Top 5 Things To Do in French Riviera
French Riviera as a Tourist Destination
The first thing that you may note about the French Riviera is how artistic it is. From idyllic houses by narrow stony lanes to scenic beachfront, the Riviera is one of the best places to relax. Life on the azure coastline (Cote d’Azur) can be slow-moving as everything in the Riviera seems to be set in a perpetual vacation mood. Most vacationers would simply chill out on the seashore, dreamy-eyed with the murmur of the waves. The seaside is wonderful, with the deep blue and the white sand set in harmony.
You can also find quieter beaches, along with water sports activities in some places. To find quieter places, the Var region can be perfect. Compared to the glitzy Saint Tropez and the touristy Nice, this region is relatively less crowded, thanks to the unavailability of the train line. You can easily rent a car with your International Driver’s License and travel around, which is one of the best things to do in French Riviera. Visit Douane, Brouis, or Quessine and let the pleasant solitude serenade your welcome. Other exclusive destinations in this search should include the Villefranche-sur-Mer, the Cassis, and the Porquerolles Plage Notre-Dame.
But, of course, quietness may be reserved for the poetic souls. You can find museums dedicated to famous artists, offering a cultural exploration that is very unique. If the quieter beaches make you yearn for excitement, you can always visit the casinos in Nice and Monaco. The thrill of the roulette wheel is something not to miss out on, especially if you have the extra cash to gamble. Dining at the wayside cafes is one of the highlights of the Riviera trip, and you can indulge in good wine from Provence and Bordeaux, along with traditional French delicacies. Finally, a special mention must be made of the beautiful promenades and streets by the waterfront, which are perfect for evening walks with the sea by your side.
Things To Do in French Riviera
1. Experience the Glamour of Monaco and Monte Carlo
Due to the luxury shopping and the Grand Casino, Monaco is renowned as one of the most lavish destinations in the world. It’s a city-state but a part of the French Riviera, so you can easily plan a visit without the hassles. The princely palace is one of the key attractions in Monaco, but it is difficult to say which is the most popular, the Casino de Monte Carlo or the palace.
As you may already know, it’s also a Grand Prix venue, which is definitely an added attraction for speed lovers. The principality is considered one of the most lavish places to visit in France, and for good reasons! It’s also a great place to experience fine dining as you can discover several Michelin 5-star restaurants and gourmet cafes in the region. The One Monte Carlo district is the go-to place for exclusive fashion shopping, especially if you can’t live without designer clothes. Other attractions include strolling the Old Town in the Rocher district and shopping at the Condamine Market.
2. Visit the Medieval Village of Èze
Nestled over a hilltop is the medieval village of Eze, a place that is remarkably preserved and well-organized. Walking by the cobblestone paths in that old town where time has stood still for ages, you may feel transported to yet another dimension of existence. The lovely views of the serene Mediterranean from the hill play with your senses as you explore this small village. You can find many small shops and ateliers in Eze selling clothes, art pieces, and artisanal works.
One of the best things to do in Eze is to find a sea-facing restaurant to enjoy coffee and croissants with the view. It’s pure bliss, making you feel much at a place within this strange small town. This trip should be on the list of things to do in French Riviera if you would love to spend some quality me-time in an artistic medieval village. The key attraction in Eze is the Le Jardin Exotique, which is a terraced garden overlooking the Mediterranean.
3. Visit Saint-Tropez
Saint Tropez, shining like a star on the French Riviera, is the best place to go when you must explore the Mediterranean vibes! The town radiates comfort and harmony, and also the gastronomy. Legend has it that Brigitte Bardot suggested the name “La Tarte Tropezienne” when she discovered the famous French Tart during the filming of “And God Created Woman.” Delighting in the tart is considered a rite of passage in this region, and there are many variations of it. Saint Tropez also offers a fair share of the essential Riviera experience, lounging on the Pampelonne Beaches to be pampered by the sun.
Plan your trip ideally in mid-spring, as this is considered the best time to visit French Riviera. Summer season is bound to be crowded and more expensive, but September to October also offers a pleasant time for a retreat. Other key attractions include the Notre Dame de L’Assomption, especially known for the beautiful bell tower, which is a landmark in Saint Tropez.
4. Drive the Corniche Roads
The Corniche is a generic term for ‘balcony roads,’ usually perched on the side of a hill. As you would expect, driving by a scenic Corniche Road in the French Riviera constantly keeps you in touch with the sea on one side, creating an unforgettable travel experience. The Grand Corniche presents the most breathtaking views of the sea due to its higher elevation. The middle road, or the Moyenne Corniche, is the fastest route and has a peak elevation of 472 meters from the mean sea level.
Finally, the Basse Corniche is at the lowest elevation at about 100 meters from the sea and is usually preferred by tourists. Traveling these roads on the French Riviera reveals some of the quaintest tourist attractions in France in one go. The roads are dotted with medieval villages, Roman ruins, and idyllic seashores, creating the perfect opportunity to enjoy a long drive on the Riviera. Top attractions on the route include the scenic Eze village, the lovely Villefranche-sur-Mar, the Eze-sur-Mar, and the St Jean Cap Ferrat.
5. Relax on the Beaches of Cannes
Cannes is literally the spotlight point of the Riviera, thanks to the super glamorous International Film Festival organized every year. If you love good films, the Cannes experience is not to be missed, but this coastal town has many other attractions waiting to be explored. Just like Nice, there’s the Boulevard de la Croisette, which is a scenic walking route along the sea.
For deeper explorations of the Mediterranean coast, you need to plan a trip to the Lerins Islands. It is only fifteen minutes from the old port. While Saint Marguerite offers a scenic retreat in the azure waters, visiting the other island is more of a spiritual journey due to the monastery. While you are in Cannes, take the time to visit the old town for a bit of medieval heritage preserved in the modern world. The Cannes trip is definitely one of the best aspects of exploring the French Riviera as a tourist destination, an experience that you should not miss out on!
