Ultimate Guide to 9 best activities on the French Riviera

What to Do on the French Riviera – Complete Breakdown by Travel Style

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, the French Riviera is a mosaic of experiences. From the beaches of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat to hilltop villages like Èze and the bustling city life of Nice and Cannes, there’s something for every taste and travel style. Below, you'll find an extended guide to the types of activities and who they suit best.

🏖️ 1. Beaches & Swimming Spots

From pebbled coves to golden stretches of sand, the Riviera's coastline is packed with idyllic swimming locations. Nice’s Promenade des Anglais offers public beaches with nearby dining, while Saint-Tropez delivers luxury beach clubs like Pampelonne. Families love Plage de la Gravette in Antibes for its calm water, while snorkelers head to Paloma Beach in Cap Ferrat for marine life and rocky cliffs.

• 🌞 Best for: Sun-seekers, couples, and beach club lovers
• 🧴 Insider tip: Bring water shoes for rocky beaches
• 🚿 Amenities: Many beaches offer showers, changing cabins, and rentals

🎨 2. Cultural Attractions & Museums

Art and history flourish here. Visit the Matisse and Chagall Museums in Nice, or the Picasso Museum in Antibes. Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Cap Ferrat combines fine art, history, and lush gardens. Monaco’s Oceanographic Museum is another highlight—especially for families or those curious about marine biology.

Many cultural landmarks are in walkable areas or reachable via scenic drives, making it easy to string them together for a day-long culture crawl.

🚗 3. Day Trips & Excursions

Base yourself in Nice, Antibes, or Cannes, and you can explore medieval villages, vineyards, and islands in under an hour. Top excursions include:

• 🗻 Èze Village + Fragonard Perfume Factory
• 🏝️ Porquerolles Island (via ferry from Hyères)
• 🌄 Grasse (for perfume tours + scenic drives)
• 🏰 Saint-Paul-de-Vence (artsy hilltop escape)

Train, ferry, and car all work for these, depending on your home base and travel style.

🎭 4. Events & Festivals

There’s almost always something happening on the Côte d’Azur. February brings the Nice Carnival and Menton Lemon Festival. May showcases the world-famous Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix. Summer months are packed with jazz, food, and fireworks festivals in nearly every town.

Visit our festival guide to time your trip with the most memorable local events.

👨‍👩‍👧 5. Family-Friendly Activities

Kids and adults will both find plenty to love. From boat rides to museums with interactive exhibits, there are endless options:

• 🐠 Marineland in Antibes
• 🧭 Treetop climbing parks near Cannes
• 🚂 Tourist trains in Nice and Monaco
• ⚓ Boat trips to Îles de Lérins

Family itineraries can be easily adapted with stroller-friendly promenades and safe beach zones.

🛍️ 6. Local Markets & Shopping

Markets reveal the Riviera’s soul. Cours Saleya in Nice is famous for flowers and produce. Antibes’ covered market offers cheeses, tapenade, and wine. Saint-Tropez’s Place des Lices mixes luxury with artisan finds. Don’t miss the Menton market for lemon-based products and ceramics.

Look for local lavender, handmade soaps, and Provencal linens as souvenirs. Most towns have weekly brocantes (vintage markets) too.

🎶 7. Nightlife & Entertainment

The Riviera shifts gears after dark. From beach parties in Juan-les-Pins to jazz in Nice and casino glamour in Monaco, there's a scene for every vibe. Rooftop bars in Cannes like 360° offer sweeping views, while local pubs in Antibes serve craft beer to a younger crowd.

• 🎷 Jazz à Juan (July)
• 🎲 Monte Carlo Casino (Monaco)
• 💃 Le Baoli (Cannes)
• 🪩 Clubbing at Jimmy’z (Monaco)

🥾 8. Outdoor Activities & Nature

Nature lovers will adore coastal hikes like Sentier du Littoral. Cap d’Antibes and Cap Ferrat both offer beginner-friendly paths with dramatic cliff views. For mountain escapes, the Mercantour National Park offers alpine lakes and remote villages just two hours inland.

Gardens like Jardin Exotique (Monaco) and Villa Thuret (Antibes) provide relaxing green space, ideal for photographers or those needing a break from the beach.

🏛️ 9. Sightseeing & Landmarks

The region is rich in architecture and viewpoints. Highlights include:

• 🕍 Le Suquet in Cannes
• 🏰 Fort Carré in Antibes
• 🗼 Tête de Chien (panoramic viewpoint near Monaco)
• ⛪ Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Nice
• ⛵ The Port of Saint-Tropez

Walking tours and guided apps are available in most towns for self-paced exploration.

How to Choose What to Do First

Still overwhelmed? Start by deciding what vibe suits your trip. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Choose your anchor activity and plan others around it. You don’t need to do it all—just enough to fall in love with the Riviera’s lifestyle.

Hidden Gems & Off-the-Beaten-Path Activities

If you’ve ticked off the beaches, markets, and museums—or simply prefer to avoid tourist crowds—there’s a quieter, more local side of the Riviera waiting to be explored. These hidden gems deliver authenticity, beauty, and often a complete lack of entry fees.

🪨 Bormes-les-Mimosas

This flower-draped medieval village near Hyères looks like a movie set. Its steep cobblestone streets lead to artisan shops and sea views. Visit in late winter for mimosa blossoms covering the hillsides.

🚶 Coastal Trail from Théoule-sur-Mer

This lesser-known hike along the Esterel coastline is ideal for travelers wanting nature without straying far. Red rock cliffs, pine forests, and turquoise coves make it a dream for photographers and peace-seekers alike.

🧺 Farmers Markets in Vence

Smaller and less showy than Nice’s famous Cours Saleya, Vence’s morning market delivers fresh goat cheese, olives, and mountain honey in a charming hilltop town. Great for filling a picnic basket before a hike.

🕯️ Candlelight Tours in Grimaud

On select summer nights, the hilltop town of Grimaud hosts evening tours by candlelight, illuminating its castle ruins and stone passages with historic storytelling. A magical break from the beach scene.

Sample Itineraries by Interest

Need help building your Riviera adventure? Below are thematic day plans based on different travel goals. Mix and match to create a trip that balances culture, leisure, and exploration.

🎨 The Art Lover’s Day

• Morning: Start at Musée Matisse in Nice’s Cimiez neighborhood
• Midday: Lunch in Vence + Fondation Maeght visit
• Afternoon: Picasso Museum in Antibes
• Evening: Sunset walk through Old Town Antibes + wine tasting

🌿 Nature & Wellness Day

• Morning: Coastal hike on Cap Ferrat with a picnic breakfast
• Midday: Spa session at Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo
• Afternoon: Visit Jardin Exotique in Eze
• Evening: Organic dinner at a farm-to-table bistro in Nice

💎 Riviera Luxe in 24 Hours

• Morning: Private yacht rental in Cannes
• Midday: Champagne lunch on Île Sainte-Marguerite
• Afternoon: Shopping in Monaco or Place du Casino
• Evening: Dress up for dinner at Le Louis XV (3 Michelin stars)

FAQs: What Visitors Often Ask

Is the French Riviera suitable for solo travelers?

Absolutely. Cities like Nice, Antibes, and Menton are walkable, friendly, and safe. With great public transport and tons of free things to do, solo travelers can easily stay busy and meet others during walking tours or cooking classes.

Are there things to do in the off-season?

Yes. While summer brings the buzz, spring and fall are ideal for cultural trips, wine tasting, and hiking. Winter features Christmas markets, cozy restaurants, and mild temperatures—perfect for avoiding crowds while still enjoying coastal charm.

Do I need to speak French?

Not necessarily. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. Still, learning basic greetings (bonjour, merci, s’il vous plaît) is appreciated by locals and adds a nice touch to your experience.

Is renting a car worth it?

It depends. If you plan to stick to cities like Nice, Cannes, and Monaco, trains and buses are excellent. But if you want to explore inland villages or remote beaches, a car gives you the freedom to roam.

French Riviera Trip Planning Tips

To make the most of your Riviera itinerary, keep the following in mind:

• 🚆 Book train tickets in advance during peak months to avoid standing-room only rides.
• 📍 Use a mix of bases—e.g., stay in Nice but spend evenings in Villefranche-sur-Mer or Beaulieu-sur-Mer.
• 🍽 Reserve tables at popular restaurants, especially in Cannes and Saint-Tropez.
• 🕶 Bring layers: the coast can be breezy even on sunny days.
• 📷 Wake early for the best lighting and fewer crowds in iconic locations like the Nice port or Monaco viewpoints.

Want help building the perfect Riviera itinerary? Reach out to our local travel planners and get a day-by-day guide that matches your style, group size, and budget.

Activities for Every Type of Traveler

The magic of the Riviera lies in its range of options. Whether you're on a romantic honeymoon, a multi-generational family trip, or a solo adventure, you’ll find something that feels custom-made for you.

What to Do on the French Riviera by Season

The Côte d’Azur is a year-round destination, with each season offering a different flavor of experiences. Whether you're escaping the cold or chasing summer sun, there’s always something to enjoy.

🌸 Spring (March–May)

This is one of the best times to visit for travelers who want mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and blooming gardens. Key activities include:

• 🌷 Touring the gardens of Villa Ephrussi and Jardin Exotique
• 🚲 Biking along Nice’s Promenade des Anglais
• 🍓 Visiting flower and produce markets at their seasonal best

☀️ Summer (June–August)

High season means lively beaches, festivals, and nightlife. Expect bustling towns, crowded ferries, and a full calendar of music and cultural events.

• 🎤 Attend Jazz à Juan or Cannes’ fireworks festival
• 🛥️ Charter a boat to the Lérins Islands
• 🍹 Enjoy sunset cocktails on rooftop bars in Nice or Cannes

🍂 Autumn (September–November)

Locals reclaim their towns after summer crowds leave. This is a great time for food and wine experiences, along with hiking and cultural sightseeing.

• 🍇 Vineyard tours in the Var and Bellet regions
• 📸 Photography walks with soft lighting and golden foliage
• 🎭 Local festivals like the Chestnut Festival in Collobrières

❄️ Winter (December–February)

While the coast remains mild, mountain villages see snow. Great for travelers looking for holiday charm without the Alpine crowds.

• 🎄 Christmas markets in Nice, Antibes, and Monaco
• ⛷️ Day trips to snowy towns like Isola 2000 or Valberg
• 🎨 Quiet museum visits and cooking workshops

Riviera Food Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss

The French Riviera isn’t just a feast for the eyes—it’s also a haven for food lovers. Add one (or more) of these experiences to your list:

🍽️ Join a Provençal Cooking Class

Learn how to make local dishes like pissaladière (onion tart), ratatouille, and Socca. Many classes include market visits and wine pairings.

🍷 Wine Tasting in Bellet or Bandol

These lesser-known Riviera wine regions offer scenic drives and relaxed tastings. Local rosé, crisp whites, and earthy reds are perfect souvenirs.

🧀 Cheese & Olive Oil Tours

Visit family-run farms or local épiceries where you can taste goat cheese, lavender honey, and cold-pressed olive oils direct from the source.

🍨 Riviera Street Food to Try

• Socca – chickpea flatbread, best eaten hot from a cart
• Pan Bagnat – tuna and vegetable sandwich with olive oil
• Tourte de Blettes – sweet chard pie found in Nice

Ideas from Real Travelers

We gathered stories and suggestions from real visitors to help you plan even better. Here are some local-loved ideas:

“We took the ferry from Cannes to Île Sainte-Marguerite, had a picnic, and swam near the old fortress. Felt like a hidden paradise.” – Dani G., UK

“Found a hilltop café in Èze with views all the way to Corsica. Honestly one of the best coffees of my life.” – Thomas L., Australia

“Our kids loved the tiny train in Monaco and seeing jellyfish at the Oceanographic Museum. Perfect day!” – Claire R., Canada

“We visited during off-season and had the beach at Villefranche-sur-Mer practically to ourselves. Pure bliss.” – Greg M., USA

Tip: If you're unsure what to prioritize, start by asking locals or guides for their *non-touristy* favorites. Many will gladly point you toward their secret spots.

Best Day Trips from the French Riviera

One of the Riviera’s greatest strengths is its location. You can stay in one town and explore several others within an hour—by train, car, or ferry. Here are top day trip ideas if you're based in Nice, Cannes, or Antibes:

• Èze: A cliffside medieval village with artisan shops, cactus gardens, and perfume factories. Don’t miss the views from the Jardin Exotique.
• Monaco: Just 25 minutes from Nice by train. Visit the Prince’s Palace, Oceanographic Museum, and the luxurious Monte Carlo Casino.
• Menton: Near the Italian border, it offers pastel old-town charm, quiet beaches, and lemon groves.
• Grasse: The perfume capital of France. Tour the Fragonard factory and enjoy cooler mountain air.
• Îles de Lérins: Ferry from Cannes to visit Sainte-Marguerite or Saint-Honorat—great for nature walks, swimming, and monastery wine.

Each of these day trips brings a different vibe, from royal elegance to rustic charm, and adds depth to your Riviera experience without needing to change hotels.

Let Us Help You Plan What to Do

The French Riviera isn’t just a destination—it’s a mix of stories, flavors, viewpoints, and cultures. The hardest part is deciding what not to do. Whether you're visiting for a long weekend or a full two weeks, our team can help you cut through the options and focus on what will leave you smiling long after you return home.

Life’s too short for boring itineraries. Let’s make yours unforgettable.