The French Riviera is a place that everyone should visit at least once in their life, but it can be difficult to know where to begin. I recommend renting a car (if you don’t have one) and going on an adventure. Discover my detailed 3-day itinerary that includes the most wonderful places on the French Riviera. Three days is a short trip, so you will not hang around in any one place for long!
Here is the itinerary:
If you have more time, check out my 7-Day Itinerary on the French Riviera.
Day 1: Nice, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Èze, and Monaco
Morning: Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Your trip on the French Riviera begins in its capital: Nice.
Start your day with a stroll by the sea on the famous Promenade des Anglais to take in the wonderful landscapes of this beautiful city. Wander along the avenue in front of the Baie des Anges for a calm and pleasant moment while you enjoy the morning breeze.
After your morning walk, go explore the village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, which is about 30 minutes away from Nice.
The village boasts a great history that you can see with your own eyes in the fortifications that surround it and the alleys that will transport you to another era.
You can try your hand at boules, a ball game that the locals love, especially during the summer. You can also visit the Chapelle Folon to learn more about the history of the village.
Alternative: Menton
You can instead visit the colorful city of Menton, the city of lemons, which is a 30 minute drive from Nice.
This seaside city is situated on the Franco-Italian border.
Roam the streets and take in the baroque look of the city. You can also stop at the Marché des Halles for a festival of colors and flavors.
For even more colors, take a walk on the Esplanade des Sablettes and enjoy a friendly conversation with the residents.
Afternoon: Discover Èze, Monaco, and Monte-Carlo
After lunch, go on an excursion to discover Monaco, Monte-Carlo, and the medieval village of Èze.
You will have the opportunity to see some of the best attractions in these cities, such as the Grand Casino and the Fragonard Perfumery.
Between the medieval village of Èze, the F1 Grand Prix in Monaco, and Monte-Carlo, which is famous for its numerous casinos, you will have a busy afternoon.
Evening: Beach and Nice Old Town
Summer
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Head for La Réserve Beach to enjoy the evening sun and the gentle sea breeze.
Rest of the Year
Visit the old town of Nice and wander the streets while discovering hidden wonders like the Palais de Justice, the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate, the Place Masséna, and the famous Place Rossetti.
In February, go to the Carnival of Nice and party along with the residents.
Day 2: Cannes
Morning: Kayak Ride and Culinary Tour
Summer
Start your day in Cannes by renting a kayak (website in French) to discover the history of the Lérins Islands and their monuments.
You can choose a supervised or an autonomous ride, according to your skill level, to visit the Lérins Islands archipelago, including the Lérins Abbey.
Rest of the Year
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Let yourself be guided through the streets and markets of Cannes for a culinary tour of the city.
With the help of a guide, you will discover the city by tasting regional specialties. It is sure to be a pleasure for your taste buds.
Afternoon: Culture
Roam the streets to discover all the secrets of the city.
You can stop in front of the Palais des Festivals, the iconic building where movie stars from around the world walk the red carpet during the Festival de Cannes, during which the palme d’or is attributed to the movie chosen as the best feature film.
Then visit the Suquet, the oldest district of the city, along with the old port of Cannes.
You can finish your tour with one of the city’s museums such as the Malmaison Museum.
Hiking alternative
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For more adventurous travelers, I recommend hiking on the Esterel Massif, either on foot or on a mountain bike and at any pace you choose.
Choose the hiking style that suits you and discover this mountain range in all its glory.
Evening: Croisette and Casinos
Summer
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Finish your day by enjoying an evening on the Croisette, a seaside promenade in front of the Bay of Cannes.
This place is well-known for both its natural beauty and its numerous luxury boutiques and hotels.
Finally, relax and watch the sunset on the Midi beach.
Rest of the Year
If you love to party, Cannes is overflowing with entertainment.
Between the many clubs and bars scattered throughout the city and the casinos that offer numerous games, you have no excuse to not have fun.
Day 3: Saint-Tropez
Morning: Culture and Market
Saint-Tropez is where the movie Le Gendarme de Saint-Tropez was filmed by Jean Girault in 1964. Start your visit with the musée de la Gendarmerie et du Cinéma and immerse yourself in the movie’s universe.
Then head towards the Citadel of Saint-Tropez, home to a maritime museum, and discover this beautiful building dating to the 18th century.
As the noon hour approaches, wander through the Saint-Tropez market (which takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays) on the place des Lices.
Taste the city’s specialties and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Afternoon: Scuba Diving and Gulf
In the early afternoon, head to the sea for scuba diving in Port-Cros (website in French). The water is deep, and numerous marine species congregate here as if for your viewing pleasure.
Alternative
If you prefer, you can go to the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and take a jaunt in the sea by renting a boat (with or without a skipper) for a few hours to enjoy the sun, the sea, and the wonderful view of the city all at once.
At the end of the afternoon, relax on the Pampelonne Beach while tasting the city’s specialty, the Tropézienne, a brioche cake cut in half and filled with creme patissiere and butter cream.
Evening: Bars and Clubs
Make the most of the nightlife in Saint-Tropez by entertaining yourself in the numerous bars and clubs of the city.
You are in the city of the jet set, so live it up!
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
