Charming Cities and Towns On The French Riviera

The French Riviera is the international capital of luxury travel. The sparkling waters of the Mediterranean, vivid architecture, and lavish activities (everything from yachting to perfume production) offer idyllic holiday experiences amid extraordinary settings – although you don’t have to be wealthy to appreciate this glamourous paradise. The beauty of exploring the French Riviera is the incredible collection of cities and towns that are easy to access and fall in love with and the variety of activities to indulge in even when on a budget. 

Brave the steep trails of Eze, marvel at the panoramic views from Villefranche-sur-Mer or wander the billionaire’s playground that is Monaco – no matter where you go, there is always something to be charmed by. Maybe you want to coordinate your outfits with the bright buildings of Menton and Nice or build castles out of the white sands of Antibes. No matter what, the cities and towns on the French Riviera are where you craft your fantasies.

Therefore, to say there are many places to visit in the south of France is an understatement but read on to discover the destinations you can’t miss on your first trip. 

Seven Towns On The French Riviera You Should Visit

Antibes

Labyrinthine Antibes is a haven along the coast and is mostly known for its sixteenth-century enclosed old town, sandy beaches and densely forested Cap d’Antibes peninsula – all of which are lined by the region’s most luxurious villas. And, of course, wherever you find fancy homes, be ready to spot nearby marinas boasting swanky yachts because you know you can’t have one without the other.

Mix up the beach life with a stroll through shops and art galleries, including the Picasso Museum, and visit Fort Carré where Napoleon Bonaparte spent time in prison.

Eze

The sleepy medieval village of Eze is a hilltop marvel on the French Riviera where winding alleys and stone houses overlook lush scenery. Compared to other towns on the Côte d’Azur, Eze is a little less colourful, but this does not take away any of its splendour. A few hours here offer the opportunity to wander boutiques, botanical gardens and hike the famous Nietzsche Path. In all its historic and cultural glory, Eze is undoubtedly, the best place to enjoy a perfume-making masterclass too! 

Cannes

Socialites and celebrities have been flocking to the resort town was over a century – and there are no signs of this stopping. Like many towns on the French Riviera, Cannes is an extravagance personified – and this is especially exaggerated each May during the renowned Cannes Film Festival. If you are a film fanatic, this would be the time to plan a visit. Don’t forget to visit the beautiful Promenade de la Croisette, designer boutiques, and Lérins Island for the complete adventure.

Read more about things to do in Cannes here.

Menton

Giving way to sparkling emerald seas between Monaco and Italy and framed by the mighty Alpes-Maritimes mountains, Menton is a picturesque town with so much natural wonder. It is where the famous citron de Menton is from, and you can see some in Menton’s vast La Citronneraie lemon grove or during the La Fête du Citron in spring. Travellers also get their kick out of the sweet-scented, petal-strewn Fontana Rosa Garden. 

Monaco 

Although not strictly on the French Riviera, independent and magnificent Monaco draws much attention from travellers exploring this southern coast. This two-square-kilometre principality on the French-Italian border is known for being a billionaire’s playground. Beyond the glitzy things to do, including visiting the renowned Monte Carlo Casino and prestigious Monaco Grand Prix racetrack, to live comfortably here you need a large trust fund or an income of 250,000 euros per year!

Still, despite the uber-luxury accommodation and exotic cars, Monte Carlo makes a perfect day trip from nearby destinations, and I couldn’t ask for a more perfect place for sipping on wine under cabanas near yacht-filled ports.  

Nice

There is something unequivocally gorgeous about the sun-splashed cosmopolitan capital that is Nice. France’s fifth-largest city is often hailed as the birthplace of tourism on the Côte d’Azur, and for good reason. Easily the most vibrant nightlife spot, perfect for sunrise swims and beloved for midnight strolls along the Promenade des Anglais, there is plenty of things to do here. Must-visit attractions in Nice include Parc de la Colline du Chateau and Musée Matisse. 

Villefranche-sur-Mer

Between scenic seas and wood-clad cliffs, Villefranche-sur-Mer is a French town with a little bit of everything: colourful streets, a beautiful harbour and panoramic hiking trails. The town is especially loved for its white sandy beach, Plage des Marinieres, but I think the waterfront near the train station is where you should go for a relaxing swim. 

The Best Route For Exploring The Towns On The French Riviera

If you are not road tripping through the French Riviera and are basing yourself in Nice, like most people do, this is the best way to explore a couple towns and cities in a few days:

Day 1 – Menton and Monaco

Day 2 – Eze, Eze-sur-Mer and Villefranche-sur-Mer

Day 3 – Nice

Day 4 – Antibes and Cannes

Practical Information About Towns On The French Riviera

Location: France, Europe

National Language: French

Currency: Euro

Neighbouring Countries: Monaco, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain and Andorra