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Eight of the Most Beautiful Places on the French Riviera to Enjoy
From golden beaches to storybook villages and handsome harbors, we have pinpointed some of the French Riviera's standout destinations that deserve a place on your travel map. The region, famously known as the Côte d'Azur, continues to captivate visitors with its undiminished allure, attracting the wealthy, the famous, and even film crews like those for The White Lotus season 4.
1. Cap d’Antibes
Nestled between Cannes and Nice, the Cap d’Antibes peninsula offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle. This pine-forested haven features spellbinding coves and has discreetly become a retreat for the super-rich. Visitors can stroll along the Sentier du Littoral coastal path to glimpse ultra-luxury villas hidden among the trees and admire the strikingly azure Billionaire’s Bay. Don't miss Villa Eilenroc, a historic Belle Époque estate with stunning gardens, or the flour-soft sands of La Garoupe beach. For dining, Eden-Roc Restaurant at the legendary Hôtel du Cap‑Eden‑Roc serves exquisite Provençal cuisine in one of the Riviera's most elegant settings.
2. Èze Village
Perched dramatically over 1,400 feet above the Mediterranean, Èze village feels like a lost-in-time medieval hamlet. Located midway between Nice and Monaco, it boasts fairytale architecture and jaw-dropping coastal views. Explore art galleries, boutique shops, and the medieval fortress, then linger over delicious food at La Chèvre d’Or, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant within the opulent Château de la Chèvre d’Or hotel. Many visitors reach Èze via the steep Nietzsche Path from Èze-sur-Mer, adding to the adventure.
3. Villefranche-sur-Mer
Villefranche-sur-Mer embodies the quintessential Riviera town with its fishing boats bobbing in aquamarine waters, pastel-hued houses, and seafront cafes. Must-visit spots include the Chapelle Saint-Pierre, decorated by avant-garde artist Jean Cocteau, the 16th-century Citadel of Villefranche-sur-Mer housing three art museums, and the tranquil Plage des Marinières beach. For a memorable meal, book a table at La Mère Germaine, a favorite of Cocteau's, which serves excellent seafood with spellbinding harbor views.
4. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Once a simple fishing village, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat has transformed into a tranquil playground for the very rich and famous, nestled between Nice and Monaco. Magnificent mansions dot the pine-clad terrain, while the shoreline boasts some of the Riviera's finest beaches, such as Paloma, Passable, and Fossettes. For gourmet dining, head to Michelin-starred Le Cap at the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, where the food and sea views dazzle equally.
5. Îles de Lérins Archipelago
Just a 15-minute ferry ride from the glitz of Cannes, the Îles de Lérins offer a wild contrast with car-free islands where silence is punctuated only by cicadas and lapping waves. Of the five islands, Île Sainte-Marguerite and Île Saint-Honorat are visitable. Explore cliff-edge Fort Royal on Île Sainte-Marguerite, once a state prison, or enjoy idyllic swimming and visit a centuries-old fortified monastery on Île Saint-Honorat. The latter also features an abbey where monks cultivate olive trees and vineyards, offering wine tastings and regional dishes at La Tonnelle restaurant.
6. Saint-Tropez
Famed as one of the Mediterranean's chicest vacation destinations, Saint-Tropez evolved from a sleepy fishing village after Brigitte Bardot's influence in the 1950s. Today, it's a mecca for superyacht owners and high-end boutiques, yet retains its charm with bewitching alleyways in the old town and a handsome port lined with pastel buildings. For dining, book a table at storied Le Club 55, which started as a film crew canteen and is now a beach restaurant beloved by celebrities.
7. Menton
Marking the eastern end of the Côte d'Azur at the Italian border, Menton is known as the City of Lemons due to its centuries-old citrus cultivation. Visit La Ferme des Citrons for a guided tour of the lemon plantation, explore the colorful old town, and wander through the lush Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden. Don't miss the baroque Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange for panoramic harbor views, then enjoy a waterside bite at quayside Coté Sud.
8. Iles d'Or Archipelago
The Iles d'Or, or Islands of Gold, live up to their name with pristine, car-free islands like Porquerolles, Port-Cros, and Le Levant. A short ferry ride from Hyeres, these gems feature beaches that rival those in the Maldives. Porquerolles, the largest island, is home to crescent-shaped Notre Dame beach, known for its golden sand and crystal-clear waters. The lack of cafes adds to the blissful seclusion, making it a perfect escape.
Whether you're drawn to fairy-tale villages, luxurious resorts, or secluded beaches, these eight destinations showcase the best of the French Riviera, offering something for every traveler seeking the Mediterranean's timeless charm.
