Are you planning your next trip to Cote d’Azur and looking for some amazing places to explore in the area? Good choice! Mesmerizing azure waters, sun-kissed beaches, countless magnificent views, and charming towns await you there. So far we’ve lived in Cote d’Azur for around 1 year and during that time we visited quite a large part of this beautiful part of France and got to know it pretty well. Today we’ll show you our subjective ranking of the TOP10 amazing towns in Cote d’Azur that stole our hearts. Hope you’ll love them too!
Interesting fact. Cote d’Azur, or French Riviera, is located in the South of France and apparently has no official borders! It’s a coastal area extending from Menton to somewhere near Marseille, but everyone has their opinion on where exactly it ends.
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How to move around Cote d’Azur?
The fastest way of getting to all mentioned towns 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 towns 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.
TOP10 Towns in Cote d’Azur, France
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 on the French Riviera!
Learn more: What To Do In Menton, France?
Nice
Nice is a beautiful town on the French Riviera that 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 – 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
Fancy to also explore medieval villages? We got you!
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
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 towns in Cote d’Azur that attracts thousands of people each year.
Learn more: One Day In Cannes, France – 10+ Things To Do
Explore local attractions
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
Grasse
Grasse is an interesting French town 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
Saint Tropez
Saint Tropez is one of the most emblematic towns in Cote d’Azur made famous by movies. 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.
Learn more: 10+ Things To Do In St Tropez, France
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
Monaco
Monaco is the world’s second-smallest country set alongside the glamorous French Riviera. Yes, it isn’t a town but looking at its size, let’s pretend for a moment, for the sake of this post, that it is. Monaco is a fascinating place 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
TOP10 Towns in Cote d’Azur, France – Summing up
That’s it, our favorite towns in Cote d’Azur that resonated with us most. Don’t they all look beautiful? Some of them we’ve even visited a few times, that’s how much they enchanted us! We hope this post was helpful, and now you’re one step closer to choosing towns you’ll visit during your next French Riviera trip. And we certainly hope that they will also make it to your list of the most beautiful towns in the South of France! Enjoy your time on Cote d’Azur!
