Vacation on the French Riviera - 7-day itinerary!

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The Côte d'Azur is the holiday destination chosen by more than 10 million tourists every year. With medieval cities, elegant promenades, beautiful beaches with fine white sand and celebrities at every step - the French Riviera is the place where you can never get bored. In fact, you will fall in love after your first vacation in the Cote d'Azur and you will want to come back! In this travel guide, we have prepared a 7-day itinerary in which you visit the most famous cities.

How do you get to the Côte d'Azur?

How do you get from the airport to the city of Nice, located only 7 km away? Here are the 3 modes of transport:

  • Tram: the ticket costs 1.50 euros/person and can be purchased from the ticket machines in the stations. They are located outside terminals 1 and 2. The journey will take approximately 30 minutes and you can choose between tram 2 which runs towards the center or tram 3 which runs towards the west of Nice.
  • Bus: and the bus ticket costs 1.50 euros/person and is purchased from the driver. Bus 12 goes to the Old Center, but you will find the bus stop only outside terminal 1. The journey will take 30 minutes.
  • Taxi: The average price of a ride to the center of Nice is 30 euros. The journey takes 20-25 minutes, and you can find the taxi lines outside terminals 1 and 2.

You can find more information on Nice Airport website.

where are you staying

Since Nice is the city where the main airport is located and which is approximately in the center of the distance from the other cities, our recommendation is to stay here and return here every evening of the trip. Nice offers accommodation for all budgets, so you can easily find prices even from 45 euros/night. And if you thought that the hotels would be considerably more expensive, well, find out that you can find rooms in 3-4 star hotels at 65-70 euros/night.

Are you looking for accommodation in Nice at convenient prices and suitable conditions? Here are some varied options, depending on the budget:

  • Villa Serafina Apartments: these hotel apartments is 15 minutes by bus from Vieux Nice. The studio rooms have a private kitchen, private bathroom, balcony, TV, air conditioning, terrace, WiFi and coffee machine. Prices for a double studio start from 47 euros/night
  • Le Windsor, Jungle Art Hotel: 4 star hotel It is 20 minutes walk from Vieux Nice. The rooms have air conditioning, private bathroom, minibar, WiFi and TV. In addition, guests have access to the spa & fitness center, as well as to the outdoor pool. The price for standard double rooms starts from 65 euros/night
  • Hotel de France: 3 star hotel is just 100 m from the Promenade des Anglais and the beach. Vieux Nice is a 20-minute walk away. So if you wanted an accommodation as close as possible to the sea, Hotel de France will surely be to your liking. The rooms have a private bathroom, coffee machine, TV and air conditioning, and the price for a small standard double room starts from 95 euros/night
  • Hotel Rossetti: the hotel is right there in the center of Vieux Nice, just 25 m from Nice Cathedral and 400 m from the beach. If you like to be in the center of the fun, then the accommodation is in the perfect area. In addition, Massena Market is only 600 m away. The rooms have air conditioning, private bathroom, TV, minibar, TV, terrace and WiFi. The price for a standard double room starts from 100 euros/night 

Côte d'Azur itinerary by day | Tourist spots

Day 1 – Nice

Niche it is the largest city on the Côte d'Azur and is a real expressive jewel. With sophisticated architecture, squares full of vibrant colors, quality wines, a rich history, gorgeous seascapes and delicious food like ratatouille that was born here – Nice has it all and works as a magnet for tourists.

Colline du Chateau

Start the first morning of your vacation by discovering the place with the most beautiful views in Nice! Colline du Chateau it is located in the eastern area of Nice and is actually a hill where from the 11th to the 18th centuries there was a castle with the role of a military fortress. Although today the castle no longer exists, the park with free access offers a superb landscape over Nice and the sea.

Its elegant setting is all the more beautiful thanks to the artificial waterfall. You can take some great pictures here, but also admire the beauty of the Côte d'Azur. You will have to climb several hundred stairs, but you can also opt for the free elevator that takes you up to approximately 75% from the road. From there, you will have to climb on foot.

Vieux Nice

After you have admired the panorama enough, head towards Vieux Nice (Old Center of the city). Go down the north side of the Colline du Chateau and head west, as Vieux Nice is only 500m away. Once you get closer to the heart of the Old Center, you will notice more and more brightly colored buildings, elegant patisseries with terraces and more and more people!

The atmosphere is full of life, and the surrounding architecture transforms the place into a truly magical one, dating from the 18th centuries. Keep going and you will give I like Rosetti (Piata Rosetti), this being definitely the most beautiful place in the Old Center. Here is also Gelateria Fenocchio, which dates back over 50 years and has over 100 flavors of ice cream. It is the most famous gelateria in all of Nice and it is worth taking a short break here to enjoy an ice cream and a coffee! Don't forget to admire the Nice Cathedral, just 30 m away, before you leave.

Promenade Paillon

At only 450 m walking distance to the west you will get off Promenade Paillon where one of the most beautiful fountains in France is located. Mirroir D'Eau or "Water Mirror" even has light games in certain evenings, but even during the day it is a beautiful place that deserves to be admired. 

Massena Square

Next to Promenade Paillon is located Massena Square which is considered the center of the city. The square was built in 1840 and today events or concerts are often held in the open air. The sidewalk like a chessboard and the neoclassical buildings are just 2 of the reasons why you have to come here, especially since it is so close to Promenade Paillon!

The Albert I Gardens

For a little walk after the meal, head to The Albert I Gardens, just 200 m to the southwest of Massena Square. The gardens have a special charm, with several palm trees, fountains and statues. The most important monument, as well as special, is Arc de Venet with a length of 19 meters.

Promenade des Anglais

Continue walking another 100 m to the south and you will find the most popular place in Nice - Promenade des Anglais! A long embankment separates the colorful buildings of Nice from the sea and the beach. You will find alfresco bars and you can admire the divine landscape over the sea. And in front of the promenade is the long beach which is divided into smaller ones. And because the waves are often calm, you can safely have fun in the water!

Day 2 – Eze

Eze is a small medieval village located in the ridge area between Nice and Monaco. With impressive views, gorgeous buildings, narrow alleys and a special geographical location that allows viewing almost the entire Côte d'Azur from above, the village can easily be visited in a single day.

To get from Nice to Eze, we recommend the train because the journey takes a short time and the price is cheap. In addition, you will be much closer to the first attraction in Eze. First you will have to get to Nice-Ville Station. It is located in the northern part of the city, and the buses that stop nearby are 57, 64, 70, 71, 75 and 87. The L1 tram also stops nearby. Bus and tram tickets cost 1.50 euros and you can buy them from ticket machines (tram) or from the driver (bus). Don't forget to validate them once you've boarded!

The train ticket to Eze costs approx. 2 euros/person and you can purchase it online from the website of the French Railway Transport Company (SNCF) - https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/. It runs between 5:30-21:30, and the trip lasts only 15 minutes and you will have to get off at the fourth stop. 

Eze Center

Once you get off the train, you will need to take bus 83 from Garre Eze station to Eze-Ville. The ticket also costs 1.50 euros and you will have 11 stations to go (15 minutes) before getting off at the station. And for hiking fans and those who want to discover in detail the wonderful nature of the village of Eze, you can choose to go on the Nietzsche Trail that starts 250 m north of the station. The panoramas captured along the hike of approx. 2.5 km are absolutely gorgeous! Be sure to be properly equipped, because the route is of moderate difficulty.

Once you arrive at the station, go down 400 m towards the center and admire the small alleys between the houses and the terraces, while looking at the sea and nature from above! The place is gorgeous, so you must have a camera or phone with you to capture the magnificent shots! Also nearby is the Fragonard Perfumery, which you can visit for free, and the whole tour takes about 30 minutes. 

Le Jardin Exotique

It is also in the area of the small center Le Jardin Exotique. Located on a ridge, here you can find dozens of species of cacti and succulents from all continents! In the garden there is even a waterfall in the northern area. Besides the many plants, here you have the most beautiful panorama in Eze and one of the most surprising on the entire Côte d'Azur! 

You can even admire the view over the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and the Esterel Mountains. The ticket costs 6 euros/person, and children under 12 have free access. You can buy them at the entrance to the gardens.

Revere Fort

After you have admired and discovered the beauty of the garden, head towards Revere Fort located at approx. 2.5 km walking distance. There is an alley dedicated to the Fort from the center, so it will take you about 50 minutes. But once you arrive, you will realize that it was worth it, because you are on one of the highest ridges in Eze! It is a superb place where you can admire the sea and the natural landscape in depth. It's the perfect place to relax in the afternoon after climbing so much!

Eze-sur-Mer beach

Get off on the same route and take bus 83 from the Eze-Village station. The trip will take about 15 minutes and you will have to get off after 10 stops at the Parking Saint Laurent d'Eze station. From here you will immediately be captivated by the beauty of the sea and the beach located just 500 m away. The beach is quite small, but the water here has beautiful shades of azure. 

Near evening, take bus 83 from the Parking Saint Laurent d'Eze station to the Garre Eze station (5 minutes – 2 stops), and from there take the train to Nice where the ticket costs about 2 euros!

Day 3 – Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo is the most famous district of the Principality of Monaco. Aristocrats from all over the world are attracted to this place that exudes royalty and opulence at every step. And the Cazion in Monte Carlo is famous all over the world, so a vacation on the Cote d'Azur cannot be complete without arriving at this simply charming place.

To get from Nice to Monte Carlo, the most convenient and pleasant way is by train! The one-way ticket costs approx. 4 euros/person and the journey takes 20 minutes. Take the train to Monaco Monte Carlo from Nice-Ville Station. They circulate between the hours of 5:40-21:40.

Casino in Monte-Carlo

It is located approximately 800 m from the train station Monte Carlo Casino. It was built in 1893 by the architect who also built the Paris Opera. The building houses both the actual casino and Monaco Opera. The interior of the casino is surprisingly luxurious, with a marble-paved atrium and 28 surprising sculptures. Even the outside market conveys complete opulence!

If you want to visit the interior, you have to buy an entrance ticket. Access costs approximately 17 euros per person. It is forbidden to take photos inside the casino and this rule is strictly regulated. But even so, being inside one of the most luxurious casinos in the world will certainly be a memorable memory. 

Monaco Grand Prix

Monte Carlo is a top destination for racing enthusiasts. Monte Carlo is home to one of the oldest and most popular races in the Formula 1 Championship, the Circuit de Monaco, which takes place every May and offers an experience you will never forget. You will surely recognize the streets if you have watched the Monaco Formula 1 circuit at least once.

The Princely Palace of Monaco

Go south about 1.5 km on foot and you'll get off The Princely Palace of Monaco, this being the official residence of the Prince of Monaco. If you arrive before 11:55, you can admire the changing of the guards, a ritual admired by many spectators. 

Certain rooms of the palace are open to the public, including the Apartments, the Throne Room, the Mazarin Salon and others. The ticket price is 10 euros/adult and 5 euros/child and you can buy them from the official website

Monaco Cathedral

Monaco Cathedral it is only 800 m south-east of the Princely Palace of Monaco. It has a neo-Romanesque architecture, and many members of the Grimaldi royal family were buried here. 

The cathedral was built in the 19th century on the remains of a church from the 13th century, and today it is an extremely important monument of the Principality of Monaco. Access to the cathedral is free. 

Saint Martin Gardens

Head slightly east (100 m) and you will get off Saint Martin Gardens. It was the first public garden of the Principality and was opened in 1816. The green oasis in Monaco offers visitors, in addition to numerous species of Mediterranean and exotic trees, fabulous views over the sea, being right on the coast. In addition, here the vegetation combines with art, because you will find numerous statues and sculptures, the most special being the bronze statue of Prince Albert I.

Oceanographic Museum of Monaco

Walking through the Saint Martin Gardens, just 200 m from the eastern exit Oceanographic Museum of Monaco. With an elegant facade, the Museum is also the Headquarters of the International Commission for Scientific Exploration of the Mediterranean Sea. Here there are over 6000 species in Mediterranean or tropical themed rooms. In the museum you will discover numerous curiosities, marine fossils and others. 

There is even a room dedicated to Prince Albert I, known as the "Navigator Prince" due to his extensive knowledge of oceanography. You can buy tickets online to avoid the queues here for 18 euros/adult and 12 euros/child between 4-17 years. Make sure you get here by 6 p.m. (October-March), 7 p.m. (April-June, September) or 8 p.m. (July-August). 

From here, you will have to go back almost 2 km to the station where you can take the train back to Nice.

Day 4 – Menton

Chin it is right on the border with Italy and the city has somehow combined the charm of the Côte d'Azur with that of Italy. The city is often called the "pearl of France" and here is the only place where lemons are grown in France. The city celebrates lemons annually at Fete du Citron. In addition, the city is a little quieter than other resorts on the Côte d'Azur.

Take the train to Menton from Nice-Ville Station for approximately 5.60 euros/person. Trains to Menton run between 05:30-21:30 and the journey takes about 35 minutes. 

Bioves Gardens

You will hit the north gate a Bioves Gardens just 200 m once you exit the station. The public gardens stretch along a promenade and hold numerous extravagant sculptures throughout the year, subtropical plant species, mango trees and more. 

Depending on the season and the time you visit the garden, it will be decorated specifically. Walk to the south gate of the gardens (only 400 m away), and at the end you can admire the architecture of the Anglican Church of St. Ion.

Jean Cocteau Le Bastion Museum

Jean Cocteau Le Bastion Museum it is less than 1 km away to the east, and following the course of the sea on the cliff, you will immediately realize that you have arrived! You will be surprised by its superb architecture from the 17th century, the museum being built by order of the Prince of Monaco Honore II. Located right next to the sea, the panorama will make you think of the stories of princes and sailors. 

You can also visit the interior every day between 10:00 and 18:00 (with a break from 12:30 to 14:00) except Tuesdays. People under 18 have free access, and adults can purchase a ticket at the entrance for approximately 5 euros/person.

The Old Port

It is also right next to the museum The Old Port where you can admire the beauty of the sea, luxury yachts, the Statue of St. Michael and the Church of St. Michael and the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel. We recommend you to enjoy this place for at least 1 hour, because you will notice that at every corner you will find something to admire, but also cafes where you can take a short break. The Old Port corresponds to the Old Center of the city, so don't rush to explore the small alleys between the colorful buildings.

Val Rahmeh-Menton Gardens

Take bus 1 from the Les Sablettes station (located after the Old Port, in the Les Sablettes Beach area) to Menton Stade (4 minutes). From the station, you only have to walk 200 m to the entrance to the gardens. And once you reach the gardens, you will feel like you are in an exotic paradise thanks to the different species of trees and a pond with aquatic plants. 

Refinement combined with nature have turned this place into one of the most visited in Menton. Botanical Garden it will really take you to an exotic setting and you will forget that you are actually in one of the most famous resorts of the Côte d'Azur. In addition, you can see the sea from above. 

You can visit the gardens between 9:30-17 (October-March) or 9:30-18 (April-September), on any day except Tuesday. The ticket price is 7 euros/person, and European citizens between 3-25 years pay a ticket of only 5 euros. Tickets can be purchased directly at the entrance to the gardens.

Rondelli beach

After you have admired the beauty of the gardens, just 300 m to the south you will reach Rondelli beach - the most beautiful beach in the entire resort of Menton. Here the waves are calm and in gorgeous shades of light blue with a fine white sand. And to complete the landscape, some palm trees were placed around. Not to mention the splendid view of the city!

Roquebrune Medieval Castle

About 700 m to the east of the beach is the Menton Garavan Station. Take the train towards Nice-Ville, but get off at the fourth station called Roquebrune Cap-Martin. From here you have to walk approx. 800 m to the north on a hill to the superb Roquebrune Medieval Castle. Until the castle, you will walk among the dreamy streets of the town.

The castle is among the only evidences of Carolingian architecture in France. The castle was for a long time in the possession of the Grimaldi royal family from Monaco, but it became the possession of France in 1861. It was built in the 10th century and was initially an underground prison. Today from here it offers, in addition to the superb architecture, a panoramic and unique view over the Principality of Monaco, over the sea, Cape Martin and the village. You can visit the castle between 10:00 and 17:00 every day, except Thursday and Friday. The ticket price is 5 euros/adult and 3 euros/child. Finally, get off at the Roquebrune Cap-Martin Station and take the train to Nice-Ville.

Day 5 – Antibes

Antibes it is famous for its open-air markets, such as the Marche Provencal, and for the authentic items or ingredients of the south of France that you can buy here. And the city has a history that began in the 5th century BC, so you will find traces of its vast history everywhere. 

To get to Antibes and as close as possible to the first destination, Marineland, you will have to take the train from Nice-Ville to Grasse. Get off at the seventh station called Biot. The journey will last only 25 minutes, and the ticket price is 5 euros/person. Trains between Nice and Antibes run between 5:30 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.

Marineland

Once you arrive at the station, you will have to walk approximately 450 m to the north until the entrance to Marineland. Here is the largest marine zoo in all of Europe! In the huge complex you can admire orcas (killer whales), dolphins (there are even shows), sea lions, seals, penguins, pelicans, flamingo birds, sharks, sea horses, sea cats, polar bears and many other types of species of tropical fish or other living things. 

Prices start from 39 euros/adult and 32 euros/child, but it is a unique place in Europe that is really worth visiting! You can buy them from https://www.marineland.fr/en. We recommend that you spend at least 2 hours here to discover everything the park has to offer. Finally, take the train from Biot station to Grasse to the first station which is Antibes for approx. 1.50 euros/person. 

Gravette Beach

Once you have arrived at the Antibes Train Station, head towards Gravette Beach located less than 1 km away on foot. The walk there will certainly be a pleasant one, because you will reach the Port of Vauban d'Antibes, a beautiful place where there are more and more luxurious yachts. And the scenery is just right, so it's worth taking some photos. 

Before reaching the beach there is another platform with the Le Nomade statue. This represents a man sitting down and looking at the sea for a long time. And from here you can capture an entire panorama specific to the French Riviera: yachts, exotic plants, colorful buildings and the sea of unique beauty. And next to the platform is the beach! The sand at Gravette beach is almost the whitest on the entire Côte d'Azur and blends perfectly with the dark blue of the sea. 

Fort Carre

Fort Carre it is located only 250 m south of the beach, along the cliff. It was built in the shape of a star in the 16th century and is an emblematic place of the city of Antibes. It is located on a small rock and is surrounded by Mediterranean plants, offering a 360 degree panorama over Antibes and the sea. 

Those under 18 have free access, and adults pay a ticket of 3 euros/person that can be purchased at the entrance. The museum can be visited from Tuesday to Sunday between 10:00 and 17:00. 

Provencal brands

200 m to the west is located Provencal brands - the famous Provence markets which represent a true festival of colors due to the spices and scents of flowers (especially lavender) and desserts. If you were hoping to purchase some objects specific to the region, this is the place. 

Le Sentier du Littoral, Cap d'Antibes 

And to end the day perfectly, a visit to Cape Antibes it's everything you could want! Take bus number 2 (approx. 1.50 euro/person ticket) from the Guillabert station located approx. 650 m west of Marche Provencal. The journey will take approximately 25-30 minutes and you will have to get off at the last station called Eden Roc. 

Capul Antibes is a luxurious and quiet paradise, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are many beaches and trails here. You will have to walk approx. to Le Sentier du Littoral. 2 km on foot, but it will definitely be worth it. You will reach the coastal area full of Mediterranean plants and rocks. But the landscape here and the waves that forcefully break the rocks create the perfect vacation atmosphere. 

To return to Nice, you will have to take bus number 2 again from the Eden Roc station to the Pole d'Echange d'Antibes station. From here you will only have to walk 100 m to the train station to take the train back to Nice. You will have to buy a ticket for 4 euros/person and get on the train to Nice Saint-Augustine. The trip will take approx. 20 minutes. 

Old Town

Right next to the Marche Provencal is the Old Town - the real heart of Antibes. Take the area for a walk, because you will surely be surprised by the many historical buildings in the area, such as the Notre-Dame-de-l'Immaculée-Conception d'Antibes Cathedral and the Picasso Museum in the medieval Castel Grimaldi. Don't forget the coffee or dessert breaks at the surrounding terraces!

Day 6 – Cannes

cannes is one of the most famous resorts on the Côte d'Azur and is the place where the world-famous Cannes Film Festival is held annually. Besides the fact that many celebrities spend their summers here, the city exudes elegance on its boulevards, the harbor full of luxurious yachts, Belle Epoque hotels and exclusive beaches.

Take the train to Grasse from Nice-Ville Station for 10 stops, as the next stop is the city of Cannes. The trip will take about 40 minutes and the ticket price starts from 5 euros/person. Trains between Nice and Cannes run between 5:30 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.

Boulevard Croisette

Just 500 m to the south you will reach Boulevard Croisette. It stretches for 2 km along the coast and is one of the most famous places in Cannes. Louis Vuitton and other luxury stores, La Malmaison Art Center and hotels with surprising architecture are just some of the attractions! Admire the sea, the surrounding beaches, the elegant atmosphere of the city and the emblematic buildings in one place! And if you go a little north, you will find the famous Rue D'Antibes street with various boutiques, shops, and restaurants.

Palace of Festivals and Congresses in Cannes

As soon as you reach the boulevard you will see to the south Palace of Festivals and Congresses in Cannes. This is the place that brought Cannes to the attention of tens of millions of tourists from all over the world. The Cannes International Film Festival is held annually, as well as many other events. Famous celebrities come here for the biggest annual show in the palace and probably in all of France.

You can visit the palace for 1 hour and a half for approx. 6 euros/person. Children under 16 have free access and tickets are purchased at the entrance. The palace can be visited between 9-18 (November-February), 9-20 (July-August) and in the other months between 9-19. Also nearby is the Old Port of the city of Cannes and the Casino Barriere Le Croisette with special architectures! 

The Old Port

Less than 10 minutes' walk from the Palace is the Old Port of the city of Cannes. And here you can also find the medieval quarter Le Suquet with steep cobbled alleys, colorful houses, stalls in Forville Square and numerous beautiful landscapes over the Riviera. Don't forget to visit the gothic Notre-Dame D'Esperance church in passing. 

Midi Beach

Source: seecannes.com

2 km to the west is located Mid beachand you can get here by bus 1, 2 or A from the Square Merimee station located in front of the Palace of Festivals. You will have to get off at the sixth station called Mediatheque, and from there you only have to walk 300 m to the beach. This is very long and unlike the beaches in Antibes with white sand, they have golden sand. The sea is just as calm and the beach is extremely clean.

Saint Margaret Island

After relaxing enough on the beach like the celebrities who come here, head to Port de Cannes - Service Commerce (other than the Old Port) located less than 1 km to the east. Take the ferry to Saint Margaret Island for approx. 17 euros/adult and 12 euros/child between 5-10 years round trip. You can reserve the tickets here.

Once you arrive, you will be surprised by the smell of pine and the eucalyptus forests of the island. The island stretches for only 3 km and you can easily visit it in 2-3 hours, especially if you are passionate about trails.

Royal Fort

You'll see Royal Fort as soon as you get off the ferry, on the left side. The building built in the 17th century is only 450 m away from the pier and it is assumed that the Man with the Iron Mask was imprisoned here for 11 years. The legend even inspired the appearance of the film of the same name, with Leonardo DiCaprio as the main character. 

You can visit the interior for approx. 6 euros/adult and 3 euros/person between 18-25 years old. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 10:30-16:45 (October-March) and 10:30-17:45 (April-September). You can purchase them from here

Once you have taken the ferry back to Cannes, return approx. 1.5 km to the train station and take the train to Ventimiglia. Get off at the eleventh stop – Nice-Ville.

Day 7 – Saint-Tropez

Besides the well-known reputation of Saint Tropez, namely that it is the holiday destination of the stars and the most celebrated resort on the Côte d'Azur, the beautiful city has a history that began in the 15th century. And besides the fact that there are exclusive beaches here, hiking enthusiasts will surely appreciate the numerous trails along the coast.

For the last day of your vacation, visit the famous Saint-Tropez, located 110 km from Nice. Take the train from Nice-Ville to St. Raphael Valescure (55 minutes – 13 euros/person). Once you've arrived, head to Gare Routiere Intercommunale and take bus 7601 to the last stop – Saint Tropez. The bus trip will take approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes and the price is approx. 3 euros/person. The bus runs back and forth between 6:50-20:45, and the train between Nice-Ville and St. Raphael Valescure between the hours of 5:30-20:15. 

Place des Lyces

Once there, walk approx. 700 m to Place des Lyces - a 19th century promenade where famous markets and fairs are often held. You will experience an unforgettable ride up to here! It is a place where you will find numerous cafes, terraces, patisseries and the famous La Tarte Tropezienne pastry shop. Here you can taste authentic Tropezian tart, first cooked in 1955 and consisting of a fluffy tart filled with cream.

The citadel of Saint Tropez

Another 700 m on a hill is located The citadel of Saint Tropez. It is the perfect place where you can observe Saint Tropez and the Mediterranean Sea from above. In the 17th century the building was fortified, and today the interior houses the Maritime Museum with various nautical and historical exhibits. On the terrace you will surely catch the most beautiful views! The access ticket costs 4 euros and can be purchased right at the entrance.

The Old Port

Once you have visited the Citadel and its surroundings, head towards the southwest exit and go towards the port approx. 850 m. You will cross small streets with special architecture at every step, and before the port you can admire the facade of the nearby boutiques and if you are keen on shopping, you can buy more than a souvenir at the Hermes store! Just before reaching the port, you will come across the Old Town Center often called La Ponche. The luxury is surpassed by an elegant and special architecture that you can only find in Saint Tropez. And the walks among the alleys of the city are mandatory!

If you thought that in Cannes or Nice you will see the most luxurious yachts, Saint Tropez will surpass them all, because aristocrats from all over the world come here on vacation. In addition, the vibrant colors of the surrounding buildings merge perfectly with the turquoise sea. And on the other side of the harbor is the Lighthouse of Saint Tropez from where you can see the city from afar - a superb setting.

Pampelonne Beach

Pampelonne Beach it is the most beautiful and famous beach in Saint Tropez and maybe even on the entire Côte d'Azur. It stretches for 5 km and has soft sand and clean water in turquoise and azure shades. In addition to the celebrities who spend their vacations here (and it's no wonder why), many scenes from popular movies such as "And God... created woman" with Brigitte Bardot were filmed here.  

Take bus 7705 from Gare Routiere de Saint Tropez to Boulevard Pampelonne – Ramatuelle station. From here, you have approx. 1 km to the beautiful beach. In addition to the private and exclusive portions, you can also find free areas where you can relax. And for the last day of vacation, the beach will make you forget that the stay is over!

After feeling like a celebrity on the most famous beach, take the same bus to Gare Routiere Saint Tropez. Afterwards, you have to take bus 7601 to Gare Routtiere Intercommunale in St. Raphael. From there, take the train to Nice from the station.

What do you eat on the Côte d'Azur?

Ratatouille it is famous all over the world as a French dish. But did you know that this dish is specific to Nice, its full name being Ratatouille Nicoise? So you must definitely try the authentic dish with eggplant, peppers, zucchini, tomatoes and onions right at home! 

Since Menton is so famous for the lemons that grow here, you have to try it lemon liqueur, lemon jam and lemon biscuits. The restaurants and terraces boast of their local ingredients on every occasion, so you will easily realize that you can taste the dishes with lemons grown authentically in Menton!

Barbagiuan is the national dish of the Principality of Monaco and consists of a kind of meatball filled with ricotta cheese, Swiss chard, onion, rice, parmesan and spinach. It is a crunchy and delicious dish that is worth trying when you arrive in Monte Carlo. Tarte Tropezienne it is the most famous dessert in the entire Côte d'Azur, and when you arrive in Saint Tropez, you must definitely try the fluffy tart like a donut with the filling of 2 types of creams and sugar syrup on top. 

Where do you eat on the Côte d'Azur?

With a cuisine specific to the region, slight Italian influences but also with dishes specific to the Mediterranean area, on the Côte d'Azur you can enjoy a varied range of delicious dishes. Here are our restaurant recommendations in each of the 7 cities:

Niche:

  • restaurant Chez Acciardo serves traditional French dishes (between 6-18 euros/dish) and is located in the Vieux Nice area.
  • Gelateria Fenocchio is located in Place Rosetti in Vieux Nice and was opened in 1966. It offers over 100 flavors of authentic ice cream and sorbet (between 2-8 euros/ice cream), being a very famous place in Nice. 
  • Olim Massena it is located in the Massena Square area and offers snacks and light dishes specific to French cuisine (between 2-13 euros/preparation).

Eze:

  • Restaurant Le Nid D'Aigle it is located in the Old Center of the city and near Le Jardin Exotique. With French and Mediterranean dishes (between 2-25 euros/dish), the restaurant has a terrace paved with stones and plants, a setting specific to the town.
  • Mets Wins Chic it is located near the bus station and in addition to the Mediterranean and French dishes (between 5-35 euros/preparation) that they offer, you also have a varied range of local wines that you can taste.
  • Chateau Eza it's perfect if you want an unforgettable experience! With a terrace overlooking the sea and the city, the Michelin restaurant offers French, Mediterranean and European dishes (between 10-55 euros/dish). It is located right in the Old Center of Eze. 

Monte Carlo:

  • Horizon Rooftop it is a 2-minute walk north from Cazion in Monte Carlo, close to the seafront. The location is at a height and here you have a splendid view of the sea! You can find French and Mediterranean dishes (between 12-48 euros/dish).
  • Les Perles de Monte-Carlo it is on the other side of the harbor near the Monte Carlo Palace and Cathedral. You can enjoy French dishes and seafood (between 15-60 euros/dish). Here the reservation is mandatory.
  • L'Express it is located in front of the Monaco Cathedral and behind the Palace. The small terrace serves delicious French dishes (between 2-25 euros/dish).

Chin:

  • Traiture Poivre Et Sel it is located in the port area, north of the Jean Cocteau Le Bastion Museum. Here you will find dishes from Italian and French cuisine (between 5-25 euros/dish) and you can enjoy them in the restaurant or on the small terrace.
  • Port Garavan it is located south of the Val-Rahmeh Gardens and has a direct view of the harbor on the huge terrace. Italian, European, international and seafood dishes are served (between 5-26 euros/dish).
  • At the patisserie Jean-Luc Pele Workshop find the lemon desserts specific to the city of Menton! The patisserie is located near the central area of the Bioves Gardens and besides dessert, you can enjoy a fresh coffee on the small terrace.

Antibes:

  • restaurant L'Annexe it is located in the Old Port area and serves French and Mediterranean dishes (between 7-35 euros/dish) indoors and on a large terrace.
  • Eden-Roc Restaurant it is located near the Eden-Roc bus station in the Cape Antibes area and the terrace is placed high up, in a hotel. If the budget allows you and you are eager for a memorable and exclusive experience, this superb place with a sea view will surely please you. You can enjoy Mediterranean, European and, of course, French dishes (between 15-155 euros/dish).
  • restaurant Mer Sea is located in the Forte Carre area and offers French and seafood dishes (between 4-45 euros/dish) in the rustic restaurant or on the terrace.

cannes:

  • Le Bouche a Oreille is located at approx. 700 to the east of the Palace of Festivals and Congresses in Cannes, on Boulevard Croisette. It offers French and Mediterranean dishes (between 5-30 euros/dish), but it is also an Alfresque bar.
  • Mademoiselle Gray Plage Barriere it is located on Croisette Boulevard, near the port and right next to the beach. You can find Mediterranean dishes (between 10-49 euros/dish) and you can enjoy them directly on the beach terrace, watching the sea.
  • At Guerite it is located near the pier on St. Margaret's Island. You can enjoy Mediterranean and French dishes (between 10-70 euros/dish) with a divine landscape in front of you: the sea, whitish rocks and the eucalyptus forest with an unmistakable scent.

Saint Tropez:

  • Le Schpountz it is located at the south-west exit of the Citadel Park and offers French dishes and healthy snacks (between 5-25 euros/preparation) in the restaurant or on the terrace.
  • Hotel Bar Sube it is located near the Old Port and is a famous place where you can enjoy different drinks along with some snacks (between 5-15 euros/preparation) during the break between visiting the tourist attractions.
  • L'Orangerie is located in the Pampelonne Beach area and offers Mediterranean dishes and various international cuisines at moderate prices, considering the exclusivity of this area (between 8-48 euros/dish).

The Côte d'Azur is a place worth visiting at least once in your life. Its special elegance is definitely unique. For a 7-day vacation in which you visit the 7 cities - Nice, Eze, Monte Carlo, Menton, Antibes, Cannes and Saint-Tropez, we recommend a budget of at least 1000 euros/2 people!

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