14 Top Things to Do
French Riviera Overall Appeal ★★★★★
| Name | Appeal | Type | Visit | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | ➡️ Nice | ★★★★★ | City | - | - |
| 02 | ➡️ Èze | ★★★★★ | Village | - | - |
| 03 | ➡️ St. Paul de Vence | ★★★★★ | Village | - | - |
| 04 | ➡️ Menton | ★★★★★ | Town | - | - |
| 05 | ➡️ Bormes-les-Mimosas | ★★★★★ | Village | - | - |
| 06 | Boating | ★★★★★ | Boating | Either | Paid |
| 07 | Beaches | ★★★★☆ | Beaches | Self | Either |
| 08 | Vineyards | ★★★★☆ | Vineyards & Tastings | Tour | Paid |
| 09 | ➡️ Antibes | ★★★★☆ | City | - | - |
| 10 | ➡️ St. Tropez | ★★★★☆ | Town | - | - |
| 11 | ➡️ Grasse | ★★★☆☆ | Town | - | - |
| 12 | ➡️ Cannes | ★★★☆☆ | City | - | - |
| 13 | ➡️ Monaco | ★★★☆☆ | Principality | - | - |
| 14 | Estérel Massif | ★★★☆☆ | Hiking ; Biking | Self | Free |
01. Nice City
Overall Appeal ★★★★★
Nice, the capital of the French Riviera, offers a mix of elegance, history, and seaside charm, blending Italian and French influences.
Founded by the Greeks around 350 BC and later developed by the Romans, Nice became a key strategic location for trade.
Its annexation to France in 1860 marked a turning point, leading to its current cultural and architectural blend.
02. Èze Village
Overall Appeal ★★★★★
Èze is a perched medieval village, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, a destination that feels suspended in time. Known for its narrow, winding streets, artisan shops, and exotic garden, the village exudes a romantic, timeless atmosphere.
03. St. Paul de Vence Village
Overall Appeal ★★★★★
Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a medieval hilltop village, captivates with its artistic legacy, cobbled streets, and sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. It’s renowned as a haven for artists, galleries, and ateliers.
04. Menton Town
Overall Appeal ★★★★☆
Menton is a charming town on the French-Italian border known for its picturesque streets and colorful buildings give it a distinctive Mediterranean flair.
Historically, Menton was under the sovereignty of Monaco before it became French in 1860.
05. Bormes-les-Mimosas Village
Overall Appeal ★★★★★
This quaint village is famous for its blooming mimosa trees and flowery streets, as well as its colorful architecture and coastal views.
06. Boating
Appeal ★★★★★
Type Boating
Visit Self or Tour
Cost Paid
The azure waters of the Côte d’Azur are perfect for boating, offering scenic views of the coastline, secluded coves, and nearby islands.
From luxury yachts to sailing adventures, it remains one of the most popular pastimes along this glamorous coastline.
07. Beaches
Appeal ★★★★☆
Type Beaches
Visit Self
Cost Free or Paid
The French Riviera’s beaches are legendary, stretching along the sparkling Mediterranean, where sandy shores mix with pebbled coves.
From glamorous private spots to casual public areas, there’s a beach for every taste along the coast.
08. Vineyards
Appeal ★★★★☆
Type Vineyards & Tastings
Visit Tour
Cost Paid
Discover the vineyards of the French Riviera, where rosé wines reign supreme. Wine tastings at local estates offer a chance to savor the flavors of the region while enjoying picturesque vineyard landscapes.
09. Antibes City
Overall Appeal ★★★★☆
Antibes combines a vibrant cultural scene with ancient fortifications, beautiful beaches, and a busy marina. Its Old Town is a maze of narrow streets lined with cafes, shops, and historic buildings.
Founded as a Greek settlement in the 5th century BC, Antibes played a key role in trade throughout the Mediterranean. Later under Roman and then French control, it became a fortified city to protect the coast from invasions. Antibes became an artistic hub in the 20th century, with Picasso among its notable residents.
10. St. Tropez Town
Overall Appeal ★★★★☆
Saint-Tropez is synonymous with glamour and luxury, known for its bustling port filled with yachts, designer boutiques, and vibrant nightlife. Yet, it retains a quaint charm in its cobbled streets and quiet corners.
Once a sleepy fishing village, Saint-Tropez rose to fame in the 1950s when the jet set turned it into a summer playground. Since then, it has become a magnet for the rich and famous, with its beaches and nightclubs defining the Riviera’s chic lifestyle.
11. Grasse Town
Overall Appeal ★★★☆☆
Grasse, the perfume capital of the world, is known for its fragrant fields of lavender, jasmine, and roses, which have supported its perfume industry for centuries. The town’s narrow streets and medieval architecture add to its old-world charm.
Visitors can explore perfumeries like Fragonard, Galimard, and Molinard, where they can learn about the traditional art of scent-making. The International Perfume Museum showcases the town’s rich history in fragrance.
12. Cannes City
Overall Appeal ★★★☆☆
Cannes is a glamorous seaside city renowned for its annual film festival, luxury boutiques, and sun-soaked beaches.
Key landmarks include La Croisette, an iconic boulevard lined with palm trees, and the historic Le Suquet district perched on a hill, offering panoramic views of the coast. The Palais des Festivals, where the film festival is held, stands out with its red carpet and Cannes Walk of Fame, making it a symbol of the city’s glitz and cultural appeal.
13. Monaco Principality
Overall Appeal ★★★☆☆
Monaco Principality is a tiny, independent state known for its opulence, high-end casinos, and the prestigious Formula 1 Grand Prix. The rocky coastline and sparkling Mediterranean waters make it a picturesque destination for luxury seekers.
Founded in 1297 by the House of Grimaldi, Monaco’s history is marked by its strategic importance as a fortified town and later as a tax haven.
Notable landmarks include the Prince’s Palace, a blend of medieval and Renaissance styles, and the Oceanographic Museum, a testament to Monaco’s maritime heritage.
The Monte Carlo district is the epitome of sophistication, featuring Belle Époque architecture, elegant gardens, and its worlwide famous Casino.
14. Esterel Massif
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Hiking ; Biking
Visit Self
Cost Free
Highest Peak 614 m (2,014 ft) 📍Mont Vinaigre
The Esterel Massif is a mountain range known for its red volcanic rock, creating a striking contrast with the deep blue Mediterranean. Its rugged cliffs, craggy peaks, and forested trails offer hiking and scenic views.
It’s 15 km long (9 mi) and 10 km (6 mi) wide.
