French Riviera
High Life, Gorgeous Beaches & Modern Art
French Riviera Highlights
The French Riviera – Côte d’Azur, in French – has it all: scenic beaches, chic towns, great cuisine and fantastic museums. No wonder it still seems to remain unequaled in collective consciousness.
Nice, the coast’s unofficial capital
La vie est belle – life’s beautiful – in Nice. Belle Époque palaces, coastal promenade (the famous Promenade des Anglais) and terrific museums, one should not miss the French Riviera’s unofficial capital. Once called Nizza when Nice was still part of the Italian Province of Liguria, there’s still an Italian vibe in it. Take the Old Nice’s pastel houses or the Pissaladières (similar to Pizzas) for instance. With its international airport, Nice is a great starting point to explore the French Riviera.
![The Blue Chairs - Chaises Bleues, in French - on Nice's Promenade des Anglais](https://thefrenchroute.com/wp-content/uploads/chaises-bleues-promenade-anglais-nice-1024x683.jpg)
Fame and prestige
Indulge in a world of glamor and allure, where fame and prestige find their sanctuary on the sun-drenched shores of the French Riviera. With its opulent resorts – Antibes’ Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc being probably the most famous – and exclusive beach clubs, this part of the French Southern’s coastline has long been a playground for the world’s elite. Explore the Cannes’ Croisette for some haute couture window shopping. Experience the refined charm of Saint-Tropez, where superyachts and chic boutiques grace the harborside. From Michelin-starred gastronomy to beautiful villas – we recommend a visit to the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the French Riviera beckons travelers with a rich blend of luxury and allure.
Monaco, Billionaires’ Playground
Famous for its wealthy inhabitants, Formula One Grand Prix and Monte Carlo Casino, Monaco is squeezed into 208 hectares (0.81 square miles) within the French Riviera. Even though it is home to super wealthy individuals, Monaco is not the prettiest town in the region. But it’s still worth visiting for the day though. Who knows! You may try your luck and win at the Monte Carlo casino’ roulettes!
Charming towns and villages
The French Riviera is not only about fame and luxury though. There are plenty of quaint villages to explore. Take the rocky medieval village of Èze, for instance. Perched on a peak, it attracts crowds every summer. You can also visit La Turbie which offers a great viewpoint on the Mediterranean, or Menton. Located close to the Italian border Menton is known for its lemon festival and old town. If you feel like learning more about flowers or perfume-making, head to Grasse, the home of perfume.
Paradise for art lovers
For art enthusiasts, The French Riviera is really appealing. Especially for those interested in Modern Art. Start with Nice, where three major museums are located. Two of them are dedicated to Chagall and Matisse while the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Nice (MAMAC) gathers masterpieces from the 1950’s to the present day. Then head to the Picasso museum in Antibes unless you prefer to visit the Fernand Léger National Museum located on the outskirts of Nice. The Jean Cocteau museum in Menton is also worth a visit. But the one we prefer above all the others is the Fondation Maeght in Saint-Paul-de-Vence that houses modern masterpieces in a wonderful setting.
Images
French Riviera in pictures
French Riviera Custom Trips
Our trips are 100% customizable
Provence & The Riviera: A Journey to the South of France
10 DAYS, FROM 8,250 USD PER PERSON
A French Honeymoon: Paris & the Riviera
8 DAYS, FROM 7,900 USD PER PERSON
![Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel - Private Beach](https://thefrenchroute.com/wp-content/uploads/anantara-plaza-nice-private-beach-1024x683.jpg)
From the Louvre to the Sea: Paris, Nice & the French Riviera
7 DAYS, FROM 5,300 USD PER PERSON