The French Riviera is more than a beach destination — it's a coastline of art museums, perched medieval villages, glamorous harbours, and scenic drives. Here's a complete guide to the best things to do, organised by interest.
Beaches and Coastal Experiences
1. Relax on the Promenade des Anglais, Nice
Nice's iconic pebble beach and seafront walkway is the Riviera's most famous stretch of coastline, ideal for swimming, cycling, or simply people-watching.
2. Beach Club Day at Pampelonne, Saint-Tropez
Saint-Tropez's most famous beach is lined with upscale beach clubs, offering sunbeds, lunch service, and the classic Riviera glamour experience.
3. Swim at Villefranche-sur-Mer
One of the Riviera's most sheltered and scenic bays, framed by a pastel-coloured fishing village and a 16th-century citadel.
4. Boat Trip to the Lérins Islands, Cannes
A short ferry ride from Cannes leads to two peaceful islands, Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat, known for pine forests, quiet coves, and a working monastery.
Villages and Architecture
5. Explore Èze's Clifftop Streets
Perched between Nice and Monaco, Èze's medieval village leads up to the Jardin Exotique, offering panoramic views over the coastline.
6. Wander Saint-Paul-de-Vence
A fortified hilltop village long favoured by artists, with narrow cobbled lanes, art galleries, and the Fondation Maeght modern art museum nearby.
7. Walk the Old Town of Antibes
Antibes' fortified old quarter combines a lively covered market with narrow lanes leading down to the sea.
8. Discover Menton's Belle Époque Streets
Known as the “Pearl of France,” Menton's pastel architecture and subtropical gardens sit right against the Italian border.
Culture, Art, and History
9. Visit the Matisse Museum, Nice
Housed in a 17th-century villa, this museum reflects the years Matisse spent living and working in Nice.
10. See the Picasso Museum, Antibes
Set inside a seaside castle where Picasso once lived and worked, this museum holds a significant collection from his most productive period on the coast.
11. Tour the Prince's Palace, Monaco
Home to Monaco's royal family, the palace and its surrounding old town offer a glimpse into the principality's history and grandeur.
12. Visit the Oceanographic Museum, Monaco
Perched dramatically on a cliff above the sea, this museum combines marine research exhibits with sweeping Mediterranean views.
Food, Wine, and Markets
13. Browse Cours Saleya Market, Nice
A daily flower and food market in Nice's Old Town, ideal for sampling local produce, olives, and socca (a Niçoise chickpea pancake).
14. Take a Rosé Wine Tour
The hills behind Saint-Tropez and the Var region produce some of France's best-known rosé wines, with many vineyards open for tastings.
15. Try Niçoise Cuisine
Sample regional specialties like salade niçoise, pissaladière, and ratatouille at a local bistro, especially in Nice's Old Town.
Scenic Drives and Outdoor Activities
16. Drive the Corniche Roads
The three coastal roads between Nice and Monaco — Basse, Moyenne, and Grande Corniche — offer some of the most scenic drives in Europe, with dramatic sea views at every turn.
17. Hike Cap Ferrat's Coastal Path
A scenic walking trail circling the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, passing rocky coves and views of some of the Riviera's most exclusive villas.
18. Visit the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
A pink Belle Époque mansion on Cap Ferrat, surrounded by nine themed gardens overlooking the sea on both sides of the peninsula.
Nightlife and Glamour
19. Experience Monte Carlo Casino
Even without gambling, the casino's Belle Époque exterior and interior are worth a visit, along with the surrounding Place du Casino.
20. Watch the Sunset from Castle Hill, Nice
A hilltop park with no castle left standing, but the best panoramic sunset views over Nice and the Baie des Anges.
Sample 5-Day French Riviera Activity Plan
- Day 1: Nice Old Town, Cours Saleya market, Castle Hill sunset
- Day 2: Èze village and Monaco (Prince's Palace, Oceanographic Museum)
- Day 3: Cannes and a Lérins Islands boat trip
- Day 4: Antibes (Picasso Museum) and Saint-Paul-de-Vence
- Day 5: Corniche scenic drive and Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Places to visit in the French Riviera → · French Riviera itineraries →
Frequently Asked Questions
Exploring Nice’s Old Town combined with a day trip to Èze and Monaco is consistently rated as the top experience, blending city life, village charm, and coastal views.
Yes — the region offers extensive art museums, medieval villages, and scenic hiking trails that make it a rewarding destination even without spending time on the beach.
Visiting the Prince’s Palace and walking through the Place du Casino are the top experiences, along with the cliffside Oceanographic Museum.
5–7 days allows time to combine Nice, at least two coastal towns, one hilltop village, and a scenic drive along the Corniche roads.