


This French Riviera itinerary covers one perfect week on the Côte d’Azur — the stunning southern coastline of France where Mediterranean beaches, world-class food, and centuries of history come together. You’ll encounter fabulous beaches, food and wine to inspire every palate, and historical treasures around every corner. Who knows, you may even decide to stay longer than one week! Because at the end of each day, candy pink sunsets paint the sky, just begging you to watch as a new masterpiece unfolds. In this article you’ll find my favorite itinerary for one week on the Côte d’Azur that includes things to do in Nice, Antibes, and things to do in Monaco as well. Whether you’re planning a French Riviera itinerary for 7 days or just a long weekend, this guide has you covered.
I have traveled to many beautiful places in my life, but the French Riviera has that rare je ne sais quois that makes it oh so special to me! But I am not alone in this love. Artists, writers and Europeans looking for a delightful holiday in the sun have been flocking here for centuries. And while there are many charming cities in the French Riviera – Côte d’Azur, Nice, Monaco, and Antibes will be my focus in this article as I share everything you need to know as you plan One Week in the French Riviera – Côte d’Azur.
♥ Heading to Nice, France? Click here for my Top Things to Do in Nice, that includes where to stay and everything else you need to know about my favorite city in the South of France.
- A little bit of French Riviera history: One week Itinerary on the Côte d’Azur
- Taking the Train in the French Riviera
- Home Base vs. Moving Around
- The Hotel Beau Rivage in Nice
- Rather stay at an Airbnb in the Old Town?
- Where to stay while visiting Monaco
- Stay in Beausoleil, France
- Stay in Monaco at The Fairmont Hotel
- My French Riviera Itinerary: 7 Days on the Côte d'Azur
- Other Options for your French Riviera Itinerary
- French Riviera – Côte d’Azur Itinerary Ideas: East of Nice
- French Riviera Itinerary Ideas: West of Nice
- French Riviera Itinerary Ideas: What about Saint Tropez?
- 3-Day French Riviera Itinerary
- 5-Day French Riviera Itinerary
- 10-Day French Riviera Itinerary
- Is Nice the place to go when you solo travel?
- Visit a French Market in Nice
- Go on a Provence Wine Tour from Nice
- Picasso and the Sea
- The Monte Carlo Casino
- Apéro Hour at Nobu
- Nikki Beach: A must in the French Riviera – Côte d’Azur
- Buddha Bar
- Did you know?
- The best way to see ALL of Monaco
- Sass Café
- Red Hot in Monaco
- The Stairs of Monaco
A little bit of French Riviera history: One week Itinerary on the Côte d’Azur
In 1887, Stephen Liegeard wrote “La Côte d’Azur”. This novel forever cemented the Southern Coastline of France being known as “The Côte d’Azur,” or The Coast of Azure. The brilliant blue, or azure, color of the Mediterranean sea has an inspiring allure! You will have to see it with your own eyes to fully understand.
The Southern Coast of France is also fondly called The French Riviera. This translates quite simply to “The French Coastline”. And while I appreciate the translation to English, I prefer the latter on my tongue. When I say “The French Riviera” it creates this golden mindset that is filled with sunshine, relaxation, and all of the beautiful things in life that dreams are made of.
Even before I visited Nice for the first time, I imagined the French Riviera or Côte d’Azur with a twinkle in my eye. And now that we’ve spent so much time together, that twinkle is paired with a blissful smile and a loving sigh.
Getting to The French Riviera – Côte d’Azur
The French Riviera – Côte d’Azur is easily accessible by plane or train, bus, or car. An international airport is quite close to the city center of Nice, and the public transportation system is stellar, and very easy to use. So no matter what your destination after landing, transit will be a piece of cake. If you are landing in Nice and heading to a different city, public transportation or renting a car will be your best option, unless you’d like to take a 100+ Euro taxi to Monaco.
♥ Did you know you can also travel to Cannes from Nice? Cannes is easily accessible by train or car whether you decide to take a day trip, or spend a few days enjoying the Hollywood glamour and luxury. We’ve got you covered with a fabulous French Riviera Itinerary. Read our 3 day travel guide, along with an article about one of our favorite hotels in Cannes.
Taking the Train in the French Riviera
Although I stayed in both Nice, and near Monaco this summer, I still needed to take the train back and forth from Nice to Monaco at least 5 times for dinners, beach days, and one clutch grocery run. The train cost me 10 Euro (round trip), and on average it was a 30 minute train ride.



Home Base vs. Moving Around
Moving from city to city definitely has its benefits, as mornings and evenings will help you get to know a city more intimately. But on the other hand, this past summer I realized how relaxing it is to unpack for a week. When my holiday was over, there was a feeling of calm instead of feeling like I needed a vacation from my vacation.
» So before you make your decision about your French Riviera itinerary, I encourage you to think about packing time, travel time, potential discounts for staying longer in a location, and what you are looking for in your holiday. Keep reading for ideas on where your home base can be!
One Week in the French Riviera: Where to stay
You can stay in every city you visit in the French Riviera , or you could make one city your home base and take day trips from there. This is one of the benefits to choosing the French Riviera for your next beach holiday. The train is unbelievably convenient, reasonably priced and the cities and towns are quite close to each other.
The Hotel Beau Rivage in Nice
When I visited Nice in 2016, I stayed at the Hotel Nice Beau Rivage. It is located near the Place Messena, just off the Promenade des Anglais. Being so close to the Promenade and the beach definitely has its perks. My room was modern, comfortable, and the staff was eager to help as needed. And whether you stay there or not, The Hotel’s Beach Club, The Plage Beau Rivage, is a fantastic way to enjoy the Mediterranean Sea with friendly service, and a comfy beach chair.



Rather stay at an Airbnb in the Old Town?
This past summer I stayed in the Old Town of Nice just off of the Place Garibaldi. My Airbnb was perfectly off the beaten path, and a 10-15 walk to the Promenade. I loved everything about my apartment! Charming, spacious, and located in the heart of the old town- It was my sanctuary.
There is something really special about walking down a narrow cobblestone street to get home every day. No cars were allowed on this particular street- just foot traffic, which made for a very peaceful stay.
The Old Town of Nice transported me to the centuries of old, yet with all the comforts of home! There was an elevator or lift, washing machine, and an air conditioner that worked beautifully. My hosts were also kind and incredibly helpful-I would stay there again in a heart beat.
» Want to see where I stayed? Here’s the link to my Airbnb
Where to stay while visiting Monaco
If you’d like to travel to the country of Monaco there are 3 options of where you can stay. All will allow you to see Monaco at its best – it just depends what you are looking for.
- Beausoleil, France (just steps from the gates of Monaco)
- Stay in one of the many towns along the coast and take the train in. Like Cannes, (here’s our: 3 day travel guide)
- Monaco. Everything is more expensive here in comparison to the other coastal towns, but if you are looking to live that luxurious life for a few days then I say own it!
Stay in Beausoleil, France
I stayed in a modern, and absolutely stunning Airbnb in Beausoleil, France. It had a jaw dropping view of the Mediterranean and the Odeon Tower, with a balcony. The view was just so magnificent! This home away from home is an absolute gem! Click here to see the Airbnb where I stayed. Want to read everything about Beausoleil, my full experience and how to travel from Beausoleil to Monaco?
♥ Click here for my blog about my stay in Beausoleil. I included a map with ideas of where to call home!

Stay in Monaco at The Fairmont Hotel
If you are looking to treat yourself to luxury, breathtaking views out your window, and a hotel that is conveniently located next to everything you will want to see- look no further than The Fairmont Hotel.
From Nobu, to Nikki Beach to spa services and beautiful rooms, this hotel really has it all. The next time I go to Monaco, this is exactly where I want to stay! Shortly, I’ll dive a little deeper into more of what the Fairmont has to offer in my must do section. Fortunately you don’t need to stay at the Fairmont to experience most of their amenities.



French Riviera – Côte d’Azur: How many days do you need?
Whether you stay for 2 nights, or 3 weeks, The French Riviera will always be calling you back. I recommend staying for at least a week — a 7-day French Riviera itinerary gives you enough time to explore Nice, Monaco, Antibes, and a day in Provence without feeling rushed.
My French Riviera Itinerary: 7 Days on the Côte d’Azur
If I had one week, I would make Nice my home base and spend 3 full days there. For day trips, I would take 2 days in Monaco, 1 day in Antibes and 1 day on a wine tour of Provence. There are many other cities along the coast that I will highlight as options for your French Riviera Itinerary, so keep reading!
Please remember one thing as you plan. Traveling from place to place takes away from the time you have to enjoy yourself. Let’s look at other cities besides my favorites that could be a day trip, or even the home base of your French Riviera Itinerary.
Other Options for your French Riviera Itinerary
If you have more or less time, you can easily adjust this French Riviera itinerary — 7 days is the sweet spot, but even 3-4 days gives you a solid taste.
In a moment, I will give you a fantastic list of what to do in Antibes, Monaco, and Nice. These 3 cities are perfect for your first trip to the South of France. I would happily go back to all of them again and again!
However, there are many other small towns with gorgeous views up and down the coast of the Mediterranean Sea that may interest you whether it’s your first time or your 5th. Many of these towns also have a train stop, which makes it the perfect part of your French Riviera Itinerary.
French Riviera – Côte d’Azur Itinerary Ideas: East of Nice
East of Nice, I have heard that Beaulieu-sur-Mer has a beautiful beach that the locals love. Èze is another town that I cannot wait to visit, as it is heralded an “enchanting hilltop village” located 1401 feet above sea level.
Menton is another city that Explore France calls the “City of Gardens and Beaches.” It is just a train stop away from Nice. Menton is also one of the last stops before crossing the French-Italian Border.
French Riviera Itinerary Ideas: West of Nice
If you jump on the train in Nice, you can also head West! As I mentioned before, Antibes is high on my list, but there are plenty of other options for your French Riviera Itinerary as well. From Biot to Juan les Pins, to Mougins to Cannes. You really can’t go wrong.
Just keep in mind that some towns like Biot are small and other towns like Cannes are incredibly busy. Both of my visits to Cannes were in the middle of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. This made my time there quite tricky. It was difficult to even find a place to stay, so learn from my mistakes! Make sure to do your homework before you go.
French Riviera Itinerary Ideas: What about Saint Tropez?
Saint Tropez is not very easy to get to, so going there needs to be a well thought out choice. Now, if you take a boat or a helicopter that would be incredibly fabulous and convenient! But otherwise, getting there will take you awhile. There is no direct train to St. Tropez. Even if you take the train to St Raphael Valescure, you will still need to drive down the main road which is famously quite congested.
My Saint Tropez dreams
Now don’t get me wrong. I loved St. Tropez. I dream of going back to play bocce ball in the Place des Lices while wearing white and drinking rosé! And what about spending time on a boat or going back to the beach clubs? A girl can dream! St Tropez was definitely worth visiting, but in my honest opinion, you shouldn’t rush it. Save it for when you can spend a few days.
Click here to read more about St. Tropez. You can also read about the afternoon I spent at Chateau Minuty Winery. If you love Rosé wine, then you will love their quintessentially Provence Rosé! It’s my personal favorite.
Shorter French Riviera Itineraries
3-Day French Riviera Itinerary
Three days means choosing: Nice + Monaco is the classic combo. Spend two days exploring Nice (Old Town, Promenade des Anglais, Cours Saleya market, Castle Hill) and one day in Monaco (Casino, Nikki Beach, harbour walk). Take the train between them — it’s 30 minutes and costs €10 round trip.
5-Day French Riviera Itinerary
Five days lets you add Antibes (Picasso Museum, sandy beach) and a Provence wine tour to the 3-day core. This is the minimum I’d recommend for a proper French Riviera itinerary — it gives you breathing room without rushing.
10-Day French Riviera Itinerary
With 10 days, add Cannes (2 days), Èze (half day), and either Saint-Tropez (2 days — don’t rush it) or Menton and the Italian border towns. Read our Cannes travel guide for the full breakdown.
Back to My Favorite cities in the South of France
Now that I’ve branched out a bit, let me take you back to my favorite cities in the South of France. We will start with Nice, as it is a city that forever has my heart! I spent 2 weeks there and have been back many times, so I know a thing or two about the top things to do in Nice- and the best place to enjoy gelato.
Top Things to Do in Nice
Nice la Belle or “Nice the Beautiful” is one of the Top 5 largest cities in France by population. It has that large city feel with beach vacation vibes, all while transporting you to an era of old. Nice truly has it all.
So here’s my list of top things to do in Nice in short:
- Make it a beach day – how does 20 euro for the perfect private beach setup sound?
- Very important side note: Rosé and Caprese All Day
- The Promenade des Anglais – stretching for 3 miles along the coast
- Castle Hill – 92 meter climb to the most stunning view of Nice
- Place Messena – main square and my favorite place in all of the Cote d’Azur
- The Old Town –wander without agenda
- Cours Saleya – the place to go for great restaurants & shops
Top Things to do in Nice, France- all the details
Do you want to read more about the top things to do while you’re in Nice, or what you absolutely cannot miss about this beautiful city? Then read my article about the things to do in Nice, France. It’s filled with more tips about my favorite restaurants, shops, my beloved square, and all of my adventures in the French Riviera.
Is Nice the place to go when you solo travel?
I love traveling solo, because I can focus more on the sights, sounds, and my own personal thoughts instead of being focused on conversation all the time. And the Old Town of Nice, (Vieille Ville or Vieux Nice), is the ideal place to do exactly that, and so much more. Click here to read more about why I love traveling solo, and 16 of my best solo travel tips.



Visit a French Market in Nice
During the day, a bustling flower and food market can be found at the heart of the Cours Saleya. You will discover French produce, and exquisite meats and cheeses. They will be the most delicious and highest quality you will ever experience.
One afternoon, as I gazed upon the prettiest array of flowers I had every seen, I realized that going to a local French market is truly the best way for a visitor to grasp what French culture is all about. I promise that it will be a delightful feast for all of your senses!
Go on a Provence Wine Tour from Nice
I had dreamed about exploring the wine region of Provence ever since 2016 when I took my first sip of Rosé while looking out onto the Mediterranean Sea. So when I decided to spend my summer in the South of France, I knew that a wine tour through Provence was a must on my French Riviera Itinerary.
Grape Tours Nice: Things to do in Nice
The tour began in Nice on another brilliantly sunny day, and we drove into the countryside where we enjoyed tastings and tours at 3 very beautiful wineries.
Pierre filled our minds with history and shared his knowledge of wine while sipped and swirled our way through Provence. The highlight for me was our lunch at Château de Saint Martin where we dined al fresco, and drank chilled Rosé while sharing stories of our travels surrounded by the natural beauty of Provence. It was heavenly!
Wine Tours: Always a Good Idea- Things to do in Nice
In my opinion, going on a wine tour while traveling is one of the best ways to get to know the culture, and the region you are visiting. You don’t need to be a wine connoisseur either- you just need to have a curiosity, an appetite for delicious things, and a desire to be surrounded by beauty. Many thanks to Pierre, and Grape Tours Nice for curating such a lovely day filled with life’s simple pleasures!
♥ Curious? You want to go on a wine tour? Click here to read about the best beautiful wineries in Nice



Getting Around: The Train is a Piece of Cake
I cannot stress enough how easy it is to go back and forth between the cities on the coast of the Mediterranean. The trains are plentiful, dependable, and very easy to book. You can purchase a train ticket at the station on kiosks, OR through the Trainline EU app which is much easier to navigate.
Day trip to Antibes | French Riviera itinerary 7 days
On a recent trip to the South of France, I hopped on the train and spent the day in Antibes. I went specifically for the Picasso Museum, and then stayed to enjoy the sandy beach and the friendly environment.
First I walked around the dock and discovered Le Nomade, a gigantic sculpture keeping watch over the Sea. From there I strolled down one of many charming streets enjoying an espresso and a croissant, before making my way to the museum. The Picasso Museum is housed in a former Roman fort on the water known as Château Grimaldi.
Picasso and the Sea
Picasso lived, painted and sculpted in this very place for a few months back in 1946, and all of his works from that time period have remained. Inside, his works did not disappoint! His paintings, drawings, and sculptures have always shown the many fascinating periods of his life, and this chapter was no different.
As I stood next to “Ulysse et les Sirènes,” and looked out the window to see the Azure waters, I imagined an inspired Picasso working in that very room. This space, and this moment of his life could quite possibly be the most captivating of them all.
Outside, sculptures perched on the stone veranda made the Mediteranean Sea even more beautiful to behold. It also made for the perfect backdrop for a photograph or two.
Antibes is a place that I know I’ll go back to someday. I was only there for a short time, but it was everything I love about the South of France. Great food and wine, beaches (that were sandy!), history, art and all of the charm you could hope for. Next time, I may even make it the home base for my French Riviera Itinerary!



Top Things to Do in Monaco
I must be honest that Monaco was not on my radar when I arrived in Nice, but when I met someone on the plane who was heading there, I definitely took notice.
When it comes to Monaco, I had heard of the Monte-Carlo Casino, the Monaco Grand Prix, and Grace Kelly’s fairytale wedding and tragic death. The stories of the glitz and glamour always had my attention, but I still never understood the allure. What could be so special about Monaco?
Monaco has a dress code
If you make your way inside of the Casino, or other establishments in Monaco, make sure to be mindful of their dress code. I encourage you to double check no matter where you go.
Because the streets and steps of Monaco are steep, your footwear may not always be a simple choice. I saw women carrying their heels everywhere I went. Sometimes they were wearing flats, and other times they were even barefoot!
I myself had flip flops that fit in my purse, or I would wear my flats, and put a pair of heels in my bag just in case. You never know where the day will bring you in Monaco! It’s best to leave room for spontaneity, as those days end up being the greatest of all.
Monaco is a must see – top things to do
But behind my questions about Monaco, there was always a genuine curiosity. So when I got invited to The Monte-Carlo Beach Club, I jumped at the chance to see this storied place with my own eyes.
After spending a day relaxing poolside with the sea and the majestic mountains of Monaco surrounding me, I not only became a lover of this mystical little country, but I became a believer as well. Monaco lives up to the hype! In my book, it’s a must-see. And whether you make it a day trip or stay longer, here are the things you should do while you are there.
- The Monte Carlo Casino
- Apéro Hour at Nobu
- Nikki Beach
- Sass Café
- Buddha Bar
The Monte Carlo Casino
When I first saw the Monte Carlo Casino, it was one of those gasp worthy moments that I live for. I jumped off the train from Nice on my way to dinner and there it was; Shimmering through the palm trees with the sun setting to the tune of a baby blue and pink sky. The architecture of the casino is stunning and SO grand. The grounds are beautiful and lush, with the tranquil sounds of the fountain creating a luxurious atmosphere, and a really gorgeous photograph.
As you approach the Casino, high end shops like Chanel and Dior call out to you on the right. On the left, a café makes for the perfect perch to watch a stunning lineup of extravagance drive in and out of the casino grounds. Bentleys, Porches and a list of head turning vehicles are parked right outside of the Casino, just waiting for you to take a closer look as they strike a pose in their natural environment.
Inside the Casino you will find restaurants, a high end boutique, bars, lounges, and of course-games. Strangely, The Casino can only be enjoyed by those visiting from out of town. It is illegal for Monaco citizens to gamble at the Casino.
From the Casino, you may walk along the sea to get a glimpse of the Opera de Monte-Carlo and the yachts in the harbor, or you may find yourself at the Fairmont Hotel like I did.



Apéro Hour at Nobu
I first wandered into the Fairmont Hotel one steamy Monaco afternoon after enjoying the casino grounds. It gets quite hot in Monaco, so I started looking around for a place where I could enjoy Apéro Hour, or happy hour, with a view and a reprieve from the hot sun.
What I found was Nobu, a culinary star all over the world! And this particular restaurant had a shaded outdoor patio, and a very kind waitstaff. I sat there for hours lingering over my French Rosé and snacks while swooning over the incredible view.
Picture yourself admiring yachts of every size floating over the azure water, as you listen to the sound of the waves gently crashing into the seawall. And off in the distance, you can see coves of Monaco, France, and a bit farther off- Italy.
Pure peace and happiness washed over all of my senses. And looking back, my afternoon of just letting things happen seemed to unleash a domino effect of positive events for me.
Nikki Beach: A must in the French Riviera – Côte d’Azur
After Nobu, I continued the spontaneity and made my way to the concierge desk at the Fairmont. They helped me make a reservation for Nikki Beach- the glamorous and vibrant “beach” club on the rooftop. I heard it was a must do, and my waiter at Nobu confirmed it!
I would spend the next day sunning myself on a poolside cabana at Nikki Beach while enjoying a crisp bottle of Minuty Rosé. For lunch, I devoured a Tuna Poké bowl that was bursting with bright, perfectly balanced flavors. I spent the rest of the afternoon leisurely swimming in the pool or relaxing in the warmth of the sunshine. Now THIS was bliss. I closed my eyes and wished upon a mountaintop for this day to never end.
Living the Dream
Just when I thought this dream of a day was getting a bit too good! I met one of those people that impacted my life long after our enthralling poolside conversations. Chance meetings with incredible people will always have a special meaning- but being in Monaco made it feel like pure magic.
What I didn’t understand until I arrived, was that the magic of Monaco that seemed so unattainable, was right in front of my nose the entire time! It was just waiting for me to embrace it as my own.
Treat Yourself, and Make a reservation
All Cabanas and Chairs at Nikki Beach carry a different price tag, and reservations are highly recommend. But I promise you that the experience will be quintessentially Monaco! So please. Treat yourself, make a reservation and ENJOY. To be one week in the French Riviera, and NOT go to Nikki Beach would be a mistake.
For those not looking for a pool day, the restaurant at Nikki Beach is a fantastic place to dine or sip cocktails. With the misty mountains to the North, and the glistening blue sea to the South, the view is priceless!
Be Spontaneous
In the spirit of spontaneity, if lunch turns into a yearning to be poolside, I encourage you to ask the staff what your options are. Nikki Beach is usually booked up for the day, but it never hurts to ask. The staff is friendly, and very accommodating when they can be. The kind customer service throughout the Fairmont Hotel only heightened my experience! I would visit Nikki Beach again tomorrow if I could.



Buddha Bar
Buddha Bar is another dining hot spot in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. With outdoor terraces, a dining room upstairs and lounge downstairs, this vibrant atmosphere has much to entertain. As soon as you walk in, you will be greeted by a giant Buddha that keeps a careful watch over this eclectic space where East meets West. And that is only the beginning.
As I sipped my champagne, I let my eyes wander around the room. The warm and colorful lighting only adds to the exotic ambiance, and the intricate carvings on the dark woods walls adds a sense of mystery. Curious to know more, I asked about the history of the building, and the details of this beautiful room. I do love a good history lesson, so I was pleased to learn that at the beginning of the 20th Century, The Buddha Bar was The Cabaret de Monte Carlo.
The past meets the present
There is something about being in a place that has a story. No matter where I looked, I was in the presence of the stunning splendor of the past that was perfectly blended with the present. Chandeliers of mini lamps and red tassels hung from impressive 7 meter high ceilings. And of course, the meditating Buddha, larger than life, was there to remind me of the historical giants who had mingled in that very room.



Did you know?
Monaco is a country located in the middle of the South of France! It is also smaller than Central Park in New York City. Monaco hosts the world renowned Grand Prix F1 race, and also famously attracts the wealthiest people in the world.
Why is that you ask? It may be in part because Monaco is a tax haven, and it’s located near an international airport. But Monaco also has the Mediterranean sea, the mountains, and the glorious weather. It is truly the perfect place to enjoy all of life’s magnificent splendors in the most glamorous way possible.
The best way to see ALL of Monaco
The Hop on Hop off tour is the best way to see all of Monaco, and from there you can decide where you’d like to go back to. The Hop on Hop off will show you the Princess Grace Japanese Garden, The Palace, The Monte-Carlo Casino, and so much more! Monaco is definitely walkable, but as I mentioned before the walkways are quite steep and tiring.
♥ It’s best to plan a bit before you wander
Sass Café
This restaurant, and iconic Monaco hotspot glows in red to create a supremely sexy ambiance that is all its own. I met Julie and her fiancé at Sass Café for dinner on the terrace while I was staying in Nice. We sipped champagne, talked about our favorite places in the world, and enjoyed salmon with saffron rice.
Sass Café always attracts a glamorous crowd, and is the kind of place that makes you wish the walls could talk! It’s perfect for a cozy dinner, or late night cocktails.
Red Hot in Monaco
On another evening as I walked home from the grocery store in Monaco- I met a few gals from Germany. They were dressed to the nines, carrying their heels, and wearing flip flops. This was a veteran move in order to navigate the steep walkways and Monaco dress codes, so I knew they had to be doing something fun.
Curious, and always looking to add to my list of evening destinations- I asked them! They were so kind, and invited me to join them at Sass Café. Sadly, I had to decline. It was already quite late, and I had a date with Nikki Beach the next day. I rarely have travel regrets, but it was one of those moments where I do wish I would’ve said yes!
The Stairs of Monaco
In Monaco, the streets are quite curvy as they take you up and down the mountains. And unfortunately, there isn’t always a cross street to get you easily from point A to point B. Instead, there are perfectly placed, yet sharp staircases that will take you on a more direct route. Thankfully, every staircase seemed to magically appear when I needed it most, but lucky for you, I found a map that will be a more dependable guide.
» Did you Know? French is the most common language in Monaco, although English is widely spoken as well. Attempting to speak the language of the country you are visiting is always the right move! Many times, they will speak English back to you, but truly it’s the thought and the try that counts.



FAQ French Riviera itinerary 7 days
A week is ideal for a French Riviera itinerary — 7 days gives you time for Nice, Monaco, Antibes, and a Provence wine tour without rushing. But even 3-5 days covers the highlights. If you have 10+ days, add Cannes, Saint-Tropez, and the hilltop villages.
Absolutely. A 7-day French Riviera itinerary covers the three essential cities (Nice, Monaco, Antibes) plus a day trip to Provence wine country. You’ll have time to enjoy beach days, explore Old Towns, and eat your way through the region without feeling like you’re on a schedule.
May-June and September are ideal — warm weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices than July-August. July and August are peak season: hot, busy, and expensive, but the atmosphere is electric. October still works for the Côte d’Azur, though some beach clubs close for the season.
Yes — and I highly recommend it. The coastal train connects Nice, Monaco, Antibes, Cannes, and Menton. Tickets are cheap (Nice to Monaco is €10 round trip), trains are frequent, and the coastal views from the window are spectacular. You don’t need a car for this French Riviera itinerary.
Nice is the better home base for most travellers — more affordable, more restaurants, and centrally located for day trips in both directions. Monaco is worth a visit but accommodation prices are significantly higher. A smart compromise: stay in Nice, day-trip to Monaco by train.
The French Riviera – Côte d’Azur is the perfect holiday
This past summer I immersed myself in the culture of the French Riviera. This magical coastline made my soul sparkle like the brightest star, and it made its way into my top 2 favorite places in the world. Taking the top spot is Paris-my one true love.
But the South of France is my lover. It always leaves my eyes sparkling, my skin glowing from the Mediterranean sunshine, and my mind filled with countless moments of joy that will last for a lifetime.
I hope you found your own inspiration to visit The French Riviera – Côte d’Azur this coming summer! The South of France is the perfect place for these uncertain times. As long as France is open, you are bound to have the perfect framework for your holiday: Gorgeous weather, beautiful terrain, and a culture that celebrates history, great food, and even better wine.
Read more of Julie her articles about France: