French Riviera Guide

From the Cote d’Azur, you can wind up deep in Provence or in the heart of the Italian Riviera in just a few hours. Some of Europe’s most stunning canyons, Les Gorges du Verdon, are less than two hours away with the ride as scenic as the canyons themselves. You can still get around the region with the streamlined public transportation system. Buses and trains snake throughout the Cote d’Azur, connecting coastal towns to perched medieval villages.

These cities heat up in July when the masses parade down boulevards, beaches, and boulevards. But winter is one Riviera’s best-kept secret with snow falling only two hours north of shore. Here’s how to make the most of your stay in the South of France. There are more than 100 routes, and this is the most popular mode of transportation for residents. The TAM inter-urban network connects all Eastern Riviera towns between Cannes & Menton.

I believe that the Cote D’Azur should be visited in the off-season, even if it is not expensive. You won’t have to fight the crowds at the many great produce markets and restaurants, as well as other attractions. You can enjoy the French Riviera’s coastline on a boat ride from Saint-Tropez. The Riviera at its most glamorous is revealed by a tour of Monaco’s casino and deep-seated monarchy.

But, then carrying on to hilltop Eze, a village so old it can recall Roman inhabitation, you come face to face with the simple beauty that lured artists such as Picasso to the area. Our specialists know all the region’s main sights as well as its lesser-known ones, and they’ll carefully plan your vacation as an individual tailor-made trip to match your preferences.

There is also a tram line that makes a U-shaped route from Las Planas in the northeast to Pont St Michel in the northwest. It also connects the main station to the bus station, downtown, and the university. It is more popular among locals than with tourists.

The final cost even included a splurge day at a private beach club in Cap-D’ail, where a lounge chair and umbrella sets you back 30 euros, or about $34 in U.S. currency. You only have two days to explore the French Riviera. Stick to a few key destinations like Cannes, Nice, or Saint-Tropez. You can add some time sailing around islands or hiking in the Alps if you have three to five days, and if you have around a week, detour to Provence. Travelers with ten days or more to spare have many options. You can choose to slow down and enjoy the region at a slower pace, or add it to a longer trip around France. For advice on how long to spend on France’s Riviera, read on.

A trip to Promenade des Anglais is a great place to find the perfect souvenir. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area. We enjoyed Grasse and Menton, but we don’t consider them ‘destination’ destinations, especially for those with limited time.

Instead, we rented a 2-bedroom Airbnb in Thiers, just 5 minutes from Gare De Nice Ville and 15 minutes from Promenade des Anglais on the Mediterranean. This was intentional, as we didn’t want to pay high prices along the coast and preferred to be near the train station. Chances are good that you’ll be using the train station more than the beach, so we likewise recommend doing the same. This month-by-month guide to seasons and events in Nice, which is blessed with 300 days of sunshine per year, will help you plan your visit. Pickpockets can be found in tourist-heavy areas like Vieux Nice’s Cours Saleya market, or on trams and airport. Don’t leave personal belongings unattended on the beach – your valuables are safer left back at your hotel.

• The French Riviera’s most expensive towns are generally Cannes, St. Tropez or Monte Carlo.
• First, the beaches of the French Riviera are undoubtedly the best, but they aren’t as well-known as those in Cannes and Nice.
• You can reach most towns within a couple of hours, avoid notorious money traps like Monaco, and then it’s just a matter of finding one or two budget hotels in Nice.
• June and September are some of the best months to visit the region, while July and August are the height of season.
• If you are travelling on a budget, the old town or the area near the train station will be definitely cheaper.