The stylish and scenic strip of coastline called the Côte d’Azur stretches from Saint-Tropez to Menton near the border with Italy. Also known as the French Riviera, the Côte d’Azur translates to “Coast of Blue,” taking its name from the deep azure-blue color of the Mediterranean Sea.
This glamorous vacation destination buzzes with energy during the tourist season and is known as a playground for the rich and famous who have lavish villas on the coast and impressive yachts docked in the harbors. Private beaches, high-end restaurants, and five-star hotels reinforce the image of seaside elegance and prestige.
Whether basking under a cabana in Cannes, setting sail from the port of Monaco, or people-watching on the boulevards of Nice, visitors will delight in the pleasures and the beauty of the French Riviera.
Discover the best things to see and do in the region with our list of the top tourist attractions on the Côte d’Azur.
Promenade des Anglais, Nice:
With its beaches balmy weather, and charming Mediterranean character, Nice is the quintessential French Riviera resort town. The most famous street in Nice is the Promenade des Anglais, a gorgeous pedestrian area that follows the curve of the Baie des Anges beaches.
Since the Belle Epoque, the promenade has been graced by opulent buildings such as the Art Deco Palais de la Méditerranée resort hotel; the legendary Le Negresco hotel, known for its luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and cosmopolitan clientele; and the Villa Masséna, a 19th-century aristocratic mansion (now a museum of art and history) set in a Mediterranean garden.
The Promenade des Anglais attracts crowds for sunbathing on the beaches and strolling, rollerblading, or cycling along the promenade. There are also many cultural and historic sightseeing attractions nearby.
A traditional open-air Provençal market takes place at the Cours Saleya, steps away from the Quai des États-Unis (which is just off the Promenade des Anglais). Beneath colorful striped awnings, vendors sell fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables, and local artisan food products. The market is held daily, except on Mondays.
The Jardin Albert Ier is within easy walking distance of the Promenade des Anglais. This expansive garden was one of Nice’s first public parks. In a delightful seaside location, the park features Mediterranean pine trees, aromatic roses, towering palms, and monumental fountains.
During summer, the garden’s outdoor theater, the Theâtre de Verdure, hosts concerts and cultural performances.
Cannes Beaches
During the summer months, colorful parasols line the sandy beaches of Cannes, and beach lovers soak up the sun in classic French Riviera style. Most of the popular beaches in Cannes are found right off La Croisette Boulevard, the city’s elegant main street.
Cannes is prized for its exclusive private beaches. However, there are municipal beaches that charge a small fee (Macé Beach and Zamenhof Beach, both sandy beaches with shallow waters).
Monaco:
Renowned for its prestigious yachting event and sublime natural scenery, Monaco has a special status on the Côte d’Azur. This small coastal city is its own principality with a royal family, epitomizing the glamour of the French Riviera. The palace of the royal family is located on what is fondly called “Le Rocher” (“The Rock”), a promontory overlooking the sea.
Tourists may visit the Palais des Princes de Monaco (royal palace) to discover its treasures: a monumental Carrara marble staircase; precious 16th- and 17th-century frescoes depicting mythological scenes; the Mazarin room, covered with ornate wood paneling; and the Throne Room, where official state events and ceremonies take place.
Other cultural highlights in Monaco include the cathedral; the Chapelle de la Visitation, which houses a museum of religious art; the Oceanographic Museum in an amazing waterfront setting and the Jardin Exotique, a gorgeous exotic garden with stunning sea views.
Another of the must-see attractions in Monaco is its emblematic harbor (Port Hercule), filled with luxury yachts. This enormous harbor is large enough to dock cruise ships. With its picturesque Mediterranean scenery and refreshing sea breezes, Port Hercule is a wonderful place for leisurely strolls or al fresco dining. Many of the waterfront restaurants have pleasant outdoor terraces.
Hilltop Village of Eze
Ephrussi de Rothschild Villa and Gardens, Cap-Ferrat
Menton
Cannes Film Festival
Antibes Beaches
Saint-Tropez
Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Villefranche-sur-Mer
Ile de Porquerolles
Jazz à Juan Festival
La Colline du Chateau, Nice
Travel vlog Playlist “French Riviera”:
Travel vlog Playlist “France”: