Best Things to Do for the Perfect 5 Day French Riviera Itinerary
The French Riviera has a lot to offer: the azure Mediterranean Sea, colorful old towns, medieval hilltop villages, a famous red carpet and casino, superyachts, luxury resorts, and incredible food. Like the over 13 million people who visit each year, you have dreamt of visiting the glamorous French Riviera. You are excited to spend time near the Mediterranean Sea but aren’t sure where to start. Keep reading for everything you need to know to plan your 5 Day French Riviera Itinerary.
There are many amazing things to do in the French Riviera! The most popular destinations along the Riviera are Nice, Cannes, Monaco, and Saint-Tropez. One of the French Riviera must-see attractions is the Monte Carlos Casino. If you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, be sure to visit the medieval town of Eze. Craving Italian food? Head to the Italian border town of Menton. If you are looking for beach time, you will not want to miss Cannes. As you can see, you will have no problem filling your 5 Day French Riviera Itinerary with amazing experiences. Enjoy your time out of the office!
READ France Travel Guide
Mini French Riviera Travel Guide
How Many Days Should I Spend in the French Riviera?
5 days on the French Riviera is enough to experience the glamour of Monte Carlo, the luxury of Saint Tropez, the medieval hillside town of Eze, the colorful port of Nice, and the beaches of Cannes. Add a day if you wish to visit a lavender field in Provence.
Is it Safe to Visit the French Riviera?
According to Travel Safe Abroad, the overall risk of travel to Nice is low. There is a medium risk of pickpockets targeting tourists on buses and teens grabbing bags left unattended on the beach or in cars.
How Do I Get to the French Riviera?
Nice is the capital of Côte d’Azur (the French Riviera), with almost 1 million residents. Arrive at Nice-Côte d’Azur International Airport (NCE) and take the tram outside Terminal 2 to the city center. It is a 40-minute ride.
If you are following my Southern France itinerary, you will arrive at the Nice-Ville train station.
How to Get Around the French Riviera?
A rental car is not necessary in the French Riviera; the cities and villages are easily reached by train from Nice. Many times the train is quicker arrival time than cars due to heavy traffic. Parking in the French Riviera is expensive, and train tickets are inexpensive. There are also many organized tour options available.
- Eze: 13 minutes by train; 22 minutes by bus
- Villefranche-sur-Mer: 6 minutes by train; 12 minutes by bus
- Monaco: 21 minutes by train; 40 minutes by bus
- Menton: 36 minutes by train; 90 minutes by bus
- Antibes: 25 minutes by train; 40 minutes by bus
- Cannes: 38 minutes by train; 40 minutes by bus
- St Tropez: 2.5 hours by ferry
Where Should I Stay in the French Riviera?
Nice is a great home base during your visit to the French Riviera. I stayed at Hôtel du Midi. It was conveniently located next to the Nice-Ville train station, making day trips an ease. The walk to Nice old town is 25 minutes, or a 15-minute tram ride from Gare Thiers.
Search Booking.com and VRBO in one place to find the perfect property!
When is the Best Time to Visit the French Riviera?
The high season in the French Riviera is June through early September; expect high prices and crowds. The shoulder season is March through May and October. Swimming season runs from May through September. The low season is mid-November to mid-February. Winters are mild on the French Riviera, crowds are thin, and prices drop.
Useful French Riviera Travel Tips
- The French Riviera (including Monaco) uses the Euro (€)
- There is no rule about tipping in France. A tip reflects your appreciation of the service.
- Credit cards are widely accepted, but bring cash for markets.
- Most beaches are a mix of gravel and pebbles; bring water shoes.
- Eat Salade Niçoise, Socca, Fougasse, Bouillabaisse, and Pissaladière in Nice.
- The Perfect 5 Days on the French Riviera Itinerary
5 Day French Riviera Itinerary, How to Spend Your Time
Day One: Arrival and Villefranche-sur-Mer
Villefranche-sur-Mer France is said to have the most colorful waterfront on the French Riviera. It is only a six-minute train ride from Nice-Ville followed by a 5-minute walk to the old town. Villefranche-sur-Mer is a small walkable town. Be prepared to climb steps and walk up hills. Water and sunscreen are a must. You will find narrow cobblestone streets of pinks, reds, oranges, and yellows winding up and down the hill to the turquoise sea. This is the perfect place to explore and have dinner after a long plane or train ride.
Day Two: Menton and Monte Carlo
You can easily combine a visit to Menton and Monte Carlo into one day. Menton France is located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Alps in the French Riviera and at the border of Italy. It is called the Pearl of France and is famous for its lemon groves. You will find narrow winding streets of shuttered villas with terracotta roofs, beaches, palm trees, lemon gardens, pasta and gelato.
Take the bus back down the hill and jump on the train to Monaco. Check out the mega yachts in Port Hercule, ride the ferris wheel, visit the famous Monte Carlo Casino, see the famous Monaco Grand Prix Circuit.
READ How to Spend a Day in Menton France
READ How to Spend a Day in Monaco and Monte Carlo
Day Three: Saint Tropez
Have you dreamed about Côte d’Azur’s glitz and glamour? Do you have images of St Tropez’s deep blue Mediterranean Sea, port full of super yachts, designer boutiques, pastel-colored buildings, café-lined streets, and private beach clubs in your head? If St Tropez on your bucket list, it is easily reached by a 2.5-hour ferry ride from Nice along the gorgeous coastline.
READ How to Spend a Day in Saint-Tropez France
Day Four: Cannes and Antibes
Cannes France is famous for the Cannes Film Festival and its mini “Hollywood Walk of Fame”. You will also find high-end boutiques, an old town of cobbled streets and shutter-adorned buildings, and sandy beaches next to turquoise blue water. One day in Cannes is the perfect amount of time in this glamorous Côte d’Azur town.
READ How to Spend a Day in Cannes France
Antibes France is located on the French Riviera coastline. Antibes is known for its medieval fortress (Le Fort Carré) and 16th-century ramparts, old town enclosed by defensive walls, the biggest yacht harbor in Europe, and sandy beaches. It was a favorite of Picasso, who once lived and worked at Château Grimaldi for several months in 1946. He left behind 70 works; they are now on display in the Château turned museum. A stopover in Antibes can easily be added to your day in Cannes
READ How to Spend a Day in Antibes France
Day Five: Nice or Eze
Nice is the second largest city in the Côte d’Azur region of France. Nice is well known for its views of the Mediterranean Sea, rocky beaches, 5-mile promenade with iconic blue chairs, Belle Époque architecture, and old port. Be sure to eat Niçoise salad, socca (crispy flatbread), and pan bagnat (sandwich) while in Nice. I made Nice my base for exploring the French Riviera and dedicated one day to the city; I have no regrets!
READ How to Spend a Day in Nice France
Are you a fan of Emily in Paris and want to see the stone city of Eze? Get up early and take the bus to Eze. Eze is a popular destination, and the bus will be packed full with no air conditioning later in the day. Wander the hillside town and enjoy the viewpoints.
Check the French Riviera Office of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Best Day Trips from the French Riviera
Take a day trip to the lavender fields in Valensole, Provence
Hike the Gorges du Verdon
Take the train to Ventimiglia Italy
My Favorite Booking Resources
- Discover Cars Search, compare and save on car rentals.
- Trainline Explore effortlessly by train and bus.
- Booking.com Search Booking.com to find the perfect property.
- Hostelworld Hostelworld has great inexpensive options.
- Get Your Guide Don’t chance it, the best attractions sell out.
- Tiqets Get your tickets now, relax when you arrive.
- Big Bus Tours Hop-on Hop-off at all the iconic landmarks.
- Go City Card Save up to 50% on attractions, tours and activities.
- Welcome Pickups Airport and port transfers.
- Visitors Coverage Pick the right travel insurance for you.
- Use code SAVE10 to pick up a travel guide from Lonely Planet to browse on the plane.
- Shop my Amazon travel essentials and have them delivered to your home.
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Have a great vacation!