The French Riviera is one of the most beautiful and iconic regions in Southern Europe, known for its glamorous coastline, colorful old towns, scenic beaches, and unforgettable views of the Mediterranean Sea. From the lively markets of Nice and the luxury of Monaco to the quiet charm of Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, there is no shortage of incredible places to explore.
If you are planning your first trip to the French Riviera, deciding where to spend your time can feel a little overwhelming. In this guide, I am sharing the best things to do in the French Riviera, including the destinations and experiences that are worth prioritizing for first-time visitors. Whether you want to stroll through historic old towns, relax by the sea, or take a day trip to one of the Riviera's most famous spots, this guide will help you plan a memorable trip to the Côte d'Azur.
For more help planning your trip, start with our French Riviera Travel Guide, where we share more practical tips on where to stay, how to get around, and how to make the most of your time in the South of France.
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The French Riviera, also known as the Côte d'Azur, is the stretch of Mediterranean coastline in southeastern France that runs from around Saint Tropez to the Italian border. It is one of France's most famous travel regions, known for its beach towns, historic old quarters, luxury hotels, and dramatic coastal scenery.
For most first-time visitors, the French Riviera includes popular destinations like Nice, Monaco, Antibes, and Cannes. While each town has its own personality, they are close enough to combine into one trip, which is part of what makes the region so appealing to visit.
Rather than thinking of the French Riviera as one single destination, it is better to think of it as a series of distinct stops, each with its own appeal. Nice works well as a lively base, Cannes and Monaco deliver a more polished and glamorous experience, and smaller towns like Villefranche-sur-Mer or Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat offer a quieter, more scenic side of the region.
If you are wondering which experiences are truly worth prioritizing, these are the best things to do in the French Riviera for first-time visitors. Together, they offer a well-rounded introduction to one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Europe.
Nice is one of the most rewarding destinations to begin a first trip to the French Riviera and is easily one of the best places to base yourself. It offers a mix of historic streets, waterfront scenery, and panoramic viewpoints that give you a welcome introduction to the region. Nice is also my favorite city on the French Riviera!
Start in Old Town Nice, also known as Vieux Nice, where narrow streets, colorful buildings, and lively squares create one of the most atmospheric parts of the Riviera. This is also where you will find the city's famous markets, making it an ideal place to wander slowly.
If you are planning to explore this part of Nice in more depth, read our full guide to visiting Old Town Nice (Vieux Nice).
Strolling the Cours Saleya markets is one of the most classic things to do in the French Riviera, especially if it is your first time in Nice. Tuesday through Sunday mornings are for produce and flowers, while Monday is dedicated to the antiques and brocante market.
Go early for the best atmosphere (and lighter crowds), then stay nearby for socca, candied fruit, or a casual lunch.
From Old Town, make your way to the Promenade des Anglais for one of the French Riviera's most iconic waterfront walks. Stretching the coastline, it offers incredible Mediterranean views and a nice seabreeze. Whether you walk only a short section or spend more time along the sea, a walk along the Promenade des Anglais is a must-do on any visit to Nice.
To wrap up your time in Nice, be sure to head up to Castle Hill for one of the best viewpoints in the city. From the top, you will have sweeping views over the city, the coastline, and the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea. It is one of the most memorable stops in Nice and easily ranks among the best things to do in the French Riviera for first-time visitors.
A visit to Monaco is one of the most popular and worthwhile things to do in the French Riviera. Located just a short train ride from Nice, Monaco offers a completely different atmosphere, with its polished streets, luxury superyachts, and dramatic coastal setting. It is easy to visit in a day, though you could easily spend longer exploring the principality at a more relaxed pace.
While Monaco is often associated with luxury travel and steep prices, it is still very possible to visit without spending excessively. If you are planning a day trip to Monaco, be sure to read our guide to visiting Monaco on a budget for practical tips on how to experience the most glamorous spot on the Riviera without overspending.
Start your day in Monaco-Ville, the historic old town perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the sea. Here, you can walk through narrow streets, take in scenic viewpoints, and visit the Prince's Palace, one of the most recognizable landmarks in Monaco. The views alone make this part of the day trip to Monaco worthwhile.
If you have an interest in cars or Formula 1, the Cars Collection of HSH The Prince of Monaco is well worth adding to your Monaco itinerary. Located near the harbor, this museum houses a wide range of vehicles collected by HSH Prince Rainier III of Monaco and his family. The collection includes classic cars, vintage models, and Formula 1 race cars. It is also a great option for families, offering something a little different from the usual sightseeing stops.
If you are planning to visit the Prince's Palace, it is worth booking a combined ticket that includes both experiences. For first-time visitors to Monaco, pairing the two makes for an easy and well-rounded way to spend part of your day in Monaco.
After a visit to the Cars Collection, you are in a perfect spot to take in Monaco's iconic harbor. One of the most memorable parts of visiting Monaco is walking along the harbor, where rows of yachts line the marina against a backdrop of steep hills and luxury buildings. It is a great place to take in the scale and setting of Monaco from a different perspective.
From the harbor, make your way to the Monte Carlo Casino, where you will find the famous Casino Square surrounded by luxury hotels, high-end boutiques, and some of the most impressive cars you are likely to see anywhere on the Riviera. Even if you are not planning to visit the casino itself, the atmosphere here is worth experiencing.
Antibes offers a quieter and more relaxed side of the French Riviera, making it a great contrast to places like Nice and Monaco. With its historic old town, scenic harbor, and slower pace, it is one of the most enjoyable stops on the Riviera for simply wandering and taking in the atmosphere.
Start in Old Town, where narrow streets, small squares, and local shops create a more laid-back feel than some of the Riviera’s larger destinations. It is an easy place to explore without a plan, and part of the appeal is simply wandering and taking in the atmosphere.
If you are planning to spend more time here, be sure to read our full Antibes Travel Guide for a closer look at what to do, where to go, and how to plan your visit.
Located in the Château Grimaldi overlooking the sea, the Picasso Museum is one of the standout cultural experiences in Antibes and a worthwhile addition to your French Riviera itinerary. The museum is set in the building where Pablo Picasso once lived and worked, and it features a collection of his paintings, drawings, and ceramics. Even beyond the artwork itself, the setting and views over the Mediterranean make this a memorable stop.
From the Picasso Museum, make your way towards the Mediterranean Sea, where a walk along the historic ramparts towards the harbor, Port Vauban, quickly becomes of the best things to do in the French Riviera and one of the highlights of Antibes. This stretch offers some of the most scenic views in the area.
Along the ramparts, a series of contemporary art installations are placed against the backdrop of the water, creating a subtle contrast between the historic and the present. Just beyond the ramparts, several easily accessible beaches make it easy to step down to the water and spend some time by the sea.
As you continue along the waterfront, you will pass rows of superyachts moored in the marina, adding a more modern and glitzy Riviera feel to the otherwise laidback setting.
Cannes is best known for its glamorous reputation and namesake film festival, but for first-time visitors, it is also one of the best places to experience the beaches of the French Riviera. Compared to other destinations along the coast, the beaches here are easily accessible and sandy.
If your goal is to actually enjoy the water and spend time at the beach, Cannes is one of the best places to do it on the French Riviera. Unlike many other destinations along the Mediterranean coast, where beaches are largely made up of pebbles or stones, Cannes offers long stretches of soft, sandy shoreline that is far more comfortable for swimming and relaxing.
Calling the Gulf Coast of Florida home, where beaches are known for their soft, powder-like sand, I can confidently say that Cannes is one of the only places on the French Riviera where the beach experience feels comparable.
Whether you choose a public section of beach or opt to soak up the sun at a private beach club, Cannes offers one of the most enjoyable and accessible beach experiences in the region. Relaxing on the beach in Cannes easily ranks among the best things to do in the French Riviera.
Beyond the beaches, one of the best things to do in Cannes is simply to spend time along La Croisette. This palm tree-lined promenade runs parallel to the coast and is where much of the city's energy is concentrated.
This is also one of the best places on the French Riviera for people watching. From luxury hotels and beach clubs to high-end boutiques and passing supercars, La Croisette offers a glimpse into the polished and glamorous side of the Côte d'Azur. Even if you are not planning to shop, window shopping here is part of the experience and an easy way to take in the atmosphere that Cannes is famous for.
If you are planning to spend more time in this glitzy Riviera town, be sure to read our full guide on what to do in Cannes for a closer look at how to make the most of your visit.
While destinations like Nice, Monaco, Cannes, and Antibes tend to be the focus for first-time visitors, some of the most memorable experiences on the French Riviera come from stepping just slightly off the main path. These towns offer a slower pace, beautiful scenery, and a different perspective on the region without requiring a major detour.
Just a short distance from Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of the easiest and most rewarding places to add to your French Riviera itinerary. Set along a deep natural harbor, it offers a quiet atmosphere, colorful waterfront buildings, and some of the most scenic views on the coast.
The waterfront in Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of the most picturesque on the French Riviera, with pastel-colored buildings lining the harbor and restaurants set right along the water. This is an ideal place to sit down for a meal, whether it is a relaxed lunch or an early dinner with views over the bay.
The atmosphere in Villefranche-sur-Mer feels noticeably more laid-back than in nearby Nice or Monaco, making it a great place to slow down and take in a quieter side of the French Riviera.
Villefranche-sur-Mer is also home to one of the closest sandy beaches to Nice, which makes it an easy and worthwhile addition to your French Riviera plans if you are looking for a better beach experience. Unlike the rockier beaches in Nice, the sand here makes it much easier to spend a few hours relaxing by the water.
That said, the beach is relatively small and fills up quickly, especially in late spring and during the peak summer season. If you are planning to spend time here, it is best to arrive early in the morning to secure a spot.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat offers a quieter and more refined side of the French Riviera, and one of the most worthwhile reasons to visit is Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, more commonly known as the Rothschild Villa. Set on a hill overlooking both the Bay of Villefranche and the Mediterranean Sea, the villa offers one of the most unique experiences in the French Riviera with elaborate gardens, beautiful architecture, and sweeping coastal views.
The highlight of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is its series of themed gardens, each designed in a different style and arranged around the expansive property. As you walk through the grounds, you will pass through an incredible rose garden, a tranquil Japanese garden, and even an exotic garden complete with cacti and agave. These gardens, and the villa itself, are set against panoramic views of the sea. It is an easy place to spend time a morning wandering, and the breathtaking setting alone makes it worth the visit.
If you are planning a visit, be sure to read our full guide on Rothschild Villa for tips on what to see and how to make the most of your time in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
Planning a trip to the French Riviera is relatively straightforward once you understand how close many of these destinations are to one another. With a mix of lager cities and smaller coastal towns, it is easy to create an itinerary that balances sightseeing, time relaxing by the Mediterranean, and a few slower-paced stops.
For first-time visitors, I recommend spending five to seven days in the French Riviera. This gives you enough time to explore your base, take a few day trips to nearby towns, and enjoy a mix of sightseeing and time relaxing by the water without feeling rushed.
With this amount of time, you can comfortably visit destinations like Nice, Monaco, Antibes, and Cannes, while still leaving room to slow down and enjoy your time in the Côte d'Azur. If your schedule allows, extending your trip makes the Riviera even more rewarding.
For most first-time visitors, Nice is the best place to stay in the French Riviera. Nice is the largest city on the Riviera and is home to the region's main airport (Nice Cote d'Azur Airport, NCE). Nice also offers the largest range of accommodations, and serves as a central hub for exploring nearby towns and cities by train including Monaco (24 minutes), Antibes (19 minutes), Cannes (37 minutes), and Villefranche-sur-Mer (7 minutes).
However, if you are arriving in the French Riviera by train from Paris, Cannes also works well as a base for your stay. High-speed trains from Paris Gare de Lyon stop in Cannes before continuing on to Antibes and Nice, which can make your train journey slightly shorter and more convenient.
Both Nice and Cannes are well-connected by train, making it easy to explore the rest of the French Riviera regardless of where you choose to base yourself. To start planning your stay, you can check availability and compare hotels in Nice and Cannes using the links below.
👉 Check hotel availability in Nice on Booking.com
👉 Browse hotels in Cannes on Expedia
👉 Compare hotel options in the French Riviera on Hotels.com
In most cases, you do not need a car to visit the French Riviera, especially if you are planning on spending time in Nice, Monaco, Antibes, and/or Cannes. The regional train system connects these cities and towns efficiently, and many of the main attractions are within walking distance once you arrive.
That said, a rental car can be helpful if you are planning to explore more remote areas like Èze Village, or prefer additional flexibility. For most first-time visitors, however, relying on trains, taxis, or even the occasional Uber is the easiest and most practical option.
There is no single best time to visit the French Riviera, as it largely depends on what you want to get out of your trip.
Summer is the peak season on the French Riviera, especially from June through August, when temperatures are warmest and the Mediterranean Sea is ideal for swimming. This is the best time to visit if your trip is centered around spending time on the Riviera's many beaches, though it also brings the largest crowds and the highest prices for hotels.
If visiting places like Saint-Tropez is a priority, timing becomes more important. Ferry service between Saint-Tropez and Cannes is seasonal, typically beginning in mid-May, but with more frequent service during the months of July and August.
If you are looking for a balance between good weather and fewer crowds, mid-to-late spring and early fall are some of the best times to visit. During these shoulder seasons, you can still expect warm temperatures, but with a more relaxed atmosphere and, in many cases, more reasonable hotel rates. I spent a week on the French Riviera in late April and early May 2025 and enjoyed excellent weather overall, though the Mediterranean was still a bit too chilly for swimming for my taste.
For those less focused on the beach and more interested in the cultural side of the French Riviera, visiting in the winter is also a viable option. Winters are mild compared to many destinations in Europe and North America, and while it will not be beach weather, it can be a quieter and more relaxed time to explore the region.
One of the main highlights of visiting the French Riviera in winter is experiencing the Carnaval de Nice. The Carnival celebrations take place over approximately two weeks between February and early March, featuring parades and performances.
The best things to do in the French Riviera are not limited to a single destination, but rather come from experiencing a mix of places along the sun-drenched coast. From wandering through Old Town Nice and taking in views from Castle Hill to relaxing on the sandy beaches in Cannes and visiting the Rothschild Villa in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, each stop offers something a little different.
What I appreciate most about the French Riviera is how easy it is to combine these experiences into one trip. You can move between places like Nice, Monaco, Antibes, and Cannes without spending much time in transit, which makes it possible to see a lot without constantly feeling like you are on the move.
In my experience, the best things to do in the French Riviera come from choosing a few of these destinations and giving yourself time to actually enjoy them. You do not need to see everything, but focusing on the right mix of places will give you a much better sense of what makes this part of France so appealing.
Are you planning a trip to the French Riviera and trying to decide which destinations to prioritize? Let us know in the comments below or reach out to us directly, we are always happy to help!