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The French Riviera conjures up images of royals and racing car drivers, glamorous movie stars and big betting billionaires.
In reality, the Riviera draws everybody — rich, famous or otherwise — with its heady mix of history, ornate architecture, classic French culture and the stunning blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. While we can’t all star in a blockbuster, marry a crown prince or laze away our days on a super yacht, we can still enjoy this magnificent part of France.
Here’s a checklist of our top ten things to do on the French Riviera on a first visit.
1. Roll the dice at Monte Carlo Casino
You don’t have to be a high roller or James Bond to appreciate the opulent Casino de Monte-Carlo, which opened back in 1863. This Riviera legend is arguably the region’s most famous attraction. You can pay an entry fee in the morning and explore the lavish salons before the gambling begins at noon. The interior, with its marble columns, huge Bohemian crystal chandeliers, ceiling frescoes and wall canvases is gobsmacking. Out the front, valets from the Hotel de Paris next door ostentatiously show off their guests’ motoring bling.
2. Visit the home of the Cannes Film Festival
Walking along Boulevard de la Croisette in Cannes, you can almost smell the cash. You’ll need plenty of it to shop on this famous retail strip, which hosts a veritable ‘who’s who’ of designer labels (including Chanel, Dior, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Hermes, and Gucci). It’s also home to the Palais des Festivals — the nerve centre of the famous Cannes Film Festival. Check out the handprints left by various movie stars and directors in the footpath outside.
3. Explore Nice
The cobbled streets and public squares of Nice’s old town make it ideal for exploring on foot. Wander the markets and dine in one of the countless sidewalk bistros. Don’t miss the famous Fenocchio ice creamery, which offers close to one hundred flavours. Go for your usual favourite or take your taste buds out of their comfort zone with something a little weird — like cactus! Next, take a sunny stroll along the Riviera’s best known street — the Promenade des Anglais. It stretches for about seven kilometres beside the blue waters of the Baie des Anges (Bay of Angels). To take a break from the sun, visit the Villa Massena (now a museum) and see the robes that Napoleon wore when he crowned himself Emperor of France.
4. Shop for scents at Fragonard
Fragonard has been making perfume on the French Riviera since 1926. There are two opportunities to visit this famous parfumeur and find a scent that’s perfect for you. There’s the main factory and museum in Grasse (known as the perfume capital), and a smaller facility in Eze. Both offer very informative free guided tours. You’ll pick up plenty of tips for how to choose, store, and wear perfume. A huge range of scents and beauty products are available for purchase.
5. Write your own royal fairy tale in Monaco
A tour of the Palais Princier de Monaco is the closest most of us are likely to get to a Cinderella story. It will get you into a real palace occupied by a proper prince. A selection of the State Apartments are open to the public from April to October each year. Your host for the self-guided tour is none other than His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, who narrates the audio guide. The son of the late Prince Rainier III and legendary American actress Grace Kelly shares the history of the ruling Grimaldi family and their home. Admire the Louis XIV furniture and family portraits, and perhaps dream of sitting on the throne. An entertaining changing of the guard ceremony takes place at the palace each day at 11am. Prince Rainier’s incredible collection of more than one hundred vintage and luxury cars is another must-see.
6. Walk in the footsteps of a famous philosopher in Eze
Get your hiking boots on and take a walk in the footsteps of renowned German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. From 1883, Nietzsche was a regular visitor to the French Riviera and often stayed in the hilltop village of Eze. He would walk up the steep path from the sea, deep in thought and in search of inspiration. Today the two-kilometre trail to Eze bears his name. The steep path climbs nearly 300 metres up to the 16th century ramparts of Eze. Your reward for this effort is a pleasant stroll around the pretty, though very touristy Eze, and amazing views of the Mediterranean.
7. Live it up at Le Negresco (even for just one night!)
When you’re being absolutely fabulous on the Riviera, you’ll need somewhere equally marvellous to stay. Nice’s century-old belle-époque Le Negresco is a suitably chic option. It gained fame in the 1960s and 70s as the place to be seen, and famous guests included Grace Kelly, Salvador Dali, and The Beatles. The hotel is kitted out with original antiques and artworks — and while this classic luxury comes at a hefty price, it’s worth it for a bucket-list splurge. Since you’re already here, you may as well push the boat out completely and have dinner at renowned Michelin-starred Le Chantecler. Note the smart dress code.
8. Ride the rails from Menton to Nice
This might be the best few euros you’ll spend on the Riviera. The train from Menton — famous for its pretty gardens — to Nice hugs the coastline and provides one of Europe’s most scenic rail trips. The train passes through Monaco and several resort towns, including Cap D’Ail, Villefranche (where the late Tina Turner owned a luxury villa), and Beaulieu-sur-mer. Enjoy stunning views from the comfort of your seat. The 40-minute journey is a wonderful sightseeing experience at a bargain price — courtesy of the French public transport system.
9. Get some sun in Antibes
Many of the Riviera’s most celebrated beaches are pebbled. If they’re a bit too lumpy for you, soft sandy beaches can be found in the luxury resort town of Antibes. A lot of the beaches are private, but you can soak up some sun for free at Plage de la Garoupe. Back up in the heart of town, Marche (Market) Provencal offers a vast array of fresh local produce and will serve you well for compiling a picnic lunch. It’s open daily (except Mondays in winter).
10. Find Nemo at Monaco Aquarium
Perched high on a cliff above Le Rocher (Monaco’s old town), the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco houses a permanent exhibition dedicated to the seafaring adventures of Prince Albert I. It’s filled with specimens, photographs, and documents that he collected on his many voyages, along with an interesting assortment of scientific instruments. A highlight is the Whale Room, where massive whale skeletons — including one measuring 18 metres in length — hang from the ceiling. Beneath the museum you’ll find the Monaco Aquarium, which displays around 6,000 sea creatures.
For more travel inspiration, visit www.au.france.fr.
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Do you have any suggestions to add to our list of top things to do on the French Riviera? We would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.
Additional images: Bigstock
About the writer
Louise Reynolds made up her mind at the age of about four that she would one day travel the world — and has so far visited around 30 countries across five continents and the Pacific. A hopeless Francophile, she has a particular love for France, its language and pretty much all things French. Louise’s favourite way to see the world is on foot and her boots have taken her walking on famous trails in Europe, South America and New Zealand. She also has a passion for her home state of Victoria and loves exploring its diverse regions.
