December 13, 2022

Top 10 Things to Do in the French Riviera

The French Riviera, along the Mediterranean coastline of southeast France, immediately conjures up images of glamour and high-flying life coupled with stunning beaches and beautiful historic towns and cities. Don’t be put off by the associations with the super-rich however, as there are plenty of things to do in the French Rivieria for travelers on all budgets. Whether its exploring traditional markets, sipping wine along beautiful rolling vineyards, exploring medieval villages or simply kicking back at a beach, we’ve got you covered in our guide to the top 10 things to do in the French Riviera.

Nice Old Town

When exploring the Old Town of Nice you may want to take in:

• Cathedral of St. Reparata (Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate) with a vibrant dome that can be seen from afar. Saint Reparata is the patron saint of Nice and was entombed in this 17^th-century cathedral.
• Place Rossetti – a quaint but lively square with cafes, ice cream shops and restaurants.
• False Gate (la Porte Fausse) marks the passing from the historic Old Nice district and the modern town
• The Lascaris Palace contains ornate decorative aristocratic chambers and the second largest collection of ancient musical instruments in France.

Castle Hill Nice

Castle Hill in Nice (Colline du Château) takes a commanding place in the city and divides the seaside part of Nice into two parts: the eastern part with the port, and the western part with the Old Town of Nice. The perfect place to take a snap of the city from the 92 m high hill which offers views from all sides.

If you’re starting your journey across the French Riviera from Nice, then consider hiring a car at Nice Airport to get things started with ease.

Iles de Lerins

The Iles de Lérins are a small group of islands near Cannes, and separate the Gulf of La Napoule, to the west, from the Gulf of Juan, to the east. It is just a 15 minute boat trip from Cannes or you can reach them from Juan-les-Pins, Mandelieu-La Napoule and Theoule-sur-Mer.

Le Sentier Du Littoral, Cap D’Antibes

Le Sentier du Littoral is a 5 km coastal walk around the southernmost tip of the Cap. The two hour hike takes in some of the most stunning scenery along the Mediterranean coast. Follow the winding, stone path for a romantic moment though it should be said good shoes are essential.

La Croisette, Cannes

Take a rather special stroll on this boulevard along the Mediterranean sea. The Promenade de la Croisette is the epitome of Cannes. Pine and palm trees provide shade along this 3km walk. A perfect place to attract the rays and feel the wind blowing over the ocean waves.

Ile Saint-Honorat

The island has a history of being a monastic retreat and to this day, there are 30 Cistercian monks still living there. You can visit the Abbey of Lérins and the 15th Century monastery and buy wine and olive oil. The island is served all year round by a regular commercial ferry service from Cannes.

Citadelle De Saint-Tropez, Musee Histoire Maritime

Recently renovated, this contemporary museum is located in the dungeon of the village’s Citadel offering a 500 year history of Saint-Tropez. You can study how the seamen of the town engaged with the world’s oceans. Also learn of the town’s everyday life and traditional fishing practices.

Base Nature François Léotard

The Base Nature François Léotard is a space of freedom of 135 hectares by the sea. 85 hectares are made up of protected natural areas for outdoor enthusiasts, the rest being intended for sports and leisure activities. A 1.5 km fine sandy beach is supervised in the summer season. Over the years, the municipality has developed the site and thus allows everyone to practice the activity of their choice in complete safety and freedom.

Promenade Des Anglais, Nice

Heading back into Nice, the Promenade des Anglais in Nice is arguably the most interesting attraction in the city. It stretches for seven kilometers and provides an uninterrupted view of the azure sea and palm trees. Locally it is known as the Prom and gets in name from 18^th century English aristocrats who visited to improve their health.