway city — it is one of the most culturally rich destinations on the entire Mediterranean. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional history as a 19th-century winter resort destination, the city weaves belle-époque architecture, Italian-influenced cuisine, and world-class museums into a seamlessly walkable urban landscape.

The 7-kilometre-long Promenade des Anglais is Nice's defining landmark — cycle, skate or stroll the seafront promenade and watch the Mediterranean shimmer beneath the Côte d'Azur sky. From here, head inland to explore Vieux-Nice, where baroque churches stand shoulder-to-shoulder with pastel-painted townhouses and ochre-walled lanes teem with authentic restaurants serving local specialities: socca (thin chickpea flour pancake), pan bagnat, and fresh-caught bouillabaisse.

Insider Tip: The Cours Saleya flower and produce market runs Tuesday to Sunday from dawn. Arrive early for the best selection of local cheeses, olives, lavender, and Provençal preserves — then linger at a pavement café for a café crème and people-watching.
  • Promenade des Anglais — UNESCO World Heritage seafront boulevard
  • Musée Matisse — dedicated to the artist's life and works in Nice
  • Musée d'Art Moderne (MAMAC) — contemporary and pop art collection
  • Castle Hill (Colline du Château) — panoramic views over the Baie des Anges
  • Carnaval de Nice — one of Europe's largest carnivals (February)
Scenic Grande Corniche coastal road overlooking Monaco and the Mediterranean sea
🚗
Grande Corniche
Nice to Monaco · 30 min drive
Scenic Drives & Day Trips

Drive the Three Corniches of the French Riviera

One of the most spectacular road journeys in Europe, the three corniche roads (Grande, Moyenne, and Basse Corniche) wind between Nice and Menton, hugging the cliff face high above the Mediterranean. At every hairpin bend, panoramic views unfold over glittering azure bays, terracotta-roofed villages, and Monaco's improbable skyline clinging to the clifftops.

The Grande Corniche climbs to 500 metres above sea level and passes through La Turbie, where the ancient Trophée des Alpes Roman monument stands sentinel over Monaco far below. For the most dramatic single vista on the entire Côte d'Azur, pull over at the belvedere above Eze — on a clear day the view extends all the way to Corsica.

Day-Trip Planner: From Nice, combine Eze village (30 min by bus or car) with Monaco (20 min by train from Eze-sur-Mer station) for a perfect full-day loop covering medieval hilltop charm and modern Mediterranean glamour in one sweep.
  • Grande Corniche — highest road with the most sweeping panoramas
  • Moyenne Corniche — passes through Eze village
  • Basse Corniche (D6098) — classic coast road, beach access at every town
  • Villefranche-sur-Mer — romantic pastel harbour village, a must-stop
  • Cap Ferrat — exclusive peninsula, Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild gardens
What to Do

Top Experiences on the Côte d'Azur

Whether you seek adrenaline, culture, gastronomy, or pure relaxation, the French Riviera delivers with style.

Boat Cruise & Snorkelling

Charter a traditional wooden caïque or join a sailing excursion from Nice, Antibes, or Saint-Tropez. Snorkel in the crystalline waters around the Îles de Lérins off Cannes.

Museum Hopping in Nice

The Matisse Museum, MAMAC, Chagall National Museum, and the Préhistoire du Lazaret are all within the city, forming one of France's finest provincial museum circuits.

Provençal Wine & Food Tours

Join a guided food tour through Nice's Cours Saleya market, or take a day trip to vineyard estates in the Bellet AOC wine region just north of the city.

Perfumery in Grasse

Grasse, the fragrance capital of the world for over 400 years, is 40 minutes from Cannes. Tour historic perfumeries including Fragonard, Galimard, and Molinard.

Medieval Village Walks

Explore Eze, Saint-Paul-de-Vence (famed for its art galleries and the Fondation Maeght), Gourdon and Peillon — all within an hour of Nice.

Monte Carlo Experience

Try your luck at the historic Casino de Monte-Carlo (dress code enforced after 7 pm), then explore the Palais du Prince, the Oceanographic Museum, and the Formula 1 circuit.

Superyacht Watching

Port Hercules in Monaco and Port Vauban in Antibes (Europe's largest superyacht marina) offer world-class people-watching at their most extravagant. Entirely free, endlessly entertaining.

Menton Lemon Festival

Each February, the French-Italian border town of Menton transforms into a citrus wonderland, with enormous sculptures built from 140 tonnes of lemons and oranges lining the seafront promenade.

When to Visit

Best Time to Visit the French Riviera

The Côte d'Azur is a year-round destination, but each season offers a distinct experience and atmosphere.

Spring
Apr – Jun

Ideal conditions — warm sunshine (22–27°C), wildflower meadows, and the Cannes Film Festival in May without the peak-summer crush. Excellent value.

Summer
Jul – Aug

Peak season. Hot (28–32°C), lively beach clubs, and a full calendar of events — but expect crowds, high prices, and busy coastal roads. Book well ahead.

Autumn
Sep – Oct

A local favourite. Sea temperatures remain warm for swimming, crowds thin noticeably, and the light takes on a golden hue that painters have celebrated for centuries.

Winter
Nov – Mar

Mild and quiet. The Menton Lemon Festival in February and Carnaval de Nice are highlights. Hotel rates drop significantly and you'll have the promenades largely to yourself.

Practical Advice

Essential Tips for the Côte d'Azur

🚆 Getting Around

The TER regional train connects Marseille, Cannes, Antibes, Nice, Villefranche, and Menton affordably. Nice to Monaco takes just 20 minutes. Rent a car to explore hilltop villages at your own pace.

🛬 Arriving in Nice

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) is the third-busiest in France, with direct flights from Australia via connecting hubs. A tram line links the airport to the city centre in about 30 minutes.

🏨 Where to Stay

Nice is the best base for exploring the whole Riviera. Cannes and Antibes suit beach-focused stays. Monaco is best experienced as a day trip — accommodation is extremely expensive.

🍽️ Dining Tips

Menus du midi (set lunch menus) offer the best value at otherwise expensive restaurants. Try socca, pissaladière, and pan bagnat — all Niçois specialities — from market stalls in Vieux-Nice.

💶 Budgeting

Public beaches are free. The TER train is inexpensive. Many hilltop villages have no admission fee. Costs spike in Monaco and at Cannes beach clubs. Late May or September offers peak-season weather at off-season prices.

🗺️ Day-Trip Priorities

From Nice: Eze + Monaco (1 day), Antibes + Juan-les-Pins (1 day), Cap Ferrat + Villefranche-sur-Mer (half day), Saint-Paul-de-Vence + Grasse (1 day).

Frequently Asked Questions

French Riviera Travel FAQs

Everything Australian travellers ask us most about visiting the Côte d'Azur.

The best time to visit the French Riviera is May–June or September–October. You'll enjoy warm Mediterranean weather (22–28°C), calm seas ideal for swimming and boat trips, fewer crowds than peak summer, and lower hotel rates. July and August are wonderful but busy and expensive — book accommodation and tours months in advance. Winter (November–March) is mild and peaceful, with the Menton Lemon Festival and Nice Carnaval as seasonal highlights.
The essential Côte d'Azur towns are Nice (ideal base, UNESCO Promenade des Anglais, museums, markets), Cannes (Film Festival, La Croisette, luxury beaches), Monaco (Monte Carlo Casino, F1 circuit, superyachts), Eze (medieval hilltop village with breathtaking sea views), Antibes (Picasso Museum, sandy beaches, Europe's largest yacht marina), and Saint-Tropez (glamorous harbour, Pampelonne Beach, Annonciade museum). Most visitors also love the quieter towns of Villefranche-sur-Mer, Menton, and Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
The TER regional train network is the easiest and most affordable way to travel between coastal towns — Nice to Monaco takes just 20 minutes, and the entire Nice–Menton journey is under an hour. For hilltop villages like Eze, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, and Gourdon, renting a car gives you the freedom to stop at scenic viewpoints and explore at your own pace. The spectacular Grande Corniche coastal road between Nice and Menton is best experienced by car. Bus services also connect most towns, but are slower.
The French Riviera caters to all budgets despite its glamorous reputation. Public beaches are free, the TER train is very affordable, and many of the most memorable experiences — wandering Eze village, hiking the coastal paths around Villefranche, strolling Monaco's harbour front — cost nothing. Costs rise significantly in Monaco, at Cannes beach clubs, and in July–August across the board. Eating at lunchtime menus du midi and staying in Nice rather than Cannes or Monaco can save considerably. Visiting in late May or September offers peak-weather value.
A minimum of 5–7 days based in Nice allows you to properly explore Nice itself (2 days) and take day trips to Monaco, Eze, Antibes, and Cap Ferrat. Two weeks gives a leisurely pace to include Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Menton, and the Hinterland villages of Grasse and Saint-Paul-de-Vence. If combining the French Riviera with Provence (Aix-en-Provence, the Luberon), budget 10–14 days total for a complete south of France experience.
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