Stretching along the southeastern tip of France, the French Riviera is home to luxurious beach resorts, medieval villages, and everything in between. But with so many gorgeous spots to choose from, where do you even begin?
That's where we come in! We've rounded up the best towns to visit in the French Riviera so you can make the most of every single day on the Côte d'Azur. Get ready to bookmark this one.
1. Nice
The colorful city of Nice along the French Riviera
Let's kick things off with the big one. Nice is the most famous town along the French Riviera, a vibrant, colorful city that has both modern and old-world energy. It's the most visited city in the region, and it's easy to see why. The city has world-class museums, a gorgeous seafront promenade, and a maze-like old town (Vieux-Nice).
Best things to do in Nice
Stroll the Promenade des Anglais and Vieux-Nice
Start your visit by walking along the Promenade des Anglais, Nice's iconic beachfront boulevard that stretches for miles along the shimmering sea. Then go into the winding alleyways of Vieux-Nice, where you'll find open-air markets, baroque churches, and colorful façades around every corner.
Explore the wider Riviera from Nice
Nice is the perfect starting point for discovering the rest of the Côte d'Azur. Hop on this French Riviera full-day bus tour and let the scenery do all the talking. If you'd rather spend more time outdoors, we've also got a handy guide to the best outdoor spots in Nice to help you plan your days!
2. Menton
The pastel-painted town of Menton in the French Riviera | Photo by SlimMars 13 on Pexels
Located right at the border of France and Italy, Menton is one of the most underrated towns in the French Riviera and, honestly, one of our favorites. Known as the Pearl of France, Menton is famous for its lemon groves, pastel-painted old town, and some of the warmest, sunniest weather on the entire coast.
It's quieter than Nice or Cannes, which makes it feel like a wonderfully well-kept secret just waiting for you to discover it.
Best things to do in Menton
Explore the cobblestone streets of the Vieille Ville
Head straight for the Vieille Ville (Old Town) and go around the narrow cobblestone streets lined with Baroque architecture and colorful buildings that look straight out of a painting. The views over the harbor from up here are absolutely stunning, and every corner reveals another charming little detail worth stopping for.
Learn about art and culture at the Jean Cocteau Museum
The Jean Cocteau Museum is dedicated to the beloved French artist and filmmaker who had deep personal ties to Menton, and the collection is genuinely fascinating. If you happen to visit in February, make sure you also catch the world-famous Menton Lemon Festival: a wild, whimsical, and wonderfully unique celebration that draws visitors from all over the world.
3. Antibes
The coastal town of Antibes and its historic wall | Photo by Eric Planet Olympus on Pexels
If you're into history and beach life, Antibes absolutely needs to be on your radar. This charming town is between Nice and Cannes and gives you the best of both worlds: ancient towers and fortified walls on one side and gorgeous sandy beaches on the other.
Antibes also has one of the largest yacht marinas in the Mediterranean, so there's a good chance you'll spot some impressive boats in the harbor.
Best things to do in Antibes
Discover the Picasso Museum inside a 14th-century castle
The Picasso Museum in Antibes is housed inside a stunning 14th-century castle right by the water's edge, and the combination of iconic artwork and incredible sea views is something really special. Take your time here; it's one of the most memorable cultural experiences you'll have along the entire coast.
Swim and relax at Plage de la Gravette
After all that culture, reward yourself with a well-earned beach break at Plage de la Gravette, a sheltered cove with calm, clear waters that's perfect for a relaxed afternoon swim. The beach sits right beside the old town walls, making it super easy to combine a morning of sightseeing with an afternoon of doing absolutely nothing but soaking up the Mediterranean sun.
Klook tip: Want to make the most of your time exploring this part of the coast? Skip the hassle of regional transport and book a convenient day tour to Antibes that lets you experience the historical charm of this town alongside the red-carpet luxury of Cannes in one trip.
4. Villefranche-sur-Mer
The charming town of Villefranche-sur-Mer along the French Riviera | Photo by SlimMars 13 on Pexels
Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of the most photogenic towns in the French Riviera, and that's really saying something in a region filled with stunning spots. Sitting just a few kilometers east of Nice, this town is built around one of the deepest natural harbors on the Mediterranean, with colorful fishermen's houses cascading beautifully down to the water's edge.
Best things to do in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Walk through the ancient Rue Obscure
Go back in time by exploring the Rue Obscure, a covered medieval street that's one of the oldest in all of France. It's wonderfully atmospheric, naturally cool on a hot day, and genuinely unlike anything else you'll find along the coast. Walking through it feels like you've stumbled into a secret passage carved right into the hillside.
Eat fresh seafood harborside
Head down to the harborside and grab a table at one of the many seafood restaurants with breathtaking waterfront views. The combination of fresh food, sparkling blue water, and that easy Riviera atmosphere is pretty hard to beat. Because Villefranche-sur-Mer is smaller and quieter than Nice, the whole experience feels wonderfully unhurried and real.
5. Cannes
The town of Cannes along the French Riviera | Photo by Jannis Lucas on Unsplash
Yes, Cannes is famous for its glamorous film festival, but there is so much more to this town than red carpets and celebrity sightings. Cannes is one of the most popular towns in the French Riviera, known for its luxury boutiques, beautiful beaches, and lively promenade.
The Boulevard de la Croisette is the place to see, lined with designer stores, grand hotels, and a sandy beach that stretches for miles. But look past the glitz, and you'll find a town with real heart, history, and a charming old quarter.
Best things to do in Cannes
Escape to the Îles de Lérins
For a quieter, more natural side of Cannes, hop on a boat tour to the Îles de Lérins: two tiny islands just offshore where you can hike through pine forests and swim in some of the clearest, most stunning water on the entire coast. It's a completely different vibe from the main town and a brilliant way to spend a half-day away from the crowds.
Climb up to Le Suquet
Back on the mainland, make your way up to Le Suquet, Cannes' hilltop old-town neighborhood, for panoramic views over the bay and a taste of the more authentic side of the city. It's a beautiful contrast to all the glamour down on the Croisette, and the sunset views from up here are absolutely worth every step of the climb.
Klook tip: Why limit your exploration to just one town? This day tour to Cannes lets you pair this town with the heritage of nearby Saint Paul de Vence and the historic walls of Antibes.
6. Èze
The medieval hilltop village of Èze in the French Riviera
Located on a clifftop 427 meters above the sea, Èze is one of the most spectacular hilltop villages in all of France. This medieval village offers jaw-dropping panoramic views over the coast, and on a clear day, you can even spot Corsica in the distance.
Best things to do in Èze
Explore the Jardin Exotique at the summit
Make your way to the top of the village to discover the Jardin Exotique (Exotic Garden), filled with rare cacti and succulents framed by some of the most breathtaking coastal views you'll ever encounter.
Tour the Fragonard Perfume Factory
Before heading back down, stop in at the Fragonard Perfume Factory to learn about the centuries-old art of French perfume making. It's a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at a craft that's deeply woven into the culture of this region—and you might just leave with a gorgeous bottle to take home.
Èze also pairs perfectly with a trip to Monaco, so make the most of both by booking a Monaco, Monte Carlo & Èze day tour.
7. Monaco
View of the Oceanographic Museum along the coast of Monaco | Photo by Lazar Krstić on Pexels
Okay, so Monaco is technically its own country, but no roundup of the best towns to stay in the French Riviera would be complete without it. Monaco is world-famous for its legendary casino, Formula 1 Grand Prix, and a harbor full of megayachts, but there's also a surprisingly rich cultural and historical side to the principality once you look past all the glitter.
Best things to do in Monaco
Visit the Oceanographic Museum and explore Monaco-Ville
Spend time at the Oceanographic Museum, located on a clifftop above the sea, where you’ll see fascinating marine exhibits that both kids and adults will absolutely love.
Then head over to Monaco-Ville (The Rock), the medieval quarter of the principality, where the Prince's Palace, narrow historic streets, and harbor views make for an incredible couple of hours of exploring.
Experience Monaco and the full Riviera in one day
Ready to see the very best of the region all in one go? Book your spot on this French Riviera tour and discover how much you can fit into a single day along the Côte d'Azur. You’ll be getting a full experience of the Riviera and visit five towns in one day: Monaco, Monte Carlo, Eze, Antibes, and Cannes.
FAQs about towns in French Riviera
What is the prettiest town in the French Riviera?
If we had to pick just one, Èze is usually considered the prettiest town. Its medieval hilltop setting, ancient stone streets, and views over the Mediterranean make it feel like something straight out of a fairy tale. That said, Villefranche-sur-Mer is a very close second because of its colorful harbor and pastel buildings.
Is it better to stay in Nice or Villefranche-sur-Mer?
It really depends on what kind of trip you're after! Nice is the better pick if you want easy access to transport links, a wide range of restaurants and nightlife, and the buzz of a vibrant city, plus it's also a great base for day trips across the whole region.
Villefranche-sur-Mer, on the other hand, is perfect if you want a quieter, more romantic atmosphere with harbor views and a slower, more laid-back pace of life. Good thing Villefranche-sur-Mer is just a short train ride from Nice, so you can enjoy both towns no matter where you choose to stay.
Which French Riviera towns are most popular with tourists?
The most visited towns in the French Riviera are Nice, Cannes, and Monaco. Nice draws visitors year-round with its vibrant old town, world-class museums, and gorgeous beachfront promenade, while Cannes is famous for its film festival. Monaco pulls in huge crowds thanks to its casino, royal palace, and the excitement of Formula 1.
What are the best coastal towns in the French Riviera?
The French Riviera is lined with beautiful seaside towns, each having its own unique charm. Here are some of the best coastal towns to visit:
• Antibes: Known for its sandy beaches, marina, and charming Old Town
• Villefranche-sur-Mer: Famous for its stunning natural bay, colorful waterfront, and crystal-clear water
• Menton: A sunny seaside town near the Italian border with a picturesque promenade
• Nice: Home to the iconic Promenade des Anglais and one of the Riviera’s most famous beaches
• Cannes: Loved for its glamorous beach clubs, luxury hotels, and elegant coastal scenery
• Îles de Lérins: A peaceful island escape near Cannes with beautiful beaches and turquoise waters
Which French Riviera towns are less crowded?
If you want to avoid the tourist rush, Menton is one of the underrated towns along the whole coast. It's noticeably quieter than Nice or Cannes but every bit as beautiful, with its Italian-influenced architecture, famous lemon groves, and genuinely relaxed atmosphere.
Villefranche-sur-Mer also feels much more calm and residential compared to the bigger cities, even though it's just minutes from Nice by train.
More guides for your trip to the French Riviera
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