French Riviera
Turquoise bays, palm-lined promenades and hilltop villages, all linked by a scenic coastal railway. This is our guide to the Côte d'Azur.
Evening in Cannes
Late afternoon is the best time on the beach in Cannes, when the light softens and the day trippers head home.
The French Riviera: where the Alps meet the sea
The French Riviera, or Côte d'Azur, is the stretch of Mediterranean coast in the south-east of France, running roughly from the Saint-Tropez area to the Italian border. Mountains drop steeply into the sea here, which gives the coast its dramatic bays, cliffside roads and villages perched high above the water.
For many travellers, this is the classic image of the south of France. You can spend a week on the French Riviera mixing beach days with art museums, markets and long lunches, and move between towns by train without needing a car. It is one of the highlights of any trip to France.
Nice: the gateway to the Côte d'Azur
Most visitors start in Nice, which has the region's main airport and the liveliest city life on the coast. The old town, the Cours Saleya market and the Promenade des Anglais are the big draws. Our guide to things to do in Nice covers the city in detail.
All aboard in Nice
Regional trains run along the coast in both directions from Nice, making it an easy base for day trips.
French Riviera towns worth a stop
Each town along the coast has its own character, so it pays to visit more than one.
Cannes: film festival glamour, La Croisette and sandy beaches.
Antibes: an old town inside sea walls, a busy port and the Picasso Museum.
Villefranche-sur-Mer: a pastel village on one of the most beautiful natural harbours on the coast.
Èze: a medieval hilltop village with sweeping views over the Mediterranean.
Monaco: the tiny principality with Monte-Carlo, its casino and its superyachts.
Menton: a relaxed, sunny town close to Italy, known for its lemons and gardens.
Antibes
Behind the ramparts of Antibes you will find a lively market, narrow streets and some of the best views back towards the Alps.
Cannes and La Croisette
Cannes is best known for its film festival, but outside festival time it is a pleasant seaside town with sandy beaches and a pretty old quarter, Le Suquet. The seafront boulevard La Croisette is lined with grand hotels, designer shops and beach clubs, and it is perfect for an evening stroll.
La Croisette
The grand hotels along La Croisette are part of the Cannes legend, even if you only stop for a look.
Exploring the French Riviera by train
The coastal railway is one of the best ways to see the French Riviera. Trains are frequent, the views over the sea are superb, and you avoid the summer traffic and parking stress in the towns.
In our guide on how to experience the French Riviera by train, we travel from Marseille via Cannes to Monaco and share the best stops along the way.
Monte-Carlo
The Casino de Monte-Carlo is the most famous building in Monaco, and the square in front of it is a great spot for people-watching.
When is the best time to visit the French Riviera?
The best time to visit the French Riviera is in late spring and early autumn, from May to June and in September. The weather is warm, the sea is pleasant for swimming and the towns are less crowded than in midsummer.
July and August are the peak season, with high prices and busy beaches. The Côte d'Azur has mild winters, so it is also a good choice for a sunny off-season break, with events such as the Nice Carnival and the Menton Lemon Festival in February.
Frequently asked questions about the French Riviera
What is the difference between the French Riviera and the Côte d'Azur?
There is no real difference: the French Riviera and the Côte d'Azur are two names for the same stretch of Mediterranean coast in south-east France. Côte d'Azur is the French name, while French Riviera is the term most often used in English.
Where is the best place to stay on the French Riviera?
Nice is the best place to stay on the French Riviera for most first-time visitors. It has the main airport, good transport links, a lively old town and lots of accommodation. Choose Cannes or Antibes for a beachier feel, or a village such as Villefranche-sur-Mer for something quieter.
Do you need a car on the French Riviera?
No, you do not need a car to explore the French Riviera. Trains and buses connect most coastal towns and many hilltop villages. A car is useful for exploring inland Provence or remote villages, but parking in the towns can be difficult and expensive in summer.
Is the French Riviera expensive?
The French Riviera can be expensive, especially in Cannes, Monaco and Saint-Tropez in high summer. You can keep costs down by travelling outside July and August, using the train, picnicking with produce from the local markets and choosing free public beaches.