The Promenade des Anglais
This famous Nice promenade runs along the Baie des Anges, linking beaches, grand hotels and the colorful old town over several kilometers.
The French Riviera
Between the Mediterranean Sea and the Provençal hinterland, the French Riviera links elegant seaside resorts, perched villages and Mediterranean light. Nice, Cannes and Saint-Tropez embody a coastal lifestyle admired around the world.
Why visit the French Riviera?
The French Riviera stands out for its concentration of renowned seaside resorts, its distinctive Mediterranean light and its hinterland of perched villages. This stretch of coast combines beaches, architectural heritage, cultural events such as the Cannes Film Festival, and Mediterranean gastronomy, along a narrow strip between sea and mountains.
What to discover on the French Riviera?
Nice, with its Promenade des Anglais and colorful old town, serves as a starting point for exploring the coastline. Cannes draws crowds each year for its film festival and its Croisette lined with grand hotels, while Antibes retains a more authentic charm around its harbor and ramparts. Saint-Tropez, further west, combines a yacht-filled harbor with sought-after beaches.
The hinterland conceals perched villages such as Èze, Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Gourdon, offering sea views and medieval lanes. The Lérins Islands, off the coast of Cannes, allow a natural escape just minutes from shore. Mediterranean gastronomy, Provençal markets and a mild climate round out the experience of a region where the sea and the hinterland complement each other.
Cities to visit in French Riviera
Featured destinations appear first.
Coming soon.
French Riviera in pictures
The must-sees
Beaches, perched villages and a coastal lifestyle: here is what not to miss on the French Riviera.
Old Town Nice
Narrow lanes, colorful markets and vibrant facades make up the historic heart of Nice, around the flower market and Cours Saleya.
La Croisette in Cannes
Lined with grand hotels and private beaches, this iconic avenue hosts the world's most famous film festival every year.
Perched villages
Èze, Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Gourdon offer medieval lanes and sea views, perched high in the hinterland.
The Lérins Islands
Off the coast of Cannes, Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat offer a natural escape with forests, beaches and a historic abbey.
Saint-Tropez
A yacht harbor and former fishing village turned legendary destination, Saint-Tropez combines renowned beaches with lively Provençal lanes.
Practical information
- Main city
- Nice
- Area
- About 4,000 km² (coastal Alpes-Maritimes and Var)
- Population
- About 2 million inhabitants
- Languages
- French
- Currency
- Euro (€)
- Time zone
- UTC+1 (UTC+2 in summer)
- Climate
- Mediterranean
- Best season
- May to September, June and September to avoid crowds
Frequently asked questions
When to visit the French Riviera?
From May to September, with a preference for June and September, which offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds than the peak summer months.
How many days are needed to visit the French Riviera?
A week allows you to discover Nice, Cannes, Antibes and a few perched villages, while two weeks leave time to explore Saint-Tropez and the Lérins Islands.
How do you get around the French Riviera?
Trains run efficiently along the coast between Nice, Cannes and Antibes, while a car remains useful for reaching villages in the hinterland.
Which perched villages should you see near Nice?
Èze, Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Gourdon are among the most visited, each offering panoramic views and medieval lanes within a short drive of the coast.
Is the French Riviera expensive to visit?
Major resorts like Cannes or Saint-Tropez can be costly in high season, but more affordable options exist in Nice or the hinterland.
Is the French Riviera suitable for families?
Yes, between developed beaches, the Lérins Islands and accessible villages, the region offers activities suited to all ages throughout the year.
Plan your trip to French Riviera
Day-by-day itinerary, budget, bookings and packing in a single app.
