French Riviera (Côte d’Azur)

The Côte d'Azur stretches roughly from Cannes to Menton along the Mediterranean, with Nice as its practical hub, well-connected by both air and a coastal rail line that also reaches Monaco, Antibes, and Villefranche-sur-Mer.

A short train ride links several very different towns: Nice's Old Town, Monaco's casino district, Antibes' art museums, and Saint-Tropez's beach-club scene, making it easy to sample the Riviera's variety without renting a car.

• Walk the Promenade des Anglais in Nice and explore the Old Town's markets.
• Day-trip to Monaco for the Prince's Palace and the Oceanographic Museum.
• Visit the Musée Picasso in Antibes' Château Grimaldi.
• Take the coastal train to Villefranche-sur-Mer for a quieter beach afternoon.

Late May–June and September offer warm weather with noticeably smaller crowds and lower prices than the July–August peak, when the coast is at its busiest.

Nice is the most practical base thanks to its airport and central position on the coastal rail line; Antibes and Villefranche-sur-Mer offer a quieter alternative within easy reach of Nice and Monaco.

The TER coastal train connects Cannes, Antibes, Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and Monaco frequently and cheaply. A car is rarely necessary, and parking in town centers is difficult in peak season.

Niçoise cuisine (salade niçoise, socca, pissaladière) reflects the region's Italian-influenced coastal heritage; Cours Saleya market in Nice is a good introduction to local produce and specialties.

The Riviera runs above the French national average, especially in Monaco and Saint-Tropez; a mid-range day based in Nice (hotel, train travel, restaurant meals) commonly totals €150–220.

Beach access in parts of the Riviera is dominated by paid beach clubs (plage privée); free public beach sections exist but can be narrower and busier. Confirm which type a beach is before settling in.