French Riviera.

Where glamour meets Mediterranean charm. Stay in Nice for the first half, and hop on the train to visit near by towns like Villefranche-sur-Mer, Eze Village, Monaco, Menton, and Antibes. Mid way, stay in Cannes, and end your trip in Saint Tropez - my new top travel destination aside from Greece. As always, you can view more on the French Riviera or any other destinations on my Instagram or TikTok.

This guide will detail my exact steps, Airbnb stays, and all my top recommendations and tips. The French Riviera completely lived up to the hype—and then some. I hope this guide inspires you to visit yourself.

Nice.

Four days in Nice was the perfect way to kick off my ten day, south of France adventure. Located perfectly when it came to taking the train to nearby towns. A more affordable option as well when deciding on which town to stay in. Navigating the train was a breeze, especially if you download the app - SNCF connections, which shows timetables, routes, and ticket options.

I loved starting my mornings with a walk along the Promenade des Anglais (or jumping on a Lime bike), and spending afternoons wandering through Old Town. Day one was my day to visit Villefranche-sur-Mer, Eze Village, Monaco, Menton, and Antibes - giving me the rest of my stay in Nice to explore the town itself. You don’t have to do the nearby towns in one day like I did, it can definitely be split up between days as most towns are anywhere from thirty minutes, to one hour from one another.

This Airbnb in Nice had everything needed for solo travellers or couples. I couldn’t have asked for a better location; walkable to everything, and close to the city center. If you are looking to stay in Old Town, you could book this hotel instead. I stayed here for one night as my trip was coming to an end as I was flying back home from Nice - the host was absolutely amazing and the location and room were extremely comfortable.

One of the best view points in Nice is Castle Hill. Take your time while walking above Nice, as the park on the way is filled with different walking paths, gardens, viewpoints, as well as the famous large waterfall built in 1880. Take in the sunset once you’ve reached the top, as well as the famous Baie des Anges (Bay of Angels), and the iconic curve of the Promenade des Anglais. Along your journey, you may run into local artists and musical performers. Just under the view point facing the Promenade des Anglais, is a cafe serving coffee, alcoholic beverages, and snacks - a perfect way to reward yourself for the three hundred steps to the top, or a way to relax before your summit back down.

The iconic curve of the Promenade des Anglais.

If you’re looking for some time to relax in between exploring the city and the Old Town of Nice, as well as nearby towns, there are plenty of beach club options all along the promenade. A variety of different aesthetics, vibes, and music options, so it all depends on what kind of day you are looking for. Hotel Amour was my beach club of choice. Open from nine in the morning until midnight, with the option of booking a table or beach chair. Live DJ lineups can be found on their Instagram.

Villefrance-sur-Mer.

An absolutely beautiful seaside town, that could possibly win the award for the most picturesque. Definitely more relaxed, and not recommended for anyone who is looking for lively, party towns. This is a town you go to strictly for the charm. Stroll the town, stop for coffee, and walk along the the harbour. For a more authentic experience, you can even consider booking your Airbnb here during your stay, instead of Nice. If I ever return, that is my plan.

This quaint and quiet authentic town is the perfect place to stay if you really want to immerse yourself in the French culture. My favourite part of Villefrance-sur-Mer was this colourful and quirky church (Chapelle Saint-Pierre) that I had the pleasure of taking in while enjoying coffee at the cafe right across the street.

Menton.

Sitting right on the French-Italian border. Known as the "Pearl of France," Menton is famous for its colourful aura, and lemons. With a blend of French and Italian influences, it offers a slower pace than Nice or Monaco; while still providing stunning Mediterranean views. No shortage of restaurant and boutique options, as well as a stunning, and calm watered beach right along the town’s bottom edge.

Menton is also known as the Lemon Capital of France. Due to the climate, the town produces some of the best lemons. Every February, Menton hosts the world-famous Menton Lemon Festival (Fête du Citron), featuring enormous sculptures and parade floats made from thousands of lemons and oranges.

With it being just a few kilometres from Italy, it’s pretty easy to visit two countries in one day -if you are adventurous enough to add another destination during your train journey.

Eze Village.

One of the more difficult destinations to get to, but still absolutely do able. I say this because all the other towns are right there as soon as you get off the train. With Eze village, you will take the train to Eze, and then Uber from the train station to the village. The village is located at the top of the mountain, so walking is not an option. Once you arrive, before entering the village, you will find a perfume shop called Fragonard. Enter inside and pick your favourite scent out of hundreds. Fragrances that are unique and not found anywhere else, making this the perfect souvenir.

Eze dates back more than two thousand years, which is why you will feel like you’ve stepped into a medieval times movie set once you arrive. The village sits about fourteen hundred feet above the Mediterranean, guaranteeing some of the most jaw dropping views. The Exotic Garden is also something worth mentioning that sits along the side of the mountain - open for visitors to see and walk through.

Make sure you get a table at one of the restaurants within the village. Enjoy a glass of wine while you contemplate if you are looking at real life, or a green screen. Options include Le Cafe du Jardin, La Chevre d’Or, or Chateau Eza.

Antibes.

Located right between Nice and Cannes, Antibes is another charming town to add to your French Riveira list - the most “artsy” town of them all. That was clear when walking around the shops and stumbling upon numerous markets. Not your traditional markets either. The day I was visiting, there was a ceramics only market, showcasing local pottery artists.

While in Antibes, start at Marché Provençal, the heart of Antibes with fresh produce, cheeses, spices, flowers, and more. From there, walk along the city walls and enjoy views of the sea. Check out the yachts at Port Vauban – one of the largest marinas in Europe and home to some of the world’s most impressive superyachts. Visit Musée Picasso (Picasso Museum), or take a scenic walk along the coastline and discover hidden coves,

Looking for a beach day? Relax at Plage de la Gravette, a beautiful sheltered beach located just outside the Old Town.

For an extremely fresh meal, check out Chez Jules. The charm and aesthetic alone that pours out onto the street from Chez Jules is enough to catch your eye, and want to check out their menu!

Monaco.

Monaco is a tiny country with a big reputation. Known for its luxury yachts, famous casinos, Formula 1, and unreal coastal views; Monaco feels like stepping into a world of elegance and old-world glamour. The iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo is one of the most famous casinos in the world. Even if you don’t gamble, it’s worth visiting for the stunning architecture, luxury cars outside, and the glamorous atmosphere that has inspired so many movies.

For racing fans, walk along the streets where the Monaco Grand Prix takes place and see famous corners like Casino Square and the Fairmont Hairpin. Afterwards, take a walk around Port Hercule to see some of the most impressive yachts in the world. Another spot that is perfect for people watching and experiencing Monaco’s luxury lifestyle.

Cannes.

After my journey through Nice and nearby villages/towns, I was headed to Cannes for a few nights. It’s no secret that Cannes is full of glamour and luxury, but it can still be visited without breaking the bank. I booked this Airbnb - which was not glamorous by any means, but it was everything I needed in terms of a place to sleep. My priority is always staying in my bucket list destinations and seeing as much as I can, so as long as the Airbnb is comfortable, that’s all I ask for.

La Croisette is Cannes’ iconic waterfront promenade where you can find luxury hotels, designer shops, and beautiful views of the Mediterranean. Le Suquet is Cannes’ oldest neighbourhood, with cobblestone streets, beautiful buildings, great restaurants, and panoramic views over the city. These two areas are a must when in the city.

Make sure to research what events are happening in Cannes depending on when you are visiting. Home of some amazing festivals like film festivals and yacht festivals. While I was there, Cannes was hosting their annual yachting festival. For more info and dates on the festival, check out their website. A very special experience that doesn’t happen often; so if the opportunity presents itself, I recommend going!

Cannes was my favourite spot in regards to dining experiences and nightlife. For breakfast and coffee, check out Copenhagen Coffee Lab, and Saddle for the best matcha you will ever have. Cafe Hoche is a quick walk from the Airbnb mentioned above, so it was my go to lunch spot almost everyday. Their pasta is what got me hooked the first day, and what made me keep going back.

For cocktails, Le Voilier had great martinis and was located in a prime location if you like to people watch. The streets and pedestrian traffic in Cannes is definitely worth viewing while sipping a drink - full of style and glamour. One of my favourite experiences in Cannes was Harry’s Bar. Offering over four hundred different cocktails, Harry’s Bar is one of the oldest spots in Cannes - operating since nineteen eleven.

Once you finish your sunset cocktails, get ready for dinner at Zuma. High quality Japanese cuisine, with one of the best rooftops in the city. The energy was high, and the music was top tier. Not only delicious, but an extremely fun atmosphere to start your night. After dinner, head over to Bazaar or Flash for an unforgettable night out.

Saint Tropez.

Once you feel like you’ve seen it all in Cannes, rent a car and head to Saint Tropez. About an hour and a half journey, you’ll find yourself on some of the most beautiful roads with mountain top views, and passing by various beaches. Make it into a trip of its own, and make stops throughout your drive!

My Airbnb in Saint Tropez was my all time favourite. Everything you think the south of France is, is the essence of this apartment. With a prime location, right next to Laduree, Dior, and more. What surprised me was how small the town of Saint Tropez actually is - and mostly pedestrian only. Wander the streets, take all the photos, get your shopping in, and make sure to check out the marina. Don’t leave without trying Tarte Tropézienne, a famous Saint-Tropez dessert made with brioche, cream, and sugar.

Saint Tropez’s charm, decor, and style will draw you in. The perfect place to end off your French Rivera tour - a relaxing, slow paced atmosphere with so much beauty.

The French Riviera was everything I hoped it would be. From the colourful streets of Menton and the views from Èze Village, to the glamour of Cannes and Saint-Tropez, every destination offered its own unique kind of magic. What I loved most was the feeling this region gave me - it comes flooding back to me as I write this guide and makes me want to experience it all over again.

Until next time, merci for the unforgettable memories. For more French Riviera content, visit my Instagram and TikTok.

Gold Coast, Australia.

KELEECI