6 Unforgettable destinations to visit in the French Riviera
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If you’re looking for a vacation to make you feel like a celebrity, a trip to the French Riviera is the perfect fit. Sprawling across the French-Italian border, the French Riviera, also known as the Côte d’Azur, is a cluster of cities and towns that boasts sparkling Mediterranean views, majestic palaces and historic landmarks you won’t want to miss.
The French Riviera is home to royals, beautiful beaches, and medieval seaside towns, ideal for any traveller who wants to relax as much as they’d like to explore. This stunning coastline has inspired famous works by artists and writers like Picasso, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, reflecting its gorgeous scenery and cultural significance.
Want to see the best of the French Riviera? Here are the must-see locales so you can follow in the footsteps of royals, artists and celebrities on your holiday.
Cannes
Step into the vibrant city of Cannes, home to one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world. Snap a picture of the steps of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès to feel like a Hollywood star.
However, even if you aren’t a movie buff, Cannes has plenty to offer. Take a stroll down la Croisette, Cannes’ famous boardwalk. Widely considered the city's beating heart, you can enjoy sparkling ocean views and poke your head into luxury shops as you walk the boulevard.
Cannes’ oldest district, le Suquet, features a rich history and good eats. This neighbourhood was the original fishing village from which Cannes grew. As you wander the steep medieval streets, you might visit the Musée de la Castre, housed in a convent with buildings dating back to the 11th century.
For a taste of Cannes’ past, you can browse the local cheeses, pastries and produce in the food shops on Rue Meynadier or at the Marché Forville.
Just a short drive from Cannes is the Château de la Napoule, a unique 14th-century castle by the sea. The chateau now houses an art museum, and you can also visit its well-tended gardens to bask in their cypress and rosemary scent.
Nice
Nice is often called the gateway to the French Riviera and is a must-see for anyone exploring the Côte d’Azur. Shop at the Cours Saleya markets or wander the Promenade des Anglais for beautiful beachfront views.
Old Town should be your next stop. Visit Nice Cathedral, a 17th-century Baroque church in the heart of Old Nice. Don’t miss the Palais Lascaris for vibrant vaulted ceilings and detailed frescoes. Want more of Nice’s history? Cimiez, one of the city’s districts, is home to crumbling Roman ruins dating between the first and seventh centuries.
Nice is also a playground for museum lovers. You might want to check out the Musée National du Sport, art galleries like the Musée Matisse and Musée Marc Chagall or historic gems like the Musée Masséna.
Just outside the city is Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, which houses the lavish Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, built by a baroness in 1912. On your trip, stroll the nine-themed gardens and ornate interiors for a taste of nobility.
Hyères
Hyères has a beautiful Old Town and impressive archaeological sites like the ancient Greek ruins of Olbia. Located on a promontory by the sea, this ancient city dates back to the fourth century BC.
Despite Hyères’ other attractions, the Îles d'Hyères set it apart from other towns on the coast. The archipelago of three islands is home to Porquerolles, a car-free island where you can bike to Plage D’Argent, one of the most beautiful beaches along the French Riviera.
You’ll also want to visit Port-Cros National Park, Porquerolles’ wilder neighbouring island. Due to its protected marine status, this site boasts the best snorkelling in France. Take a dip in the cerulean waters of the Mediterranean and keep your eye out for marine wildlife like octopuses beneath the waves.
Menton
Travel to Menton for the warmest town on the Côte d’Azur due to its unique microclimate and proximity to the Italian border. If you’d like to escape the hustle and bustle of Nice and Cannes, Menton, with its sunset-coloured buildings, is the perfect place for you.
You'll want to relax on the famous sandy beaches, like Plage des Sablettes, or enjoy the natural feel of a pebble beach, such as Plage du Casino. To explore Menton’s history, visit the Saint-Michel-Archange Basilica and admire the breathtaking facade and intricate interior.
Menton’s balmy weather has attracted botanists for centuries, so its renowned gardens are a must-see. A stroll through the Villa Maria Serena Gardens is like walking through an open-air greenhouse full of thriving palm trees and tropical plants. The Jardin de la Serre de la Madone was the passion project of American botanist Lawrence Jonston, who transformed the property into a haven of rare plants.
Monaco
In Monaco, the world’s second-smallest country, the shoreline brims with luxury yachts and the streets purr with designer cars. Walk among royals and celebrities at iconic landmarks like the Prince’s Palace and the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate.
The Prince’s Palace of Monaco, home to the Grimaldi family for over 700 years, reflects this long tradition. Its facade reflects its history, with various sections built in different architectural styles over time. The Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate is a Roman-Byzantine-style church containing the graves of Monaco’s royals, including American-born actress-turned-princess Grace Kelly. It houses two organs and eight chapels along the church’s aisles.
At the Monte Carlo Opera House, designed by the famous French architect Charles Garnier, get a taste of Monaco’s fine arts and culture with classic performances. If you’re feeling lucky, visit the famous Monte Carlo Casino.
Perched on the edge of a cliff is Monaco’s Musée Océanographique, a marine conservation institute that doubles as an aquarium, a cabinet of curiosities and an educational centre. Discover the ocean's treasures at this undersea haven, once led by famous oceanographer Jacques Cousteau.
Antibes
Within the walled city of Antibes, you can walk the ramparts and be transported back in time. Visit the Musée Picasso, housed in a 14th-century chateau and experience a unique blend of medieval architecture and modern art.
The real showstopper is Fort Carré, built in the 16th century—a star-shaped fortress that once housed Napoleon Bonaparte during his imprisonment. For more arts and culture, check out the Nomade au bastion Saint-Jaume, a sculpture created by Jaume Plensa that overlooks the sea.
You will also want to check out the coastal trails such as the Sentier du Littoral, which wraps around the Cap d’Antibes. As you stroll the rocky path, there will be some great swimming spots—so don’t forget your bathing suit!
Want to bask in the Mediterranean sunshine on the French Riviera? Join the Together. Groups by CAA Travel excursion this winter 2026. Book an appointment with a CAA Travel Agent today to plan your escape.
