Are you planning to spend one week in the French Riviera but wondering how to go about it? This ultimate 7-day itinerary for the French Riviera is exactly what you need to plan an amazing trip to the Côte d’Azur.
If you only have one week to spend in the French Riviera, you want to make every day count. That’s exactly what this no-fuss French Riviera itinerary is all about. It includes highlights, hidden gems, and the best day trips from Nice in an actionable format (and my experience-based travel tips as a bonus).
With Nice as a travel base, you can explore the top destinations in the South of France hassle-free. There’s no need to rent a car and no need to check in and out of hotels.
Discover the captivating attractions of Nice, see the sights in Villefranche-sur-Mer, experience the tranquility of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, take in the views from Èze Village, soak in the charm of Antibes, stroll the streets of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, cross the border to Monaco, rub shoulders with celebrities in Cannes, and discover the allure of Saint-Tropez or the low-key vibe of Menton.
Ready to discover how to plan the most fabulous week-long French Riviera trip? Let’s go!
This article features an experience-based 7-day French Riviera itinerary. With Nice as a home base, there’s no need to rent a car. This guide solely relies on public transport, ferries, and guided tours.
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French Riviera itinerary cheat sheet
Transport to book ahead of time
Nice & Villefranche-sur-Mer hop-on hop-off bus
Guided tour to Antibes, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, and the vineyards
Round-trip transfer on the Nice – Monaco ferry
Round-trip transfer on the Cannes – Sainte Marguérite Island ferry
Round-trip transfer on the Nice – Saint-Tropez ferry
Transport to be arranged on the spot
SudAzur Explore Pass for public transport (train + bus)
Lime or Pony e-bike-share
Bolt car-share
Hotels near transportation hubs
Planning your French Riviera itinerary
Before plotting out your itinerary for this French Riviera trip, let’s go over when and how to visit. Here are some insights to keep in mind.
Planning a longer trip often means juggling several destinations along the coast. If you want a clearer overview of how Riviera towns connect – and which places work best as a base versus a day trip – this French Riviera travel guide brings everything together in one place, from destinations and transport to practical planning tips.
When to visit the French Riviera?
Anytime is a good time to visit the French Riviera. There are, however, two major events that tend to take over the Southern French coastline and cause accommodation prices to skyrocket: the Cannes Film Festival from mid-May and the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix in the first weekend of June. Unless you plan on attending these events, you’d better avoid the area during this peak season.
As for the rest of the year, the best time to visit depends on your expectations. If beach time is important for you, then it’s obvious that you should aim for the late spring to early fall season. If you’re a fan of the outdoors, then the summer season might be too hot for you.
How to get around the French Riviera?
Nice is very well connected to the other French Riviera destinations. This efficient transportation makes traveling around the region a breeze. That’s especially true for the coastline from Cannes to Menton. Saint-Tropez is only an option by ferry (or train and ferry) during the summer months.
I only recommend renting a car if you plan on staying in the area for longer than a week and plan to explore the wider Saint-Tropez peninsula, Hyères, or Cassis. I’ll soon be writing a 10-day road trip itinerary that features all these beautiful destinations and more. Stay tuned!
Here’s an overview of how to get to each destination in this 7-day French Riviera vacation itinerary.
| Day | Destination | Transfer | Travel time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Nice | – | – |
| Day 2 | Nice | – | – |
| Villefranche-sur-Mer | Bike rental or hop-on-hop-off bus | 30 minutes | |
| Day 3 | Èze | Bus | 20 minutes |
| Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat | Bus | 30 minutes | |
| Day 4 | Antibes | Train or this tour | 20 minutes |
| Saint-Paul-de-Vence | Bolt ride-sharing or this tour | 35 minutes | |
| Day 5 | Monaco | Ferry or train | 20 minutes |
| Day 6 | Cannes | Train | 40 minutes |
| Day 7 | Saint-Tropez | Ferry | 2.5 hours |
| Menton | Train | 35 minutes |
For a more detailed overview of the various transportation options to these cities on the French Riviera, you can consult my in-depth destination guides:
The SudAzur Explore Pass is a very economical way to travel around the French Riviera by public transport. The 7-day option for €50 per person (€40 for kids) is the perfect match for this 7-day itinerary of the French Riviera. It’s not available online, but the points of sale are mentioned on the website.
Where to stay for this French Riviera itinerary?
This South of France itinerary is based on a stay in the cosmopolitan city of Nice.
A central area to stay, close to the train station, the bus stops, and the ferry pier, is essential to make this 7-day itinerary work. The best way to maximize your valuable travel time is to minimize time spent in traffic.
Here’s a map showing the different transportation hubs. It also mentions some of my favorite hotels in the best area to stay in Nice, close to the train, bus, and ferry stops.
Nice is becoming increasingly popular as a year-round destination, so I’d strongly recommend booking your accommodation well in advance to score the best deal.
7-day French Riviera itinerary
With so many amazing things to do on the French Riviera, putting together the best French Riviera itinerary is no easy task.
There’s no one-size-fits-all, so feel free to make it yours by switching around the days. This is your trip, after all! Just be sure to check whether the attractions you want to visit are open on the day you plan your visit.
Psst… If all this sounds too overwhelming, then why not outsource the planning to me? I offer Côte d’Azur consultations and personalized itineraries.
Without further ado, let’s discover this 7-day itinerary for the French Riviera.
Psst… Further down in this article, you’ll find a map that plots out this entire itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival & Nice
Regardless of where you’re flying from and what time you’re arriving, it’s always good to keep the program for the first day light. It’ll allow you to get a feel of the city and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Morning
If you plan on traveling by public transportation, head to one of the points of sale or vending machines to get your SudAzur Explore Pass or at least a multi-day pass for the Lignes d’Azur bus network.
Take your time to settle into your accommodation and have lunch.
Afternoon
Start with a leisurely stroll along the iconic Promenade des Anglais before diving into the winding streets of the Old Town known as Vieux Nice. Admire the pastel-colored houses, enjoy the inviting squares, visit the baroque churches, and sample the delicious Povençal ice cream flavors.
I created a self-guided tour of Vieux Nice that shows you around the most beautiful and interesting spots in the historic center and introduces you to the most delicious local treats.
Evening
Vieux Nice is also where you’ll find some of the best restaurants in Nice. From the intimate La Merenda, the highly affordable lunch and dining venue of renowned Michelin chef Dominique Le Stanc, to Café Mademoiselle with its mouth-watering food-sharing options, and Meraki with its colorful world cuisine.
Watch the sunset from Castle Hill or Colline du Château and, on the way to your accommodation, pass by the Sun Fountain on the emblematic Place Masséna.
Day 2: Nice & Villefranche-sur-Mer
On day two of your 7-day French Riviera itinerary, you’ll be working up an appetite. Overall, this day is all about beautiful views, delicious food, and spectacular coastal scenery.
Morning
No better place to start your day in Nice than at Cours Saleya, the heart of the Old Town. Check out the flower market (or the antique market if you visit on a Monday) and stock up on little treats from the farmers’ market for an afternoon picnic.
Then, depending on your interest, get some retail therapy at the Carré d’Or or a dose of culture in the Cimiez area, where you’ll find the Matisse Museum, the Monastery and Gardens of Cimiez, and the Archaeological Museum of Nice-Cimiez.
Rent an e-bike from a specialized bike rental agency and make your way from Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer. Good to know: E-bikes from the bike-sharing programs in Nice – Lime and Pony – are allowed to navigate in Villefranche-sur-Mer, but there’s no bike station to drop off and pick up the bikes.
Afternoon
Start your cycling adventure at the picturesque Port Lympia. Stop by the Puces de Nice antique market and the Notre-Dame du Port de Nice church. Then, make your way to the opposite side of the port, towards the Boulevard Franck Pilatte.
Take a picnic break and maybe even a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean at Coco Beach if the weather allows.
Other ways to get from Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer are by train, public bus, or hop-on hop-off bus. You can also reach Villefranche-sur-Mer on foot after a one-and-a-half-hour hike.
If you’re up to it, cycle up to Mont Boron to admire the views over Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer. Otherwise, continue cycling around the cape for no more than 20 minutes.
Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Villefranche-sur-Mer. Visit the colorful Old Town, the Saint-Elme Citadel, the Rue Obscure, and the St Pierre Chapel, and relax on Marinières Beach.
Evening
Take your pick from the seafood restaurants on the Quai de l’Amiral Courbet overlooking the Bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer. This is such an inviting place to enjoy dinner before heading back to Nice.
Day 3: Èze & Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
On day three, you’ll be combining a half-day trip to Èze, a beautiful medieval mountain-perched village, with half a day in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, one of the most luxurious places on the Côte d’Azur.
Morning
Take bus 82 from stop Max Barel or bus 602 from stop Bavastro in Nice to stop Èze Village in Èze. The bus ride takes 20 minutes.
It’s just a short walk to the ramparts of this medieval city. Must-sees in Èze are the cobbled streets, the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, and the Sainte-Croix Chapel. Also, check out the art on display in the galleries and boutiques, and enjoy the sensational French Riviera views of the Exotic Garden.
Right after exiting the walled village, just past the majestic entrance to Château de la Chèvre d’Or, one of the most prestigious hotels on the Riviera, you find the trailhead for the Nietzsche Path.
After your visit, you descend the hill towards its coastal counterpart, Èze Bord de Mer, from where you can take the train to the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula (hop off at the train station of Beaulieu-sur-Mer).
If you’re up for it, hike down to the coastal part of Èze, and you can take bus 600 or bus 83 from stop Èze Bord de Mer train station to stop Baie des Fourmis. If hiking is not for you, then you can take bus 83 directly from the entrance to Èze Village as well.
You’ll arrive at the base of the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula. Walk towards the Hôtel Royal-Riviera, where you can start to walk the scenic Tour du Cap Ferrat. After half an hour, you arrive at Port de Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, where you can find plenty of lunch venues.
Afternoon
Head to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and explore this beautiful villa and its panoramic gardens, which are among my favorite gardens on the French Riviera. After your visit, make your way to Passable Beach and hike around the cape of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat until you reach Port de Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat once again.
Evening
Spend the evening at Port de Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat before taking bus 15 back to Nice.
Day 4: Antibes & Saint-Paul de Vence
You’ll be heading west on day four of your 7-day French Riviera itinerary. Your first stop is Antibes with its laid-back vibe. From there, you’ll be heading inland and uphill to Saint-Paul de Vence.
Psst… Because Saint-Paul de Vence is a bit more remote, you could consider booking this delightful guided tour for a more carefree experience. It combines Antibes and Saint-Paul de Vence with a vineyard tour and wine-tasting session at one of the Bellet wineries.
A 22-minute train ride will take you from Nice-Ville train station to Antibes.
Morning
This is such a charming city to explore! Browse the Provençal market in the Old Town, tour Fort Carré, explore the Picasso Museum in the Château Grimaldi, and discover the Safranier Quarter. Check out these things to do in Antibes for more details.
You could have lunch in the historic center, or hop on the local Envibus line 2 from stop Maizière towards La Garoupe Beach, one of Antibes’ most beautiful beaches. Plage Keller is a hotspot for lunch, so do make reservations beforehand.
Afternoon
From there, you can walk the Sentier du Littoral or coastal path around the cape of Antibes. The trail ends at the scenic rocky beach of Billionaires’ Bay and Villa Eilenroc with its fragrant rose garden (seasonal).
This is the only part of this French Riviera itinerary where public transport is a bit lacking. To get from here to Saint-Paul de Vence, you would need to take three buses. Plus, the Lime and Pony e-bikes don’t operate in Antibes.
Therefore, I’d recommend calling a taxi or using a car-sharing platform like Bolt, which is often cheaper than Uber on the French Riviera, to get to Saint-Paul de Vence.
Once you arrive, take your time to explore this idyllic perched village. walk the ramparts, pass by the intimate cemetery where artists like Marc Chagall have their final resting place, check out the many art galleries, and visit the Maeght Foundation dedicated to modern and contemporary art. See my things to do in Saint-Paul-de-Vence guide for the best stops, hidden details, and practical tips.
Evening
Enjoy dinner in this picturesque setting before ordering a taxi or Bolt to return to Nice.
Day 5: Monaco
The fastest way to get to Monaco is by train; you’ll get there in 20 minutes from the Nice-Ville train station.
However, if the weather is nice, you could opt for the Nice-Monaco ferry that will take you there in under an hour. It’s such a fun way to arrive in Monaco. Plus, seeing the French Riviera coastline from the water is quite the bonus. The only disadvantage is that the ferry returns at 5 PM so you can’t spend a full day in Monaco.
You can also read my detailed articles on how to get to Monaco from Nice and how to spend your day in Monaco. The latter mentions two specific day itineraries depending on the transportation of your choice.
Here’s my itinerary suggestion for a train trip to Monaco.
Morning
Start your day with a visit to Monaco’s Exotic Garden for a panoramic view of the city. From there, head over to Villa Paloma, one of the two sites of the New National Museum of Monaco. The modern art exhibitions rotate regularly, so there’s always something new to see.
Make your way to the Monaco-Ville neighborhood, located on The Rock or Le Rocher. The guards change at 11.55 AM daily, and the ceremony is fun to watch.
Explore the manicured streets of Monaco’s most historic neighborhood and stop by the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate. You’ll find plenty of lunch restaurants in this area.
Afternoon
Visit the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco to discover the fascinating underwater world. From there, take the elevator down to Port Hercule and head to the exclusive Monte Carlo neighborhood.
This is where you can visit the legendary Casino of Monte Carlo and see the famous hairpin of the Formula One Grand Prix race.
Evening
If you plan on getting back to Nice by train, then you can spend the evening in Monaco (the return ferry leaves at 5 PM).
If you head back by train, you might as well spend the evening in Monaco too. Stroll the Japanese Garden and have a cocktail in one of Monaco’s luxurious hotels.
La Condamine is a great neighborhood to end the day. It’s packed with restaurants and cafés and home to the Marché de la Condamine, which offers even more dining options.
Day 6: Cannes
Ready to strike a pose on the red carpet? Then hop on the train from Nice to Cannes. You’ll arrive in 40 minutes. Here’s how to spend your one day in Cannes, France.
Morning
Explore the winding alleys of the old town of Le Suquet, take in the views from the Notre-Dame d’Espérance Church, and snap a picture of the Cannes sign.
Pass by the Forville market to buy lunch and head to the ferry pier at the Old Port of Cannes. Take the ferry to discover Sainte-Marguerite, one of the two Lérins Islands. The transfer takes just 15 minutes.
Soak in the pristine beauty of Sainte-Marguérite, explore the mysterious Fort Royal where the Man in the Iron Mask was once imprisoned, and wander through fragrant eucalyptus and pine forests on well-marked trails along the coastline.
There’s also a fascinating underwater eco-museum where you can admire submerged statues in flippers. Although you may want to pass on a snorkeling session if you plan on dining in Cannes in the evening.
Enjoy your picnic lunch at one of the scenic beaches before taking a ferry back. There’s one every hour.
Afternoon
Discover the luxury boutiques on the Rue d’Antibes, have a drink in one of the beach clubs, and gaze at the luxurious yachts in the marina.
Stroll along the scenic Croisette and get your picture taken on the red carpet of the Cannes Film Festival.
Evening
Spend the evening in Cannes, enjoying dinner and taking one last stroll over the glamorous Croisette. When you had your dose of glam, catch the train back to Nice.
Day 7: Saint-Tropez or Menton
It’s up to you to choose where you wish to spend the last day of your 7-day French Riviera itinerary: glitzy Saint-Tropez or laid-back Menton. Both have their allure, but one is way easier to reach than the other.
To get to St-Tropez, your best option is to take the ferry from Nice. The road in and out of Saint-Tropez is notoriously congested, and the town doesn’t have a train station. The ferry transfer, though, takes no less than 2.5 hours… one way! I discuss some alternative options in my guide on how to get to St-Tropez from Nice that cut down the time on the ferry, but regardless of your mode of transport, you’re in for a long trip.
Menton, on the other hand, can easily be reached by train from Nice. The ride only takes 35 minutes.
Highlights of St-Tropez
Wander through the charming cobbled streets of La Ponche, the old town, then head up to the Citadel for stunning views over the terracotta rooftops and famous yacht-filled harbor.
Spend your afternoon like a local, watching pétanque players at Place des Lices or browsing the designer boutiques, before treating yourself to fresh seafood and the town’s famous dessert, the Tarte Tropézienne.
Only the small Bouillabaisse Beach is located within walking distance of the center of Saint-Tropez. The iconic Pampelonne Beach is too far away to explore on this Saint-Tropez day trip.
Highlights of Menton
Start your day in Menton‘s colorful old town, wandering past pastel houses up to the stunning Baroque Basilique Saint-Michel Archange, and visiting the striking Jean Cocteau Museum by the sea.
Spend your afternoon strolling through the exotic Val Rahmeh botanical garden or relaxing at the blissful beaches in Menton, like Plage des Sablettes. The train gives you the flexibility to linger and even have dinner before heading back to Nice.
More add-ons to consider
There are only so many attractions you can include in a 7-day Côte d’Azur itinerary. So, if you have the luxury of time, I’d strongly recommend setting aside more days to explore this amazing region.
Here are some suggestions for guided tours in the vicinity of Nice. Again, no rental car is needed.
Renting a car allows you to explore even more of this stunning region:
FAQ about this French Riviera itinerary
When are you planning a trip to the French Riviera?
That’s a wrap for this 7-day French Riviera itinerary. So, pack your bags and get ready to fall in love with the beautiful Southern French coast. Bon voyage!
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