9 Amazing Spots To Stay In The French Riviera + Hotels
By Sam Lee, 2025. Is the French Riviera worth visiting? Sure is! Here are my recommended spots to visit and stay.
The French Riviera, also known as Côte d'Azur, is all about those sun-soaked beaches, luxury vibes, and picturesque towns. Stretching along the Mediterranean in the south of France, it's a mix of glamorous hotspots and charming villages. It's got everything from high-end shopping and nightlife to historical sites and stunning landscapes.
Whether you’re into lounging on sandy shores, wandering through art-filled streets, or living it up at famous festivals, this region has something for everyone.
I’ve been spending a lot of time in the French Riviera lately—and it’s been a blast—so get ready for my top travel tips on the best places to visit and stay along the Côte d'Azur.
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Best places in a snapshot
There are many wonderful places to visit in the South of France, but here are nine must-visit destinations along the French Riviera that you won’t want to miss. You can access most of them by train, which is super handy.
Nice: Best for culture, beaches, history.
Menton: Best for gardens, charm, tranquility.
Cannes: Best for luxury, beaches, the film festival.
Saint-Tropez: Best for beach clubs, luxury, nightlife.
Monaco: Best for upscale shopping and luxury casinos.
Antibes: Best for authentic charm, markets, chill elegance.
Èze: Best for medieval history, gardens, views.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence: Best for art and quiet medieval charm.
Grasse: Best for history and perfume making.
01—
The Charms of Nice
Nice is like hitting the jackpot of beach and culture. You can dip into deep blue waters, chill on stunning beaches, and dive into the city’s historic town and vibrant dining and nightlife.
So, what’s there to do in Nice? Quite a lot, actually! Read my article on the 15 fabulous things to do in Nice, which includes the classic must-dos and some lesser-known gems.
Pros: A perfect spot for a scenic seaside walk, with a good location to base yourself, and it offers a great mix of museums and galleries.
Cons: It can get super crowded, especially during peak season (July and August) when everyone wants a piece of Nice.
Where to Stay in Nice
Hôtel Du Centre—A good-value boutique hotel in the city centre, close to everything. $$
Palais Ségurane Boutique Hôtel—Charming and modern boutique hotel with spa facilities. $$$
Hotel De France, un hôtel AMMI—Lovely central hotel with nice staff. Suitable for all traveler types. $$$
Le Negresco—Uber famous, upscale hotel experience on the main promenade. $$$$
3 Great Local Tours in Nice
Absorbing local insight is always a highlight when I travel. Here are a couple of local tours that I recommend. Check them out.
02—
Menton's Mediterranean Vibe
Menton's got this super chill vibe, perfect if you want a quieter escape. It's known for its beautiful gardens and the unique citrus festival. Wander around the old town, filled with pastel-colored buildings, or relax on the less crowded beaches.
Pros: It's less crowded than some other spots, and those gardens are gorgeous.
Cons: There are fewer attractions compared to bigger cities, so plan accordingly.
Where to Stay in Menton
Hotel De Londres—Great-value hotel in a good location. Family-friendly. $$
Gabriel Boutique Hotel—Adorable, boutique hotel in a central location with friendly staff. $$
03—
Glamour in Cannes
Cannes is renowned for its high-end glitz and glamour, especially for its famous film festival. It's where you go for luxury shopping and fancy dinners.
Pros: If you love shopping and nightlife, this is your spot. The energy is contagious, especially during festival time.
Cons: It's pricey, and during the festival, it gets super crowded. Finding a spot isn't always easy.
Where to Stay in Cannes
Hotel de Provence—Good value family-operated boutique hotel in the city centre. $
Hotel Croisette Beach Cannes—Cosy, modern bohemian hotel with pool and direct access to the beach. $$
Hotel Martinez Cannes—Luxurious Art Deco gem, centrally located with ocean access. $$$
3 Local Tours in Cannes
Make the most of your trip to Cannes with a local tour or two. Wine tasting? Amazing boat tour? Or a quick spin in a Ferrari; The kiddos love it (big and small!).
04—
The Allure of Saint-Tropez
Saint-Tropez is where the rich and famous go to play. The beaches are stunning, like Plage de Pampelonne, and the nightlife is non-stop. Spend the day soaking up the sun, and at night, hit the clubs or a fancy beach bar. Great for a long weekend getaway.
Pros: Amazing beaches and a nightlife that doesn't quit. Perfect for people-watching and spotting celebs.
Cons: Super pricey, and in the summer, it gets packed with tourists. Vibe can be pretentious.
Where to Stay in Saint-Tropez
Le Mouillage—Cute, good-value hotel with a pool, located near the beach and town. $$
Lily of the Valley—Chill upscale hotel with a private beach set in nature. $$$$
MUSE Saint Tropez—Boutique, luxe spa vibe; a great splurge hotel. $$$$$
Fun Local Tours to Check Out
There are so many fun things to do in Saint Tropez. Here are three local tours worth checking out.
05—
Opulence in Monaco
Monaco's all about high-end living in a tiny space. The views? Fantastic. Fancy a night at the casino or taking a stroll through the yacht-filled harbor? This place has you covered. It's also home to the famous Monaco Grand Prix.
Pros: Stunning views everywhere you look, with luxury casinos and top-notch events.
Cons: Get ready to spend some serious (I’m talking serious) cash, and don't expect loads of space to roam around.
Where to Stay in Monaco
Boutique Hotel Miramar—Nice hotel with a great location offering marina views. Cheaper than most but still a little pricy. $$$
Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort—Big, upscale resort on private peninsula. Family-friendly. $$$
Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo—Just steps from Casino Square, a charming, opulent hotel with sea views. $$$$
Local Tours in Monaco
It’s always nice to do something beyond the usual attractions. These three local tours might interest you.
06—
The Appeal of Antibes
Antibes mixes old-school charm with beachy vibes. Wander through the historic old town, filled with cute shops and cafes, or chill on one of its lovely beaches. Don't miss the Picasso Museum, housed in a castle where Picasso once worked.
Pros: The old town is like a dream for history buffs, and the beaches are great for relaxing.
Cons: Like the rest of the French Riviera, it can get pretty busy, especially in peak season, so expect some crowds.
Where to Stay in Antibes
Hotel Le Sud—Budget-friendly hotel in Juan-les-Pins, only a few minutes’ walk to the beach. $
Le 1932 Hotel & Spa Cap d'Antibes—Art Deco charm, good location, easy beach access. $$$
07—
Eze: The Village on a Hill
Eze is this super charming medieval village sitting high on a hill with epic views of the Mediterranean. The streets are narrow and winding, lined with cute shops, galleries, and tiny cafes. The Jardin Exotique at the top is filled with cacti and sculptures, making it a cool spot to snap some pics and chill. The climb up can be a bit of a workout, but the view from the top is so worth it.
Pros: Views that will blow your mind and an atmosphere that's like stepping back in time. Plus, the shops and cafes are adorable.
Cons: The climb can be tough, so wear comfy shoes and be ready to sweat a bit. It's also a popular spot, so it can get crowded during peak season.
Where to Stay in Eze
La Chèvre d'Or—Luxe with epic views. Feel like a celebrity at this splurge-worthy hotel. $$$$$
Travel Tip: If you don’t want to stay in Eze, consider taking a day trip from Nice.
08—
Artistic Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Saint-Paul-de-Vence in two words? Art and charm. Every corner has some sort of gallery or sculpture to check out. It’s a bit like walking around in an open-air museum. The vibe here is super relaxed, and you can spend hours just wandering and taking it all in. Don’t miss the Fondation Maeght, a modern art museum that’s got some seriously cool pieces.
Pros: The place is overflowing with art and culture, and the views of the countryside are nice too. The galleries and shops offer unique pieces you won't find anywhere else. Plus, it's a great spot to snap some amazing pics.
Cons: It gets pretty touristy, especially during the summer, so it might be a bit crowded. The prices in the shops can be on the higher side, but that’s the price of unique art. Also, if you’re looking for nightlife, this might not be the place for you. It’s more of a chill, daytime vibe.
Where to Stay in Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Toile Blanche—Stunning hotel and gardens with two outdoor swimming pools + an art space. $$$$
Travel Tip: If you don’t want to stay in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, it’s super easy to take a day trip from Nice.
09—
Fragrance Capital Grasse
Grasse is your go-to for all things perfume. Known as the perfume capital of the world, it's where you can dive into the world of scents. Hit up the perfume factories and museums to see how those fancy fragrances are made. The old town is also worth exploring with its winding streets and cute little shops.
Pros: You get to visit perfume factories and learn all about fragrance-making, plus the old town has this lovely vibe.
Cons: It's not on the coast, so if you're dreaming of beach time, you gotta head somewhere else.
Where to Stay in Grasse
Bastide Saint Antoine Hotel—Charming 18th-century Châteaux set in beautiful gardens. $$$
That’s a wrap!
So what do you think? Is the French Riviera worth a visit? From upscale shopping, chill beaches, vibrant nightlife, historic sites, and breathtaking views, you certainly won’t get bored — that’s for certain.
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