THE FRENCH RIVIERA - the perfect 5 - 10 day itinerary for the South of France

    The French Riviera, also known as the Côte d'Azur, is a stunning stretch of coastline on the Mediterranean Sea in southeastern France. It's famous for its beautiful beaches, glamorous resorts, and picturesque villages. Whether you're interested in lounging on the beach, exploring historic sites, or enjoying the nightlife, the French Riviera has something to offer everyone. In this article, I'll provide a detailed itinerary to help you make the most of your time on the French Riviera.

    When to Visit

 The best time to visit the South of France is during the spring (April-June) or fall (September-November). The weather is mild, and the crowds are thinner than during the peak summer months. However, if you're looking to soak up the sun on the beaches, summer (June-August) is the best time to visit. Keep in mind that the region can get very crowded during the summer months, so book your accommodations well in advance.  

Day 1: Nice 

Start your French Riviera itinerary in the city of Nice. This vibrant city is the perfect place to experience the French Riviera's blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication. Spend the day exploring the city's old town, with its narrow streets and colorful buildings. You can also visit the famous Promenade des Anglais, which stretches along the beach and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. In the evening, head to the Cours Saleya, a vibrant square in the heart of the old town. Here you will find a bustling market selling fresh produce, flowers, and local crafts. You can also dine at one of the many restaurants and cafes in the area, enjoying some delicious French cuisine. Head to one of the many restaurants in the old town and try some of the local specialties, such as socca, a chickpea pancake, or salade niçoise, a traditional salad made with tuna, anchovies, and vegetables. Or head to the port area of Nice, known as the Vieux Port, and try some of the local seafood in one of the many restaurants along the harbor. Don't forget to visit the Musée Matisse, dedicated to the famous French artist Henri Matisse, or the Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain, which showcases contemporary art from around the world. 

Day 2: Cannes 

Cannes is famous for its annual film festival, but there is much more to this charming town than just that. Start your day with a walk along the famous Croisette, a seafront boulevard lined with luxury hotels, restaurants, and boutiques. Admire the stunning views of the Mediterranean and the luxury yachts moored in the harbor. Next, head to the old town of Cannes, known as Le Suquet, which is located on a hill overlooking the harbor. Here you'll find narrow streets, colorful buildings, and quaint cafes. Be sure to visit the Eglise Notre-Dame-d'Espérance, a beautiful church with stunning views over Cannes. In the afternoon, head to the beach and relax on the sand or take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean. For dinner, head to one of the many restaurants in the old town and try some of the local seafood, such as bouillabaisse, a traditional fish soup. 

Day 3: Antibes and Juan-les-Pins 

Antibes is a charming town located between Cannes and Nice, with a rich history dating back to ancient times. Start your day by visiting the Musée Picasso, located in the Château Grimaldi, a medieval fortress overlooking the sea. The museum houses a collection of paintings, sculptures, and ceramics by Pablo Picasso. Next, head to the old town of Antibes, known as the Vieil Antibes, which is surrounded by 16th-century ramparts. Here you'll find narrow streets, colorful buildings, and plenty of cafes and restaurants. Be sure to visit the March é Provençal, a traditional market where you can find local produce, flowers, and crafts. In the afternoon, head to Juan-les-Pins, a nearby town known for its beautiful beaches and lively atmosphere. Relax on the beach or stroll along the seafront promenade. For dinner, head back to Antibes and try some of the local specialties, such as pissaladière, a traditional onion tart, or ratatouille, a vegetable stew.

Day 4: Saint-Tropez 

Saint-Tropez is a glamorous town located on the western end of the French Riviera, known for its beautiful beaches, chic restaurants, and luxury yachts. Start your day by visiting the Musée de l'Annonciade, which houses a collection of modern art by artists who were inspired by the town's beautiful scenery. Next, head to the old town of Saint-Tropez, known as the Vieille Ville, which is full of narrow streets, colorful buildings, and trendy boutiques. Be sure to visit the Place des Lices, a beautiful square lined with plane trees and home to a traditional market on Tuesdays and Saturdays. In the afternoon, head to one of the nearby beaches, such as Plage de Pampelonne or Plage des Salins, and soak up the sun or take a swim in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. For dinner, head to one of the many restaurants in Saint-Tropez and try some of the local seafood, such as grilled sea bream or bouillabaisse. 

Day 5: Monaco 

Monaco is a small principality located on the eastern end of the French Riviera, known for its luxurious casinos, high-end shops, and stunning views. Start your day by visiting the Palais Princier de Monaco, the official residence of the Prince of Monaco. The palace is located on a hill overlooking the sea and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean. Next, head to the Jardin Exotique de Monaco, a beautiful botanical garden with a collection of exotic plants from around the world. Be sure to visit the Musée Océanographique, a fascinating museum dedicated to marine life, with a collection of fish, sharks, and other sea creatures. In the afternoon, head to the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo, a luxurious casino that has been featured in many movies and TV shows. Take a stroll around the Place du Casino, a beautiful square lined with high-end shops and restaurants. For dinner, head to one of the many restaurants in Monaco and try some of the local specialties, such as barbajuans, a traditional pastry filled with spinach and cheese, or socca, a chickpea pancake.

The French Riviera is a beautiful region with something for everyone, from glamorous resorts and luxury yachts to charming towns and picturesque beaches. This itinerary is just a starting point for your trip, and there are many other places to visit and things to do in the region. I suggest that you take your time to soak up the beauty and culture of this stunning part of the world and spend a few more days exploring some less popular but very unique and picturesque towns and villages such as these:

Eze: This beautiful hilltop village is located between Nice and Monaco and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean. Be sure to visit the Jardin Exotique d'Eze, a beautiful botanical garden with a collection of cacti and succulents from around the world. 

Grasse: This charming town is known as the perfume capital of the world and is home to many famous perfume houses. Take a tour of one of the perfume factories, stroll along the narrow streets of the old town, and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding hills. 

Menton: This picturesque town is located on the Italian border and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean. Visit the beautiful Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange, stroll along the seafront promenade, and enjoy the local citrus fruits, which are famous in the region. 

Saint-Paul-de-Vence: This beautiful hilltop village is located inland from Nice and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Stroll along the narrow streets of the old town, visit the Fondation Maeght, a modern art museum, and enjoy the charming atmosphere of this beautiful village.

These are just a few suggestions, and there are many more places to visit on the French Riviera. Whether you're interested in art, history, cuisine, or simply relaxing on the beach, there's something for everyone on this beautiful stretch of coast.