ONE WEEK IN THE FRENCH RIVIERA
- Gaiaonthego
- Feb 19, 2024
- 11 min read
Updated: Oct 25, 2024
WHEN TO GO
The French Riviera boasts mild weather for the majority of the year, making it a delightful destination for travelers seeking pleasant temperatures and outdoor adventures. However, if you're planning to soak up the sun and enjoy the stunning beaches along the Mediterranean coast, the recommended months are typically from May to September. During this time, the weather is warmer, and the sea is inviting for swimming and water sports, providing the perfect conditions for a quintessential Riviera experience.
EVENTS TO PLAN YOUR TRIP AROUND:
Lavender Bloom
The lavender fields in Provence burst into vibrant hues typically from mid-June to early August, reaching their peak around mid-July. The regions of Provence, particularly around the Plateau de Valensole, Sault, and Luberon, offer some of the most breathtaking vistas of these fragrant purple fields.
Monaco Grand Prix
The Monaco Grand Prix, one of the most prestigious events in motorsports, usually takes place in late May. It's an electrifying weekend that transforms the streets of Monte Carlo into a high-speed race track, drawing crowds from around the world to witness the thrilling spectacle of Formula 1 racing.
Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes Film Festival, renowned for its glitz and glamour, is typically held in May. It's a star-studded affair that showcases the latest cinematic masterpieces, with celebrities, filmmakers, and cinephiles descending upon the glamorous French Riviera city to celebrate the art of cinema.
DAY 1: ANTIBES
Initially, I stumbled upon Antibes because I was looking for a more budget-friendly Airbnb a bit outside of Nice, but was pleasantly surprised when we arrived in this charming town! Nestled along the coastline, Antibes is very cute with its quaint cafes, hidden beaches, and picturesque trails. Its vibrant historic town boasted a sizable antique market and we spent every evening after our day trips having beach picnics underneath breathtaking sunsets. Antibes was our home base for the entire trip, and although we rented a car, the train station in town is well-connected to the majority of places you'll want to visit.
THINGS TO DO IN ANTIBES
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Rent a Vespa at Pop'Bike
Start your day with a sense of adventure by renting a Vespa to explore Antibes and its surroundings. We rented a Vespa for just the day and used it to explore all of the hidden beaches in Antibes, drive along the coast, and head into the old town.
Explore Juan-Les-Pins
Kick off your day with a leisurely stroll through Juan-Les-Pins, soaking in its charming atmosphere and coastal views.
Brunch by the Water
Indulge in a delicious brunch waterside at Restaurant L’institution, savoring local flavors and the Mediterranean breeze.
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Explore a Hidden Beach
Hike along Sentier du Littoral, where you'll find beautiful views and the hidden Baie des Milliardaires. This beach and trail were hidden in a gated neighborhood of Antibes, but you can get in just fine on foot.
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If you keep following the trail, you'll end up at Escalier Public, a secret beach tucked away in the cliffs. We came early in the morning to take photos and had the beach all to ourselves!
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Discover the Old Town
Venture into Antibes' captivating old town, where history comes to life amidst winding streets and historic landmarks.
Photo by gaiaonthego
Shop the Markets
Explore the various markets, including the Provencal Market (open daily) and the Antique Market (Thursdays & Saturdays), for unique finds and local treasures.
Visit Musee Picasso
Immerse yourself in art and culture at Musee Picasso, home to an impressive collection of works by the renowned artist.
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Hit the Beach
Since Antibes was our home base, we ended each day with a sunset picnic at the beach.
Plage des Ondes is a great picnic spot, and you can enjoy beautiful sunsets here each evening.
Plage de la Garoupe is another nice free beach with golden sand to catch some sun, but can get quite crowded.
DAY 2: ÈZE & VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-MER
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Our second day led us to the enchanting medieval village of Èze, perched atop the Provence hilltops. Whether by car (1 hour, 10 minutes) or train (1 hour, 50 minutes), Èze charmed us with its quaint streets and panoramic views. We opted to explore without a strict itinerary, allowing us to discover its hidden treasures at our own pace. Èze is quite small, so we paired this day trip with an afternoon visit to the colorful beach town of Villefranch-sur-Mer.
MAKE THE MOST OF A MORNING IN ÈZE:
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Get Lost in the Alleys
Wandering around without an itinerary is always a good idea in these small medieval villages. There are plenty of hidden museums and art galleries, local craft and artisan shops, and boutiques that you surely won't be bored!
Visit Le Jardin Exotique
Marvel at stunning vistas from Le Jardin Exotique, built atop the ruins of a castle, offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean.
Make Your Own Perfume at the Fragonard Perfume Factory
Engage your senses with a visit to the Fragonard Perfume Factory, where you can create your own signature scent.
Plage d'Èze
Cool off at Plage d'Èze, a tranquil beach nestled along the coastline, perfect for a refreshing swim or leisurely sunbathing session.
In the afternoon, head to Villefranche-sur-Mer (located just an 18-minute drive from Èze) for some seafood and beach relaxation.
WHAT TO DO IN VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-MER
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Seafood Lunch on the Water
Enjoy a delightful seafood lunch at the Old Harbor, savoring fresh catches and seaside views.
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Sunbathe
Spend your afternoon soaking up the sun at...
Plage des Marinieres - Villefranche-sur-Mer's main beach. Located right in town, this beach has small pebbly sand and crystal waters, and you can expect many people to go topless.
Plage de la Darse - Hidden behind the port, it's a quiet and family-friendly pebble beach a short walk away from the center.
Plage de la Petite Afrique - Surrounded by stunning cliffs and many services.
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Walk Through an Underground Passageway
Beneath the charming old quarter of this picturesque fishing village lies a secret medieval street, known as Rue Obscure, winding its way underground.
DAY 3: NICE
The capital of the French Riviera, Nice is a vibrant beach town steeped in history, and that recently attained World Heritage Site status. With a wealth of attractions including 10 museums, extensive bike paths, and stunning Baroque and Belle Époque architecture, Nice effortlessly combines sophistication with a laid-back charm. The heart of the city, Place Masséna, is adorned with towering illuminated figures that change colors at night, creating a whimsical ambiance.
HOW TO SPEND ONE DAY IN NICE
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Treat Yourself at Opera Plage
Whether you're looking to sunbathe, or just want a seaside aperitif, Opera Plage is the beach located right in the center of Nice. The shoreline is made of small grey pebbles, contrasting with the vibrant turquoise waters. One side of the beach is a free beach, with plenty of space to set up your beach towels for the day, while the other side is lined with restaurants, beach clubs, and rows of inviting sun beds.
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Explore the Markets
Visiting on a Sunday turned out to be a delightful surprise as we found ourselves immersed in a vibrant market with a little bit of everything. Nice is known to have large markets almost every day of the week, and here are some of the market dates you can plan your visit around:
Flower Market: Tuesday - Saturday
Food Market: Tuesday - Saturday
Antique Market: Monday
Artisan Market: Tuesday - Saturday
Fish Market: Tuesday - Sunday
Liberation Food Market: Tuesday - Sunday
Flea Market in the Port: Tuesday - Sunday
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Stroll Rue Alexandre Mari
A great photo spot with all of the colorful buildings along Rue Alexandre Mari.
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Visit The Old Town
Dive into the charming old town of Vieux Nice, which is filled with narrow streets, historical buildings, and a great place to go vintage and antique shopping.
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Hike to Parc de la Colline du Chateau
Hike up "Castle Hill" aka Parc de la Colline du Chateau for panoramic city views, offering a breathtaking perspective of Nice and the Mediterranean coastline.
Photo by gaiaonthego
Try the lavender ice cream
We found ourselves at Fenocchio a well-known family-run gelato shop with plenty of flavors, from the weird to the wonderful!
DAY 4: MONACO & MENTON
Monaco, as most already know, is the second-smallest independent state in the world, and is known for its grand casinos and designer malls. Funnily enough, the day we decided to visit Monaco was the same week that they were holding the Monaco Grand Prix - and we didn't even know! Although it was incredibly exciting to be there during this time, we obviously didn't have tickets to the grand prix. The majority of the city and its streets were boarded off for the race, which meant we were quite limited with what we could do and see. Because of this, we decided to make our visit to Monaco a half-day and spent the afternoon exploring nearby Menton. Looking back on this day, I think we made the right choice by making a half-day out of Monaco since we weren't interested in (and also couldn't afford) to play in the casinos and shop in the luxury shops. However, I do think we could have chosen a better spot to spend the afternoon. Although I'll share what we did in Menton, I will say that we were a bit bored and didn't find much to do or see. If you are thinking of making a half day out of Monaco as well, I recommend combining it with another close by down like Saint Jean Cap Ferrat or Sainte Agnes.
Photos by gaiaonthego
HOW TO SPEND A DAY IN MONACO:
The Rock
Offering amazing panoramic views of the city, this is where the history of Monaco began.
The Prince's Palace
Located at the top of the rock, at the Place du Palais.
Saint Martin Gardens
The first public garden in the city, offering beautiful panoramic sea views.
Photo by gaiaonthego
Port Hercules
The city's main harbor filled with luxury yachts.
La Condamine's Markets
Located on the Place d’Armes, you'll find open-air and covered markets open daily until 3 pm with a variety of fresh local produce and shops with local and imported goods.
Outdoor Mall
Explore the outdoor shopping mall near Jardin des Boulingrins.
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Casino de Monte-Carlo
If you're not a fan of gambling, you should still stop by and view it from the outside. Visitors can enter with a fee before 2 pm, but afterward, entrance is granted only to gamblers.
Photos by gaiaonthego
THINGS TO DO IN MENTON:
Menton is a quaint and colorful coastal town in the French Riviera and a great spot for a relaxing afternoon. When we arrived here, we were looking for a super laid-back and quiet afternoon, and that's exactly what we found!
Stopping to smell the Lemons
Menton is famous for its lemons and lemon trees, and you'll find all sorts of soaps, lemon liquors, and lemon-infused products in the local shops.
Stroll around Old Town
Filled with medieval buildings, narrow alleys, and colorful homes.
Sunbathe
There are quite a few free and paid beaches that line the coastal town, and make for a perfect spot to catch some sun or have a picnic!
Plage des Sablettes: A stunning boulevard at the edge of the old town that borders the white sand beach. Here, you can access to
Plage du Marché: Another free beach right at the edge of town with little white pebbles.
Jean Cocteau Museum
Jean Cocteau is a renowned artist and film director who loved Menton so much that there's a museum dedicated to his work - housed within the 17th-century bastion and adorned with exquisite mosaics of his.
DAY 5: SAINT-TROPEZ
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Out of all the places we visited on this trip, Saint-Tropez was my absolute favorite! Don't be turned off by the idea that it's super expensive here, because although it is filled with luxury shops, restaurants, and beach clubs, it's an incredibly cute town with plenty of budget-friendly things to do! Seeing as we had spent the last few days by the beach, we decided to add a winery visit to this day trip and I am so glad we did! The winery we chose (mentioned below) was stunning, and we had it all to ourselves for the afternoon.
HOW TO SPEND ONE DAY IN SAINT-TROPEZ:
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Lunch at Le Café ($$):
Where we ultimately decided to have lunch, this bistro is located in the Place des Lices plaza and has a gorgeous outdoor terrace and cozy indoor space.
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Visit Port de Saint-Tropez
The port is adorned with vibrant hues, shops, and inviting cafes, creating a picturesque scene that doubles as a popular spot for a refreshing swim.
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DIOR Des Lices Cafe
Nestled in the heart of Saint-Tropez, the DIOR café has an irresistible atmosphere, making it a must-visit - even if just for a stroll to soak in its charm!
Photos by gaiaonthego
Stroll through the Old Town
The old town boasts a charming array of historic buildings with cobblestone streets, and is an ideal spot for leisurely boutique window shopping!
Photo by gaiaonthego
Hit the Beach
Plage de la Glaye: Nestled at the port's edge, this petite stretch of beach provides the perfect spot to bask in picturesque views and dip your toes in the water.
Plage de Pampelonne: This iconic beach stretches along a vibrant shoreline adorned with beach clubs and restaurants, with a free section available for those seeking a less expensive alternative.
View from Église Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption
This Italian baroque-style church, crowned by a majestic bell tower constructed in 1784, stands as one of Saint-Tropez's most iconic landmarks, boasting breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding area.
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Butterfly Museum Maison des Papillons
Nestled in the heart of the town center, the Butterfly Museum was founded by painter Dany Lartigue within his own Tropezian home. It costs 3€ to enter and has a vast collection spanning two floors.
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Winery Visit at Chateau Barbeyrolles
Located just a 10-minute drive from Saint-Tropez and nestled at the base of Gassin, this stunning winery sprawls across 12 acres of lush vineyards. Despite its modest size, the winery offers an intimate setting, and we had the entire place to ourselves when we visited. We unwound from the day with a glass of wine and couldn't resist having a little photoshoot at this little haven we had all to ourselves.
Photos by gaiaonthego
DAY 6: GRASSE
Renowned as the perfume capital of France, Grasse is celebrated for its extensive history in the perfume-making craft. Located on the hillside just north of Cannes, the town offers a captivating experience for visitors. Upon arriving by car, we embarked on a full day of exploration, traversing its charming medieval streets and indulging our senses in the fragrances emanating from its iconic perfumeries. Immersed in the quaint ambiance of small-town France, we even had the opportunity to craft our own personalized perfume. This town is also in proximity to some lavender fields. Regrettably, we were just a week or two ahead of their bloom, but I've included some locations below in case you're planning a visit during the blooming season!
Photos by gaiaonthego
BEST THINGS TO DO IN GRASSE:
Take a Free tour of a Perfume House
Fragonard: Located at the entrance to Grasse's historic district, it is the most convenient of the three and occupies several floors within its magnificent old yellow-walled factory.
Molinard: In a building designed by Gustav Eiffel (yes, the same one as the Eiffel Tower), the Molinard factory is a short walk away from the old town.
Gallimard: One of Europe's oldest perfumeries, it's located a little farther away from town and you'll likely need a car to reach it.
Make Your Own Perfume
While each of the three perfume houses mentioned above offers perfume workshops, we chose the Fragonard Perfume Workshop. This immersive experience includes 90 minutes of selecting your ingredients and scents, followed by a 30-minute guided tour. At the time of our visit, the workshop cost about 80€ per person, and participants receive a 100 ml bottle of their custom scent to take home.
Get lost in the Old Town
An enchanting historic district adorned with cobblestone streets, brimming with quaint local boutiques, lavender shops, and nougat stores.
Photo by gaiaonthego
Visit the Lavender Fields
As mentioned above, we unfortunately were in Grasse a few weeks before the lavender bloom...but we tried our best to see them anyway. We went to Lavanderaie de Marie, about a 20-minute drive from Grasse. A kind lady from the Galimard shop advised us to come here, and it is one of the fields that Galimard sources from. Be advised that the roads are narrow and windy in the mountainside, and can be a bit daunting. We drove by this spot about 5 times before finally finding a small sign on the side of the road with a hidden trail you can follow with the car.
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