Add dates

Things to do in French Riviera

From its glamorous beach resorts to its pretty hilltop villages, this coastline has charm in spades.

Our most recommended things to do in French Riviera

From Nice: Eze, Monaco, & Monte-Carlo Half-Day Trip

1. From Nice: Eze, Monaco, & Monte-Carlo Half-Day Trip

Be picked up from your accommodation in Nice in the morning or in the afternoon. Enjoy a panoramic view of Nice and the bays of Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint Jean Cap Ferrat. In Èze, have the opportunity to visit the medieval village like an eagle's nest. You can also take a free guided tour of Fragonard Perfumery to learn more about the perfume-making process. Next, be driven to Monaco and take a walk in the old town. Discover the princely palace and explore the town and its neo-Romanesque cathedral. Also see the famous Casino Square, the Grand Casino, luxury boutiques, and Café de Paris. A ride on the Monaco Grand Prix circuit awaits you from Monaco to Monte Carlo.

From Nice: French Riviera in One Day

2. From Nice: French Riviera in One Day

Explore the landscapes and towns of the French Riviera on this day trip from Nice. Travel in a spacious and air-conditioned bus to stunning destinations like the charming village of Èze, Monaco, and Cannes. Begin with a pickup from your hotel or other desired location in Nice between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM. Kickstart a day of adventure with a visit to the "Moyenne Corniche" for 15 minutes. Enjoy the panoramic view of the port of Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Take a unique trip and visit the medieval village of Èze. Admire the splendid panorama of this beautiful location and discover the secrets of perfume with a free guided tour of the Fragonard perfumery. Your next stop is the Principality of Monaco, where you have time to discover the old town, the cathedral, the palace and the ceremony of the changing of the guard. Next, continue along the Formula 1 circuit to Monte Carlo with its casino and upscale shops. Have lunch in one of the many excellent restaurants in Monaco. Around 1:00 PM, your driver-guide will take you to Antibes, a city that combines nautical traditions and luxury pleasures. Visit the old town, the biggest marina of business and luxury in Europe—the port of the billionaires. Head to your next stop, Saint-Paul-De-Vence. Marvel at the "jewel of Provence", where many painters and artists have resided. As you walk the streets of this medieval fortified village, you can taste centuries of history and artistic creativity. For your last destination, make way to the famous city of stars—Cannes. Explore the Beverly Hills of France, and take a stroll on the famous Croisette, enjoy luxury hotels, restaurants and shops. Above all, set foot on the famous red carpet festival film, like Hollywood stars.

Nice: Gorges of Verdon and Fields of Lavender Tour

3. Nice: Gorges of Verdon and Fields of Lavender Tour

Discover France’s most scenic landscapes on a full-day trip to Castellane, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, and the Verdon Gorge from Nice. See the iconic Lavender Fields and learn about these picturesque locations from your guide. Be picked up from your hotel or home address in Nice. Depart with your driver to the hills of your countryside destination. Cross the "gorge of the wolf", complete with its 40-meter-high waterfall, before stopping at Castellane. Whilst traveling along the Verdon (named for its astonishing turquoise green color), enjoy spectacular views of the 700-meter-deep canyon. Afterward, move on to the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, nestled under a rocky cliff and surrounded by mountains from all sides. Known for its rich history in ceramic craftsmanship, you will have free time here to explore Moustiers at your leisure. Discover the earthenware in the stores, and buy souvenirs before lunch in one of the terrace cafes. Photograph the world-famous lavender platters, or enjoy the lake of St. Croix, an artificial treasure of clear water which is one of the most beautiful lakes of Provence. Then, marvel at the endless lavender fields at the foot of the Alps and stop to take unique and memorable pictures with this impressive backdrop. Stop to smell the light and enchanting lavender aroma surrounding you as you do. After enjoying your trip, return to your vehicle at which point you will be driven back to your point of origin in Nice.

From Cannes: Discover the Calanques of the Esterel

4. From Cannes: Discover the Calanques of the Esterel

Embark on a discovery expedition of the Esterel, its hidden caves, and its typical Mediterranean scenery. Join a fully-guided boat trip departing from Cannes and enjoy the chance to swim in crystal-clear waters. Take in views of striking waterfront panoramas and tranquil bays. Join your professional skipper aboard a semi-rigid boat. Embark at the meeting point in Cannes and set sail toward the Esterel. Sit back and relax as you explore this extraordinary coastline, with its stunning beaches and secret coves, accessible only by boats. Uncover the mysteries of the Corniche d'Or coastline with our local skipper. Stop at a beautiful location to take a dip in the refreshing waters of the French Riviera.

From Cannes: Round-Trip Ferry to Ste. Marguerite Island

5. From Cannes: Round-Trip Ferry to Ste. Marguerite Island

Book your round-trip ferry tickets in advance for a visit to Ste. Marguerite Island from Cannes. As soon as you disembark on the island, you’ll be captivated by the fragrance of pine and eucalyptus. Follow the marked trails that take you on a botanical and historical tour of the island. The walk takes you by Batéguier Pond, where numerous species of migratory birds can be seen, and to the Pointe de la Convention, where you’ll find unique plant species. Continue on to Fort Royal, the former residence of the legendary Man in the Iron Mask. The Maritime Museum, sheltered within a fortified enclosure, also offers an invaluable insight into the area's history. Dogs are welcome on board the ferry, and on Sainte Marguerite Island, provided they are on leash.

Saint-Raphaël: 2.5-hour sea and creeks boat excursion

6. Saint-Raphaël: 2.5-hour sea and creeks boat excursion

Enjoy unparalleled views of the French Riviera on a 2.5-hour boat tour from Santa Lucia port that takes you to hidden coves before letting you loose for a scenic snorkeling adventure. Take your spot on a 12-seater boat and get whisked across the Cote d'Azur for a panoramic view of the volcanic Esterel massif and Agay bay, where you can explore idyllic coastal creeks that are only accessible from the sea. Grab your snorkel gear when the caption drops anchor to admire the beauty of the Mediterranean seabed — keep an eye out for sea turtles as Esterel is also a Natura 2000 conservation site. Hold on tight as it’s then full-speed back to the port at Saint-Raphaël with drinks and music to wrap up a fun-filled day.

From Nice: Round-Trip Transportation to Saint Tropez by Boat

7. From Nice: Round-Trip Transportation to Saint Tropez by Boat

Reach the charming city of St. Tropez by boat in just 2.5 hours from Nice. Enjoy the views of the French Riviera along the way, and spend the afternoon exploring the city that is emblematic of Provence. Admire the harbor and visit the many boutiques and the well-known market at the Place des Lices. See the Citadelle, Quartier de la Ponche, Annonciade Museum and more during your visit. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase on board. The ticket provides round-trip transportation between Nice and St. Tropez. The boat departs Nice at 09:00 AM and arrives in St. Tropez at 11:30 AM. The return trip departs St. Tropez at 04:30 PM, arriving in Nice at 07:00 PM.

Nice: 1 or 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

8. Nice: 1 or 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

See the sights of Nice at your own pace and enjoy panoramic views from an open-top bus. Purchase a 1-day or 2-day pass for the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus and enjoy unlimited sightseeing opportunities. You can redeem your voucher on board the bus at any stop along the route. Once on board, listen to an informative commentary via the audio guide. Get information on the most popular things to see and attractions to visit. Choose how much time you want to spend at each attraction and travel comfortably between sites. Tour duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes. Stops are as follows: 1. Promenade des Anglais / Max Gallo : 4, Avenue Max Gallo, Nice 2. Cathédrale / Vieille Ville : 22, Boulevard Jean Jaurès, Nice 3. Port Lympia/Carnot : 1, Boulevard Carnot, Nice 4. Villefranche Octroi Sud : Opposite 10, Avenue Maréchal Foch 5. Villefranche Citadelle : Place Emmanuelle Philibert 6. Villefranche Octroi Nord : 2, Avenue Maréchal Foch 7. Ile de Beauté – Port Nord : Opposite 5, Place Ile de Beauté 8. Massenet-Promenade des Anglais Nord : 2, Promenade des Anglais 9. Congrès - Promenade des Anglais Nord : 30, Promenade des Anglais 10. Eglise Russe / Gambetta : 47, Avenue Thiers 11. Gare SNCF Poste Thiers : 23, Avenue Thiers 12. Congrès-Promenade des Anglais Sud : Opposite 15, Promenade des Anglais (sea side)

Antibes: 1 or 2-Day Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour

9. Antibes: 1 or 2-Day Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour

Enjoy a daylong tour that gives you a great opportunity to visit Antibes, Juan-Les-Pins, and Cap d’Antibes on an open-top bus where you can get on and off at any of the 4 stops. Travel at moderate speeds, get stunning panoramic views, and learn about the region through an informative audio-guide. Embark on a tour of Antibes Juan-Les-Pins in modern, state-of-the-art buses with spectacular 360° panoramic views through their continuous retractable transparent roofs and windows with UV protection.  You can hop-on or hop-off in 4 different boarding stops and enjoy the flexibility as the duration of the tour is up to you. Scheduled stops on the route are: Place Guynemer: the stop is ideally located in the heart of the old town, close to the Picasso and Peynet museums, Antibes Cathedral, and the pedestrian area with its numerous shops, the ramparts, and many other monuments Fort-Carré: the stop is in front of the monument so that you may visit the fort, or simply enjoy a stroll along this magnificent edifice. This stop also gives you the opportunity of exploring port Vauban, Europe’s largest marina, and its collection of magnificent yachts and sailing boats. Juan-Les-Pins: this stop is in the center of Juan Les Pins, one of the French Riviera’s most mythical resorts, with its fine sandy beaches, beautiful terraces, and a plethora of fashion boutiques. Baie de la Garoupe: this exceptional site is nestled at the heart of Cap d’Antibes and boasts some of the most beautiful beaches of the coast. Take the Sentier des Douaniers or Tire-poil (coastal path) all the way to the Anse de l’Argent Faux, where you can admire the bay of Antibes billionaires. The bus route features: downtown Antibes, port Vauban, Fort-Carré, place De Gaulle, the Ilette, the chemin des Sables, the Palais des Congrès, the Pinède, Juan-Les-Pins, la Gallice port, Cap d’Antibes, the lighthouse and chapel of la Garoupe, Garoupe bay, and the beaches of la Salis. There is a stop for a few minutes at the Garoupe lighthouse to allow you to discover its Chapel and Notre Dame de Bon Port church which also gives you an exceptional view of the Juan-Les-Pins Bay, the Lérins Islands, Cannes, and the Estérel mountains.

Nice: Provence Village Tour with Wine and Produce Tasting

10. Nice: Provence Village Tour with Wine and Produce Tasting

Begin with pickup from your accommodation in Nice in the morning. Relax in the comfortable and air conditioned van on the way to Biot. Learn about the manufacturing of Biot glassware which is known for its quality around the world. Continue to the hillside village of Opio which is nestled between olive groves, pines, cork oak, and strawberry trees. Head to a rare 15th-century mill that is still in operation. Savor some regional products paired with some delicious olive oil. Travel to the breathtaking hilltop village of Gourdon which offers exceptional views of the entire French Riviera. Capture pictures of its 9th century castle and its sumptuous garden which was designed by the Versailles landscaper André Lenotre. Be awed by a 40-meter-high waterfall in the Gorges du Loup. See the village of Tourrette sur loup which owes its fame to the violets, which have been its main crop since 1880. Unlock the flavors of the countryside at a wine estate in Saint-Jeannet. Sample 6 wines with red, rosé, white, and sweet options. Listen as the winemaker tells you about how the wine is aged by harnessing the power of the sun with glass carboys. Sit where you can admire superb paintings by Remy Rasse who also produces wine labels. After your tasting, return to your accommodation in Nice by van.

Frequently asked questions about French Riviera

Other Sightseeing Options in French Riviera

Want to discover all there is to do in French Riviera? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about French Riviera

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 14,929 reviews

It was excellent except the fact the starting time was mentioned 10 am but the bus actually came at 11 am. No one informed us in advance that the starting time is different in winter, nor was it written anywhere on any of the guides. There were also other passengers waiting with us at the meeting point from 10 am. Apart from that experience, we loved the tour. Would highly recommend. Thanks

Great tour worth doing if you have a limited time in Nice but want to see a lot. Roman made it even better, thank you and we hope to see you again if we come to Nice soon.

It is a long day, but you get to rest in between stops on the drive. Off season so not too crowded, and traffic was light so we got plenty of time at the stops.

We really enjoyed the guided tour with Roman. He was very friendly and knowledgeable. Would highly recommend that!

Nice :) experience, Parfait is a five stars guide, good driver and a kind supportive persson, kindly recommended.