The most beautiful places on the French Riviera

The French Riviera is a region in southeastern France, on the Mediterranean coast. The area, which stretches roughly from Cannes to Menton, is known for its luxury and relatively high prices. However, you don't have to pay top dollar everywhere. You'll find charming fishing villages, charming harbors, and breathtaking views.

Transport in the French Riviera

There are good bus and train connections between the coastal towns and the medieval villages in the area. Bus number 100, for example, runs between the port of Nice and Menton, with stops in Villefranche-sur-Mer and Monaco, among others. Bus number 82 runs between Nice and Èze and takes only 20 minutes. There is also a good train connection between all the towns and cities on the French Riviera. A return train ticket from Èze-sur-Mer to Menton, for example, costs €7.20. A one-way ticket from Èze-sur-Mer to Nice costs just €2.30.

Cannes: where movie stars and beaches meet

Cannes is best known for its annual 12-day film festival, but you can also spot celebrities outside of the festival season. There are many luxury hotels and restaurants in the city. If you're looking to save money, it's advisable to check prices before entering a restaurant. For designer shops, Boulevard de la Croisette and Rue d'Antibes are the places to be. Rue Meynadier is primarily a tourist shopping street, but even here, it's relatively expensive. It's best to shop in one of the side streets.

Many of the sandy beaches are hotel-owned, but at Plage Macé, you can relax for free. Sunbeds and parasols can also be rented there. It's also definitely worth visiting the medieval castle on Place de la Castre. Around the castle, you'll find many charming old streets perfect for a stroll.

Nice: the heart of the French Riviera

Nice is an ideal base for visiting the other towns and villages along the French Riviera. There are also several must-see sights in Nice itself.

La Popote D'Ondine

On Rue Blacas, you'll find a fantastic brunch and lunch patisserie. The menu offers a variety of pastries, cookies, and lunch dishes (including vegan options), such as salmon toast and avocado toast.

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You can walk to the old town via Place Masséna. In Nice's old town, you'll find beautifully colored buildings with old facades and authentic restaurants. There are plenty of souvenirs to be found in the shops or at the "Cours Saleya" market. At the end of the town center, you'll find the promenade, the beach, and the famous #IloveNice point.

It's also definitely worth climbing Castle Hill on the edge of the old city center. This park features an artificial waterfall, and from the lookout point at Parque de la Colline du Château, you can enjoy stunning views of the harbor.

The charming coastal village of Villefranche-sur-Mer

This seaside resort is best known for its pastel-colored and brightly colored buildings and crystal-clear water. The old town, with its beautiful buildings and charming streets, is a wonderful place to stroll. Be sure to explore the "Rue Obscure," a 130-meter-long covered street. The most beautiful view of Villefranche-sur-Mer can be found at the historic Citadelle Saint Elme. Also good to know: Villefranche-sur-Mer boasts both sandy and pebble beaches.

Restaurant tip: Villefranche-sur-Mer

Cave Nature

This French-European organic wine bar offers a variety of dishes, including cheese platters, salads, eggplant caviar, and fish. Prices range from €6 to €15.

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Fairytale streets in medieval Èze

The medieval hilltop village of Èze lies between Nice and Monaco. The old town of Èze is situated at an altitude of 400 meters and can be reached via the Nietzsche Trail from Èze-sur-Mer. This steep climb, with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains, takes about an hour and a half. You can also reach the village by car or bus. In the old town, you'll find narrow streets, staircases, and charming shops. In the botanical garden Le Jardin Exotique d'Eze, you can stroll peacefully among cacti and succulents, with a magnificent view of the sea. Èze beach (in Èze-sur-Mer) is small but definitely worth a visit.

Restaurant tip Èze:

Deli

At the restaurant (and shop with local olive oil, among other things) Deli, you can order the most delicious appetizer platters. Prices range from approximately €15 to €30.

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Luxury and style in Monaco

Monaco is best known for its large yachts, luxurious homes, deep blue water, and the Monaco Grand Prix. There are also other must-see attractions. The following are definitely worth a visit: the Prince's Palace, the Monaco Cathedral, and the Monaco Casino. The Prince's Palace and the Cathedral are located next to the harbor. The casino is accessible via the luxurious Avenue des Beaux-Arts shopping street. If you want to sunbathe, Larvotto Beach, Monaco's only public beach, is the place to be.

Restaurant tips Monaco:

La Tavernetta

This small bistro serves pizza and pasta. Most main courses cost around €20.

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Sexy Tacos

This small Mexican restaurant is located just outside the center of Monaco. Meals average around €18.

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Beautiful colored houses in Menton

Menton, the easternmost town on this list, is known for its lemons and roses, which you'll find everywhere in the city. The city is just five minutes from the Italian border, so you'll find both French and Italian dishes on the menus in the restaurants.

Menton's old town is characterized by its brightly colored houses and narrow streets. The most beautiful view of the city's terracotta roofs can be found at the cemetery behind the Basilica of Saint-Michel-Archangel. The popular and bustling beach, "Plage des Sablettes," also offers a view of the beautiful colorful buildings.

From vibrant beaches to tranquil villages and luxurious harbours, the French Riviera has something for everyone.

Useful information

• Official language: French

• Currency: Euro

• Best time to travel: mid-May to mid-September. Expect the most sunshine and dry days during this period.