What to do in the French Riviera: top 19 highlights in 2026

Nice draws you in with its sharp Mediterranean light and high-energy atmosphere. From the iconic Promenade des Anglais to the fragrant, winding alleys of Vieux-Nice and the sweeping views atop the Colline du Château, the city delivers a constant stream of memorable scenes. Between sun-drenched local dishes, high-end museums, and quick trips to the water, it strikes a balance between laid-back relaxation and city activity that feels a lot like a more historic, elevated Santa Monica.

Tucked between Nice and Cannes, Antibes keeps a local rhythm that its neighbors have largely traded for excess. Under the steel roof of the marché provençal, farmers and fishermen sell directly to locals, while medieval ramparts loom over turquoise coves. You can hike the wild trails of Cap d'Antibes out to the Baie des Milliardaires, following the same path that led Picasso to set up his studio here. The vibe is different today, with less glitz and more substance.

A cafe with red chairs has anchored the harbor here since 1887. This former fishing village, transformed by Brigitte Bardot and the golden age of cinema, balances two distinct lives. You will find the world of massive yachts, rosé champagne, and beach clubs where loungers require reservations weeks out, sitting just steps away from the quiet, shaded alleys of La Ponche, locals playing petanque under sycamore trees, and the same Mediterranean light that once drew famous painters to these shores.

Perched north of Cannes on the French Riviera, Grasse is a staple of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. This hillside town is recognized globally for its expertise in the perfume industry.

The world capital of perfume

Grasse is synonymous with fine fragrance. Perfume houses have operated in this southeastern French town for centuries, building a reputation for technical precision. To get a look at the craft, visit one of the town's three iconic perfumeries.

Galimard is the oldest of the bunch, dating back to 1747. Molinard offers a look at antique perfume bottles and hosts workshops where you can blend your own signature scent. Fragonard, a household name in the industry, has been operating here for nearly a century. After touring their factory and boutique, you can view a collection of perfume-related artifacts spanning 5,000 years of history.

For a deeper dive into the industry, head to the International Perfume Museum. It documents the evolution of the trade and the legendary figures who defined it. If you are in town in early August, you can catch the Jasmine Festival, an annual event dedicated to the town's signature flower.

A town of Art and History

There is more to Grasse than just perfume. Built on a steep hill, the town looks down toward the Mediterranean Sea. Walking through the old quarter feels like wandering through the historic core of a small-town Provençal village. The cathédrale Notre-Dame-du-Puy de Grasse, founded in the 13th century, anchors the narrow streets. The Town Hall, housed in a former stone bishop's palace, is also worth a look. On Sundays, the traditional market on the place aux Aires is the place to be. You will find vendors selling olives, fresh produce, honey, and local biscuits around the central fountain.

To learn more about local heritage, visit the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire de Provence. Housed in the hôtel de Clapier-Cabris, it showcases regional customs dating back to prehistoric times. The Provençal Costume and Jewelry Museum and the Musée Fragonard, dedicated to the painter of the same name, are also worth your time.

When to go

Grasse is a year-round destination. Located in the Alpes-Maritimes, the town enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate. If you prefer to avoid the peak crowds, plan your trip outside of July and August.

How to get there

The easiest way to reach Grasse is by train from Nice, which takes 1 hour and 5 minutes. You can also take a bus (1 hour and 20 minutes) or drive via the A8 highway (50 minutes). If you are coming from Marseille, the drive takes just over 2 hours, while the trip from Cannes takes only 30 minutes.

Menton sits right on the Italian border, where the scent of lemon groves meets the Mediterranean breeze. The town features narrow, colorful streets that climb toward the basilica, paired with lush gardens and a slower pace of life. It is a spot for travelers who prefer quiet elegance, bright flavors, and an artistic atmosphere over the intensity of the larger French Riviera hubs.

Fréjus offers a quieter side of the French Riviera, far from the flashy scene in Saint-Tropez. You can explore a Roman amphitheater that has stood for two millennia, then wander past a 5th-century baptistery, a Vietnamese pagoda, and a Sudanese mosque all in one afternoon. The red rocks of the Estérel mountains drop directly into turquoise water just minutes from the city center, where you can easily toggle between browsing a traditional Provençal market and relaxing on sandy beaches.

This is arguably one of the most picturesque medieval villages in France. Perched atop a rocky spur in the heart of Provence, just 15 minutes from the coast, Saint-Paul-de-Vence feels like a small-town escape. It is a draw for anyone who enjoys a slow-paced walk or a deep dive into art history.

A village of art and history

The Fondation Maeght is arguably the primary draw, not just for the village but for the entire Alpes-Maritimes region. Established in 1964 by art dealer Aimé Maeght and his wife Marguerite, this modern art museum holds a significant collection. The building itself is worth the visit for its sharp, mid-century modern design. Inside, you can view works by Chagall, Braque, Miro, Léger, Calder, and Giacometti. Don't skip the gardens, which house unique outdoor art installations like the Miro Labyrinth. The foundation hosts annual temporary exhibitions highlighting specific artists.

Beyond the foundation, the village itself is practically an open-air gallery. Dozens of independent art galleries are tucked into every corner of the village. You can grab a drink at the Auberge de la Colombe d’Or, a former haunt for Picasso, Matisse, and Modigliani, or visit the local cemetery to see the grave of Marc Chagall.

For history buffs, the village layout is a lesson in medieval urban planning. The rue Grande dates back to the 14th century, predating the defensive ramparts themselves. Make sure to visit the Collegiate Church of the Conversion of Saint Paul and the Chapelle Folon, which features intricate, colorful interiors designed by a Belgian artist.

The Saint-Paul-de-Vence lifestyle

Even if you aren't an art enthusiast, spending a day here is an easy sell. Spend your morning or evening walking the ramparts, which were built under François Ier. The views over the interior countryside are expansive, and on clear days, you can see the Mediterranean shimmering in the distance.

While few people live here year-round, the village maintains a steady rhythm. Cultural events are frequent, including the Olive Oil Festival in April, the Grape Harvest and Chestnut Festival in October, and a Chamber Music Festival in July. Every Wednesday, the farmers' market is the place to stock up on regional products like charcuterie, socca (a chickpea flour pancake), pastries, olive oil, and brissaouda (a garlic-rubbed toast). In the center of town, the place du Jeu de Boules has been the village hub for decades. It is the standard spot for locals to face off in a game of pétanque while sipping a pastis or coffee at a nearby table.

When to go

The weather on the Côte d’Azur is mild year-round. However, keep in mind that many restaurants, hotels, and art galleries close during the winter months. To experience the village without the heavy summer crowds, aim for June or September.

How to get there

Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a 30-minute drive from Nice by car. Alternatively, you can take a TER train from Nice to Cagnes-sur-Mer (a 25-minute trip), then catch the number 400 bus to Saint-Paul-de-Vence (a 15-minute ride). Nice Côte d'Azur airport is only about twenty minutes away by car, which makes the village an easy first or last stop on a trip.

Sainte-Maxime is a coastal town in the Var department that trades the intensity of nearby Saint-Tropez for a more relaxed pace. You can explore the historic center, anchored by the Tour Carrée and the church of Sainte-Maxime, or walk the waterfront promenade Simon-Lorière. The coastline features sandy spots like La Nartelle beach, which is known for its clear water. For those who want more than sunbathing, the area offers paddleboarding, scuba diving, and regular boat shuttles over to Saint-Tropez.

Cannes is one of the most iconic coastal destinations in France, holding an international reputation that extends far beyond Europe. Since the 1940s, the city has been defined by its cinematic identity. Its famous Film Festival brings global stars and industry insiders to the coast every May.

The silver screen front and center

Film is the true DNA of Cannes. You will undoubtedly pass the Palais des Festivals, where major actors walk the red carpet each year. Across the city, painted wall murals celebrate this cinematic heritage. Keep an eye out for portraits of Marilyn Monroe or Charlie Chaplin tucked into street corners. On the forecourt of the Palais des Festivals and in the surrounding gardens, you will find the famous handprints of more than 300 celebrities. This trail, known as the Chemin des Étoiles, is a major hit with children.

Between luxury and simplicity

The Croisette is the local equivalent of the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. Stretching for three kilometers (about 2 miles), this palm-lined coastal road makes for a scenic stroll along fine sand beaches that draw large crowds in the summer. Cannes presents two distinct sides: one ultra-luxurious with upscale hotels and casinos, and another much more authentic. To experience the latter, head to the Suquet, the oldest neighborhood in Cannes. Perched atop Mont-Chevalier hill, it offers expansive views over the coast. In the summer, wandering through its shaded alleyways up to the church of Notre-Dame-d'Espérance is a highlight. Continue down to the Vieux Port to look at the sailboats and colorful traditional fishing boats.

Two scenic islands just offshore

Cannes also boasts a rich cultural heritage. You can explore it at the musée de la Castre, housed in a medieval castle, and at the La Malmaison art center. If you have time, take the 20-minute ferry ride to the Îles de Lérins. The gorgeous islands of Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat feature quiet beaches and wooded walking trails. The larger first island is popular with hikers and is also worth visiting for its Museum of the Sea inside the Royal Fort. The second island is home to a monastic community that runs a local vineyard.

When to go

You can visit Cannes year-round thanks to the mild climate along the French Riviera. If you want to steer clear of massive crowds, skip May during the film festival rush, as well as July and August. June and September offer ideal weather and fewer visitors for exploring the city.

How to get there

Cannes-Mandelieu Airport sits just 15 minutes from downtown. However, you will have better luck finding practical flights and reasonable fares by flying into Nice. Nice is 40 minutes away by regional train from the Cannes railway station. From North America, you fly into Nice, either on a seasonal nonstop or with a connection through a European hub.