Looking for advice on the best area to stay on the French Riviera?
With so many captivating cities, seaside towns, perched villages, and idyllic islands, it can be hard to decide where to stay on the French Riviera. That’s where this comprehensive guide comes in.
It zooms in on the most iconic destinations along the coast, from hotspots like Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez to lesser-known gems like Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, while highlighting some of the best hotels and apartments on the French Riviera.
The French Riviera is where I spent all my childhood summers, where I partied as a teenager, where I spent romantic weekends with my husband, and where our kids make the same memories.
No matter your travel style, my carefully curated selection includes the crème de la crème of French Riviera accommodations.
I can’t wait to share my insights and help you decide where to stay on the French Riviera. So, let’s dive in.
This article features the best areas and accommodations on the French Riviera for couples, families, and adventurers alike. Find out where to stay based on your travel plans.
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Quick Guide: Best Places to Stay on the French Riviera
If you’re unsure where to base yourself on the French Riviera, this quick overview highlights the best towns depending on your travel style.
Keep scrolling for a comprehensive overview of the best areas and hotels on the French Riviera.
Best towns on the French Riviera for beaches
Antibes – Juan-les-Pins, Cannes, Menton, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, South of Saint-Tropez & Hyères
Best places to stay on the French Riviera for families
Villefranche-sur-Mer, Menton, Antibes, Sainte-Maxime & South of Saint-Tropez
Best places to stay on the French Riviera for culture and art
Nice, Antibes, Saint-Paul-de-Vence & Grasse
Best places to stay for shopping
Saint-Tropez, Cannes, Nice, & Monaco
Best places to stay for nightlife
Saint-Tropez, Cannes, Monaco & Nice
Best places to stay for budget travelers
Menton & Hyères
Best places to stay for a low-key vacation
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat & Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer
Best places to stay for nature lovers
South of Saint-Tropez, Hyères & Cassis
My Top Picks
This guide focuses on the best places to stay across the Côte d’Azur, since choosing the right base or area will shape how easily you can explore the region. If you’re planning a broader trip through the region, you can also explore this French Riviera guide, which highlights the main destinations and experiences across the coast.
You can also explore some of the French Riviera’s highlights in more detail: discover the best French Riviera beaches, follow the most scenic French Riviera coastal walks along the Sentier du Littoral, visit traditional French Riviera markets, enjoy the most picturesque French Riviera viewpoints, plan a complete French Riviera itinerary, or read practical tips on how to get around the French Riviera.
Map of the best places to stay on the French Riviera
I consider the French Riviera the stretch of coastline between Hyères and the Italian border. However, I have a soft spot for Cassis, so I included it as well. This interactive French Riviera map mentions all the places I zoom in on further down in this article.
This in-depth guide on the best places to stay on the French Riviera includes a hand-picked selection of amazing hotels and apartments at top Côte d’Azur destinations. For your convenience, all accommodation suggestions link to a booking site where you can check availability and make your reservation.
No matter which of these places to stay on the French Riviera catches your eye, booking well in advance is essential, especially if you’re visiting the French Riviera during the summer high season.
Best cities to stay on the French Riviera
Choosing the right base on the French Riviera can shape your entire trip. Some destinations are lively seaside cities with museums, restaurants, and nightlife, while others are elegant resort towns known for their beaches and marinas.
The cities below are among the most popular places to stay along the Côte d’Azur. They offer excellent transport connections, plenty of accommodation options, and easy access to many of the region’s highlights.
If you want a deeper look at a specific destination, you can explore my detailed guides for Nice and other French Riviera towns, where I cover the best things to do, tours, and local tips for each place.
Let’s take a closer look at the best cities to stay on the French Riviera.
Nice
What better place to stay on the French Riviera than the area’s unofficial capital and largest city? The vibrant atmosphere of this cosmopolitan Mediterranean city is ideal for travelers planning only a short stay on the French Riviera, or those seeking a mix of sightseeing, relaxation, and seaside fun.
Stroll the iconic Promenade des Anglais, explore the winding streets of the Old Town (Vieux Nice) with its colorful market at Cours Saleya, take in the panoramic views over the Bay of Angels (Baie des Anges) and the Port of Nice from Castle Hill (Colline du Château), discover the cultural heritage and art museums in Cimiez, admire the art deco facades, or simply relax on one of the pebble beaches of Nice.
Its central location and many transportation options – with no less than three train stations – make Nice the perfect launchpad for day trips to other French Riviera destinations such as Villefranche-sur-Mer, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Èze, and Antibes.
Although Nice boasts miles of stunning beaches, note that all beach hotels in Nice are located across the road from the Promenade des Anglais.
I’ve been traveling to Nice for decades and it never ceases to delight me. It’s such a captivating city with an array of amazing attractions and restauraunts to discover. Add to that its central location and excellent public transportation network, and there really is no better travel base.
Here’s my hand-picked selection of the best places to stay in Nice:
If you’re considering spending your French Riviera vacation in Nice, then don’t miss my in-depth article on where to stay in Nice for a breakdown of all areas.
Cannes
Join the jet-setters and movie stars from around the world in glitzy Cannes. It’s the perfect place to stay on the Côte d’Azur for those who love luxury shopping, gourmet dining, and a glamorous beach scene.
Explore the historic charm of Le Suquet (Old Town), stroll along La Croisette, visit the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès where the Cannes Film Festival takes place, admire the luxurious yachts in the Old Port, relax on a lounge chair in one of the exclusive beach clubs, or take a boat trip to discover the red rock creeks of the Estérel mountain range.
If you’re in for a change of scenery, take the ferry to one of the pristine Îles des Lérins or Lérins Islands. Sainte-Marguerite offers miles of hiking trails and hidden creeks, while Saint-Honorat is home to the Lérins Abbey. Other day trips from Cannes include the delightful seaside towns of Mandelieu-La Napoule, Théoule-sur-Mer, and picturesque Antibes.
Here’s my hand-picked selection of the best places to stay in Cannes:
Not sure which Cannes neighborhood fits your trip best? This where to stay in Cannes guide compares all the areas in detail.
Saint-Tropez
Saint-Tropez is a luxury travel destination featuring upscale boutiques, exclusive beach clubs, and glamorous nightlife. It’s the perfect place to stay on the French Riviera for socialites and fashionistas looking to see and be seen.
People-watch from one of the chic terraces at the Quai Suffren, admire the expensive yachts in the Port of Saint-Tropez, take in the views from the Citadel, wander the streets of La Ponche (Old Town), check out the Place des Lices market, sink your teeth into a Tarte Tropézienne, party all day at Pampelonne Beach, and enjoy the vibrant Saint-Tropez nightlife.
Note that many hotels are located not in the community of Saint-Tropez but rather in one of the neighboring communities on the Saint-Tropez peninsula – Ramatuelle, Gassin, or La Croix-Valmer – and that you may need a car to reach the town center of Saint-Tropez. The further south on the
Here’s my hand-picked selection of the best places to stay in Saint-Tropez:
Antibes
Antibes is where history and culture meet seaside beauty. It’s the perfect place to stay on the French Riviera for history buffs and art enthusiasts, but it is also a wonderful retreat for those looking for a tranquil retreat close to the vibrancy of Nice and the allure of Cannes.
Wander the enchanting alleys of the walled Old Town Antibes (Vieil Antibes), explore the renowned Picasso Museum, visit the artists in the Safranier district, browse the convivial Marché Provençal at the Cours Masséna, soak up the sun at one of the sandy Antibes beaches, visit the garden of Villa Eilenroc, or walk the Cap d’Antibes coastal trail and take a dip in the Bay of Billionaires.
Did you know that the city is actually named Antibes-Juan-les-Pins and, hence, also includes Juan-les-Pins? This trendy seaside French Riviera resort is much livelier than the rest of Antibes. It hosts the International Jazz Festival in July and other concerts at La Pinède Gould throughout the year. Plus, it’s as lively during the night as it is during the day.
Here’s my hand-picked selection of the best places to stay in Antibes:
Planning to base yourself in Antibes? My guide to where to stay in Antibes breaks down every area with top hotel recommendations.
Monaco
Monaco exudes opulence and exclusivity and caters to affluent travelers seeking luxury and sophistication. With its luxurious hotels, world-class casinos, and designer boutiques, it’s a playground for high rollers.
Roam the narrow cobblestone streets of Monaco-Ville, visit the Prince’s Palace atop Le Rocher (The Rock) and watch the changing of the guard, discover the Monte Carlo Casino on a tour or during a night out, laze by the pool of your fancy hotel, smell the roses in the Princess Grace Rose Garden, visit the Oceanographic Museum, explore La Condamine Market with all senses, sunbathe at Larvotto Beach, visit the Jardin Exotique, and go on a shopping spree.
The biggest yearly event in Monaco is the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix, which takes place in the first weekend of June, resulting in exorbitant prices for accommodation. Unless you’re a diehard Formula One fan with deep pockets, this is not the best time to stay in Monaco.
Here’s my hand-picked selection of the best places to stay in Monaco:
Menton
Menton’s tranquil and laid-back vibe is an invitation to relaxation. Nestled against the Italian border, this delightful town is perfect for slow travelers and those looking to combine the French Riviera with the Italian Riviera.
Relax at the beach, explore the picturesque Old Town (Vieux Menton) with its narrow cobblestone streets and cheerfully-colored buildings, visit the Jean Cocteau Museum, and explore the Val Rahmeh and the Serre de la Madone botanical gardens.
Every February, Menton hosts the Fête du Citron or Lemon Festival. It’s the perfect occasion to discover this picturesque town.
Here’s my hand-picked selection of the best places to stay in Menton:
If you consider this picturesque town as your travel base, then don’t miss my in-depth article on where to stay in Menton.
Hyères & the Giens peninsula
Hyères is a picturesque coastal town nestled between the sea and the hills, known for its historic attractions and amazing beaches. It’s the perfect place to stay on the French Riviera for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Exploring the medieval Old Town with its winding streets and ancient fortifications, visit the Villa Noailles art center, lounge on the beautiful beaches of the Giens Peninsula, or take a boat trip to Port-Cros National Park and the Porquerolles Islands, where you’ll find some of the most scenic shores of the French Riviera.
Although the term “French Riviera” is more of a concept and not a territorial region, Hyères is considered the westernmost boundary of this picturesque coastline.
Here’s my hand-picked selection of the best places to stay in Hyères:
Best smaller towns to stay on the French Riviera
In addition to the popular cities that dot the most iconic coastline in Southern France, there are smaller towns that offer a serene escape from the bustling tourist hubs. Some are seaside, others are cliff-perched, but all feature charming cobblestone streets and breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.
These may not be the obvious places to stay on the French Riviera, which is why most travelers add them to their French Riviera itinerary as day trips. But these smaller towns make for amazing places to stay on the French Riviera for travelers seeking a more low-key experience.
Plus, they offer a wonderful respite from the summer crowds that flock to the main tourist destinations.
Grasse
Grasse is a charming hilltop town renowned as the perfume capital of the world, offering a delightful mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate art, fragrance, and Provençal charm.
Explore the renowned perfume factories and museums, wander through the picturesque Old Town with its narrow cobblestone streets and colorful houses, visit the Notre Dame De Puy, and stroll through the stunning gardens of the International Perfume Museum.
The best place to stay in Grasse is the Bastide Saint Antoine – Relais & Châteaux.
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Nestled in a scenic bay, Villefranche-sur-Mer charms visitors with its colorful buildings, narrow streets, and inviting waterfront promenade. This picturesque old fishing village is the perfect place to stay for families.
Exploring the historic Citadel, take a stroll along the Quai Amiral Courbet, and relax at the scenic Plage des Marinières with its shallow and crystal-clear waters.
The best place to stay in Villefranche-sur-Mer is the Welcome Hotel.
Hotels are scarce, but there are some amazing vacation rentals as well. You can find some hand-picked suggestions in my where to stay in Villefranche-sur-Mer guide.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
The Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula boasts lavish villas, lush gardens, and stunning coastal views. It’s the most exclusive destination on the entire French Riviera, yet very low-key, perfect for those looking to indulge in luxury away from the limelight.
Visit the exquisite Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild with its magnificent gardens overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, sunbathe on one of the scenic Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat beaches, explore the scenic coastal trail around Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, and visit the artistic Villa Santo Sospir.
The best places to stay in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat are the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel & Hôtel Royal-Riviera.
Hotels on the peninsula are limited, but there are also some exceptional villas and apartments available as vacation rentals. For a closer look at the best areas, standout stays, and hand-picked rental suggestions, see my guide on where to stay in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
Èze
Perched high above the sea, Èze enchants with its medieval architecture, winding cobblestone streets, and panoramic vistas. If you want to feel on top of the world and enjoy breathtaking views from every angle, then this is where to stay on the French Riviera.
Wander through the charming village to discover its unique boutiques and art galleries, visit the mesmerizing Jardin Exotique botanical garden, dine in a Michelin-starred restaurant, or hike the Chemin de Nietzsche to the seaside resort of Èze Bord de Mer.
The best place to stay in Èze is La Chèvre d’Or.
Saint-Paul de Vence
Saint-Paul de Vence is a delightful perched village with picturesque streets lined with art galleries, boutiques, and cafés. It offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and an immersion into the region’s artistic heritage.
Walk the ramparts of this medieval town, explore the winding streets, indulge in the Provençal cuisine, go gallery-hopping, and visit Fondation Maeght to admire a world-class collection of modern art.
The best places to stay in Saint-Paul de Vence are Hôtel Les Messuges and Toile Blanche.
Sainte-Maxime
Sainte-Maxime is a cozy town in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and incredibly family-friendly. The town center is very charming, with tons of winding streets lined with all kinds of interesting little boutiques and quaint cafés. There’s a gorgeous city beach right across from the town center and next to the convivial harbor.
Explore the pleasant town center, browse the morning market, hunt for souvenirs in the local shops, have ice cream on the promenade, visit the local botanical park, take the kids to Aqualand, and hop on the ferry to Saint-Tropez.
The best place to stay in Sainte-Maxime is the Best Western Hotel Matisse.
Cassis
The charming port of Cassis, lined with pastel-colored buildings and overlooked by the historic Carolingian Château de Cassis, is undeniably breathtaking. Although not all French consider Cassis to be part of the French Riviera, I love this coastal gem so much that I can’t include it in this list of places to stay on the Côte d’Azur.
Get lost in the narrow streets, savor fresh seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants, and take a boat tour to explore the dramatic limestone cliffs of the Calanques National Park from the water or hike to the Calanque d’En-Vau en take a dip in its azure waters.
The best places to stay in Cassis are The Address Cassis & Hôtel Les Roches Blanches Cassis.
Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer & Cavalaire-sur-Mer
Just South of the Saint-Tropez peninsula are two amazing small towns with the most gorgeous beaches: Cavalaire-sur-Mer and Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer. Both make for wonderful, more affordable, and low-key options to the glitter and glamour of Saint-Tropez.
These are wonderful places to relax, but you can also visit the Domaine du Rayol, cruise to the Iles d’Or or Golden Islands of Porquerolles, Port-Cros, and Levant, or visit charming Provençal villages like Le Lavandou and Bormes-les-Mimosas.
The best places to stay in Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer and Cavalaire-sur-Mer are Hôtel Le Bailli De Suffren, Hôtel La Villa Douce & Hôtel du Parc.
Best places to stay on the French Riviera: FAQ
What’s your favorite area to stay on the French Riviera?
That concludes my comprehensive guide on where to stay on the French Riviera. By now, you should have a good idea of which French Riviera destination is right for you. If so, then don’t forget to book well in advance.
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