The French Riviera, or Côte d'Azur, has captivated visitors since writer Stephen Liégeard coined the term in 1887. Now, with the upcoming fourth season of The White Lotus set to film at Saint-Tropez's Château de la Messardière, the region's allure remains as strong as ever. For first-time visitors, the abundance of attractions can be overwhelming, so here are eight must-see spots to include on your itinerary.
The Cap d'Antibes peninsula, between Cannes and Nice, offers a tranquil escape of pine forests and secluded coves, popular with the discreet super-rich. Walk the Sentier du Littoral coastal path for views of luxury villas and Billionaire's Bay, and visit Villa Eilenroc, a Belle Époque estate with beautiful gardens. La Garoupe beach has soft sand and clear shallow waters. For dining, the Eden-Roc Restaurant at Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc serves exquisite Provençal cuisine in an elegant setting. Stay at the hotel itself, beloved by Hollywood A-listers, with rooms from $1,300.
The medieval village of Eze perches dramatically on a rocky outcrop 1,400 feet above the Mediterranean, midway between Nice and Monaco. Many visitors arrive via the steep Nietzsche Path from Èze-sur-Mer. Explore art galleries, boutique shops, and the medieval fortress, then dine at La Chèvre d'Or, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant with stunning terrace views at Château de la Chèvre d'Or. Stay at the château, where rooms start at $700; Walt Disney once stayed there and inspired its conversion into a hotel.
Villefranche-sur-Mer is a picturesque town with pastel houses, seafront cafes, and fishing boats in its aquamarine harbour. Must-sees include the Chapelle Saint-Pierre, decorated by Jean Cocteau, the 16th-century Citadel housing three art museums, and Plage des Marinières beach. For seafood with harbour views, book at La Mère Germaine, a favourite of Cocteau. Stay at Welcome Hôtel, right on the waterfront in the old town, with rooms from $250.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, once a fishing village, became a playground for the rich and famous in the late 19th century. Magnificent mansions dot the pine-clad peninsula, and the coastal path offers stunning views. Visit the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild with its nine themed gardens, or relax on the beaches of Paloma and Passable. Stay at the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, a five-star property with rooms from €800.
