Imagine driving along the azure Mediterranean coastline, past charming hilltop villages, glamorous cities, and luxurious yachts bobbing on the glittering waters of glitzy harbors.
That’s the essence of a French Riviera road trip: a luxe yet quaint stretch of coastline in the southeastern corner of France.
This Côte d’Azur road trip takes about five days to complete, but you can adjust it to your pace — take a few extra nights in a destination to make this a weeklong itinerary, or skip a town or two to condense it to three or four days.
We’ll start in the bustling city of Nice before proceeding to the quaint old town of Antibes, then to Cannes, famed for its iconic film festival but worthy of a visit for its many other offerings.
We then wind our way to the glitz and glamor of Saint-Tropez, exploring the cobbled lanes of Eze, stopping by the perfumeries of Grasse, and venturing into the exclusive Monaco (and ticking off another country while we’re at it!).
We cap the trip off at the breathtaking peninsula of Cap-Ferrat, for an idyllic finale!
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Getting Around the French Riviera
When looking for a rental car, I always use Discover Cars to search for the best deal for multiple reasons.
I also always search from the airport as my pick-up destination, because the prices are usually the best there.
For this French Riviera road trip, picking up at the Nice Airport would make the most sense.
It’s also best to plan to return to your original pick-up point via car to avoid hefty one-way fees!
Tip: Make sure you book your car rental with full coverage insurance for peace of mind — it starts at only $7 per day, cheaper than you’d get at a rental agency!
| 🚗 Best France Rental Car Prices: Discover Cars This search engine not only looks at the typical rental car agencies (which can be $$$), it also looks at local, small French rental agencies that may offer better deals. Their pricing is straightforward (no bait-and-switches) and they offer free cancellation if you need it. ➜ Check rental prices for the French Riviera here! |
Day One of Your French Riviera Itinerary
Start your trip in the sun-drenched city of Nice.
With a unique blend of French and Italian culture, Nice is the perfect starting point for your trip.
You can easily catch a flight to its international airport or travel down from Paris by train in just a few hours.
Walk along the Promenade des Anglais.
To make sure you get to see as much as possible, start your day early with a morning walk on the famous Promenade des Anglais, the city’s most prestigious seafront boulevard.
Enjoy the stunning views and take the time to soak up the southern sun as you stroll the promenade.
Your eyes will be torn between the beauty of the azure waters to one side and the beautiful architecture, like the Nice Opera House, along the Promenade on the other!
You can stop and relax on the beach for a bit if you want — there are a bunch to choose from! — before moving onto your next stop.
Explore the beautiful Vieux Nice area.
After you work up an appetite walking around, head to the old town, Vieux Nice, for breakfast.
With its colorful buildings, historic monuments, narrow streets and bustling markets, the old town of Nice is the perfect place to stroll around for a few hours.
A few sights in Vieux Nice that may be of interest: Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate, the Porte Fausse, and Lascaris Palais.
Stop by the local open-air market.
While in the Old Town, be sure to stop by the Cours Saleya Market!
This beautiful open-air market is the perfect place to pick up a few delicious local delicacies or grab a coffee while immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere.
Seafood lovers, rejoice: the cuisine niçoise features some of the best fresh seafood in the country.
Don’t miss out on its Pan Bagnat, a delicious tuna sandwich and the famous salade niçoise.
Take a walk up Castle Hill for gorgeous views of Nice.
For a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and the Mediterranean, walk up to Castle Hill through the gardens and simply take a moment to admire the beauty.
There’s an artificial waterfall here that is simply lovely, and there are gardens, mosaics, and sculptures to admire.
But the real kicker is the incredible view of Nice you get from the viewpoint!
Walk down from the castle hill and spend the rest of your afternoon in Nice tying up loose ends and seeing anything you missed earlier.
For art lovers, the Musée d’Art Moderne is a must-see destination.
Inaugurated in 1990, the museum is home to a variety of French and international artists, most notably exhibiting works of Yves Klein and Niki de Saint Phalle.
Go on an artistic journey in Antibes.
In the afternoon, drive to Antibes, a charming town located just 30 minutes from Nice.
This is where Fitzgerald found his place in the sun, fought endlessly with Zelda and wrote parts of Tender is the Night as well as The Great Gatsby.
The villas on the cliffs of Antibes were also home to a variety of major figures of literature’s ‘Lost Generation’, such as Jon De Pasos, Gertrude Stein and Dorothy Parker.
Yet another iconic creative figure who couldn’t resist the charm and tranquility of Antibes was Pablo Picasso, who spent many years on the French Riviera and created some of his most accomplished work here.
Visit the Picasso Museum, housed in an old chateau.
The main can’t-miss place in Antibes is the exquisite Musée Picasso of Antibes.
It’s housed in the impressive Château Grimaldi and was founded in 1966 with many of the works donated by Picasso himself.
Speaking of the château, the building itself is also impressive, beyond the legendary artwork it now houses — not least for its stunning view!
Originally a magnificent residence for the Grimaldi family, the castle has a fascinating history that dates all the way back to the 14th century.
Wander the ramparts of Antibes.
Take a stroll around Antibes’ old town and wander along the ramparts that still surround the city to soak up its rich history.
The views of the Mediterranean and its sailboats and yachts, paired with the old-world beauty of the Old Town of Antibes, is simply breathtaking.
Take a dip in the sea.
If you’re in the mood for a refreshing dip, head down to Cap d’Antibes.
This beautiful peninsula is home to sumptuous villas and gardens along the majestic coast — and it’s also a great place to jump into some waters for a little swim!
Spend the evening in Juan les Pins.
The spectacular beach of Juan les Pins is a must-visit, and it’s the perfect way to cap off the first day of this French Riviera itinerary.
Treat yourself to a drink with a view at the Fitzgerald Piano Bar, which pays homage to the artists who loved this small Riviera town.
The artists of the Lost Generation, with Francis and Zelda Fitzgerald presiding, made Juan les Pins the most en vogue place to be on the Riviera.
The champagne-filled decadence of a life lived at night is still welcomed here!
| Where to Stay in Antibes: Budget: In the old town near the Picasso Museum, Irin Hotel is a great budget-friendly choice. It’s not super fancy, but it’s a great place to lay your head for the night, enjoying comfortable and clean air-conditioned rooms. Breakfast is available at the next-door brasserie. >> Check rates and availability here! Mid-Range: In the Old Town just a few hundred feet from the port and the beach, Hotel Relais Du Postillon offers stunning rooms in a prime location. There’s a variety of room types, and the design is unique to each one. >> Check rates and availability here! Luxury: For a luxury stay, check into the Hôtel La Villa Port d’Antibes & Spa. Enjoy the inviting waters of the outdoor swimming pool, enjoy craft cocktails made by expert mixologists, or indulge at the “by Sothys” spa with its a serene hammam and sensory shower. >> Check rates and availability here! |
Day Two of Your French Riviera Itinerary
Grab something to eat at the Marché Provençal.
Before you hit the road again, make sure to stop at the Marché Provençal, the bustling local market of Antibes.
Soak up the vibrant atmosphere, indulge in some shopping or simply admire the colorful displays of fresh produce before you head west to your next destination.
Grab something hearty to keep you going for a bit — we’ve got a full day ahead!
Immerse yourself in the cinematic world of Cannes.
Synonymous with its star-studded film festival, Cannes is one of the most glam cities on the French Riviera.
But even when it’s not festival time, Cannes is always worth a visit for its beautiful beaches, stunning views, and sophisticated style.
Admire the Palais des Festivals, a piece of film history.
Make sure you stop by the Palais des Festivals where the Cannes Festival takes place every year.
This modern work of architecture is a marvel, so even if you’re not a film buff, the architecture is something to gawk at!
You can even walk up the famous steps to practice your red-carpet skills (you know, just in case…)
Walk the beautiful Croisette.
The Palais is located right on the Croisette, Cannes’ seafront promenade, lined with palm trees, luxury hotels, and designer boutiques.
Strolling through, it’s hard not to feel like a star!
This is also where you’ll find the public beach, Croisette Beach, which is a good place for a swim if you’re in the mood for a dip.
Explore the charming Le Suquet.
Once you’ve explored the modern part of town, it’s time to jump back in time a bit.
Cannes’ old town, Le Suquet, marks a beautiful contrast to the modern cinematic city.
The medieval quarter is filled with cobblestone streets, colorful houses and picturesque squares.
Marvel at the church and its views.
For magnificent views of the city and the Mediterranean, you can climb up to the top of Notre-Dame-de-l’Espérance, a 12th century church.
The views here are unparalleled!
Start heading back to the main town: while you’re strolling through the streets of Cannes, keep your eyes open and admire the ever-present street art.
You’ll find mural paintings celebrating famous actors, films, and cinematic masters.
Take a ferry to the Lérins islands.
Another great fun thing to do while you’re visiting Cannes is to take a ferry to the nearby Lérins Islands.
The charming islands make up a small nature reserve with trails for hiking and beaches for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
The larger one, Île Sainte-Marguerite, is also home to a historic fort that was once used as a prison (I guess at least it didn’t have a bad view?).
Meanwhile, the smaller of the two, Île Saint-Honorat, is home to Lérins Abbey, a monastery that monks have inhabited since the 5th century.
This is a stunning photo spot and just an all-around beautiful stop on this French Riviera itinerary.
Get a taste of the exquisite glamor of Saint-Tropez.
Glamorous Saint-Tropez is certainly amongst the most stylish (and scandalous) destinations in France.
This formerly tranquil oasis on the Riviera rose to fame in the 1950s when Brigitte Bardot came to Saint Tropez to film And God Created Woman with Roger Vadim.
Following this experience, Bardot famously fell in love with Saint Tropez and purchased the villa La Madrague.
Her love of Saint Tropez went on to make the coastal town a jet set paradise for the rich and famous, conveniently located just a 30-minute drive from Cannes.
In 1968, Alain Delon and Romy Schneider starred in the French classic La Piscine, which was shot in a sumptuous villa on the cliffs of Saint Tropez. The beautiful scenery depicted in this film can still be seen today!
Visit the local cinema museum.
While Saint-Tropez is famous for its nightlife and luxury, the old town’s historic monuments are also worth a visit.
Movie fans may want to visit the Musée de la Gendarmerie et du Cinéma, which explores the city’s cinematic history.
Before you set off on the road for the next city, a visit to the Old Harbor is also a must!
Take a little drive to nearby Ramatuelle.
Make sure you drive up to Ramatuelle on the outskirts of Saint-Tropez to enjoy a magnificent view.
This hilltop town is quaint and charming, and its views are hard to beat.
Enjoy the town before returning to Saint-Tropez for the evening.
| Where to Stay in Saint-Tropez: Budget: St-Tropez is quite pricy, so for a budget-friendly alternative, look at Hotel La Romarine just outside of the city, a short drive away. There’s a swimming pool, olive groves and palm trees, and beautiful rooms with balconies — but because it’s outside the main town, the price isn’t shocking. >> Check availability and rates here! Mid-Range: The charming La Bastide Du Port is a great mid-range property with exquisite design — without a shocking price tag. The rooms have a gorgeous Provençal design style, with lovely views from the windows offering either a sea or garden view. >> Check availability and rates here! Luxury: The stunning 5-star hotel, Domaine de l’Astragale, has all you’d need to basically live there: huge lush gardens, four heated swimming pools, tennis court, the list goes on. There’s an on-site restaurant and bar, as well. The rooms are huge, most with a balcony or their own private garden, and some even have their own spa bath tub! >> Check availability and rates here! |
DAY 3 of Your French Riviera Itinerary
Scents and sensibility: Explore the perfume capital of Grasse
In the hills above the French Riviera, Grasse is where the warm Mediterranean climate and fertile soil create ideal growing conditions for flowers.
Grasse and its surrounding region is particularly well-suited for growing jasmine, lavender and roses which are amongst the key ingredients in many perfumes.
It’s no surprise, then, that Grasse has been a hub for the perfume industry since the 16th century.
Local artisans have been experimenting over centuries with techniques for distilling and blending fragrances, which led to the creation of many iconic perfumes, including perhaps most famously Coco Chanel’s N°5.
There are lots of free things to do in Grasse, but one thing you really ought to set aside some time and money for is a perfume tour — it’s what the city is known for, after all!
Take a perfume tour in Grasse.
Since Grasse is home to several historic perfume factories, you should absolutely make the most of the chance and take a tour to learn about the perfume-making process and the history of this unique artisanal expertise.
Some of the most famous factories include Fragonard (my personal fave!) — you can book their perfume tour online here, as well as Molinard and Galimard.
Several museums and festivals are also dedicated to the town’s perfume industry.
Wander around the Old Town of Grasse.
Beyond its modern perfumeries, Grasse’s old town is a stunning maze of picturesque streets, cafés and shops.
Be sure to save some time to wander around and get lost here.
Explore some of the nearby towns.
The town is beautifully located as well, nestled between majestic landscapes which make for great hikes in the surrounding natural beauty, carefully preserved by the regional National Park.
Make sure to stop in a few smaller villages along the way.
Some of your options include Gourdon, Cabris, Tourrettes-sur-Loup and the town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, which features the awe-inspiring Chapelle du Rosaire, designed by Henri Matisse in 1940.
| Where to Stay in Grasse: Budget: For a charming and affordable stay, look to La Bellaudiere, which is a converted 16th century house that is now a lovely guesthouse. Best of all, you can enjoy your breakfast either delivered to your room or eaten on the lovely terrace. >> Check rates and availability here Mid-Range: For a unique stay, there’s nowhere like Roulotte De Charme, a little wooden caravan with lovely blue-doors and shutters that you can stay in — set in a lovely garden with farm animals like donkeys! But don’t worry, it’s quite modern — you’ll enjoy WiFi and A/C, and there’s even a private little hot tub to enjoy! >> Check rates and availability here Luxury: The lovely Bastide Saint Antoine is part of the beloved Relais & Châteaux, known for its hospitality and gorgeous properties. In a building dating back to the 18th century, this lovely converted mansion has spacious Mediterranean gardens and an outdoor pool. The rooms are extremely elegant and lovely, some with clawfoot bathtubs and terraces. >> Check rates and availability here |
Day Four of Your French Riviera Itinerary
Visit the second smallest country in the world.
Why not tick off another country on this French Riviera road trip itinerary?
The tiny sovereign city-state of Monaco is famous for its glamorous lifestyle, high-end shopping, luxurious hotels and, of course, for its royalty.
The Grimaldi family has ruled Monaco for over 700 years, elegantly representing Monaco’s luxury as well as its rich history and culture across the world.
Channel your inner Grace Kelly walking along the beautiful botanical gardens or gamble the night away like James Bond at the Monte Carlo Casino. No matter your tastes, Monaco has a lot to offer.
Monaco is also a world ambassador for the arts as well as for humanitarian action.
It’s an easy mistake to make, but don’t think of Monaco as just a glamorous vacation destination, as the Monegasques are a very proud people with a long history.
Take a stroll around the Old Town, visit the Cathedral to pay your respects to Princess Grace of Monaco’s final resting place, and treat yourself to a royal meal in one of the many high-end restaurants.
The Oceanographic Museum is also a highlight.
Even if you don’t have time to visit the museum, don’t miss out on the majestic view.
And of course, no trip is complete without an afternoon spent soaking up the sun at the Larvotto Beach.
Spend the night in Eze.
Monaco is a very expensive place to visit, and there are extremely limited accommodation options, so head to the next place on your French Riviera road trip: Eze.
Located just 30 minutes from Monaco, it’s a short drive to end up in.
| Where to Stay in Eze: Budget: For an affordable and convenient hotel, check out Hôtel La Villa d’Eze, right in the heart of the town. The rooms are a little small, but it’s quite functional, with modern updated bathrooms and a lovely terrace to dine at. >> Check rates and availability here Mid-Range: With a stunning infinity pool that melts into a Mediterranean Sea view, Les Terrasses d’Eze – Hôtel & Spa is a dreamy hotel you won’t soon be able to forget. Beyond its gorgeous pool, the hotel has an on-site spa with massages and even a float tank! The rooms are modern and clean-lined, some with balconies with sea views. >> Check rates and availability here Luxury: Stay in an exquisite converted chateau at Chateau Eza for one of the most luxurious stays on the Riviera, part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World brand. The rooms retain a lot of the original detail, like stone walls, but with modern details like spacious soaking tubs and separate showers. The restaurant is simply breathtaking, with beautifully-plated fine dining. >> Check rates and availability here |
Day Five of Your French Riviera Itinerary
Unwind in beautiful Eze.
The picturesque medieval village of Eze is perched on a hilltop and its views of the Riviera are hard to beat.
This tranquil little village offers a great place to stretch your legs as we near the end of this French Riviera road trip.
Admire its beautiful architecture lining the cobblestone streets, savor the delicious and humble local food, and immerse yourself in the charming atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the Riviera’s glitzier cities.
Admire the castle ruins and its views.
Eze is also a great place to go for a hike.
You can even visit the Eze Castle ruins, which has been towering over the Mediterranean since the 12th century.
Some nearby hiking trails in the surrounding Alpes-Maritimes region are also worth checking out, if you have the time.
Admire the plants of the Jardin Exotique — with a view!
Make time to stop by the Jardin Exotique, a beautiful botanical garden which is home to a variety of exotic plants and flowers.
You can almost get lost in the gorgeous displays as you wander through these blooms and vines!
Admire the stunning beauty of Cap-Ferrat.
Another favorite destination amongst royals and celebrities, Cap-Ferrat is a small town located on the beautiful peninsula just a few miles from Nice.
Beautiful beaches, crystal clear water and extremely elegant settings make this gem the perfect last stop on your road trip.
Admire the pastel-pink Villa Ephrussi.
A visit to the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is well worth your time.
Built in the 1900s, this elegant mansion houses some exquisite art. Go for a walk in the gardens and enjoy the breathtaking view.
Last, but certainly not least, head down to the beaches to soak up some last rays of glamorous sun before you drive back to Nice. Bon voyage!
Anna is 20-something writer from France, currently living on the beautiful island of Bali. After earning a degree from Sorbonne Université in Paris, she spent a few years working in fashion before embarking on what was supposed to be a 1-year trip through Europe, North Africa and Asia — which ultimately turned into moving to Bali. Aside from traveling and writing, her passions include surfing, film photography, drinking unhealthy amounts of coffee, and reading through the night.