The Côte d’Azur, situated in the renowned South of France, has been a favorite destination of mine for many years now, attracting me back time and time again with its unique blend of charm, beauty, and culture. It’s a wonderful destination to visit with a significant other, with family for unforgettable memories, or with your best friend to make the experience even more special and memorable! In fact, my girlfriend Arianne and I, who share a love for travel and discovery, decided to celebrate our 30th birthdays (which are only a few days apart) in style, and we set our hearts on a perfectly crafted French Riviera itinerary that would encompass everything we adore. Needless to say, it was a short yet incredibly fulfilling stay brimming with memories, laughter, and good times that truly marked a 30th anniversary we won’t soon forget.
Here are a few of my favorite stops on our 5-day itinerary in the French Riviera, each place offering its own unique experiences and hidden gems in a truly beautiful region of France—from Grasse to the old town in Cannes and even dreamy Mediterannean islands. Hopefully, this recap will also serve as inspiration for you to plan a visit with your BFF, partner, or loved ones and uncover the magic of this region for yourselves!
One thing is for sure: I think it’s nearly impossible not to fall in love with this breathtaking region of France, especially with so many beautiful places to explore, rich history to uncover, and countless things to do that bring out the essence of the South of France.
Nice
Nice, one of the most iconic spots on any French Riviera itinerary, is a vibrant, colorful city full of life and energy, offering an array of activities and experiences. It’s easy to spend a few days here, leisurely exploring the city’s picturesque streets, savoring delicious local food, and strolling along the famous Promenade des Anglais, where you can take in the fresh air and scenic views of the Mediterranean. With temperatures that are usually mild and enjoyable, Nice is an ideal spot for outdoor activities year-round.
To combat jet lag and ease into vacation mode, we opted for a relaxing session at the renowned spa at the Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel as soon as we arrived. What a fabulous idea to kick off our French Riviera itinerary with such a rejuvenating experience!
We also took a guided tour of Nice, which allowed us to delve deeper into the city’s mysteries and uncover hidden gems that we wouldn’t have discovered otherwise. I was particularly enamored with the Old Town, a historic area brimming with character, complete with small cafes that exude warmth, bustling markets, typical Niçoise restaurants, and colorful houses that give this area its charm. Be sure not to miss an early morning visit to the famous Cours Saleya flower market, where you will find a large selection of quality products and gifts, ideal for bringing back a piece of the Côte d’Azur with you.
Nearby, you will find Acchiardo, a traditional Nice restaurant that has been run by the same family for four generations. They greet you with warm smiles, eager to share their local cuisine, from the famous Nicoise salad to delicious Farcis. We absolutely loved dining here, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Nice.
What is the most beautiful place on the French Riviera? Some of our favorite things to do in Nice and the South of France:
- Our favourite hotel in Nice: Hôtel Deck, a wonderful place that epitomizes comfort and style.
- The best view seaside restaurant in Nice: Beau Rivage Plage, where you can dine with views of the city and the sea.
- Our pick for a rooftop gastronomic experience: SEEN by Olivier at Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel, a place that combines fine dining with panoramic views.
- Our favourite activity in Nice if it’s raining: Musée Matisse, a museum celebrating one of the greatest artists of the region.
- The best and quickest day trip from Nice: Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, a short journey offering a unique experience full of history and beauty.
Eze
You can get to Èze by either train or car from Nice train station, making it one of the best day trips from Nice that you can easily include in your French Riviera itinerary. This enchanting little village is perched on the cliffs and will certainly capture your heart with its timeless charm.
Èze is a picturesque village that embodies the spirit of the South of France and is undoubtedly one of the hidden gems in the region. Visiting Èze had been on my travel list for quite some time, and it did not disappoint in the slightest! Perched high on the cliffs are exotic gardens overlooking the vast, blue Mediterranean Sea, providing some of the most breathtaking views of the city below. I spent much time wandering around the village, entranced by the sights and the enthralling scents of the gardens.
We spent an entire afternoon here, leisurely exploring, enjoying some of the best gelato in the village, and soaking in the views that only the Côte d’Azur can offer.
Grasse
Grasse – the fabled land of perfume and the world’s perfume capital – is an essential stop on any French Riviera itinerary, especially for those seeking a unique experience in the South of France. This little town, perfectly nestled between the sea and the mountains, surprised me with its stunning architecture and rich history, not to mention its very special olfactory heritage that has been carefully preserved for centuries.
I was captivated by Corinne from Terre de Parfums, who shared her incredible passion for perfumery with us. We took part in a workshop that was both interesting and creatively fulfilling from start to finish, with activities ranging from learning about different flowers and plants to creating our very own perfume – an experience that perfume enthusiasts would find absolutely worth a visit.
Afterwards, we walked through the streets of the historic center of the village, with its ochre, pink, and caramel-colored facades that make for a picture-perfect representation of the Côte d’Azur. For those deeply interested in perfume, you can also visit the Musée International de la Parfumerie in Grasse, where you can dive even deeper into the history and craft of perfume making, making it an absolute must for any French Riviera itinerary.
Day trip to the Lérins Islands by the Côte d’Azur
Ever since my first visit to Cannes a few years ago, I’ve always loved wandering around this beautiful city. But this time around, some of my most cherished memories came from our sea excursion, a highlight of our French Riviera itinerary. It’s one of the best activities to include when exploring everything the South of France has to offer.
From the marina, we embarked on a Black Tenders tour that took us to the Lérins islands of Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat, both rich in natural and cultural heritage that truly represent the essence of the Côte d’Azur. The water around these islands is a crystal-clear blue, absolutely stunning, and among the best sights of the French Riviera.
Saint-Honorat in particular, with its ancient abbey, sprawling vineyards, and secluded beaches, offers a unique experience and a serene escape from the bustling mainland. The island is only a few hundred meters wide, making it easy to explore by foot. We had the pleasure of dining with our feet in the sand at La Tonnelle, a charming little restaurant set within a lush garden, perfect for an afternoon retreat.
Cannes
Cannes, known for its beautiful beaches, the legendary Croisette, and the Old Port, has so much more to offer beyond its glamorous reputation. One of the highlights of our Cannes visit was the quintessential French aperitif at BELLA rooftop restaurant. With rosé wine, a delectable cheese platter, and the most exquisite sunset, it was a truly magical experience and a fitting end to a perfect day in Cannes.
During our stay, we explored the historic streets of the Suquet neighborhood, admired the views of the city from various parks, and uncovered the local side of Cannes, a hidden gem that too few people take the time to appreciate. When it comes to discovering things to do in Cannes, it’s best to let yourself wander, taking in the narrow streets, the beautiful architecture, and the relaxed ambiance, and see where the journey takes you.
We bid farewell to the Côte d’Azur at La Môme Plage. a highly recommended restaurant and a must on any French Riviera itinerary. The service was impeccable, the food delicious, the atmosphere charming, and the views beyond compare. This is definitely one of the best restaurants in Cannes, where everything comes together for an unforgettable dining experience.
The best French Riviera 5-day vacation itinerary: our favorite things to do in Cannes and nearby Provence
- The best hotel in Cannes: Hôtel Belle Plage a peaceful oasis right in the heart of the city.
- A must-visit foodie market: Marché provençal Forville, a vibrant market filled with local delicacies.
- One of my favorite beaches in Cannes: Pointe Croisette, to mingle with locals enjoying the sun
- The most beautiful garden: La Croix des Gardes offering panoramic views of the city and the sea.
- Where to rub shoulders with the stars: le Chemin des Étoiles, a place that celebrates the greatest artists who have visited Cannes.
- The best day trips from Cannes: Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a charming medieval village known for its art galleries and scenic views; or the glamorous coastal town Saint-Tropez famous for its luxury yachts and colorful architecture.
All photo credits: Jess Megan
