The Côte d’Azur, stretching along the Mediterranean coast of southeastern France, is the epitome of chic coastal living. Whether you dream of azure colored seas, sun-drenched beaches, medieval hilltop villages, world-class art, or exquisite food — this part of France has all with glamor and all with flair. This Cote d Azur itinerary 7 days blends coastal glamour with hidden gems, giving you the best of the French Riviera in one unforgettable trip.
✨ Overview of the Route – Things To Do in Cote d Azur – Places to Visit in French Riviera
- Start Point of Cote d Azur Tour: Nice
- Route which I covered: Nice → Villefranche-sur-Mer → Èze → Monaco → Antibes → Cannes → Saint-Paul-de-Vence → Menton → Return to Nice
- Total Distance: Approx. 180 km
- Best Transport: Train + bus + occasional Uber/taxi. You can also rent a car, especially for hilltop villages.
- Best Time To Visit: Late spring (May-June) or early autumn (September) offers perfect weather and fewer crowds.
🏨 Overnight Stay (Base Option)
Nice is the Riviera’s most central and budget-friendly base with excellent transport connections.
Recommended Stay:
👉 Hotel Rossetti, Nice – Stylish, mid-budget boutique hotel in the heart of Old Town (Vieux Nice) with charming views and walkable access to most attractions. Or you can check this video tour of Nice Hotel Oasis.
Cote d Azur Itinerary – French Riviera Itinerary 7 Days
Here’s a detailed, day-wise Cote d Azur itinerary (best Places to Visit in French Riviera) for exploring the Côte d’Azur (French Riviera) — one of the world’s most glamorous and stunning regions.
Day 1: Arrive in Nice – Gateway to the Riviera
Nice is a perfect balance of urban charm, Mediterranean beaches, colorful architecture, and buzzing markets. It’s also the best hub for exploring the French Riviera due to its well-connected train and bus network.
Things to Do in Nice:
- Promenade des Anglais: Stroll along this world-famous seaside promenade for sunset views.
- Old Town (Vieux Nice): Wander its maze-like alleys with pastel-colored buildings, boutique shops, and the scent of fresh lavender.
- Castle Hill (Colline du Château): Hike or take the lift up for sweeping views of the Baie des Anges.
- Cours Saleya Market: Ideal for fresh produce, flowers, and local delicacies.
- Beach time: Dip your toes in the turquoise waters or rent a sunbed at a private beach club like Plage Beau Rivage.
🛏 Stay: Hotel Rossetti, Nice
🍽️ Dinner Recommendation: La Rossettisserie – Cozy spot for Provençal food and local wines.
Day 2: Villefranche-sur-Mer & Èze – Fairytale Beauty
These two destinations pack dreamy Mediterranean charm in one day. Villefranche-sur-Mer boasts a picturesque harbor, while Èze is a medieval hilltop village straight out of a fantasy.
How to Reach this Destination:
- Nice → Villefranche: 10 minutes by train (~3 km)
- Villefranche → Èze Village: Bus 82 or 112 (30 mins uphill drive) or taxi (~12 km)
Things to Do:
☀️ Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Old Port & Waterfront: Colorful buildings hugging the bay make for postcard-worthy photos.
- Plage des Marinières: One of the best sandy beaches on the Riviera.
- Chapelle Saint-Pierre: A small chapel decorated by Jean Cocteau – a hidden gem.
🌿 Èze
- Jardin Exotique d’Èze: Breathtaking cliffside garden with views stretching to Saint-Tropez on clear days.
- Fragonard Perfumery: Tour this iconic perfume house and shop for artisan fragrances.
- Wander cobbled alleys: A timeless village where every turn leads to a photo opportunity.
🛏 Stay: Return to Hotel Rossetti, Nice
🍽️ Lunch at La Taverne d’Èze (scenic terrace dining), Dinner back in Nice.
Day 3: Monaco – Luxury, Views & History
Where else can you stroll through a royal palace, ogle superyachts, and visit a legendary casino in a day? Monaco is opulence personified.
How to reach Monaco from Nice: Nice → Monaco: 20 minutes by train (~21 km)
Things to Do:
- Prince’s Palace: Time your visit with the Changing of the Guard at 11:55 a.m.
- Oceanographic Museum: A surprisingly fascinating attraction even for non-museum lovers.
- Casino de Monte-Carlo: Admire the architecture (or try your luck if you’re feeling fancy).
- Japanese Garden: A tranquil escape in a bustling city.
- Larvotto Beach: A clean and chic urban beach to unwind.
🛏 Stay: Return to Nice
🍽️ Tip: Splurge on lunch at Café de Paris, even just for the people-watching.
Day 4: Antibes – Art, Markets & Sandy Shores
Antibes combines art, history, and soft sandy beaches with a chilled, authentic French Riviera vibe.
How to reach Antibes from Nice: Nice → Antibes: 30 minutes by train (~25 km)
Things to Do:
- Picasso Museum: Located in the Château Grimaldi where Picasso once lived.
- Marché Provençal: Local farmers, cheeses, olives, and flowers galore.
- Cap d’Antibes Coastal Walk: A breathtaking coastal trail with dramatic cliffs and secluded coves.
- Plage de la Gravette: Protected cove ideal for swimming.
🛏 Stay: Return to Nice
🍽️ Lunch at Chez Lulu (cozy bistro near the market), Dinner at Peixes back in Nice.
Day 5: Cannes – Red Carpet Glitz & Sandy Relaxation
Cannes offers glitz without being over-the-top. Known for its film festival, Cannes also boasts fabulous beaches and a charming old quarter.
How to reach Cannes from Nice: Nice → Cannes: 40 minutes by train (~33 km)
Things to Do:
- La Croisette: Stroll the famous palm-lined promenade.
- Le Suquet (Old Town): Climb to the church for sweeping port views.
- Palais des Festivals: Pose on the famous red carpet stairs.
- Îles de Lérins: Take a ferry to Sainte-Marguerite Island for pristine nature.
🛏 Stay: Return to Nice
🍽️ Lunch at La Brouette de Grand-Mère, Dinner on the Promenade in Nice.
Day 6: Saint-Paul-de-Vence – Art in the Hills
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a village soaked in creativity and history, having inspired artists like Chagall and Matisse. It’s a true hidden gem off the coast.
How to reach: Nice → Saint-Paul-de-Vence: 45 mins by car or 1 hour by bus via Line 400 (~20 km)
Things to Do:
- Wander Art Galleries: Over 20 galleries line the cobbled lanes.
- Fondation Maeght: Exceptional modern art museum in a serene setting.
- Village Exploration: Every corner is a photo waiting to happen.
- Cemetery of Saint-Paul: Chagall’s final resting place.
🛏 Stay: Return to Nice
🍽️ Lunch at La Colombe d’Or (historic artist hangout), Dinner back in Nice.
Day 7: Menton – The Citrus Capital of France
Menton is the Riviera’s best-kept secret — pastel beauty, Baroque churches, and gardens by the sea. It’s also less touristy and super photogenic.
How to reach Menton: Nice → Menton: 40 minutes by train (~30 km)
Things to Do:
- Basilica of Saint Michael: Towering over a tiled square with sea views.
- Serre de la Madone Garden: Lush and peaceful, ideal for garden lovers.
- Beach stroll: Less crowded beaches than Cannes or Nice.
- Old Town wander: Italianate alleys and citrus shops at every turn.
🛏 Stay: Final night in Nice
🍽️ Enjoy a sunset dinner at Le Petit Port, Menton.
🎒 Useful Tips for the French Riviera Itinerary 7 Days (Things To Do On the French Riviera)
- Use Trains for Coastal Towns: The SNCF TER trains are fast, reliable, and offer jaw-dropping sea views between towns.
- Buy a Multi-Trip Train Card: This saves money if you travel daily.
- Use Buses for Hilltop Villages, Especially to Èze Village and Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
- Bring Comfy Shoes: Cobblestones everywhere!
- Don’t Skip Sunscreen: The Mediterranean sun is no joke.
- Dinner Reservations Recommended: Especially during peak summer.
- Mix Free and Paid Attractions: Enjoy beach days and markets balanced with museums and gardens.
- Travel Light: Most of these towns are pedestrian-friendly, but dragging heavy luggage up stone stairs is a pain.
The Cote d Azur isn’t just about celebrities and luxury yachts — it’s also about charming medieval villages, affordable beauty, and warm Mediterranean culture. By blending well-known cities like Nice and Monaco with quieter gems like Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Menton, you’ll experience the French Riviera at its most authentic and awe-inspiring.
This day-wise Cote d Azur itinerary is planned to enjoy French Riviera’s key highlights and hidden treasures. So save this ultimate list of best places to visit in French Riviera to plan French Riviera Itinerary 7 Days.
Bon voyage! 🇫🇷🌴
Picture Courtesy – CanvaPro
Follow more on social media channels at
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest
Read the Disclaimer, Affiliate & Cookie Policy by clicking here.
Discover more from Travel With Me 24 X 7
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.