French Riviera vacation packages

How to reach the French Riviera

• Flight time: Flights to the French Riviera from London take about 2 hours, with direct flights also available from other major UK airports.

• Transfer time: From Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, frequent buses depart for all main destinations along the coast, including central Nice, taking around 20 minutes to reach the city center. For destinations like Cannes or Monaco, expect a transfer time of approximately 30-45 minutes by car or train.

• Price: A bus ticket from the airport to the city center costs $1.80. Taxis are plentiful and cost about $26–33 into the center. A train ticket from Nice to Cannes or Monaco costs between $5.30 and $10.60.

Best time to visit the French Riviera

Consider how much you enjoy the heat and crowds when booking your trip.

• April to June: Spring is one of the best times to visit the Riviera. The weather is warm but not too hot, with temperatures ranging from 59°F to 77°F and around 8-10 hours of sunshine daily. May is especially busy with major events like the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix.

• July to August: The Riviera can be incredibly crowded—which means booking accommodation well in advance—and stiflingly hot, with temperatures soaring to 86°F or higher. Expect around 11-12 hours of sunshine daily and very little rain. But you will get the best of everything during this period.

• September to November: The Riviera is more relaxed in autumn with fewer crowds, water still warm enough to swim in, and temperatures between a pleasant 59°F and 77°F. Rainfall increases to around 50-70mm per month.

• December to March: Riviera winters are incredibly mild, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 59°F and around 5-7 hours of sunshine and occasional rain. Nice’s carnival in February brings in big crowds.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: French is the official language along the Riviera, although being close to the border with Italy means that Italian is widely spoken, as is English.

• Local habits and customs: At restaurants, you only need to leave an additional cash tip if you feel you have received service out of the ordinary, since restaurant prices always include a service charge.

• Health and safety: The region is generally safe, but be alert in areas such as Vieux Nice and on the busier beaches. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 112.

• Currency: The Euro (€) is used. ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.

• Getting around: TGV trains serve Riviera resorts including St-Raphaël, Cannes, Nice, and Monaco. Another regional line heads north from Nice towards the Italian border at Tende, linking many of the communities of the pays-arrière niçois with the coast. Along the coast and between the major towns, the Riviera is well served by buses.

• Electricity and plug types: Voltage is officially 230V, using plugs with two round pins. UK travelers will need an adapter.

• Time zone: The French Riviera is in the Central European Time (CET) zone, which is 1 hour ahead of GMT. Daylight Saving Time is observed from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.

• Required travel documentation: UK travelers need a valid passport to enter France. No visa is required for stays under 90 days within a 180-day period.

Best things to do on the French Riviera

The French Riviera, also known as the Côte d'Azur, features the iconic coastline stretching from Marseille to the Italian border, filled with glamorous and luxurious resorts.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Èze Village: You'll recognize Èze long before you reach it; its picturesque streets wrap around a rocky peak below the corniche, with a summit 1,540 feet above the sea, providing breathtaking views.

• Grasse: Enjoy stunning, uninterrupted views over the Côte d'Azur from this hillside location 10 miles inland from Cannes.

• Corniches: Experience magnificent coastal vistas along one of the world's most dazzling drives.

The best districts

• Nice: The heart of the Riviera, Nice is a lively and fascinating mix of Italianate charm, faded Belle Époque elegance, and top-notch art, making it a perfect home base.

• Frejus: Founded by Julius Caesar as a naval base, Fréjus boasts some of the best-preserved Roman ruins along this coast, including a theater, an amphitheater, and a ruined aqueduct.

Museums

• Musée Picasso: This fantastic museum pays tribute to the great artist, offering a chance to see lesser-known works in beautiful surroundings.

• Fondation Maeght: Art and architecture blend with the landscape and the dazzling Provençal light to create this extraordinary museum of contemporary art and sculpture.

• Musée Matisse: Featuring a fine collection with works from every period, including nearly all of his bronze sculptures and sketches for one of the Dance murals.

Parks and gardens

• Phoenix Parc Floral de Nice: Located near the airport, the highlight here is one of the largest greenhouses in Europe, with six different tropical zones.

• Jardin Thuret: Situated in the middle of the Cap and established in the 19th century by botanist Gustav Thuret, this garden tests and acclimates subtropical trees and shrubs to diversify France's Mediterranean plants.

Historical monuments

• Chapelle du Rosaire: Matisse's final masterpiece, where the modern master oversaw every stunning detail of this profoundly moving convent chapel in Vence.

• Fort Carré: At the northern end of Antibes, this headland is topped by the splendidly located Fort Carré, transformed by Vauban in the 17th century into an impregnable fortress.

Things to do in different parts of the region

• Niçois villages: Explore craggy Peillon and unspoiled Lucéram, the perched villages of Nice’s wild and sparsely populated hinterland, where locals still live off the land, producing olives, goat’s cheese, herbs, and vegetables.

• The Corniches: Three fantastic corniche roads run east from Nice to the independent principality of Monaco. Buses serve all three routes; the train follows the lower corniche; and all three offer superb ways to see the most mountainous stretch of the Côte d’Azur.

Activities for families on the French Riviera

Families and kids of all ages are well catered for along the Riviera, with plenty of fun ranging from splashing around in waterparks to scenic train rides through valleys.

• Aquariums and zoos: Marineland in Antibes is one of Europe’s largest marine parks, with dolphin shows, aquariums, and a water park; while the zoo in Le Capitou features everything from big cats, marsupials, and apes to small reptiles and exotic birds.

• Theme parks and adventure: Several large-scale attractions for children line up along the main coast road between Antibes and Biot – featuring performing dolphins at Marineland to waterslides at Aquasplash.

• Train rides: The Chemins de Fer de Provence offers one of France's most scenic and entertaining railway routes, running up the Var Valley into the hinterland of Nice to Digne-les-Bains, climbing through spectacular scenery as it goes.

• Historical monuments and sites: Kids love exploring ruins, so head to the ancient ruins of Cimiez in Nice, where they can run around and learn about Roman history. Formally, the Prince’s Palace in Monaco offers guided tours and a chance to see the changing of the guard.

Free things to do on the French Riviera

Despite being one of the most expensive regions in Europe, there are plenty of ways to save money on your French Riviera vacations.

• Beaches: For an affordable day, hit the beaches. With an abundance of choices (Nice, Antibes, Cannes), among the best are the St-Tropez peninsula and Le Lavandou, the most beautiful part of the Côte d'Azur, featuring silvery beaches and sections of unspoiled, tree-backed coastline.

• Cinema: Each May, Cannes hosts the world’s most famous film festival, and while it's exclusive for professionals, the open-air Cinéma de la Plage—offering free screenings of current and classic selections—is open to all.

• Village markets: The markets of the Riviera are a sensory delight and lively social event, allowing you to spend as much or as little as you like—or nothing at all; the best include the Marché du Cours Saleya in Nice and Marchés des Halles in Menton.

• Historical sites: You could spend days exploring the old town districts of the coast's towns and villages: Nice, Antibes, and Menton are three that immediately come to mind.

Nature and outdoor activities

The French Riviera is synonymous with outdoor fun, featuring a wide range of water sports complemented by numerous inland activities.

• Hiking: The Parc National du Mercantour is a true hiker's paradise, with numerous paths and refuge huts that provide basic food and bedding for trekkers. Additionally, the Sentier du Littoral in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and the GR51 trail offer incredibly scenic hikes.

• Diving: There are more than 30 diving sites between the bay of St-Raphaël and Agay, known for their numerous wrecks, ranging from Gallo-Roman ships to the minesweepers, barges, and landing ships lost during the 1944 Allied landings.

• Fishing: As expected, the waters here are rich in various fish species, so why not try your hand at catching them yourself; many local fishermen offer their services, providing all necessary equipment.

• Water sports: The sea here is warm and calm, with plenty of places to rent equipment for scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding. The western suburb of Saint-Laurent-du-Var is a favorite gathering spot for kitesurfers.

Discover the beaches of the French Riviera

The French Riviera is renowned for its stunning coastline, offering a variety of beaches that cater to every kind of traveler. Whether you're looking for family-friendly sandy shores, glamorous beach clubs, or secluded coves, the French Riviera has something to suit every vacationer.

Glamorous beaches in Cannes

Cannes is synonymous with luxury, and its beaches are no exception. The famous La Croisette offers a stretch of sandy shoreline lined with exclusive beach clubs where you can rent sunbeds, sip cocktails, and enjoy gourmet dining by the sea. For those on a budget, Plage du Midi offers a more relaxed vibe with public access.

Family-friendly beaches in Nice

Nice boasts some of the most accessible and family-friendly beaches on the Riviera. The pebbled shores of Promenade des Anglais stretch for several miles, offering plenty of space to relax and swim in the crystal-clear waters. Facilities like restaurants and snack bars make it convenient for families, while shallow waters are ideal for children to paddle safely.

Hidden gems in Saint-Tropez

While Saint-Tropez is famous for its celebrity-studded beaches like Pampelonne, you'll also find quieter spots perfect for a peaceful day by the sea. Plage des Salins is a lesser-known gem, offering a more tranquil setting surrounded by nature. It’s the perfect spot for those seeking a more authentic beach experience without the crowds.

Secluded coves in Èze-sur-Mer

If you're after a more intimate setting, the beaches of Èze-sur-Mer offer beautiful hidden coves with a backdrop of rugged cliffs. Plage d’Èze is a small pebbled beach that’s perfect for a quiet escape, ideal for snorkeling or simply relaxing in a picturesque setting. The calm, clear waters make it a haven for those seeking tranquility away from the busier spots.

Watersports in Antibes

For adventure seekers, the beaches of Antibes provide ample opportunities for watersports. Plage de la Gravette is ideal for families and those looking to try out activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, or jet skiing. With a relaxed atmosphere and a mix of both sandy and pebbled beaches, Antibes offers the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation.

From the glamour of Cannes to the peaceful coves of Èze, the French Riviera’s beaches offer something for everyone, making it one of the most diverse coastal destinations in Europe. Whether you’re seeking family fun, water sports, or a luxurious day at a private beach club, the French Riviera’s coastline won’t disappoint.

Local dishes on the French Riviera

Trips to the French Riviera are likely to feature a lot of fabulous food. Wholesome and healthy, Provençal cuisine embodies the benefits of the Mediterranean diet, with excellent fish along the coast and fresh fruits and vegetables everywhere.

Some typical dishes

• Salade Niçoise: This ubiquitous salad features tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, Niçoise olives, anchovies, and tuna, all perfectly dressed with olive oil.

• Ravioles: A classic Niçois dish of ravioli, often filled with Swiss chard and daube, served with a splash of hearty daube sauce.

• Pissaladière: A flat tart from Nice, made with bread dough topped with caramelized onions, and sometimes olives and anchovies.

Meat dishes

• Daube de boeuf: A true winter warmer, this is a beef stew enriched with red wine and seasoned with juniper, orange peel, and chopped bacon.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Bouillabaisse: This Marseille fishermen's stew is the most famous of the coast's seafood dishes, and at its best, it's utterly delicious.

• Loup de Mer: Simply grilled sea bass served with fresh herbs and lemon.

Street food

• Socca: Best enjoyed hot and fresh from the pan, this Niçois chickpea pancake is the perfect street food—simple, wholesome, and tasty.

• Pain fougasse: A finger-shaped bread that may contain olives, anchovies, sausage, cheese, or bacon.

• Pan bagnat: This go-to sandwich is a delicious mix of tuna, hard-boiled egg, and bitter mesclun salad leaves drizzled with oil.

Sweets and desserts

Calissons are lozenge-shaped sweets made from almonds and candied lemon, perfect with a strong espresso; while a tarte tropézienne is a cream-filled brioche that originated in Saint-Tropez.

Local drinks

• Pastis: The south of France is the homeland of pastis, an aniseed-flavored spirit traditionally served with a bowl of olives before meals.