Musée international du parfum

What to do in the French Riviera: Top 15 must-sees to visit2026 ranking

Discover below the ranking of must-sees to visit in the French Riviera. You can also contribute to this ranking by publishing your reviews :)

Members' favourite activities, approved by the editors

#1 International Perfume Museum (Grasse) +21 recs 4.3/5

Grasse has long been defined by the art of fragrance. It is only fitting that the International Perfume Museum calls this city home. Since opening in 1989, the site has grown to include a garden and expanded galleries. Explore the history of cosmetics through four floors of scents, ancient rose soap recipes, and sensory exhibits.

#2 Port of Saint-Tropez (Saint-Tropez) +20 recs 4.5/5

The Port of Saint-Tropez, with 734 berths across two basins, captures the city's spirit. Super-yachts and fishing boats share quays lined with colorful facades. Stroll along quai Suffren, find the halle aux poissons (fish market) behind the tourist office, and enjoy terraces overlooking the boats. Every autumn, Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez turns the gulf into a regatta arena.

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#3 Port Vauban (Antibes) +18 recs 4.3/5

Europe's largest marina by tonnage, Port Vauban in Antibes spans 25 hectares at the foot of the old town walls. Its famous Billionaires' Quay hosts superyachts up to 160 meters long. The Nomade sculpture by Jaume Plensa, perched on the Saint-Jaume bastion, offers one of the best coastal views. Free access, perfect for an evening stroll.

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#4 Antibes Provençal Market (Antibes) +18 recs 4.7/5

Every morning, the Antibes Provençal Market brings together 50 stalls beneath a metal hall from the early 20th century. Local farmers, fishermen, and artisans offer fruits, vegetables, mountain cheeses, fresh fish, and specialties like socca cooked over a wood fire. In the afternoon, painters and sculptors take over for an artisan market.

#5 Port of Nice (Nice) +18 recs 4/5

Port Lympia is the historic yacht harbor of Nice, built in the 18th century by order of the Sardinian king. You will find pointus, the iconic colorful wooden fishing boats of the Mediterranean, ferries to Corsica, and classic ochre and red architecture. The recently renovated rue Cassini connects the harbor to Place Garibaldi in a short walk.

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#6 Castle Hill Park (Nice) +16 recs 5/5

A famous park overlooking the bay of Nice, Castle Hill Park, known in the local Niçard dialect as Lou castèu de Nissa, offers views between the city and the sea, including the harbor and the Promenade des Anglais. Often called the birthplace of the sun, its 19 hectares are a favorite for locals, who visit with family or friends to walk and recharge, much like visitors from out of town. The park is well maintained and pleasant. Children can burn off energy in the secure playgrounds. Listen for the shot fired around noon. While it sounds exactly like a cannon blast, it is actually a pyrotechnic...

#7 Rossetti Square (Nice) +16 recs 4.3/5

As the primary tourist hub of old Nice, Rossetti Square, with its ochre tones and baroque architecture, is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Lined with sidewalk cafes and shops, it remains one of the most active urban spaces in Nissa la Bella and a necessary stop during any visit to the city. Depending on the day and time, you can stroll through its antique market, enjoy the scents and colors of its flower and produce market, or pick up unique souvenirs at its arts and crafts market. Until the 16th century, Nice consisted of two distinct areas, a high town perched on the castle hill...

#8 Pinède Gardens (Antibes) +14 recs 4/5

Pinède Gardens in Juan-les-Pins features 300 century-old pine trees overlooking the Mediterranean, a playground, the Saxo sculpture by Sosno, and a jazz Walk of Fame with 76 artist handprints. It is the home of Jazz à Juan, Europe's oldest jazz festival, held every July since 1960.

#9 Matisse Museum (Nice) +14 recs 4/5

Housed in the Villa des Arènes in the Cimiez neighborhood, the Matisse Museum in Nice displays one of the most complete collections of the artist's work, from early sketches to his iconic paper cutouts. It is a prime spot to trace his artistic evolution within a lush, green setting. The museum regularly hosts workshops and temporary exhibitions for all ages.

#10 Massena Square (Nice) +14 recs 4/5

Masséna Square serves as the architectural centerpiece and social hub of Nice, France. Its red facades and elegant arcades frame public art, while the plaza hosts major local festivals. Start here to explore the Old Town, the promenade du Paillon (Paillon Walkway), and nearby shopping streets for a true taste of local life.

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#11 Promenade des Anglais (Nice) +11 recs 2.8/5

Nice boasts one of the most iconic coastal stretches in Europe. The Promenade des Anglais, built in 1844, serves as the heart of city life. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it has defined the Baie des Anges for over a century. It is a hub for joggers, cyclists, and visitors seeking luxury hotels and casinos.

#12 Aqualand Fréjus (Fréjus) +9 recs 3/5

Featuring a giant cobra waterslide with shimmering scales across a 7-hectare property, Aqualand Fréjus stands out as the largest water park on the French Riviera, just twenty minutes from Cannes. It packs 19 attractions split into 3 categories based on thrill levels, including standout waterslides that make this park a premier spot for water slide fans and adrenaline seekers.

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#13 Aqualand Sainte-Maxime (Sainte-Maxime) +9 recs 4/5

Aqualand Sainte-Maxime is a family water park featuring slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river. It suits all ages, with thrill rides like the Black Hole or Kamikaze. While smaller than other regional parks, it remains a solid choice for a relaxing day. On-site amenities include shaded areas, lounge chair rentals, and fast food.

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#14 Maeght Foundation (Saint-Paul-de-Vence) +9 recs 5/5

Located in the gorgeous village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, 25 km from Nice, the Maeght Foundation operates as a globally recognized crossroads for modern art that draws over 200,000 visitors every year. Modeled after American institutions like the Guggenheim, it represents the life's work and passion of Aimé and Marguerite Maeght, post-war art publishers and dealers, alongside their influential artist friends including Henri Matisse, Georges Braque, Marcel Duchamp, André Malraux, Marc Chagall, Joan Miró, and others. Opened in 1964, this visionary private establishment aimed primarily to champion...

#15 Cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-la-Platea (Antibes) pas encore de reco 3/5

The Cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-la-Platea is the largest church in Antibes, designated a Monument historique since 1945. Built over Roman temple ruins, it blends a Romanesque choir with a yellow-orange baroque facade. Inside, the 1513 Virgin of the Rosary altarpiece by Louis Bréa is the centerpiece. Access is primarily during mass times.

Latest reviews

A good day

This park is perfect for spending the day having fun with the family. There are plenty of slides, and some are pretty impressive. The site is well maintained. If possible, come early in the morning be…

982

Busy but very pleasant

The Port of Nice is a really pleasant place to walk around, even if it is always crowded. I really loved strolling along the docks, admiring the luxury yachts and the lively vibe of the neighborhood.…

82

A nice surprise

I had a few preconceptions about this port, but it is actually very pleasant and still quite typical, if you can look past the yachts. The houses all around are really pretty and add a lot of charm. T…

72

A lively and multifaceted port

I have been to this port several times to stroll around, go sailing, or catch a ferry to Corsica. I do not particularly like the commercial side, which lacks a bit of charm, but I love the Quai des De…

49

Really nice

Personally, I think this water park is pretty nice. Obviously, you really shouldn't go on a weekend in the middle of summer, otherwise it is indeed extremely crowded. On weekdays, it is much more plea…

569

A very pleasant port

I expected a very bling-bling port with all its yachts, but I was pleasantly surprised by the port of Saint-Tropez. The pastel-colored facades are really pretty and the promenade is as nice as it gets…

13

A great walk on the French Riviera

Port Vauban is especially pleasant in any season, with absolutely magnificent views, whether from the ramparts of Antibes, Fort Carré, or the bay of Nice. You will have plenty of time to admire the ma…

16

A big and beautiful garden

A nice little surprise, this very colorful public garden! Admission is free. No time limits either! Of course, it is best to visit in season. I imagine that otherwise, the trees must look a bit bare (…

0

Squirrel Park

This park has two things I love: shade and a view of the sea! I really liked the Mediterranean vegetation along with the very colorful flowers too. The Walk of Fame was also a pleasant discovery. But…

7

Marina

I admit, the huge yachts aren't what interest me the most. I prefer small harbors with a more authentic atmosphere. That aside, a walk by the sea while looking at the boats is always nice! Plus, the h…

11

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