A Travel Guide to the French Riviera
Few places on earth are as effortlessly charming as the French Riviera. Its villages cling to the hillsides, the sea glimmers below, and life moves at a pace that hasn’t changed much in generations. It’s a place that invites wandering through markets, along old stone streets, and down to the shore. Whether you’re planning a long summer holiday or a few days of weekend exploration, here’s a guide to some of our favorite stops along the Riviera.
Nice
Nice feels like the heartbeat of the Riviera. The buildings are sun-washed and colorful, the sea breeze is always nearby, and the streets are full of surprises.
Start your day with a visit to the Marché aux Fleurs, a daily market in the Cours Saleya that’s known for its fresh cut flowers. It’s open every day, but on Mondays it turns into a lively antique market. You can wander through baskets of peonies, sun-dried tomatoes, linens, and old postcards all in the same hour.
For lunch, Chez Acchiardo is a family-run restaurant tucked away in Old Town, serving Niçoise staples like stuffed vegetables, pissaladière, and daube. The food is heartfelt and a great example of true French dining.
The best way to explore is by renting a Pony double-seater bike. Cruise along the Promenade des Anglais or weave through the shaded alleys of Vieux Nice. You’ll want to take an afternoon break at Fenocchio, a gelato shop that’s famous for its long list of unique but delicious flavors, including thyme, tomato-basil, and rose. If uncommon flavors aren’t your cup of tea, they have plenty of traditional flavors as well.
Nice is also home to some unforgettable shops. Trésors Publics is a treasure trove of French-made goods like enamel signs, Laguiole knives, and Marseille soaps. A few doors down, Cordonnerie du Vieux Nice is a charming cobbler's shop with hand-stitched leather goods and shoe care items. If you’re into beautiful design, Harrison’s Eyeglasses is worth a stop just to browse their vintage-inspired eyewear.
Èze
Èze feels like something from a storybook. Stone paths winding through medieval ruins and terraced gardens that overlook the sea. If you visit, be sure to go early. The golden morning light spills over the cobblestones, and you’ll have the winding streets mostly to yourself.
From Nice, it’s just a short taxi or bus ride up the hill. At the very top is the Château de la Chèvre d’Or, a luxury hotel with sweeping views and fairytale charm. Even if you’re not staying there, the terraced gardens and cafes make it worth a visit.
Once you’ve explored the village, head down to the sea. The beach at Èze is pebbled, quiet, and clear. It’s a great place to cool off before continuing your journey.
Beaulieu-sur-Mer
Beaulieu is peaceful and understated, with quiet beaches and beautiful homes tucked behind palm-lined streets. It’s worth planning your visit around a Saturday morning, when the Place du Général de Gaulle fills with linen vendors, straw baskets, handmade ceramics, and fresh produce. If you’re looking for the perfect summer dress or a breezy pair of linen trousers, this is the place.
From there, you can take a stroll along the Promenade Maurice Rouvier, a walking trail along the peninsula that offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. Beaulieu is less about rushing around and will be more enjoyed taking it at a slower pace.
Cannes
Cannes is famous for its film festival, but there are plenty of other things to do. Start with a walk along the Boulevard de la Croisette, where designer storefronts face the beach, and palm trees line the road like a movie set.
Le Suquet is the oldest part of Cannes. It’s an old quarter that’s filled with narrow lanes, historic homes, and panoramic views of the city. The climb is worth it.
For shopping, try the smaller boutiques tucked into side streets rather than the main strip. For a laid-back beach day, head to Plage du Midi. It’s a long stretch of soft white sand that’s perfect for relaxing and enjoying the calm water. It’s typically more relaxed and less crowded than other nearby beaches.
Antibes
Antibes has an old soul. It’s where Picasso once lived, and you can feel the creative energy in the air. The Picasso Museum, housed in the Château Grimaldi, is perched right above the sea and holds a beautiful collection of his work from his time in the area.
The old town is full of antique shops, booksellers, and cafés with checked tablecloths. There’s also a daily covered market that’s brimming with olives, cheese, flowers, and pastries.
Wander through Port Vauban at sunset. Port Vauban is the largest marina in Europe, so you’ll get to see all sorts of boats, from yachts to modest fishing boats. Visit the Cap Riviera for a dinner on their terrace that overlooks the sea.
Saint-Tropez
Saint-Tropez used to be a quiet fishing village, but now it’s a lively mix of old-world charm and Riviera style. You’ll see pastel-colored buildings sitting alongside luxury yachts, all connected by cobbled streets.
The harbor is a great spot to watch the world go by, and the boutiques along Rue Sibille offer everything from designer labels to Provençal home goods.
If you have a little time, the Annonciade Museum is worth a visit. It’s a small but beautiful museum set inside a 16th-century chapel with works by Matisse, Signac, and other artists who fell in love with the light here.
The beaches are a big part of the draw here. Pampelonne is the most well-known, but if you prefer something more secluded and intimate, you’ll find plenty of smaller coves just a short drive away.
We have truly loved the time we’ve spent in the French Riviera and wanted to share some of the best and most worthwhile experiences from our trip. We haven’t been able to stop thinking about our time there. The way the light dances on the water and the quiet beauty of each town have continued to stay with us. Whether this inspires you to visit for the first time or helps you plan a return journey, we hope this travel guide makes your trip even more memorable.
Shop the Summer on the Riviera Collection, inspired by the charm of the French Mediterranean.