The 13 essential things to do on the Côte d’Azur

You decided to go on holiday and visit the French Riviera? So here are the best things to do and see in this beautiful southern region!

The French Riviera. Small words that make them dream more than one! Whether in France or abroad, Costa Azzura, as the Italians call it, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes. It includes a large part of the Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur region (PACA), including the magnificent Principality of Monaco.

For the little story, its origin is pretty silly. He was a writer from Dijonnais who, in 1887, decided to give him this nickname while staying in his Azurean villa. It was by looking at the sea that he had the idea of title to his book Coast , in tribute to its region, the Côte-d’Or, and d’Azur , whose meaning is "blue color" in heraldic. That name fits him like a glove!

You don’t know what to do on the French Riviera? Let us guide you through these 12 must-sees not to be missed!

1. The bay Cannes

Cannes And his cruise. Who doesn't know this emblematic city? Between its festival and its luxurious boutiques, Cannes no longer needs a reputation.

But, luxury, strass and glitter are not the only assets of the beautiful. Its coastline is superb as well as its city centre. You will enjoy walking by the sea, going back to the old town. Its castle is also very nice to visit.

Of course, for shopping enthusiasts, Cannes Don't disappoint. Many shops are concentrated in downtown but also along the Croisette, for your greatest pleasure!

2. Saint-Tropez

It is almost inconceivable to visit the French Riviera without passing through Saint Tropez . Whether you like bling-bling or not, Saint-Tropez is a real jewel of the French Riviera.

The atmosphere is obviously changing according to the different periods of the year, but each season has its charm. its small port lined with restaurants and glaciers. Its small streets with iconic colors. His world-famous church. Not to mention his tropezian pie! We can't get by! Whether in the day or in the evening, Saint-Tropez is a must in the region.

A tip: Go by boat! First of all, because the crossing is very pleasant and inexpensive, then because you will save frequent traffic in the summer period. But also, because it will also allow you to visit the beautiful city of Sainte Maxime, located not far from Saint-Tropez!

3. Monaco

Let us now go to the other side, towards Monaco. The beautiful Principality is definitely a must if you come to visit the French Riviera! Coming to Monaco , it is like entering another world: that of beauty and wealth. Because no, it is not a myth.

You are sure to cross luxurious sports cars and hupped shops in Monaco. Walk into the city and its pretty alleys, climb up to its palace, ideally located on the rock overlooking the bay. The view is great.

Visit also the gardens that are really pleasant. L’ Monaco aquarium is also an enriching activity if you are interested in the domain. So think about taking your tickets!

4. The village of Eze

The perched village of Eze is one of the most beautiful villages in the region and all of France. If you don’t know what to do on the French Riviera, we strongly advise you to visit it! It is located near Monaco, about 8 kilometres away, on the hills near the Turbie.

A true village dating from the Middle Ages, you will fall under the charm of its old picturesque houses. In the heart of the village is also a botanical garden. The panorama you enjoy by visiting it is breathtaking!

5. The market Nice

Nizza la Bella, as the Italians say, is a must-see town in the French Riviera. Nice is internationally renowned for its Promenade des Anglais and takes you to an Italian atmosphere.

This city has many advantages, such as its castle with its cascade, the Mont Boron which offers an incredible view, the old Nice and its antique charm. But also culinary specialties like socca or pealadière!

And, of course, her flowering market in the Cours Saleya! Then, in February, his dazzling Carnival. Nice has so much to offer you!

6. The islands of Lerins

The islands of Lerins consist of two islands: Saint-Honorat, renowned for its monastery, and Sainte-Marguerite, known for its fort which would have served as a refuge to Man in the Mask of Fer.

Easily accessible by most coastal cities of the Côte d’Azur, they enjoy remarkable fauna and flora. Come and evade the time of a day on this preserved archipelago of the region. A must-see if you come to visit the French Riviera.

7. Saint-Paul-de-Vence

You cannot miss the visit of this emblematic village of the French Riviera. Saint-Paul-de-Vence is the place to see if you don’t know what to do on the Côte d’Azur! Despite the affluence of the summer periods, he remained in his natural state. Her alleys have an incredible charm.

Lined with small restaurants, shops and art galleries of all kinds, you will enjoy walking around, without even worrying about the time that passes. Its main point of view also offers a magnificent view of the Mediterranean coast. And, of course, why don't you drink a drink at the cafe of the square, while playing a game of petanque!

8. L’Estérel

The Estérel is located in the Var. It is a mountainous massif with red/orange colours, typical of the region. The massif of Estérel offers you multiple activities such as hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding. Its particular landscape will not leave you indifferent!

By car, from Cannes, you can make the whole road to Estérel and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea. All along, beautiful hidden wild coves offer themselves to you, but you have to deserve them! Access is not always the simplest.

9.The Gorges du Verdon

This is a beautiful site of the French Riviera. The Gorges du Verdon are a canyon that was dug by the river of the same name: Verdon. It is considered the largest canyon in Europe.

Between walks, canoeing, hiking, activities are multiple! Among the sites to see you find the magnificent Lac de Sainte Croix and Lake Esparron. Beautiful views, on a crystalline green blue water.

10. A boat ride

Visiting the French Riviera is also enjoying its coastline. Indeed, very nice excursions are to be made by boat.

The azur blue of the sea, which stretches from the coast to the Monegasque principality, offers an enchanting setting. It would be a shame not to take advantage of it renting a boat .

11. Grasse, the city of perfume

If you don’t know what to do on the French Riviera, this activity is really special, since few are the places where you can visit the world’s biggest perfumeries such as Fragonard or Galimard. Very pretty city, thanks also has a perfume museum, and a superb Roman Catholic cathedral that still contains many works of art, including paintings by the great Rubens.

12. Menton

Menton is a border town with Italy. Its architecture is also typical and very colorful! Old Menton is very nice. You could lose it by enjoying a good Italian ice cream. And why not, if you come in February, participate in the famous lemon festival!

Like the Carnival of Nice, it is a very popular event for the city, well known for its lemons now benefiting from an IGP (Protected Geographical indication). If you are going to visit the French Riviera, then go through Menton. his museum dedicated to Jean Cocteau is also very informative!

13. Mercantour Park

A little off the coast, about 1 hour drive from Nice, visit the Mercantour Park. It is a protected and totally preserved natural park. With its peaks more than 3,000 meters, another world offers you.

Hiking, mountain bike rides, climbing, or exploring wolves. This place is part of 10 national parks in France , really worth the detour.

Other essentials

You will understand, the region is full of things to do and see! In the cities to visit there are also Saint Raphael and its pretty port, Hyères and its islands of Porquerolles and Port Cros, and why not go further and visit the first cities of the Italian coast like Vintimille and San Remo.

How to go on the Côte d’Azur

The French Riviera is a very tourist area. It is easily accessible:

• By car: the highway connecting the Côte d’Azur to all European cities is the A8. As an indication, you will need about 8 hours to connect Paris to Nice car;
• By train: the area is served by multiple stations. The rapid or express trains (TGV, Trains Corail) of the SNCF connect the Côte d’Azur to all French areas and to all the largest cities in Europe. The Mediterranean TGV allows to make Nice -Paris in 5 hours and 25 minutes.

You will find TGV stations in Nice, Antibes and Cannes.

• By boat: the ports of Villefranche-sur-Mer, Nice, Cannes and Monaco are the main Mediterranean ports of call of the cruises;
• By plane: Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is the second largest airport in France (after Paris). If you want to visit the Côte d’Azur, then the plane remains the simplest and fastest way. Do not hesitate to consult our flight comparison Ulysses to organize your trip.