In a nutshell
- In this article, we share our top picks for where to stay on the Côte d’Azur. Personally, we’d combine a city stay and a beach vacation: a few days in Nice, then a few days by the sea.
- Our top pick in Nice is the Hôtel de France: a bright, welcoming boutique hotel that’s both centrally located and just a short walk from the sea.
- For a beach stay, we love the Hôtel Mer du Mer — it’s right on the beach, has a lovely terrace, and even a sauna for rainy days.
- Read on for our full breakdown of the best French Riviera hotels — on the beach, in the city, and in the hinterland.
Where to stay on the Côte d’Azur?
The Côte d’Azur is a region along the French Mediterranean coast — which is why it’s also called the French Riviera. You’ve probably heard of cities like Nice, Marseille, or Saint-Tropez — they’re all part of it.
Don’t be surprised if a good chunk of the inland area is also considered Côte d’Azur. There’s a broader administrative region called Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur that stretches even further.
We’re focusing on the stretch along the Mediterranean coast, though, and we’ll show you exactly where the best places to stay on the Côte d’Azur are.
The most beautiful cities to stay in on the Côte d’Azur
Along the French Riviera, you’ll find some of the most beautiful Mediterranean cities in all of Europe!
We’ve picked out five top cities on the Côte d’Azur and explain why each one is worth it and where to stay. You can also hit all of them on a Côte d’Azur road trip.
Nice – the all-rounder
Nice is a true all-rounder: it’s considered the cultural heart of the Côte d’Azur, and it also has great beaches. If you’re visiting the French Riviera for the first time, Nice is an excellent base.
Staying in Nice: pros and cons
- wide range of culture and many events
- beautiful city beaches
- good airport connections
- very touristy
Our hotel picks for Nice
Not finding the right fit? Check out our in-depth guide with the best places to stay in Nice.
Marseille – authentic France
Marseille is, for us, the most authentic city on the Côte d’Azur — no luxury villas, no glitz and glamour. Just a real big city where things can get loud and gritty — but in return, you get to experience genuine France, and there’s a ton to see on top of that.
Staying in Marseille: pros and cons
- more authentic than other cities on the Côte d’Azur
- wide range of activities
- somewhat cheaper hotels
- no city beach within walking distance
Our hotel picks for Marseille
Not finding the right fit? Check out our in-depth guide with the best places to stay in Marseille.
Cannes – for culture lovers
You probably know Cannes for the International Film Festival every May. But the rest of the year, creatives and artists feel right at home in its lively alleyways — and there are some truly beautiful beaches around the city too.
Staying in Cannes: pros and cons
- quieter than Nice or Marseille
- central location on the Côte d’Azur
- wide range of culture
- very crowded during the film festival
Our hotel picks for Cannes
Antibes – for those seeking peace and quiet
With its old buildings and fortress walls, Antibes is considerably more low-key than Nice, say. It’s a historically rich little town with lots of great museums — including the Picasso Museum.
Staying in Antibes: pros and cons
- comparatively affordable
- more relaxed atmosphere
- short distances to Nice and Cannes
- the “underdog” of the Côte d’Azur
Our hotel picks for Antibes
Hôtel Josse (€): a hotel right on the water in a peaceful setting just outside the city center. Breakfast in the morning is really delicious.
Le Ponteil (€€): a lovingly decorated, family-run boutique hotel with a garden — just 200 meters from the nearest beach.
Villa Port d’Antibes (€€): a lovely hotel with a spa and outdoor pool, right on the harbor — one of Antibes’ highlights. Family rooms are available too.
Saint Tropez – glitz and glamour
Saint-Tropez is famous as the playground of the rich and famous. Luxury yachts line up next to luxury hotels, and you just might spot Leonardo DiCaprio. When you’re on the French Riviera, experiencing Saint-Tropez at least once is simply non-negotiable.
Staying in Saint Tropez: pros and cons
- Experience the famous luxury town at least once
- Many museums
- A true shoppers’ paradise
- very expensive
Our hotel picks for Saint Tropez
Pan Dei Palais (€€): a beautiful boutique hotel in a historic villa right in the heart of the city, with a pool and garden.
Villa Cosy (€€€): a luxury hotel with spa, pool, and garden in a quiet location just outside Saint-Tropez.
La Ponche (€€€): a stylish 5-star hotel right on the beach — just a stone’s throw from the center, yet you can still enjoy breakfast with ocean views.
Staying affordably in the area surrounding the Côte d’Azur
If the cities feel too hectic, a hotel in the surrounding area is a great alternative. And as a bonus, these places are significantly more affordable.
We’ve picked out three standout lodging options that are perfect for day trips to the beach or into the cities.
Villa Daphne
Spéracèdes, 20 min from Cannes
Villa Daphne sits in a small village in the northeastern part of the region. From here, you can reach Cannes, Antibes, and Nice in under an hour. You’re truly surrounded by nature and enjoy a breathtaking panorama over the hills.
On warm days, the pool — tucked away in a wonderfully quiet, sheltered spot — is the place to be. There’s also a terrace and a small garden with lounge chairs, perfect for breakfast outdoors.
What we personally love most is the charming décor — traditional meets modern. All in all, a lovely boutique hotel for anyone who values a private, relaxed atmosphere.
Lou Calen
Cotignac, one hour from Saint-Tropez
Surrounded by lavender fields and vineyards, Hotel Lou Calen is the quintessential French Provence experience. From the village of Cotignac, you can easily reach nature highlights like the famous Verdon Gorge. There are great hiking opportunities nearby, and you can rent bikes directly from the hotel.
Lou Calen is also a dream for foodies: the hotel has two restaurants, a bistro, a wine bar, and two bars serving special craft beers.
We’re also big fans of the property itself — it has the feel of a mystical old manor house. Absolutely stunning. Other highlights include an outdoor pool and a hot tub.
Château Saint Roux Le Luc
Le Cannet-des-Maures, 45 min from Saint-Tropez
Always dreamed of staying in a castle? At Saint Roux Le Luc, that’s exactly what you get — and don’t worry, there’s none of that stiff, over-the-top formality here.
Saint Roux is a genuine all-rounder: an organic hotel with its own vineyard, vegetable garden, goat farming, cheese dairy, and bakery. Best of all, you’re warmly invited to ask questions and peek behind the scenes. All those homemade goodies end up in the restaurant too, and you can grab souvenirs from the shop.
Want to explore some of the best hotels on the Côte d’Azur’s coast? Saint-Tropez, Toulon, and Marseille are all about an hour away by car.
Côte d’Azur hotels right on the beach
Not too particular about which city you stay in? You mainly want to wake up to the sound of the ocean and spend the whole day on the beach?
Then these beachfront hotels on the Côte d’Azur are exactly what you’re looking for!
Hôtel Le Bailli de Suffren
Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer, 35 min from Saint-Tropez
We love Le Bailli because it delivers all the perks of a resort without the typical hotel-chain feel. Instead, you get a cool boutique-style interior and a pleasantly private atmosphere.
Right in front of the hotel is a private beach, and on the terrace you can take a dip in a large pool with ocean views. Palm trees and exotic plants surround the terrace — honestly, it feels like the Caribbean.
Other highlights are definitely the spa and the three restaurants. There’s also free parking — super handy if you’ve rented a car for day trips.
Hôtel Mer du Mer
Les Issambres, 20 min from Saint-Raphael
Mer du Mer gives us the ultimate beach feeling! The entire property is decorated in light beige tones, and from the terrace you enjoy a fantastic ocean view.
Breakfast is served on the terrace with garden every morning — honestly, can you imagine a better way to start the day?
The nearest beach is just 100 meters away. There’s also a pool with ocean views if you prefer. And if the weather doesn’t cooperate, a sauna and hot tub are ready and waiting.
La Belle Aurore
Sainte-Maxime, 20 min from Saint-Tropez
The standout feature at La Belle Aurore is without a doubt the infinity pool, built right on the cliffs above the sea. Next to it, a beautiful terrace with lounge chairs and ocean views — you really can’t get any closer to the water.
You’re only 25 minutes by car from Saint-Tropez — perfect for day trips into town or to discover more beaches on the French Riviera.
For dinner, you don’t even need to leave. The restaurant serves seriously delicious French cuisine, with a gorgeous view of the Saint-Tropez coastline to go with it.
Boutique hotels on the Côte d’Azur
If you care less about location and more about the hotel itself, a boutique hotel on the Côte d’Azur is the way to go — small properties with a personality all their own!
Hotel Amour
Nice
Every room at Hotel Amour has its own color theme: suites come in all pink, green, or blue. Everything is furnished with really cool one-of-a-kind pieces collected over the years, each with a story behind it.
Up on the rooftop terrace, you can swim in a pool right among the rooftops of Nice. There’s also a charming little restaurant up there where you can dine with a stunning view.
The nearest beach is just 500 meters away.
La Maison du Frene
Vence, 30 min from Nice
Maison du Frene is a small hotel in an old 18th-century manor house. The décor pulls off a skillfully executed retro style — a mix of antiques and pop art that really works.
Hosts Guy and Antoine are personally on-site and are always happy to share their best tips for exploring Vence.
Speaking of which — where exactly is Vence? Glad you asked: it’s a small, romantic town just outside Nice. It’s ideal if you want to explore Nice but prefer not to stay in the thick of the city.
Lily of the Valley
La Croix-Valmer, 20 min from Saint-Tropez
5-star hotels often feel either a bit dated or so slick they come across as sterile. Lily of the Valley is completely different: the style is relaxed, contemporary, and above all original.
You still get the full luxury package, though. There’s a spa with sauna, an outdoor pool with ocean views, a fitness center, and a shuttle service to whisk you to the nearest beaches.
The hotel sits on a hill surrounded by nature — so you get absolute peace and quiet — and the grounds are spacious enough that guests can really spread out.
In short: a great pick for anyone who wants a luxury experience that doesn’t feel like a typical luxury hotel.
Family hotels on the Côte d’Azur
Planning a vacation with kids on the Côte d’Azur? We know how tricky it can be to find the right place to stay for a family trip.
We’ll make it easy — here are three great family hotels on the Côte d’Azur.
Hôtel l'Esterel
Saint Raphael
Hôtel l’Esterel is part of a large resort complex packed with activities for kids. There’s a truly massive pool area, plus a dedicated kids’ pool and a water slide for the little ones.
But that’s just the beginning: the grounds have plenty of playgrounds, and kids can even join a circus school. Childcare is also available for an additional fee.
Meanwhile, you can unwind in the spa or lounge by the pool with ocean views. If you want to head out, Saint-Raphael is just 20 minutes away by car.
Une Campagne En Provence
Bras, one hour from Marseille
Here you stay in a country hotel surrounded by nature. The kids have plenty of room to run around, and it’s totally fine if things get a little noisy — no need to worry about the neighbors.
There’s a pool for splashing around, and we especially love that a grill is available — perfect for long summer evenings. Visiting in winter? The sauna has you covered.
The surrounding vineyards and forests are great for hiking. This is the perfect spot for nature-loving families who prefer a quieter pace!
Villa d'Estelle
Cannes
Villa d’Estelle is a small aparthotel right in the heart of Cannes. You stay in spacious apartments with their own kitchen for self-catering — and the hotel even delivers breakfast to your apartment each morning.
There’s also a terrace and pool with views over the city — a great spot for a relaxed afternoon with the kids without going anywhere.
The nearest beach is just 150 meters away, which is a huge plus when traveling with children. Plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafés are right on your doorstep too.
Luxury hotels on the Côte d’Azur
Want to really treat yourself for a few days on the French Riviera and spare no expense?
These three luxury hotels on the Côte d’Azur are sure to deliver.
Chateau de la Messardiére in Saint-Tropez
Saint-Tropez
The Messardiére sits like a small castle on a hill behind Saint-Tropez, with a breathtaking vista over the sea. A shuttle service runs around the clock to take you to the private beach.
Or spend a wellness day at the hotel spa, which features steam rooms, an outdoor pool, a hot tub, and more.
The hotel also has nine restaurants and three bars, covering everything from classic French to international cuisine. The shuttle can even take you to more distant restaurants.
Le Negresco in Nice
Nice
Le Negresco is the luxury hotel in Nice, full stop. It sits right on the waterfront and looks like a small Mediterranean palace. Inside, everything is elegantly appointed with antique furniture and works of art throughout.
For a truly exceptional dining experience, the hotel restaurant Le Chantecler — holder of a Michelin star — is a must.
During the day, you can relax at the hotel’s private beach section. At the beach club, comfortable sun loungers start at €35 per day, and you can have lunch right on the beach.
Hôtel Hermitage in Monte Carlo
Monte Carlo
The Hermitage is a landmark palace hotel in the luxury district of Monte Carlo in Monaco. The entire property is decorated with fine gold accents, marble, and elegant chandeliers.
For relaxation, the spa is seriously impressive — a sprawling 7,000 square meters featuring saunas, a seawater pool, and a wide range of saltwater treatments. There’s also a fitness room, all with ocean views.
Need a transfer? The Hermitage even has a helicopter on standby for its guests. The service here leaves absolutely nothing to be desired.
