Côte d'Azur
The most beautiful destinations and tips for your French Riviera vacation
Where is the French Riviera?
The Côte d’Azur is a stretch of Mediterranean coastline in France, running from the border with Italy all the way to Marseille.
There’s actually some debate about exactly where the French Riviera ends. Some draw the line at Saint-Tropez — others extend it further west.
We go with the broader definition and include Marseille. That’s the version you’ll find reflected in our guides.
On the overview map below, we’ve marked the full stretch of the Côte d’Azur and all the key destinations worth knowing about.
Our guide to the French Riviera
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Flair
Pure glamour paired with impossibly pretty coastal villages.
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Travel season
May through September is ideal if you're here for sun and beaches.
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Travel season
Plan at least one week to do justice to Nice, Cannes, and Antibes.
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Price level
Among the highest in France — especially in peak season. Budget accordingly.
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Food
Fresh fish, Salade Niçoise, and a classic Tarte Tropézienne are all must-tries.
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Transport
The train connects coastal towns really well — rent a car only if you want to explore inland.
FAQ
Is the Côte d'Azur an expensive destination?
Yes, the French Riviera is pricey overall. Places like Saint-Tropez and Monaco especially come with a serious price tag — accommodation, food, drinks, all of it.
Marseille is a bit more budget-friendly by comparison. You’ll find more affordable hotels and restaurants there without sacrificing that south-of-France feeling.
When is the best time to visit the Côte d'Azur?
Summer is the obvious pick if beaches and swimming are your main goal. It gets seriously hot on the French Riviera, but for pure sun-and-sea bliss, the weather is hard to beat.
For sightseeing or hiking — say, the Parc des Calanques — you’re much better off in April/May or September/October. Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and everything is still beautiful.
Want to catch the lavender bloom in Provence? Then June is your window — the fields are just starting to bloom and a short detour into the countryside is absolutely worth it.
How long should I plan for a Côte d'Azur vacation?
It really depends on how much of the French Riviera you want to cover.
To explore the whole coastline, plan on more than a week. That gives you enough time for a proper road trip from the Italian border all the way to Marseille, with stops at all the highlights along the way.
If you’re short on time and mainly want to explore Monaco, Nice, and Cannes, five days is enough to hit the main sights in these three cities.
For a pure beach vacation, we’d recommend around one week — enough time to properly slow down, find your favorite spots, and get that tan you came for.
