THE 9 BEST THINGS TO DO IN FRENCH RIVIERA: MEDITERRANEAN TRAVEL
THE 9 BEST THINGS TO DO IN FRENCH RIVIERA: MEDITERRANEAN TRAVEL

THE 9 BEST THINGS TO DO IN FRENCH RIVIERA
Where is it?
So you would like to visit the French Riviera in the south of France but don’t know where to start? No problem. This short article will provide you with an overview of The 9 Best Things to do in French Riviera, one of the most iconic regions on the Mediterranean Sea. To start with, where exactly is the French Riviera? This region is located in the south of France and stretches from the Italian border in the east to the city of Saint Tropez in the south.
It’s referred to as both the French Riviera and the Cote d’Azur. It’s known for its beaches, beautiful landscapes, and mild climate. However, it is probably best known for its luxurious resorts and the opulent lifestyle that the wealthier residents enjoy here. This makes it a highly attractive Mediterranean destination for the rich and famous, and those who want to get a glimpse of the rich and famous. (Meanwhile, to find out more about the Mediterranean, check out our post on Mediterranean Lifestyle and Travel for helpful tips and ideas.)

Personal Connection
My first time in the region was in 1991 when I went on a road trip with my younger brother through Europe. We drove along the Mediterranean coast, passing through the French Riviera on our way to Spain. Our great-grandfather had emigrated from this area of France around the turn of the 19th century, so this trip was a way for us to try and connect with our roots. We spent a week in Saint Tropez and Toulon, and although we were unable to locate any “long-lost relatives”, we still felt a strong connection to the area.

Bond
Even without the personal connection, there is no doubt that there is something special about this place. The area has been featured in countless books and movies, serving most famously as a backdrop for several James Bond movies, for example. There is probably no single character more closely associated with the glitz and glamor of the Cote D’Azur than Bond himself (Little-known fact, shortly after he shot to fame as James Bond, Sean Connery bought a villa in Nice, overlooking the Mediterranean sea).
Unfortunately, we can’t all afford a villa on the coast however the French Riviera is still accessible to the “not so” rich and famous and to help you out I’ve compiled a list (in no particular order) outlining the 9 best things to do in French Riviera.

WHAT ARE THE 9 BEST THINGS TO DO IN FRENCH RIVIERA?
See and be Seen
- “See and be Seen”: Let’s be honest, you don’t go to the French Riviera for the solitude, or for the peace and quiet; you go to see and be seen. As mentioned above, the area is a magnet for the rich and famous and the chances of spotting a movie star or celebrity out in the “wild” are quite good. The Cote d’Azur is dotted with glamorous cities and towns with one of the most famous being Cannes.
Exclusive Events
- Exclusive Events: As mentioned above, The French Riviera is synonymous with luxury and extravagance. The area plays host to a wide range of exclusive events throughout the year, such as the Cannes Film Festival, Monaco Grand Prix, and various yacht shows. Alone for the non stop display of wealth (“my yacht is bigger than your yacht!”) this “hub” of luxury on the Mediterranean Sea is worth the visit.

Nightlife
- Nightlife: With so many people making their way to this area, it’s no surprise that the nightlife is second to none. There is a large assortment of chic bars, trendy clubs and glamorous casinos for visitors seeking entertainment after dark.
Outdoor Activities
- Outdoor Activities: With a combination of excellent weather, a scenic hilly landscape and coast, and water everywhere, there is a long list of activities to enjoy. You can go hiking or cycling in the hills, golfing on several world class golf courses and enjoy multiple water sports: sailing, snorkeling, jet skiing, scuba diving, windsurfing or kitesurfing.

Beaches
- Beaches: This region is renowned for its stunning beaches, offering crystal-clear waters, golden sands, and beautiful coastal landscapes. Below is a short list of just a few examples of the many stunning beaches providing visitors with plenty of options for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxation on the Mediterranean Sea.
- Promenade des Anglais Beach (Plage des Anglais), Nice: This famous beach is located along the well-known Promenade des Anglais in Nice. It’s a wide stretch of pebble-covered coastline with striking blue waters.
- Paloma Beach, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: Paloma Beach is on the exclusive Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, and is known for its immaculate white sand beaches. It is in a relatively quiet area and gives visitors excellent views of the Mediterranean Sea.
- Plage de Pampelonne, Saint-Tropez: This beach is one of the most famous in the area. Three miles of soft sands, trendy beach clubs and blue waters.
- Plage de la Garoupe, Antibes: A beautiful sandy beach with crystal-clear waters.
- La Croisette Beach, Cannes: This public beach has golden sandy shores and shallow waters, and beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea and the nearby Lerins Islands
- Plage de Passable, Cap Ferrat: A small pebble beach known for its pristine waters.
- Menton Beaches: This little town has several beautiful beaches, among them: Plages des Sablettes and Plage du Fossan
Explore Monaco

- Explore Monaco: This tiny country on the Mediterranean Sea is known for its opulent casinos, luxury yachts, and prestigious events like the Monaco Grand Prix.
French Cuisine
- French Cuisine: The Cote d’Azur is a paradise for food lovers, with a cuisine that reflects its Mediterranean location. Fresh seafood and locally grown produce and herbs feature prominently in traditional dishes. Visitors can indulge in gourmet dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, savor delicious street food at bustling markets, or enjoy a leisurely meal at a charming seaside café.
Enjoy the Stunning Natural Beauty
- Enjoy the Stunning Natural Beauty: Today this area mostly owes its fame to the glitz and glamour of the rich and famous who come here. But ultimately people were attracted to this area because of how beautiful it was and still is. The French Riviera runs along approximately 60 miles of coastline with incredible scenery, striking blue waters, golden beaches, and rugged cliffs. On top of that the region enjoys around 300 days of sunshine each year, making it an ideal destination for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Cultural Richness
- Cultural Richness: Through the years, the Cote d’Azur has inspired many artists, writers, and filmmakers, including Picasso, Matisse, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. As a result there are numerous museums, galleries, and cultural events celebrating the Riviera’s artistic heritage.

HOW TO GET TO FRENCH RIVIERA?
Airports
The main airports serving the French Riviera are:
- Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE)
- Cannes-Mandelieu Airport (CEQ)
- Toulon-Hyères Airport (TLN): ca. 40 km from Saint-Tropez.

Cruise Ports
The French Riviera features several prominent cruise ports that are popular stops for cruise ships along the Mediterranean coast:
- Port of Nice
- Port of Cannes
- Port of Monaco (Port Hercule).
Train
There are several main train stations located throughout the Cote d’Azur located in the following cities:
- Nice-Ville
- Cannes
- Antibes
- Monaco-Monte Carlo
- Menton
Accommodations
With thousands of options to fit every taste and budget, you are well advised to book well in advance if you are aiming to visit during the high season.
The high season in the Cote d’Azur usually goes from late spring to early fall ( roughly from May to September). This coincides with warmer weather and longer daylight hours, making it ideal for beach/water activities, sightseeing, and outdoor dining.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Hopefully, the above list has piqued your interest and you have now added the French Riviera to your travel bucket list. Admittedly, having that family connection to this area of France may have biased my opinion but there are millions of people that visit the area annually who cant all be wrong (Fun fact: France is rated as one of The 5 Best Places to Retire in Europe – click the link to read our post and find out more).
Overall the Cote d’Azur is a beautiful area worth visiting in its own right but with the bonus of being a hub for the rich and famous, it’s even more appealing. This potent combination has made the French Riviera the go-to spot for taking a high-profile vacation. After all, who doesn’t want to nonchalantly mention to their neighbors or coworkers that you just came back from a trip on the French Riviera and “the weather was excellent this year”. You can even tell them you saw Brad Pit or Margot Robbie while you were there (Who’s to say you didn’t, right?). In fact, tell them you met Margot Robbie while talking to Brad Pit. You’re Welcome!
With the French Riviera, anything is possible.
Finally, on a practical note, plan well in advance if traveling in the high season. Consider late spring or early fall, if you’re looking to travel at a more relaxed pace. The weather will still be nice, most venues will still be open and lines will be short. Whichever you choose, you’re sure to enjoy your experience on the French Riviera.
Reg Auge
Reg holds an MBA, is a former Captain in the Canadian military and has worked as a consultant in industry for over 20 years. From his home in Spain, he has spent the last 10 years traveling throughout the Mediterranean, exploring the various countries and regions. He also regularly runs, windsurfs, and kite surfs, maintaining a healthy and active way of life. Captivated by this Mediterranean lifestyle, he began a Blog last year to inspire like-minded souls to learn about and discover this unique region for themselves.