Your Ultimate 7-Day Itinerary Of The French Riviera

Waquar Habib

French Riviera

The French Riviera is a stunning Mediterranean coastline known for its clear waters, luxurious resorts, and cultural attractions like the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco. It offers a mix of history and luxury, with fine dining, upscale shopping, nightlife, and cultural sophistication.

Beautiful view of the French Riviera | Shutterstock

Day 1: Nice

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the Promenade des Anglais, a promenade along the Mediterranean coast of Nice known for smooth pavement, palm trees, and pristine views. Take a leisurely stroll along the famous waterfront, enjoying the views or sporting events and exhibitions.

People walking at the Promenade des Anglais | Shutterstock

Afternoon

Head to the historic district of Vieux Nice (Old Town). Explore the narrow, winding streets filled with charming shops and cafes. Don't miss the vibrant Cours Saleya market, where you can sample local produce and snacks.

The charming Vieux Nice | Shutterstock

Evening

Dine at a seaside restaurant along the Promenade des Anglais, enjoying the sunset. Try local specialties like Salade Niçoise or Pissaladière. You can check out places like La Véranda or Eclipse Chef's Table.

A bowl of Salade Niçoise | Shutterstock

Day 2: Monaco

Morning

Visit the Principality of Monaco and begin your day with a visit to the Monte Carlo Casino, a gambling and entertainment complex. Even if you don't gamble, the architecture, a brilliant example in Belle Époque architecture, and gardens are worth seeing.

Monte Carlo Casino | Shutterstock

Afternoon

Explore the Jardin Exotique for breathtaking views of Monaco and the Mediterranean. Visit the Oceanographic Museum, housed in a Baroque Revival architecture, to discover marine life and conservation efforts.

A glimpse of Jardin Exotique | Shutterstock

Evening

Dine in one of the glamorous restaurants in Monte Carlo like Aristee or Le Millésime. Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine, includes plant-based foods, minimally processed staples, and lots of herbs and spices, with a touch of luxury.

Traditional Mediterranean cuisine | Shutterstock

Day 3: Cannes

Morning

Start your day in Cannes with a walk along the Promenade de la Croisette that features high-end labels, including Hugo Boss, Hermes, Gucci, and Dior. Film buffs must go and check out the famous Film Festival Palace.

A view of Cannes | Shutterstock

Afternoon

Explore the old town of Le Suquet (meaning "hillock"), the old quarter of Cannes known for its charming streets and stunning views. Later, visit the Marché Forville for fresh produce and local specialties.

Le Suquet | Shutterstock

Evening

Dine in a seaside restaurant in Cannes like L'Alba or Waikiki. You must not forget to try dishes like Bouillabaisse, a classic French fish soup with seafood, or Ratatouille, a French Provençal dish of stewed vegetables that originated in Nice and is sometimes referred to as ratatouille niçoise.

A bowl of Bouillabaisse | Shutterstock

Day 4: Antibes

Morning

Visit the Picasso Museum in Antibes, housed in the Château Grimaldi, a 16th-century castle built on the foundations of an ancient Greek town. Explore the collection of Picasso's works from when he lived in the castle in 1946 in this historic setting. You will find works such as "La Joie de vivre" and "Satyr, Faun and Centaur with Trident."

Picasso Museum | Shutterstock

Afternoon

Stroll through the Old Town of Antibes, full of historic buildings and narrow cobbled streets surrounded by ancient ramparts. Visit the Provencal Market, a festival of fragrances and accents which offers an infinite diversity of fresh regional produce.

Saint Paul De Vence | Shutterstock

Evening

Dine in a cosy restaurant in Antibes such as Restaurant La Cafetière Fêlée or Le P'tit Cageot. Try the local fish stew, Bouillabaisse, or enjoy a seafood platter.

Holidaymakers in Antibes | Shutterstock

Day 5: Saint-Tropez

Morning

Take a boat from Nice to Saint-Tropez. Rest and then start your day at the iconic Place des Lices, a 19th-century public square known for its open-air market. It's a great place for a walk under the shade of the 100-year-old plane trees.

Saint-Tropez | Shutterstock

Afternoon

Visit the Citadelle de Saint-Tropez, a well-preserved 17th century fortress and museum of maritime history. It features a hexagonal tower that was constructed between 1602 and 1607. Later, relax on the Pampelonne Beach, famous for its white sand and clear waters.

Ornate bronze cannon aimed over the wall of the St-Tropez Citadel | Shutterstock

Evening

Dine in one of Saint-Tropez's beachfront restaurants. Try fresh seafood or the local specialty, Tarte Tropezienne, a dessert pastry consisting of a halved brioche filled with a mix of two creams, thick pastry cream and buttercream, and topped with pearl sugar for dessert.

Cake Tarte Tropezienne | Shutterstock

Day 6: Eze

Morning

Visit the medieval village of Eze, located on a hilltop, high above the sea, and overlooks the Mediterranean and neighboring towns. Explore the narrow streets and visit the Jardin Exotique, a botanical garden located on the Place du Général de Gaulle, for stunning views.

Jardin Exotique, Eze | Shutterstock

Afternoon

Discover the Fragonard Perfume Factory in Eze and learn about the art of French perfume-making. The factory offers free guided tours year-round, but reservations must be made in advance. It is named after the famous 18th-century artist Jean-Honoré Fragonard, who was born in Grasse.

Inside the Fragonard Perfume Factory | Shutterstock

Evening

Dine in a hillside restaurant in Eze with panoramic views. Try regional dishes like Pissaladière, a flatbread with toppings, or Daube Provençale, slow-cooked stew usually made of beef.

A sculpture in village on the hills of Eze | Shutterstock

Day 7: Nice

Morning

Spend a relaxing morning on the beach or visit the Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Nice. In 1864, immediately after the railway reached Nice, Tsar Alexander II had visited the place by train and was attracted by the pleasant climate.

Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Nice | Shutterstock

Afternoon

Indulge in a spa day or take a leisurely stroll through the city, exploring any spots you may have missed. There's always Marc Chagall National Museum, Marché Aux Fleurs Cours Saleya and many more places that you can spend time at.

Marché Aux Fleurs Cours Saleya in the heart of Nice | Shutterstock

Evening

Dine at a rooftop restaurant with views of the city reflecting on your trip and the experiences you had. Enjoy a mix of French and Mediterranean cuisine and go souvenir-shopping.

A souvenir of a cat with a cigarette in a shop window in Nice on Rue Rivoli | Shutterstock

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