Cote d’Azur, also known as the French Riviera, is located in the South of France. It’s a coastal area extending from Menton to somewhere near Marseille. But it has no official borders and looks like everyone has their own opinion on where exactly it ends! For sure, Cote d’Azur will leave you enchanted, and every traveler will find something to enjoy there. Whether you’re looking for medieval villages, historic towns, vibrant cities, or scenic landscapes you’ll find it all there. Keep reading and discover the best places to visit on Cote d’Azur.
Note. So far we’ve lived on Cote d’Azur for around 1 year in a few different towns. During that time we visited quite a large part of this beautiful part of France and got to know it pretty well. We visited all the places mentioned in the post, and all of them impressed us in some way.
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How to move around Cote d’Azur?
The fastest way of getting to all mentioned places is by car, either yours or rented. If you don’t travel with your own car, you can easily rent the best one for your needs through the Rental Cars website.
Most of the places are also accessible by public transport, by trains or buses. You can search for the connections that might interest you on the rome2rio.com or sncf-connect.com website. For great train ticket deals visit Trainline.
If you don’t want to put too much effort into planning, you can always take advantage of the guided tours and let someone else take care of all the details. For a wide selection and well-reviewed tour options be sure to visit GetYourGuide or Viator.
Where to stay while exploring Cote d’Azur?
It’s actually quite a hard question to answer as it all depends on which places you wish to visit and how you are planning to move around Cote d’Azur. If you prefer to stay in one place and slowly discover the area during day trips, we’d recommend staying near Nice/Antibes for the eastern part of the region or near Marseille/Toulon for its western part.
Things will be a little bit easier if you plan to move from one place to another as you can stay in all the spots you’d like. To find great accommodation visit Booking, Airbnb, or Hostelworld.
Best places to visit on Cote d’Azur
Menton
Menton is one of the most colorful seaside towns in Cote d’Azur that will fill you with positive energy, good food, and… lots of lemons! Whether you want to explore a picturesque old town, relax on a beach, admire breathtaking views, eat tasty food, or take part in a unique Lemon Festival – you’ll find it all in Menton. Chances are high that this town will enchant you from the first steps! Believe us, it’s a must-see place to visit on Cote d’Azur.
Learn more: What To Do In Menton, France?
Nice
Nice is a fabulous town on the French Riviera that probably needs no introduction. Relaxed vibe, compelling turquoise waters, colorful old town, splendid architecture, striking views, delicious food… Nice has all of these and more! This town is full of interesting places to discover and a huge number of various activities. For sure it will keep you entertained for hours, no matter what kind of traveler you are. Nice holds a special place in our hearts and even after 10+ visits, we can’t get enough of it!
Learn more: What To See In Nice, France?
Antibes
Antibes is a picturesque town that perfectly blends old-world charm, luxury, wealth, and natural beauty. The pleasant old town located within ramparts, interesting museums, luxurious villas and superyachts, magnificent beaches, and coastal trails with striking views attract thousands of travelers each year. No wonder many felt, and still fall, for its captivating charm! Whether you are an art enthusiast, a history geek, or a nature lover – there’s something for you in Antibes.
Learn more: 15+ Things To Do In Antibes, France
Eze
Eze is one of the most authentic and well-preserved villages on Cote d’Azur that offers a fascinating insight into how life might have looked hundreds of years ago. It’s an enchanting place where you’ll find narrow winding streets filled with typical medieval architecture, tall stone houses, and unforgettable views over the coast from its Exotic Garden. It’s not without reason that Eze became one of the most popular places to visit on Cote d’Azur.
Learn more: 10 Things To Do In Medieval Village Of Eze, France
Mougins
Mougins is a captivating medieval village perched amongst pines, olives, and cypress trees, on the hills midway between Cannes and Grasse. There you’ll find picturesque alleys, numerous art galleries, world-renowned Michelin restaurants, magnificent views over the surroundings, and even a giant Picasso head! Yes, you’ll be wandering around the village where one of the greatest and most-influential artists of the 20th century lived and died. Isn’t that cool?!
Learn more: Things To Do In Mougins Village In France, The Death Place of Picasso
Saint Tropez
Saint Tropez is one of the most emblematic towns in Cote d’Azur made famous by movies with Brigitte Bardot. Once a small fishing village, now a world-renowned travel destination loved by celebrities and tourists alike. The pastel-colored old town, luxurious yachts, iconic beaches, coastal walks, striking views, fancy shopping, vivid nightlife… Saint Tropez perfectly blends luxury, natural beauty, and old-world charm and without a doubt is one of the best places to visit on Cote d’Azur.
Learn more: 10+ Things To Do In St Tropez, France
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of the most radiant places on Cote d’Azur that will fill you with positive vibes and good energy. It’s pretty, colorful, captivating, and it’s a real delight to explore. Whether you want to explore charming old town streets and historic sites or just relax on the beaches in a scenic setting – you’ll find it all in Villefranche-sur-Mer.
Learn more: 8 Things To Do In Villefranche-Sur-Mer, France
Saint Jean Cap Ferrat
Saint Jean Cap Ferrat once was a sleepy fishing village and nowadays is a haven for millionaires. It’s home to some of the most expensive real estates in the world thanks to what it’s affectionately called the Peninsula of Billionaires. With its luxurious villas, pretty beaches, lush vegetation, natural beauty, and charming old town Saint Jean Cap Ferrat is ready to win you over! If you’re looking for a luxurious getaway in the South of France this town will be perfect for you.
Learn more: Things To Do In Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, France
Grimaud
Grimaud is another amazing place to visit on Cote d’Azur. It’s a French village with a long history and a rich cultural heritage. It’s divided into two main parts: a hilltop medieval village and the coastal area of Port Grimaud. In Grimaud village, you’ll be transported back in time while wandering around old stone buildings and cobblestone streets. In Port Grimaud, you’ll enjoy canals and bridges, alleys and colorful houses, as well as the sea, and sand on lovely beaches.
Learn more: Things To Do In Port Grimaud and Grimaud Village
Valbonne
Valbonne is a well-kept secret of the French Riviera that unfortunately seems to be missing from most travel blogs and guides. It’s a pretty, charming, peaceful, and well-preserved little village that thanks to its distinctive street grid layout is a bit different from other villages in the area. To be honest, you won’t find dozens of exciting things to do in Valbonne, but even despite that you shouldn’t skip a visit to this village – it’s truly charming.
Learn more: Valbonne Village In France – Hidden Gem of Cote d’Azur
Explore local attractions
Monaco
Monaco is the world’s second-smallest country set alongside the glamorous French Riviera. It’s a fascinating place to visit on Cote d’Azur where the level of luxury and wealth is beyond comparison. If you wish to indulge in a sophisticated lifestyle for a moment – this is the perfect place. Monte Carlo, Grand Prix, Michelin restaurants, high-end shopping, super yachts, fast cars… All of that makes Monaco a world-renowned destination.
Learn more: Day Trip To Monaco – 10+ Things To Do
Saint Paul de Vence
Saint Paul de Vence is a well-preserved medieval village that seems to be frozen in time. Since the 1920s’ it has been a strong magnet for countless artists and art lovers like Matisse, Chagall, and Picasso. Nowadays, Saint Paul de Vence is a fairy-tale place where you’ll find delightful winding streets, cozy squares, hidden corners, tall stone houses, small art galleries, craft shops, and great views… No wonder it became one of the most popular travel destinations on the French Riviera!
Learn more: Saint Paul de Vence, France – Things To Do In Artist’s Village
Gourdon
Gourdon is one of the most visited hilltop medieval villages on Cote d’Azur. All thanks to the fact that it was named one of the most beautiful villages in France! In Gourdon, you’ll find magnificent views over the surroundings, picturesque narrow streets full of old stone houses, small art galleries, craft shops, and a few historical buildings. Gourdon is a great place if you want to step back in time for a few hours.
Learn more: Gourdon, France – Things To Do In Medieval Village On Cote d’Azur
Peillon
Peillon is one of the most authentic and well-preserved perched villages on Cote d’Azur where you can feel like you stepped back in time for real. Yet, it’s also one of the hidden gems of the area, not mentioned in many guides! Peillon is a captivating place where you’ll find typical medieval architecture, winding streets, tall stone houses, vaulted passageways, great views, and… lack of any touristy things! Really, nothing at all!
Learn more: Peillon, France – Perched Medieval Village Near Nice
Cannes
Cannes is the world capital of cinema where glitz and glam reign. It’s a picturesque town that perfectly blends old-world charm, luxury, and natural beauty. Iconic film festival, colorful historic old town, magnificent sandy beaches with turquoise waters, striking views, fancy shopping, posh parties… All of that makes Cannes one of the most popular places on Cote d’Azur that attracts thousands of people each year.
Learn more: One Day In Cannes, France – 10+ Things To Do
Peille
Peille is an enchanting hidden gem, a delightful remote hilltop village tucked away in the mountains. It’s a captivating place where you’ll step back in time for a few hours and feel like in medieval times. It’s pretty, well-preserved, peaceful, and yet undiscovered by many. Quaint stone houses, winding narrow streets, vaulted passageways, cozy squares, historic buildings, many friendly cats eager to be pet, and amazing views over the surroundings await you in Peille.
Learn more: Peille, France – Medieval Village Tucked In Mountains Near Nice
Saint Raphael
Saint Raphael is one of the most popular holiday destinations on the French Riviera that attracts thousands of holidaymakers each year. There you’ll find three main areas of interest – the coastal area with magnificent beaches and coastal trails, the old town with some historic monuments and charming streets, and the Massif de l’Esterel mountain range where you’ll get active while admiring magnificent views from above.
Learn more: 10+ Things To Do In Saint-Raphael, France
Grasse
Grasse is an interesting town in the South of France where everything revolves around scents and perfumes. World-renowned perfumeries, perfume museums, perfume-making workshops, flower fields, streets dotted with shops selling… perfumes. It’s not without reason that Grasse is widely known as the perfume capital of the world! Add to that mixture a charming old town and great views of the surroundings and you’ll get a perfect blend that travelers can’t resist.
Learn more: 10+ Things To Do In Grasse, The Perfume Capital Of The World
Sainte-Agnes
Sainte-Agnes is the highest coastal village in Europe, also listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France! Unfortunately, even despite that, it’s often overlooked and hard to find in travel guides. And it’s a shame as Sainte-Agnes is a truly delightful and picturesque village on Cote d’Azur. And for sure it’s just waiting for curious travelers to discover its history, fascinating secrets, and spectacular views over the surroundings.
Learn more: Sainte-Agnes, France – Things To Do In Highest Coastal Village In Europe
Biot
Biot is a delightful village full of history, culture, and art and is best known for its glass-blowing traditions. Unfortunately, even despite its great location on Cote d’Azur, very close to Nice, it’s often in the shadow of other more popular towns nearby. But thanks to that, Biot is a peaceful place to visit on Cote d’Azur perfect to escape the crowds. From the pretty alleys, art galleries, and restaurants to interesting museums and glassblowing workshops – there’s so much to do in Biot!
Learn more: 10+ Things To Do In Biot Village In The South Of France
Tourrettes-sur-Loup
Tourrettes-sur-Loup is a perched village where you’ll find typical medieval architecture, winding streets, hidden corners, small art galleries, and great views of the surroundings. Unfortunately, Tourrettes-sur-Loup is often overlooked and hard to find in most travel blogs… and it’s a shame as it’s a delightful place, and as beautiful as the famed Saint Paul de Vence or Gourdon! But on the other hand, with a fairly low number of tourists, you can really feel like you stepped back in time hundreds of years.
Learn more: Tourrettes-sur-Loup, France – Medieval Village Famous For Violets
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin is one of the most picturesque towns on the French Riviera often overlooked by many, even despite its privileged location right between Menton and Monaco. But thanks to that, this village is a peaceful and quiet travel destination where each traveler will find something perfect for themself. Whether you want to explore a charming old town, relax on the beaches, or go on a walk in picturesque settings – you’ll find it in Roquebrune.
Learn more: 10+ Things To Do In Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France
Cagnes-sur-Mer
Cagnes-sur-Mer is a lovely and peaceful village in the heart of Cote d’Azur. Cagnes is split into two parts – the inland village of Haut-de-Cagnes and the seaside area of Cros-de-Cagnes – a former fishing district and now a residential/holiday area. Picturesque alleys of hilltop village, amazing views, lovely beaches, interesting museums… All of that, and more, together create a really attractive combination making Cagnes one of the best places to visit on Cote d’Azur.
Learn more: Cagnes-sur-Mer, France – Delightful Village Near Nice
Villeneuve-Loubet
Villeneuve-Loubet is a delightful hidden gem on Cote d’Azur that is divided into two parts – the inland village and the seaside area of Marina Baie des Anges. Steep picturesque village alleys, amazing views, lovely beaches, interesting museums, restaurants serving tasty food… To be honest, you won’t find dozens of exciting things to do in Villeneuve-Loubet, but even so, it’s a very charming village to visit.
Learn more: Villeneuve-Loubet, France – Enchanting Village Near Nice
Frejus
Frejus is a town with a rich past going back more than two thousand years! There you’ll find three main areas of interest – the inland historic center where you’ll step back in time and discover traces of the Roman Empire’s power, the coastal area with port and magnificent beaches, and the Massif de l’Esterel mountain range with spectacular views of the surroundings. All are nicely intertwined, creating an impressive image.
Learn more: 10+ Things To Do in Frejus, France
La Turbie
La Turbie is a small French village with a long and rich history. There you’ll have a unique opportunity to go on a fascinating journey back in time thousands of years, immerse into a charming old town, and discover the traces of the Roman Empire past and Emperor Augustus’ power. And as befits a village located at a higher altitude – breathtaking panoramic views await too! La Turbie is a place on Cote d’Azur that will especially be appreciated by history lovers.
Learn more: Things To Do In La Turbie, France – Village Overlooking Monaco
Explore local attractions
Best places to visit on Cote d’Azur – Summing up & our opinion
As you can see now, there are so many beautiful places to visit on Cote d’Azur! Fascinating colorful historic towns, charming medieval villages, vibrant cities, natural sites… If you’re staying longer in the area or planning a whole road trip you definitely won’t be bored. We hope this post was helpful, and now you’re one step closer to choosing great places to visit on Cote d’Azur, best suited to your needs. Enjoy the time there!
As we’ve already mentioned at the beginning, so far we’ve spent over 1 year on Cote d’Azur living in various places near Nice and Marseille. The whole region quickly became our favorite in France and it just keeps drawing us back… We really enjoyed exploring all mentioned places in the post and we can recommend them all with a clear conscience.
We’ve explored Cote d’Azur during various months, but mostly in low season, so there were no wild crowds and we explored most of the places in peace. To be honest, we really can’t think of any of the downsides of this region, we just love everything about it!
So what are our TOP5 best places to visit on Cote d’Azur? Nice, Menton, Saint Paul de Vence, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and Antibes.
Book now: The Best of the French Riviera Small group Guided Tour from Nice
