The French Riviera – the Mediterranean coast of southern France – is a popular destination for celebrities and tourists alike. I took a guided tour of the French Riviera and traveled along the coast, stopping at some great spots. Here are my top places to visit!
Nice is hands down my favorite city in the French Riviera. It sits on the Cote d’Azur and the water is a striking blue hue that can be seen from almost all points in Nice. The beach is ideal for tanning and relaxing while the pristine sea is perfect for boating, snorkeling, and diving. The Musée Matisse, which hosts a large collection of Matisse’s art, and the Modern Museum are perfect rainy day activities. If the weather is nice, a hike up the Chateau—or Castle Hill—yields a beautiful view of Nice. You can wander around the castle and its cemetery or cool off in the spray of the waterfall (pictured above).
This medieval village is a must-see if you’re visiting the French Rivera. It is situated on the Grand Corniche, which is 1,400 feet above sea level so the views are amazing. Tour the Fragonard Parfumerie, a famous French perfume factory (pictured above), and shop for the scents you saw on your tour! Afterward, trek up to the Exotic Gardens for a beautiful birds-eye view. Finish your day with a French meal in one of the many quaint restaurants in the village.
Monaco is a well-known getaway for the rich and famous and is known for the Monte Carlo Casino, which is extravagantly decorated and constantly surrounded by fancy cars (pictured above). When the extravagance becomes too much, head into town and visit the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, the official residence for the Prince of Monaco and the former residence of actress Grace Kelly. Explore the beautiful Saint Nicholas Cathedral where many members of the Grimaldi’s dynasty are buried, such as Grace Kelly and Rainier III, the Prince of Monaco. If the Monaco sun becomes too hot, cool off at the Oceanographic Museum or in Monaco’s beautiful water.
Another medieval city located on the coast, Antibes is a town that should not be missed. Home to the International Yacht Club, this village is the perfect place to scout out the world’s biggest superyachts. Walk around Antibes’s open-air market and pick up some original, and inexpensive, souvenirs. Explore the Picasso museum and pick up some local rotisserie chicken for a picnic on the beach. Antibes’s beaches are a must with beautiful sand and warm water.