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 between Menton and Saint-Tropez, from hotspots like Nice, Cannes, and Monaco to quieter gems like Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, and highlights some of the best hotels and apartments along the way.
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.
This guide isn’t built from research alone. I’ve personally visited every destination on this list, and stayed in more than half of them myself, so the French Riviera hotels and areas you’ll find here are ones I’d actually send my own family and readers to.
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.
Affiliate links are sprinkled throughout the site content. Clicking on such a hyperlink and making a booking on the accommodation platform it refers to may result in a commission for Nice & Beyond at no additional cost to you. For more information, visit the Disclaimer page.
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.
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 presents 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 the best French Riviera markets, enjoy the best 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 Saint-Tropez and the Italian border, reaching inland to Grasse. This interactive French Riviera map marks every place covered in this guide.
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. If your dates are still flexible, my guide on the best time to visit the French Riviera breaks down exactly when prices and crowds ease up.
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, my quick guide to the best areas in Nice pairs my favorite neighborhoods with specific hotel picks. For a full area-by-area breakdown with pros, cons, and budget comparisons, my complete guide to where to stay in Nice is the one to read.
🔎 Check hotel availability in Nice
As the region’s main hub, rooms near the Old Town and the Carré d’Or book up fastest, even outside peak summer.
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. Because it’s so compact, all things to do in Cannes are located close together.
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. I recently stayed in La Banane, right in the city center between the train station and La Croisette. I could walk to everything from there: Le Suquet, the ferry stop to Île Sainte-Marguerite, Pointe Croisette, all on foot.
🔎 Check hotel availability in Cannes
Prices climb hard during the Cannes Film Festival in May; book outside that window for a better rate on a Croisette-area stay.
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 beaches in Antibes, 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.
🔎 Check hotel availability in Antibes
Antibes stays are booked from late spring through early autumn, so the best-located hotels near the Old Town or Cap d’Antibes sell out months ahead.
Menton
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. Its tranquil and laid-back vibe is an invitation to relaxation, but there are still plenty of things to do in Menton to keep if you like being out and about.
Relax on one of Menton’s beautiful beaches, explore the picturesque Old Town (Vieux Menton) with its narrow cobblestone streets and cheerfully colored buildings, stroll the market stalls, 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.
🔎 Check hotel availability in Menton
Rooms book out fast during the Fête du Citron in February, and this laid-back town simply has fewer hotels overall than Nice or Cannes.
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:
🔎 Check hotel availability in Monaco
Prices spike hard around the Formula One Grand Prix in early June; outside that week, Monaco is more reasonably priced than its reputation suggests.
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:
If you’d rather stay outside the town center:
Many hotels sit not in Saint-Tropez itself but in neighboring communities, Ramatuelle, Gassin, La Croix-Valmer, or further along the gulf. A few worth knowing:
🔎 Check hotel availability in Saint-Tropez
Hotels inside the town itself are limited, and summer weekends book out months ahead, so decide early whether you want to stay in the center or a neighboring town.
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.
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.
Explore 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.
Here’s my hand-picked selection of the best places to stay in Villefranche-sur-Mer:
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.
🔎 Check hotel availability in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Hotel inventory here is genuinely small, so if the Welcome Hotel isn’t available on your dates, it’s worth checking vacation rentals too.
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, and explore the scenic coastal trail around Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
Here’s my hand-picked selection of the best places to stay in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat:
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.
🔎 Check hotel availability in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
This exclusive peninsula has very few hotels, so rooms at the top properties go early, especially in summer.
Beaulieu-sur-Mer
Tucked between Nice and Monaco, Beaulieu-sur-Mer is the low-key escape I keep coming back to. The town has a cozy, unhurried market, a convivial little port, and none of the crowds you’d find a few stops in either direction.
Pick up a chocolate croissant at Les Délices d’Aristée and take it to Square de Verdun for a shaded picnic under the trees. From Baie des Fourmis, you get the classic view: Villa Kérylos rising right at the water’s edge. But on a hot day, I actually prefer the wider setting of Plage Petite Afrique, backed by mountains instead of buildings. On a partly clouded afternoon, the clouds settle right onto the peaks; mountain and sky blur into one dramatic backdrop, the kind of scene that looks staged even though it isn’t.
Here’s my hand-picked selection of the best places to stay in Beaulieu-sur-Mer:
🔎 Check hotel availability in Beaulieu-sur-Mer
This low-key town has limited inventory across hotels and rentals alike, so it’s worth checking early if you want to base yourself here instead of just passing through.
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.
The top attraction in Èze is the mesmerizing Jardin Exotique botanical garden. Spend your days wandering through the charming village to discover the village’s unique boutiques and art galleries, dine in a Michelin-starred restaurant, tour the Fragonard factory, or hike the Chemin de Nietzsche to the seaside resort of Èze Bord de Mer.
My top pick for where to stay in Èze:
🔎 Check hotel availability in Èze
This hilltop village has only a handful of rooms in total; if La Chèvre d’Or is booked, nearby options are limited, so plan ahead.
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.
Some of my favorite things to do in Saint-Paul de Vence include walking the ramparts of this medieval town, exploring the winding streets, indulging in the Provençal cuisine, admiring the Folon Chapel, going gallery-hopping, and visiting Fondation Maeght to discover a world-class collection of modern art.
Here’s my hand-picked selection of the best places to stay in Saint-Paul de Vence:
🔎 Check hotel availability in Saint-Paul de Vence
A small village with a small number of rooms, and that’s true from the village center to the luxury retreats tucked into the surrounding hills, so weekends book out fast no matter which style you’re after.
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-Du-Puy, and stroll through the stunning gardens of the International Perfume Museum.
My top pick for where to stay in Grasse:
🔎 Check hotel availability in Grasse
Rooms at Bastide Saint Antoine are limited, and the town’s overall hotel inventory is small compared to the coastal cities.
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.
Bookmark this page or pin it for future reference.
Plan your French Riviera trip
French Riviera beach hotels
7-day French Riviera itinerary
Complete Nice travel guide
Best day trips from Nice
