Locally known as Côte d’Azur or the Turquoise Coast, the French Riviera has always been a frequent tourist destination for all types of visitors from all over the world. The French Riviera has a lot to offer and has something for everyone, including the high-rollers, glitterati, artists, authors, or even the ordinary travelers seeking a vacation in one of the most glamorous parts of France. It’s no surprise that this span of the Mediterranean coast, along with its limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and persistent sunshine, attracts visitors locally and from around the globe to enjoy its natural appeal and rich culture.
Regardless of your preferences, be it the stately villa of Saint-Tropez or something a bit relaxed like Antibes, the French Riviera has something for everyone.
Let’s explore the most exciting things to do on French Riviera:
1. Explore One of France’s Most Attractive Villages
There is more to the French Riviera than just its seaside towns. For instance, the remarkable villages such as Les Baux de-Provence found in the rocky highlands are momentous sights worth visiting. The beautiful narrow streets of Les Baux-de-Provence are an attractive sight for tourists; however, its clifftop location implies there are several breathtaking views to learn about. The village is greatly highly-preserved and a pleasure to tour.
Standing at the hilltop of the vertical cliff, the castle was typically easy to safeguard; but it was finally attacked and wrecked. Today, you can take a guided tour of the castle to see the labyrinthine ruins still visible on the plateau above the village.
Inside, there is a museum where you can get insight into the history of this once-prominent city.
2. Drink from the Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
Blending natural beauty with French history, the Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is an impressive place to experience and feel. The Fontaine-de-Vaucluse stands as the largest spring in France, with a height of 755-foot from the cliff. The Sorgue River draws its water from this natural spring.
The spring is outstanding because it is easily accessible. However, there is also a notable town constructed just outside of it, and the spring is accessible on foot with multiple shops and restaurants along the way. The most appropriate period to visit is after a heavy downpour, when the river is overflowing, building on the beauty of the scenery.
The spring is relatively green-blue and is viewed as sacred by the locals. Its importance stretches back to the ancient times when ritual ceremonies used to be held there. When you tour, remember to inquire about the tale of the Coulobre, a fictitious winged organism that lives in the spring.
3. Venture in Monte Carlo
The city of Monte Carlo is closely associated with luxury partially due to its favorable taxation for the mega-rich but mainly due to the luxurious Monte Carlo Casino. It’s situated in the small country of Monaco on the French Riviera, which is perhaps small but contains incredible charm.
This casino is a cultural building established in 1863 by Charles Garnier, the architect of the Paris opera house, that provides a wide view of the sea.
The wide entrance hall’s Ionic columns offer visitors a glimpse of what to expect. The Salle Garnier central hall is painted red and gold. It’s beautified with frescoes and other impressive rooms heading into the central hall, gorgeous places to deplete everything you have or acquire immense wealth in never-ending games such as blackjack, roulette, or modern slot machines. At the same time, high rollers place their stake discreetly in the Salles Privees.
4. Take in the Flavors of the Cours Saleya Market in Nice
Deep down the French Riviera is Nice, an ancient city full of life. The Côte d’Azur capital is massive and vibrant; however, the old town draws both local and foreign tourists.
Ancient Nice gathers around the renowned Cours Saleya, where the market that runs from Tuesday to Saturday crowds the chief square with glowing colors and beautiful smells of flowers, vegetables, and fruits sold from stores with bright sunshades.
Nice is an ideal town for all those that love food of different types. You can think about a cooking reason with the help of an expert who will take you to the market for different ingredients and then take you through the necessary steps in their preparation. Make sure you taste different types of food to establish one that suits you the best. If you’re shopping on your own, buy some olive oils and enjoy the fresh produce available at the moment. Don’t forget to have some socca, a local meal that resembles a pancake composed of chickpeas and fried in olive oil using a griddle.
5. Admire the Art in the Fondation Maeght in St-Paul-de-Vence
The Fondation Maeght is a must-visit destination for visitors to the French Riviera. This contemporary art museum is hosted in a uniformly magnificent building situated in the middle of pine-stocked gardens, a walkable distance from the scenic hilltop village of St-Paul-de-Vence. This aerial structure was designed by Josep Lluís Sert, a Spanish architect who teamed up with Le Corbusier.
The art gallery boasts a wonderful collection of the artistry work of Raoul Ubac, Braque Miro, Giacometti, Chagall, Alexander Calder, Matisse, and many other experts of the 20th century. In addition, the Fondation Maeght stages varying one-time exhibitions of prominent modern artists.
Once you’ve fully explored the art gallery, make a few minutes walk to the St-Paul-de-Vence village, where you will discover the Auberge de la Colombe d’Or, the notable restaurant in the village. There is plenty of artwork displayed on the walls of this famous restaurant, most of which is from the artists you have noted at the Fondation.
6. Be a Star in Saint-Tropez
Saint-Tropez is a destination that can make or break your vacation or adventure. Its extravagant showiness can be showy or continuously exciting, based on your altitude and perhaps your budget. Propelled to the world of fame by actress Brigitte Bardot, it welcomes thousands of celebrities every year to reside at one of the awesome hotels or one of the most luxurious yachts that sit on the deep waters of the harbor. Still, you don’t need an extraordinary budget to marvel at this iconic fishing village.
The former fishing port has maintained its old quarter, although as it stands, the fishing boats have been donated to the yachts. In the summer, the villas surrounding the town are filled with celebrities, the rich, and guests from all parts of the world. However, there is a lot for art enthusiasts, from Citadelle to the Musée de l’Annonciade with its magnificent collection of early 20th and late 19th-century Impressionist paintings. This old fortification takes center stage in the town.
Shipping is mainly pricey, but there are a number of local Provencal wares in the market square for those searching for local artisan soaps, colorful cloth, and olive oils. During the evening, the restaurants are flooded with guests, so ensure to get there on time to enjoy your favorite meal or drink.
7. Walk Through the Old Town and Port of Antibes
Although most coastal cities on the French Riviera halt their operations during the off-peak season, Antibes operates throughout, making it the ideal destination to visit anytime. Stroll through the ramparts to explore the sea that hits the rocks or lay on the sandy beaches and absorb the sun. While Antibes may be at the core of the French Riviera, it’s friendlier and pretty quiet compared to its neighbors.
The spectacular Fort Carre, founded in the 16th century, overlooks the city and Port Vauban and is home to a number of the largest mega-yachts in the globe. As you enter the Old Town, you will come across the fruit and vegetable market and small streets packed with enticing shops. The impressive Musee Picasso, which contains an ideal collection of his artwork and renowned ceramics, is located at the Chateau Grimaldi, providing a picturesque view of the Mediterranean.
8. Go Back to Nature on the Iles d’Hyères
Located right outside the coast between Toulon and St Tropez, the Iles d’Hyères comprises three alluring islands, with Porquerolles being the largest. Porquerolles is merely 5 miles in length and 1.5 miles in width, which means that you need to use a bike or walk in order to explore it. The north features sandy beaches at the back of pine trees, whereas the southern coast is pretty rough. Lying between the two are vineyards and pine forests. Moreover, Porquerolles is the most easily accessible, thanks to the direct ferry service from Toulon.
Being a national park, the island of Port-Cros has strict rules concerning the number of visitors allowed in and the things you can do. It’s magnificent for hiking, and there are multiple trails via the island’s interior; however, the coast is dominantly cliffs; therefore, the beaches are few.
A former home to the Cistercian monks, the Ile de Levant is used by the French Navy and has many beaches to the west. Established in the 1930s, the Ile de Levant is popularly known for its nudist colony in the Heliopolis village.
