The Best French Riviera Towns : A Complete Guide to Help You Choose Your Base and What to See

As a Romanian who first moved to France back in 2018, the French Riviera always seemed like this mythical destination that I wasn’t quite sure how to approach. I remember spending hours researching where to base myself, hesitant about choosing Nice despite its obvious advantages because I typically prefer smaller, quieter towns.

After seven years of living in France and countless trips exploring the French Mediterranean coast, I can tell you that each town here has its own distinct personality. From the Italian warmth of Nice (which wasn’t even French until 1860!) to the medieval charm of Èze village, from Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat’s millionaire villas to the perfume heritage of Grasse, the French Riviera offers so much more than just beaches and glamour.

Choosing the right base for your Côte d’Azur adventure can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. Should you stay in a major town with good transportation links, or opt for a smaller, more authentic French Riviera village? Is Monaco worth the splurge? Can Saint-Tropez live up to its reputation? I’ve been through this exact dilemma, which is why I created this comprehensive guide to the best French Riviera towns.

Through trial and error, I discovered that while Nice might be the region’s biggest city, it actually makes the perfect base for exploring – something I wish I’d known during my first visits! But I also found magical alternatives like Villefranche-sur-Mer with its stunning bay, and Menton, where French and Italian cultures blend perfectly at the border.

Whether you’re like me and prefer quiet medieval villages, or you’re drawn to the glamour of spots like Saint-Tropez and Monaco, these 12 carefully chosen towns offer something for every type of traveler. I’ve spent years discovering the best ways to explore the best coastal towns in southern France – which train and bus connections to use, where to find those special viewpoints that most tourists miss, and how to experience luxury spots without the luxury price tag.

Let me share everything I’ve learned about these beautiful French Riviera destinations to help you plan your perfect trip. We’ll start with Nice (yes, I finally admitted it’s the best base!) and work our way along this stunning coastline, discovering what makes each town special and worth your time. By the end, you’ll know exactly which French Riviera town best matches your travel style, budget, and expectations.

Nice: The Cultural Capital of the Riviera

Nice would be my first stop on any French Riviera itinerary – and not just because it’s where the airport is! Even though it’s a big city, it has this beautiful vibe that makes for a perfect introduction to the Côte d’Azur. Living in France for seven years, Nice has always struck me as the perfect blend of Italian warmth and French sophistication, and there’s a good reason for that – until 1860, Nice was actually part of Italy, or more precisely, the Kingdom of Sardinia.

The heart of the city is the famous Promenade des Anglais, probably one of the most famous seaside promenades in Europe. The name has an interesting story – it comes from the English visitors who used to spend their winters here in the late 1800s. Here’s something most people don’t know: this promenade was actually built by English holiday-makers who were spending their winters on the French coast to escape the dreary British weather.

The Old Town (Vieux Nice) is where you’ll really understand the city’s character. The Cours Saleya market stretches for 250 meters along the Ponchettes, lined with traditional houses facing the Mediterranean. Fun fact: Henri Matisse used to love watching the market’s activity from his studio window on Place Charles-Félix. The market changes character through the week – Monday brings antique dealers, while Tuesday through Sunday you’ll find fresh produce, flowers, and local specialties.

For art lovers, Nice offers some incredible museums – the Musée Matisse and the Chagall Museum are must-visits. And don’t miss Palais Lascaris in the old town – it’s one of those hidden gems that perfectly showcases the city’s baroque grandeur.

For the best view in Nice, head up to Castle Hill in the morning. From here, you’ll understand why this bay has captivated artists and visitors for centuries. The panorama shows you everything – the curving Promenade des Anglais, the terracotta roofs of the Old Town, and that incredible blue Mediterranean that gives the Côte d’Azur its name.

What I love most about Nice is how it works perfectly as a base for exploring the region. The train station connects you to all the coastal towns, and you’ve got plenty of accommodation options for every budget. I particularly appreciate staying near the Old Town – it puts you right in the heart of things while still feeling residential rather than touristy.

Eastern Riviera Gems: Monaco, Èze, and Menton

Monaco: The Glittering Principality

I was eager to explore Monaco and I can tell you it’s quite a different kind of experience. It’s actually the second smallest country in the world, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in glamour and concrete.

Located between Cap d’Ail and the Italian border, this tiny principality doesn’t necessarily impress at first glance – the density of high-rise buildings can be a bit overwhelming. Honestly, we were shocked to discover it!

The thing about Monaco is that it’s completely different from the rest of the French Riviera.

While places like Nice and Villefranche cherish their historical architecture, Monaco embraces modernity and luxury full-on. From the moment you arrive, you’ll notice the concentration of Ferraris and luxury cars that quickly tell you you’re somewhere special. (We felt out of place with our Volkswagen Tiguan, LOL!)

Monte Carlo is where you’ll find the iconic Casino, built in 1863, which sits next to the Hôtel de Paris – one of the most prestigious addresses in Monaco. Even if you’re not into gambling, the building is worth seeing for its architecture alone.

There’s a €17 entry fee to visit the casino’s gaming rooms, and don’t forget to bring your passport (otherwise you won’t get in).

Beyond the obvious glitz, there are some genuinely interesting spots:

• The Prince’s Palace combines Renaissance style with baroque architecture, and from October to March, you can even visit the state apartments
• Monaco’s Cathedral, in a Romano-Byzantine style, is where you’ll find the tombs of past princes, including Grace Kelly
• The Oceanographic Museum, perched dramatically on the cliff face, is one of the most impressive marine museums I’ve seen in Europe

Transportation tip: while Monaco might look small on a map, those steep hills can be tiring. There are public elevators and escalators throughout the city and they are free and incredibly helpful – use them! They’re actually part of Monaco’s public transport system, designed to help you navigate the city’s vertical layout.

Best time to visit: avoid the Grand Prix period (usually late May) unless you’re specifically coming for the race. The city basically turns into a racing circuit, making it difficult to explore normally. Early spring or late autumn are perfect – you get the glamour without the intense crowds.

Local tip that only french tourists know about

Monaco’s not all about casinos and yachts – it also has beaches! The Larvotto district offers a mix of public and private beaches sharing the same cove. The public beaches, covered with fine gravel, are monitored from mid-May to late September. During high season, they fill up quickly, so it’s best to arrive early if you want to secure a spot.

What makes this area unique is the “Champions Promenade” (formerly known as Larvotto Promenade) that runs along the seafront. Think of it as football’s version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame – you’ll find molded footprints of some of the world’s greatest footballers including Platini, Zidane, and Maradona. It’s a fun spot to stroll and compare your foot size to these legends!

Eze: The Eagle’s Nest of the French Riviera

After experiencing Monaco’s modernity, Èze feels like stepping into a completely different world. Perched between Nice and Monaco on what’s called the “Grande, Moyenne and Basse Corniche” (three different roads connecting Nice to Monaco), this medieval village has one of the most spectacular locations on the entire coast.

BUT, if you really want to enjoy Èze, come early in the morning or late afternoon. The guidebooks aren’t wrong when they say the site gets completely overwhelmed in summer – I’ve seen the tiny medieval streets get so packed you can barely move. But there’s a reason for those crowds: the views here are absolutely incredible.

The most famous views are the ones from the beautiful exotic gardens that are just as known as Ezé.

The famous Exotic Garden (Jardin Exotique) sits at 429 meters above sea level and offers panoramic views that stretch all the way to the Mediterranean. Don’t miss Nietzsche’s Path, a hiking trail that connects the village to the seaside – it’s named after the philosopher who stayed in Nice and apparently found inspiration for parts of “Thus Spoke Zarathustra” while walking this route. It takes about 45 minutes to hike down (bring proper shoes!).

Speaking of seaside, most visitors only see the hilltop village, but Èze actually has a lovely beach area too. Èze-Bord-de-Mer, accessible via the Basse Corniche or by train, has some beautiful turquoise waters perfect for swimming. If you want to splurge a bit, the Anjuna Beach beach club offers a great Mediterranean atmosphere, though prices are definitely on the high side.

Menton: The Pearl of France

Living in France taught me that Menton is often overlooked in favor of its glamorous neighbors, but for me, it’s the hidden jewel of the French Riviera. (My sister in law, who’s french, never heard of it!!)

Sitting right on the Italian border, it perfectly blends French Riviera charm with Italian influence, and the microclimate here creates some of the most gorgeous gardens I’ve seen in France.

The Old Town rises from the sea in a burst of warm colors – oranges, yellows, and pinks that could rival Nice’s famous facades. The baroque Basilica Saint-Michel stands proudly at the top, its bell towers visible from almost everywhere in town. What makes Menton special is how it’s maintained its authentic character – you’ll still find local life thriving in the narrow streets and small squares.

Menton is famous for its lemons (and yes, they really are special – sweeter and more fragrant than regular ones). If you’re here in February, you can’t miss the Fête du Citron, when the whole town transforms into a citrus wonderland with enormous sculptures made entirely of oranges and lemons. It’s one of those uniquely French festivals that reminds you why this country is so special.

What I love most about Menton is its pace. While Monaco buzzes with supercars and Cannes sparkles with movie stars, Menton moves to a different rhythm. The morning market at Les Halles is about local producers rather than tourist crowds, and the beaches here are more about families and locals than see-and-be-seen scenes.

Don’t miss:

• The Jean Cocteau Museum – it’s a fantastic modern building showcasing the artist’s connection to the town
• Val Rahmeh botanical gardens – thanks to that microclimate, exotic plants thrive here
• The Old Chateau Cemetery – it might sound odd, but the views over the bay are incredible
• The pedestrian shopping street Rue Saint-Michel in the old town

If you’re like me and enjoy a good walk, the promenade from the old port to the Italian border is beautiful, especially early morning or at sunset. You’ll pass some lovely beaches along the way – Plage des Sablettes is my favorite, with its perfect view of the old town.

Pro tip: If you’re visiting during high season, base yourself in Menton rather than Monaco or Nice. You’ll find better hotel prices, and the train connects you to all the other coastal towns while giving you a more authentic French Riviera experience.

Peaceful Bay Towns: Villefranche and Beaulieu

Reading through my guidebook photos, I notice they describe Villefranche’s bay as “probably one of the most beautiful in the world” – and after living in France, I couldn’t agree more. These two towns, nestled between Nice and Monaco, offer what I consider the perfect balance of French Riviera charm without the overwhelming tourism of their bigger neighbors.

Villefranche-sur-Mer still feels wonderfully Italian with its colorful buildings cascading down to the water and those winding streets lined with vibrant facades. The Old Town (with its famous Rue Obscure – a covered medieval street you shouldn’t miss) is the kind of place where you can still stumble upon local life happening in charming little corners. The Citadelle from 1557 stands as the most beautiful monument in town, now housing several museums including the Volti Museum, showcasing sculptures from the artist Voltigerno.

One of my favorite discoveries here was the small Port de la Santé – walk about 800 meters from the main harbor, and you’ll find this charming spot that still feels authentically local. The oceanographic observatory nearby is actually one of France’s main marine science campuses, though most tourists walk right past it.

Moving on to Beaulieu-sur-Mer, you’ll find a more manicured elegance. The name literally means “beautiful place” in French, and it lives up to that promise. What makes Beaulieu special is how it’s maintained its Belle Époque character – you can still feel the glamour of the era when European aristocracy made this their winter playground.

Don’t miss Villa Kérylos here – it’s a stunning recreation of an ancient Greek villa, built in the early 1900s by a scholar who was obsessed with ancient Greek culture. Unlike its more famous neighbor, Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, Kérylos often feels like a secret that tourists haven’t discovered yet.

Getting around:

• Train connects both towns to Nice and Monaco easily
• Bus line 100 serves the coast
• Or take a scenic walk along the coastal path between them

Pro tip: If you’re looking for a local lunch spot, check out the market street in Beaulieu-sur-Mer. The restaurants here cater more to residents than tourists, which means better prices and more authentic cuisine.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: The French Riviera’s Peninsula Paradise

Although is not technically a town, Saint Jean Cap Ferrat feels more like a riviera by itself.

While Monaco might be technically more expensive, there’s something altogether different about this peninsula. It’s the second most expensive real estate in the world, but unlike Monaco’s modern luxury, Cap-Ferrat has managed to keep its soul.

What makes this place fascinating is its transformation. Back in the 1800s, this was just a humble fishing village locals called “Cap-Saint-Sospir.” Everything changed during the Belle Époque when European royalty and wealthy industrialists discovered this sun-soaked peninsula. King Leopold II of Belgium was the real game-changer, buying up parts of the peninsula and building extravagant villas.

Soon, everyone from the Rothschilds to Hollywood stars wanted their own piece of paradise here.

Today, while the average villa price starts at €30 million, you can still find quiet corners that feel just like that old fishing village. The mix of old-world charm and ultra-luxury is what makes Cap-Ferrat truly special.

Antibes & Juan-les-Pins: Two Towns, One Destination

These two towns, essentially one destination with two distinct personalities, show different sides of the Riviera. Antibes, with its 16th-century ramparts and medieval streets, keeps its historical character, while Juan-les-Pins delivers that classic French Riviera beach vibe.

Antibes’ Old Town is where I love starting my visits. The Cours Masséna with its covered market is the heart of local life – if you want to see how people actually live on the Riviera, come here early morning. The market is fantastic Tuesday through Sunday (skip Monday unless you’re hunting for antiques). It’s where local chefs shop for their restaurants, which tells you everything about the quality.

The Picasso Museum in Château Grimaldi is something special. Picasso actually set up his studio here in 1946, and you can still see the 23 paintings and 44 drawings he left behind. But the real gem is that sea-facing terrace – the views over Port Vauban with all those mega-yachts are incredible.

Speaking of Port Vauban, it’s Europe’s largest private yacht harbor, with a section amusingly called “Billionaires’ Row.” Walking along the ramparts at sunset gives you perfect views of both the port and the old town. From up there, you can understand why so many artists and writers were drawn here – everyone from Picasso to Graham Greene found inspiration in these views.

Juan-les-Pins is where the vibe completely changes. This might be the best beach town in the French Riviera.

This is beach club territory, with a jazzy history. Did you know the first European jazz festival was launched here in July 1960? The town really comes alive in summer, especially during the “Jazz à Juan” festival. During the 1920s, F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda were regulars here, bringing that “Roaring Twenties” spirit to the French Riviera.

While most visitors stick to the well-known ramparts and port views, one of my favorite discoveries in Antibes is the Jardin des Poètes, tucked away behind the ramparts of the old town. Even after living in France for seven years, this place still takes my breath away.

Climbing up to this Mediterranean garden rewards you with what I consider the best photo spot in Antibes – a stunning view of the old town with its towers and terracotta roofs spilling down to the sea. The garden itself is a peaceful retreat with classic Mediterranean plants, stone benches, and pergolas draped in wisteria. If you come in the late afternoon, the light hitting the old town walls creates this magical golden glow that photographers dream about.

Unlike the busier spots in town, this garden often feels like a local secret. You might find residents reading books under the shade of pine trees or artists setting up their easels to capture the view. It’s exactly the kind of place that reminds you why artists like Picasso fell in love with this stretch of coast.

Local Tips:

• For beaches, Juan-les-Pins has the sandy ones, while Antibes offers lovely coves around Cap d’Antibes
• Book any beach clubs in advance during summer – they fill up fast
• In Juan-les-Pins, the public beaches are just as nice as the private ones
• The coastal walk around Cap d’Antibes is one of the best on the coast
• For dinner, the Old Town of Antibes offers better value than the beachfront restaurants

Fun fact from the region’s history: Back in the day, Antibes was the last French city before entering the County of Nice, which wasn’t part of France until 1860. The city was key in defending the French border, which explains those impressive ramparts.

Grasse: The World’s Perfume Capital

If you’re moving away from the coast, this charming French Riviera town sitting in the hills above Cannes offers something completely different. Known as the world’s perfume capital, Grasse still produces about half of France’s natural aromas and roughly 10% of the world’s raw materials for perfumes.

Walking through the historic center, you’ll discover Grasse’s wonderful mix of 17th, 18th, and 19th-century architecture winding through narrow lanes. The highlight for many visitors is the famed pink umbrella street – a charming pedestrian area where hundreds of pink umbrellas create magical shade over the Medieval streets. It’s become quite the Instagram spot, but early morning or late afternoon visits let you enjoy it without the crowds.

The three great perfume houses – Fragonard, Galimard, and Molinard – still hold court here. While Fragonard gets most of the attention (and their factory tour is fascinating), each house offers something unique. They all offer free tours and workshops where you can create your own perfume. Galimard’s workshops using their “organ of perfumes” are particularly interesting.

But here’s something most visitors miss – the Musée Provençal du Costume et du Bijou (The Provence Museum of Costume and Jewelry). Hidden in an elegant 18th-century residence, it showcases the evolution of Provençal fashion and jewelry. The museum’s period rooms have been meticulously reconstructed with authentic furniture and decoration, offering a glimpse into the region’s refined past.

Don’t Miss:

• The International Perfume Museum – way more fascinating than it sounds
• Notre-Dame-du-Puy Cathedral with its three Rubens paintings
• The Musée d’Art et d’Histoire de Provence in a beautiful 18th-century mansion
• The local restaurant Lou Pignatoun for authentic Provençal cuisine at reasonable prices

Hidden Gem: Head to the terrace near the toilets after your Fragonard factory tour. Looking left past the Fragonard house, you’ll discover one of the most beautiful panoramas of Grasse that most tourists never see!

Visit the perfume factories earlier in the day when your sense of smell is sharper. Trust me, after a full day of perfume testing, it becomes harder to distinguish between different scents.

Getting there: Grasse is actually quite accessible from the coast, despite feeling like a world away. You have several options:

• By Train: The TER line connects Grasse to the coastal towns – a scenic ride that winds through the hills
• By Bus from Nice: Take Bus 500 – it’s an economical option at around €2 each way
• From Cannes: Lines 600 and 610 make regular trips to Grasse
• By Car: If driving, there’s parking at the main bus station (this is your best bet as the medieval streets can be tricky to navigate)

If you’re coming from Nice or Cannes, opt for the bus rather than driving. The routes offer beautiful views of the countryside, and you won’t have to worry about parking in Grasse’s narrow streets. Plus, the bus stations in both Nice and Cannes are centrally located.

Cannes & Nearby: Beyond the Red Carpet

Everyone knows Cannes for its famous Film Festival, but having explored this city numerous times, I can tell you there’s much more to it. La Croisette, that famous seafront promenade bordered by luxury hotels and designer boutiques, is just the beginning.

Start your day at the Marché Forville – this is where you’ll find the real Cannes. The market comes alive every morning (except Mondays, when it transforms into an antique market) with local producers showcasing the best of Provence. The quality of produce here is exceptional – you’ll often spot chefs from top restaurants selecting their ingredients for the day.

La Croisette deserves its reputation – stretching along the bay, this palm-lined promenade has been the backdrop for countless movie stars since the 1950s. The Palais des Festivals might not be architecturally stunning, but those famous red steps (les marches) have seen more celebrities than anywhere else in France. Even outside festival season, you can pose on the steps or find your favorite actor’s handprint along the “Allée des Étoiles.”

But here’s what makes Cannes special for me – the Lérins Islands, just a 15-minute boat ride from the port. These two little gems, Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat, offer a completely different side of the French Riviera. On Sainte-Marguerite, you’ll find the fort that held the mysterious Man in the Iron Mask (and now houses a fascinating museum). The island also hides a unique treasure – an underwater eco-museum created by Jason deCaires Taylor, where sculptures slowly transform into artificial reefs. You can see these haunting artworks by snorkeling or through glass-bottom boats.

Saint-Honorat is even more peaceful, still home to a community of monks who’ve been making wine here since the Middle Ages. The fortress monastery rising from the southern tip of the island offers some of the most spectacular views of the bay of Cannes.

Don’t Miss:

• Le Suquet (the old town) – climb up for the best views over the bay
• Marché Forville – mornings except Monday
• The Underwater Eco-Museum – book a snorkeling tour or glass-bottom boat
• A wine tasting at Saint-Honorat’s monastery
• Sunset walk along La Croisette

Local Tips:

• Best beach spots are on the far ends of La Croisette, away from the luxury hotels
• Take the first morning boat to the islands to avoid crowds
• For the best photos of Cannes, climb to Notre-Dame de l’Espérance in Le Suquet

Saint-Raphaël and Saint-Tropez: Two Faces of the Riviera

Coming from Cannes, these two towns mark the western edge of what I consider the classic French Riviera. They’re quite different from each other – Saint-Raphaël keeps things relatively low-key, while Saint-Tropez, well, Saint-Tropez is in a league of its own.

Saint-Raphaël, a seaside town, feels more authentically French, with its lovely old port and Roman ruins. What I love about this town is how it balances tourism with everyday life. The morning market at Place de la République still caters mainly to locals, and the beaches here, especially those around the red rocks of the Massif de l’Estérel, are some of the most dramatic on the coast.

Then there’s Saint-Tropez – still living up to its reputation as the playground of the jet set. The funny thing is, it was just a quiet fishing village until Brigitte Bardot put it on the map in the 1950s. Today, walking through the old port, you’ll see mega-yachts lined up like a floating car show, while the narrow streets of the old town still hint at its fishing village past.

Saint-Raphaël Highlights:

• The Archaeological Museum in a stunning Romanesque church
• The coastal path through the red rocks of l’Estérel
• Quieter, more local beaches than Saint-Tropez
• Better value restaurants and hotels

Local Tip: If you’re visiting Saint-Tropez in summer, either arrive very early (before 9 AM) or take a boat from Saint-Raphaël or Sainte-Maxime. The road traffic can be legendary, and not in a good way!

Practical Travel Planning

Train and bus connections between all 12 towns of the French Riviera

Getting around the towns and cities of the French Riviera is easier than you might think – if you know how to navigate the system.

The coastal train (TER) is your best friend. It runs from Saint-Raphaël all the way to Menton, connecting most major towns. The views along the coastline are spectacular, with the train often running right along the Mediterranean.

Bus connections are incredibly affordable. They all cost just €1.50, but you need to buy a Lignes d’Azur card before boarding. I recommend downloading the phone app and buying the tickets directly there – it’s the easiest way. Do this before getting on board, as it may take some time to purchase and activate.

Train Connections & Prices

Key Bus Routes (All €1.50)

Pro Travel Tips:

• Download the SNCF Connect app for train tickets and schedules
• The Lignes d’Azur app works for all buses in the Nice metropolitan area
• Consider a ZOU! pass if traveling extensively by train
• Trains can get crowded in peak season – travel early morning when possible
• Validate your ticket before boarding trains (at the yellow machines on platforms)

Seasonal highlights for each destination

After living in France for years, I’ve discovered there’s an ideal time to visit the French Riviera depending on what you’re looking for. Here’s my month-by-month breakdown of the best times to visit these beautiful French coastal towns, including major events and accommodation tips.

French Riviera Events Calendar & Where to Stay

The French Riviera experiences over 300 days of sunshine per year, but each season offers something unique. Spring brings blooming gardens and major cultural events, summer delivers perfect beach weather but with crowds, while fall offers the best of both worlds – warm sea temperatures but fewer tourists. Even winter has its charm, with mild temperatures and a more authentic local experience.

Budget considerations and money-saving tips

Stay in Nice or Menton rather than Cannes or Monaco. Trust me, your wallet will thank you! These towns offer similar Mediterranean charm but with much more reasonable accommodation prices.

Use the €1.50 coastal buses or trains instead of expensive tours (although tours can save you BIG time if you’re short on time or don’t want to navigate public transportation). The bus views along the coastal roads are incredible, especially between Nice and Monaco!

Look for “menu du jour” at lunch – you’ll get the same quality as dinner for half the price. Most restaurants offer these set menus at midday, and they’re how locals manage to enjoy the region’s best cuisine without breaking the bank.

Many museums are free on the first Sunday of each month. I’ve managed to visit the Picasso Museum in Antibes and several Nice museums without spending a cent by planning around these days.

Consider the French Riviera Pass if you’re planning multiple museum visits. It quickly pays for itself if you’re visiting several attractions, especially in Nice and surrounding areas.