Nestled along the Mediterranean coastline of the southeast corner of France, the French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur, is a destination synonymous with glamour and breathtaking beauty. This storied locale isn’t just about celebrity sightings and yacht parties; it’s steeped in cultural history and natural beauty. From stunning beaches and world-class art to charming hillside towns and modern cities, the French Riviera offers a variety of experiences that cater to all types of travelers. Here are the top 10 must-visit places on the French Riviera.
### 1. **Nice**
The capital of the Riviera, Nice is a vibrant city famous for its lovely seaside promenade, the Promenade des Anglais. Old Town (Vieux Nice) is a maze of narrow streets filled with colorful buildings, quaint shops, lively markets, and bustling cafés.
### 2. **Cannes**
Globally known for its international film festival, Cannes is synonymous with celebrities and luxury. The Boulevard de la Croisette curving along the coast is lined with sandy beaches, upmarket boutiques, and palatial hotels.
### 3. **Saint-Tropez**
Once a fishing village, now a hotspot for international celebrities, Saint-Tropez offers both charm and exclusivity. Don’t miss visiting its old port filled with yachts as well as nearby Pampelonne Beach known for its chic beach clubs like Club 55.
### 4. **Monaco**
Monaco screams luxury with its casinos (Monte Carlo), Grand Prix event, upscale restaurants, exotic gardens (like Jardin Exotique), and regal history evident in Prince’s Palace in Monaco-Ville.
### 5. **Antibes**
Known for its old town enclosed by 16th-century ramparts with the star-shaped Fort Carré, this town also boasts Port Vauban—a renowned yachting harbor hosting mega-yachts alongside traditional wooden boats.
### 6. **Eze**
Perched high above sea level on a rocky peak is Eze—a medieval village offering stunning panoramas over St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula. The steep cobblestone streets add to its charming character.
### 7. **Menton**
Bordering Italy on the coast of Côte d’Azur lies Menton—a milder destination known for lemons! Visit during February for their famous Lemon Festival (Fête du Citron). Its serene gardens like Jardin Serre de la Madone are worth exploring too.
### 8. **Grasse**
Revered as the world’s perfume capital, Grasse offers visitors an opportunity to create their custom fragrances at perfumeries like Fragonard or Molinard—it’s an olfactory journey unlike any other!
### 9. **Porquerolles Island**
This island off Hyères is part of Port-Cros National Park—pristine nature in abundance! Rent bikes to explore rugged landscapes or relax at beautiful Plage Notre Dame surrounded by crystal clear waters.
### 10. **Èze-sur-Mer**
Not to be confused with Èze Village higher up in the mountains—this coastal part allows visitors to enjoy Mediterranean waters after exploring upper Èze’s historical sites by day.
Traveling through these top destinations on the French Riviera provides an array of experiences from luxe relaxation at sandy beaches or enjoying high-end shopping sprees in cosmopolitan cities to delving into rich culture in historic villages or embarking on natural retreats in secluded islands.
Whether you’re seeking artistic inspiration like Picasso and Matissez once did here or simply looking for an exotic getaway drenched in sunshine—the French Riviera promises something magical that makes every visit truly unforgettable.