French Riviera holidays

How to reach the French Riviera

• Flight time: Flights to the French Riviera from London take about 2 hours, with direct flights also available from other major UK airports.

• Transfer time: From Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, frequent buses depart for all main destinations along the coast, including central Nice, taking around 20 minutes to reach the city centre. For destinations like Cannes or Monaco, expect a transfer time of approximately 30-45 minutes by car or train.

• Price: A bus ticket from the airport to the city centre costs €1.70. Taxis are plentiful and cost about €25–32 into the centre. A train ticket from Nice to Cannes or Monaco costs between €5 and €10.

Best time to visit the French Riviera

Consider how much you enjoy the heat and crowds when booking your trip.

• April to June: Spring is one of the best times to visit the Riviera. The weather is warm but not too hot, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C and around 8-10 hours of sunshine daily. May is especially busy with major events like the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix.

• July to August: The Riviera can be incredibly crowded - which means booking accommodation well in advance - and stiflingly hot, with temperatures soaring to 30°C or higher. Expect around 11-12 hours of sunshine daily and very little rain. But you will get the best of everything during this period.

• September to November: The Riviera is more relaxed in autumn with fewer crowds, water still warm enough to swim in and temperatures between a pleasant 15C and 25°C. Rainfall increases to around 50-70mm per month.

• December to March: Riviera winters are incredibly mild, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C and around 5-7 hours of sunshine and occasional rain. Nice’s carnival in February brings in big crowds.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: French is the official language along the Riviera, although being close to the border with Italy means that Italian is widely spoken, as is English.

• Local habits and customs: At restaurants you only need to leave an additional cash tip if you feel you have received service out of the ordinary, since restaurant prices always include a service charge.

• Health and safety: The region is generally safe, but be alert in areas such as Vieux Nice and on the busier beaches. Emergency services can be reached by dialling 112.

• Currency: The Euro (€) is used. ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.

• Getting around: TGV trains serve Riviera resorts including St-Raphaël, Cannes, Nice and Monaco. Another regional line heads north from Nice towards the Italian border at Tende, linking many of the communities of the pays-arrière niçois with the coast. Along the coast and between the major towns, the Riviera is well served by buses.

• Electricity and plug types: Voltage is officially 230V, using plugs with two round pins. UK travellers will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: The French Riviera is in the Central European Time (CET) zone, which is 1 hour ahead of GMT. Daylight Saving Time is observed from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.

• Required travel documentation: UK travellers need a valid passport to enter France. No visa is required for stays under 90 days within a 180-day period.

Best things to do on the French Riviera

The French Riviera – otherwise known as the Côte d’Azur – consists of the fabled coast that runs from Marseille to the frontier with Italy, studded with glamorous and glitzy resorts.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Èze Village: Èze is unmistakable long before you arrive, its streets wound around a cone of rock below the corniche, whose summit is 470m above the sea - and thus affording resplendent views.

• Grasse: Soak up stunning uninterrupted views over the Côte d’Azur from this hillside location 16km inland from Cannes.

• Corniches: Soak up the grand coastal views along one of the world’s most scintillating drives.

The best districts

• Nice: The epicentre of the Riviera, Nice – a vibrant and intriguing blend of Italianate influence, faded belle époque splendour and first-class art – makes a perfect base.

• Frejus: Founded by Julius Caesar as a naval base, Fréjus has some of the best-preserved Roman remains along this coast, including a theatre, an amphitheatre and a ruined aqueduct.

Museums

• Musée Picasso: In homage to the great artist, this terrific museum offers a chance to see lesser-known works in beautiful surroundings.

• Fondation Maeght: Art and architecture fuse with landscape and the dazzling Provençal light to create this astonishing museum of contemporary art and sculpture.

• Musée Matisse: Fine collection with work from every period, including an almost complete set of his bronze sculptures and sketches for one of the Dance murals.

Parks and gardens

• Phoenix Parc Floral de Nice: Situated near the airport, the centrepiece here is one of the largest greenhouses in Europe, with six different tropical zones.

• Jardin Thuret: Dominating the middle of the Cap, and established in the 19th century by botanist Gustav Thuret, this garden tests and acclimatises subtropical trees and shrubs in order to diversify the Mediterranean plants of France.

Historical monuments

• Chapelle du Rosaire: Matisse’s final masterpiece – the modern master oversaw every stunning detail of this profoundly moving convent chapel in Vence.

• Fort Carré: The headland at the northern end of Antibes is topped by the splendidly situated Fort Carré, which was transformed by Vauban in the 17th century into an impregnable fortress.

Things to do in different parts of the region

• Niçois villages: Explore craggy Peillon and unspoiled Lucéram, the villages perchés of Nice’s wild and underpopulated hinterland, where locals still live off the land, producing olives, goat’s cheese, herbs and vegetables.

• The Corniches: Three fantastic corniche roads run east from Nice to the independent principality of Monaco. Buses serve all three routes; the train follows the lower corniche; and all three are superb means of seeing the most mountainous stretch of the Côte d’Azur.

Activities for families on the French Riviera

Families, and kids of all age ranges, are amply catered for along the Riviera, with oodles of fun to be had, be it splashing around in waterparks or chugging through valleys on scenic train rides.

• Aquariums and zoos: Marineland in Antibes is one of Europe’s largest marine parks, offering dolphin shows, aquariums and a water park; while the zoo in Le Capitou has everything from big cats, marsupials and apes to small reptiles and exotic birds.

• Theme parks and adventure: Several large-scale attractions for children line up along the main coast road between Antibes and Biot – everything from performing dolphins at Marineland to water slides at Aquasplash.

• Train rides: The Chemins de Fer de Provence runs one of France’s most scenic and fun railway routes, the line running up the Var Valley into the hinterland of Nice to Digne-les-Bains, climbing through spectacular scenery as it goes.

• Historical monuments and sites: Kids love clambering over ruins, so make a beeline for the ancient ruins of Cimiez in Nice, where kids can run around and learn about Roman history. More formally, the Prince’s Palace in Monaco offers guided tours and a chance to see the changing of the guard.

Free things to do on the French Riviera

Despite being one of the priciest regions in Europe, there’s no shortage of ways in which you can save money on your French Riviera holidays.

• Beaches: Head for the beaches for a budget-friendly day. You’re completely spoiled for choice (Nice, Antibes, Cannes) but among the best are the St-Tropez peninsula, and Le Lavandou, the most beautiful part of the Côte d’Azur, boasting silvery beaches and sections of unspoiled tree-backed coastline.

• Cinema: In May each year, Cannes hosts the world’s most famous movie festival, and while it’s strictly for professionals, the open-air Cinéma de la Plage – a series of free screenings of current and classic selections – is open to all.

• Village markets: The markets of the Riviera are a sensual treat as well as a lively social event, and you can spend as much or as little as you like - or nothing at all; the best of these are the Marché du Cours Saleya in Nice and Marchés des Halles in Menton.

• Historical sites: You could spend days simply exploring the old town districts of the coast’s towns and villages: Nice, Antibes and Menton are three that immediately spring to mind.

Nature and outdoor activities

The French Riviera and outdoor fun go hand in hand, with a whole host of water sports complemented by a plethora of inland activities.

• Hiking: The Parc National du Mercantour is a true hiking mecca, the park crossed by numerous paths and equipped with refuge huts that provide basic food and bedding for trekkers. Elsewhere, the Sentier du Littoral in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and the GR51 trail offer tremendously scenic hikes.

• Diving: There are more than 30 diving sites between the bay of St-Raphaël and Agay, and the area is well known for its numerous wrecks, ranging from Gallo-Roman ships to the minesweepers, barges and landing ships lost during the 1944 Allied landings.

• Fishing: As you’d expect, the waters here are rich in all kinds of fish species, so why not have a go at a catch yourself; plenty of local fishermen offer their services, with all equipment provided.

• Water sports: The sea here is warm and placid and there are plenty of places where you can rent equipment, be it for scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. The western suburb of Saint-Laurent-du-Var is where kitesurfers gather.

Discover the Beaches of the French Riviera

The French Riviera is renowned for its stunning coastline, offering a variety of beaches that cater to every kind of traveller. Whether you're looking for family-friendly sandy shores, glamorous beach clubs, or secluded coves, the French Riviera has something to suit every holidaymaker.

Glamorous Beaches in Cannes

Cannes is synonymous with luxury, and its beaches are no exception. The famous La Croisette offers a stretch of sandy shoreline lined with exclusive beach clubs where you can rent sunbeds, sip cocktails, and enjoy gourmet dining by the sea. For those on a budget, Plage du Midi offers a more relaxed vibe with public access.

Family-Friendly Beaches in Nice

Nice boasts some of the most accessible and family-friendly beaches on the Riviera. The pebbled shores of Promenade des Anglais stretch for several kilometres, offering plenty of space to relax and swim in the crystal-clear waters. Facilities like restaurants and snack bars make it convenient for families, while shallow waters are ideal for children to paddle safely.

Hidden Gems in Saint-Tropez

While Saint-Tropez is famous for its celebrity-studded beaches like Pampelonne, you'll also find quieter spots perfect for a peaceful day by the sea. Plage des Salins is a lesser-known gem, offering a more tranquil setting surrounded by nature. It’s the perfect spot for those seeking a more authentic beach experience without the crowds.

Secluded Coves in Èze-sur-Mer

If you're after a more intimate setting, the beaches of Èze-sur-Mer offer beautiful hidden coves with a backdrop of rugged cliffs. Plage d’Èze is a small pebbled beach that’s perfect for a quiet escape, ideal for snorkelling or simply relaxing in a picturesque setting. The calm, clear waters make it a haven for those seeking tranquillity away from the busier spots.

Watersports in Antibes

For adventure seekers, the beaches of Antibes provide ample opportunities for watersports. Plage de la Gravette is ideal for families and those looking to try out activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, or jet skiing. With a relaxed atmosphere and a mix of both sandy and pebbled beaches, Antibes offers the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation.

From the glamour of Cannes to the peaceful coves of Èze, the French Riviera’s beaches offer something for everyone, making it one of the most diverse coastal destinations in Europe. Whether you’re seeking family fun, water sports, or a luxurious day at a private beach club, the French Riviera’s coastline won’t disappoint.

Local dishes on the French Riviera

Holidays to the French Riviera are likely to involve lots of fabulous food. Wholesome and healthy, the cooking of Provence displays all the benefits of the Mediterranean diet, with superb fish on the coast and fresh fruit and vegetables everywhere.

Some typical dishes

• Salade Niçoise: Ubiquitous salad comprising tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, Niçoise olives, anchovies and tuna, all perfectly dressed in olive oil.

• Ravioles: Ravioli is a classic Niçois dish, often stuffed with blette – Swiss chard – and daube, served with a splash of meaty daube sauce.

• Pissaladière: This flat tart was developed in Nice, and consists of bread dough topped with caramelised onions, sometimes with olives and anchovies too.

Meat dishes

• Daube de boeuf: A real winter warmer, this is a beef stew enriched with red wine and seasoned with juniper, orange peel and chopped bacon.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Bouillabaisse: This fishermen’s stew from Marseille is the most famous of the coast’s seafood dishes – at its best it’s utterly delicious.

• Loup de Mer: Sea bass, simply grilled and served with fresh herbs and lemon.

Street food

• Socca: Best eaten hot and fresh from the pan, this Niçois chickpea pancake is perfect street food – simple, wholesome and tasty.

• Pain fougasse: A finger-shaped bread that may contain olives, anchovies, sausage, cheese or bacon.

• Pan bagnat: This sandwich of choice is a delicious mix of tuna, hard-boiled egg and bitter mesclun salad leaves drizzled with oil.

Sweets and desserts

Calissons are lozenge-shaped sweets made from almonds and candied lemon and are perfect with a strong espresso; while a tarte tropézienne is a cream-filled brioche that originated in Saint-Tropez.

Local drinks

• Pastis: The south of France is the homeland of pastis, an aniseed-flavoured spirit traditionally served with a bowl of olives before meals.