5 Days of Sun, Sea and Style in the French Riviera
Where to stay and visit in the glamorous Côte d'Azur.
The famous Côte d’Azur is a sun-drenched playground along the Mediterranean full of glamorous beach resorts, stunning views, quaint villages and vibrant culture. This magical stretch of coastline offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history and cosmopolitan elegance.
There is an endless list of places to explore along the Riviera, but this guide will focus on my recommendations for a five day trip in and around Nice.
Day 1: Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
I recommend staying in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, a hidden jewel of the French Riviera. Nestled on a slender peninsula jutting into the Mediterranean, this small stretch of coastline is a retreat where refined luxury meets unspoiled nature. Its rugged shores hide secret coves and pristine beaches, offering a quiet escape from the Riviera’s more crowded hotspots.
The peninsula is also a treasure trove of history and charm. Imposing villas, once the playgrounds of artists and aristocrats, stand quietly behind blooming gardens.
We loved our stay at Hotel Royal Riviera — it has a prime waterfront location, comfortable rooms, lovely staff and delicious breakfast.
If you want to splurge and feel like a celebrity, there is also the famous Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, where everyone from Picasso to Elizabeth Taylor has enjoyed the luxurious accommodations and private beach club.
For dinner, head down to the marina and enjoy a glass of rosé at one of the waterfront cafés.
Day 2: Nice
Nice is the fifth largest city in France and very popular with tourists, but it is that — a large city. If you’re looking for a more relaxing Riviera trip, I don’t think you need more than a few hours to explore. Take a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais and then grab a lounge chair or lunch at one of their beach clubs.
If you love antiques and unique shopping experiences, make sure to visit on Mondays, when the famous Marché à la Brocante is held at Cours Saleya. They have everything from scarves and jewelry to crystal and furniture. This was one of my favorite experiences of the week and an opportunity to practice my French while trying to score a deal.
Day 3: Ezé
Perched high on a hilltop, Èze is a medieval village straight out of a storybook, with narrow streets, breathtaking views and old-world charm. It’s also very small and popular, so plan to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to enjoy the village with fewer crowds.
Wander through the maze of stone pathways lined with artisan shops, galleries and little courtyards. Visit the Jardin Exotique d’Èze, a botanical garden filled with exotic plants and cacti, and climb to the top of the village for an unforgettable view.
Day 4: St. Paul de-Vence
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is another, slightly larger, medieval gem famous for its artistic heritage. Renowned artists including Picasso, Marc Chagall and Joan Miró found inspiration here, and the village continues to draw artists who display their work in galleries that line the cobblestone streets.
Like Éze, I’d recommend getting there in the morning so you can enjoy the cafés, shops and galleries before it gets too crowded.
Day 5: Monaco
Check another country off your list without needing your passport and head to Monaco! (We carried copies of our passports just in case)
There’s not much to say about Monaco that hasn’t already been said. It’s a glamorous, postcard-perfect world of yachts, luxury shopping and the famous Monte-Carlo casino. We were there the week before the Monaco Grand Prix, so we saw crews turning this tiny principality into an open air race track for tens of thousands of spectators — it’s quite an operation.
After giving my credit card a workout, I settled in the lobby of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo to savor a cappuccino while enjoying some very unique people-watching.
Overall, I loved my time in the French Riviera, and although this is only a fraction of what this area has to offer, the beautiful surroundings, friendly people and amazing food (and wine) will keep me coming back!