12 Must-See Villages on the French Riviera, France

12 Must-See Villages on the French Riviera

Hey everyone, in this article, we’re sharing some of the best villages on the French Riviera. We spent time traveling around the south of France, mostly in the PACA region (Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur) and exploring the Var and Alpes-Maritimes.

We based ourselves partly around Nice and later closer to Saint-Tropez, which gave us plenty of time to wander through the region. One thing we quickly noticed? There are so many charming villages scattered across the Riviera. We didn’t get to visit every single one, but the ones we did left a big impression.

Here’s our list of must-see villages on the French Riviera — the places we explored and truly loved. If you’re planning a trip to the south of France, these villages deserve a spot on your list.

About the French Riviera

The French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur, runs along the Mediterranean coast in southeastern France and is famous for its glamorous spots like Saint‑Tropez, Cannes, and the tiny principality of Monaco. What started as a quiet health retreat in the 18th century soon attracted aristocrats, artists, and later the “jet set” of the 1960s.

Today, it’s still one of Europe’s most iconic holiday destinations — a mix of chic seaside resorts, charming old villages, and scenic roads that wind between them. It’s the kind of place where you can spend mornings exploring hilltop towns and afternoons by the sea.

We usually travel with Airalo eSIMs, but when we need unlimited data for work, we go with Holafly.

Moving Around the French Riviera

Getting around the French Riviera is pretty easy, but how you do it really shapes your trip.

The best option is to rent a car. The French Riviera is full of little villages, scenic detours, and hilltop roads you just won’t reach by train or bus. Driving lets you stop wherever you feel like it — at a hidden beach, a random viewpoint, or a vineyard — and that freedom is part of the fun here.

That said, public transport works well between the bigger towns like Nice, Cannes, Antibes, and Monaco. Trains run frequently along the coast and buses can get you a bit further inland, but they can be slow and less frequent, especially on weekends.

If you don’t want to drive the whole trip, you could mix it up: base yourself in Nice, use trains for the main towns, and rent a car for a couple of days to explore the smaller villages and backroads. It’s the best of both worlds.

We recommend to rent a car through Discover Cars with free cancellation. Book your rental car here.

When to Visit

The French Riviera is beautiful year‑round, but each season has a different vibe — and it really depends on what you’re looking for.

• Spring (March to May): One of the best times to visit. Temperatures sit around 15–22 °C (59–72 °F), flowers are in bloom, and the crowds haven’t fully arrived. Perfect for wandering villages and coastal walks.
• Summer (June to August): Hot, lively, and busy. Expect 25–35 °C (77–95 °F), packed beaches, and high prices. If you don’t mind the buzz — or want that French Riviera “summer dream” — this is it.
• Autumn (September to November): Warm days (18–26 °C / 64–79 °F) and far fewer tourists. The sea stays warm enough for swimming into early October, and it’s a great time for road trips without the chaos of summer traffic.
• Winter (December to February): Quiet, cooler (10–15 °C / 50–59 °F), and very local. Many beach clubs close, but the villages and markets are still lovely, and you can even combine it with a ski trip to the nearby Alps.

If we had to choose, late spring or early autumn feels like the French Riviera at its best — sunny, easygoing, and not too crowded.

Tip: We never travel without our DJI Mini 3 PRO drone anymore — it’s totally worth having to capture places from a whole new perspective.

Where to Stay

Our favourite accommodations in Nice:

• (€):  Aparthotel AMMI Vieux Nice
• (€€): Palais Saleya Boutique Hôtel
• (€€€): Hotel Le Negresco

Our favourite places to stay in Monaco are:

• (€):  Boutique Hotel Miramar
• (€€): Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo
• (€€€): Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo

Our favourite accommodations in Saint-Tropez:

• (€):  Windward
• (€€): Hotel la Ponche
• (€€€): Maison Panthère – Luxury Harbour Residence

Our favourite accommodations near Saint-Tropez:

• Grimaud (€):  LA MAISON DE JUSTINE
• Grimaud (€):  Résidence Saint Pierre
• Cogolin (€):  Villa La Source 83 – room close to St Tropez

Must-See Villages on the French Riviera

Eze

Just a short drive from both Nice and Monaco, Eze ended up being one of the real highlights of our time on the French Riviera. Perched high above the Mediterranean, this medieval village has that picture‑perfect “old town” feel — narrow cobbled streets, stone archways, and tiny shops tucked into centuries‑old houses.

Wandering Eze feels like stepping back in time, but the real treat is climbing up to the Exotic Garden at the very top. From there, the views over the coast are unbelievable — the kind of panorama that makes you stop and just take it all in.

It’s small, charming, and doesn’t take long to explore, but it leaves a big impression.

Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.

Menton

On the other side of Monaco, almost touching the Italian border, you’ll find Menton — a softer, more colorful corner of the French Riviera. Known as the “Pearl of France,” it has a mix of beautiful beaches, sun‑soaked gardens like the Serre de la Madone, and an old town that climbs the hillside in layers of pastel houses.

Wandering through the medieval lanes leads you to the Basilique Saint‑Michel, with its striking 18th‑century bell tower, and the ornate Chapelle des Pénitents‑Blancs. There’s also the Musée Jean Cocteau, dedicated to the poet and artist who fell in love with Menton.

It’s a place that feels a little more relaxed than the rest of the Riviera — a blend of French charm with a hint of Italian warmth.

Saint-Tropez

Saint‑Tropez might be one of the most famous names on the French Riviera, and for good reason. Once a quiet fishing village, it became an artists’ haven before the “jet set” of the 1960s turned it into a global icon. Today, it’s known for its golden beaches, luxury yachts, and vibrant nightlife — but it still holds on to its old‑world charm.

Wander the cobblestoned streets of La Ponche, the historic quarter, and you’ll see traces of its fishing past. Down by the Vieux Port (Old Port), you can watch sleek yachts pull in where fishing boats once anchored. Saint‑Tropez might be glamorous, but it still feels like a place where history and style meet in the best way.

Read: Best things to do in Saint-Tropez

Ramatuelle

Perched on a hillside above the sea, Ramatuelle is one of those villages that feels untouched by time. Its narrow, winding streets, stone houses, and flower‑filled squares create that perfect Provençal postcard setting, but without the rush of the Riviera’s busier spots.

From the village, you get sweeping views over vineyards and down to the coast — a reminder of how close you are to the beaches of Saint‑Tropez, yet in a world that feels much quieter

Gassin

Gassin is a hilltop gem and proudly holds the title of one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France.” From its stone streets and pretty little squares, you get incredible views over the Gulf of Saint‑Tropez — the kind that makes you want to just sit and stare for a while.

The village has a handful of cozy restaurants and cafés, perfect for a long, lazy lunch or dinner with that sweeping panorama as your backdrop. Gassin isn’t about rushing from sight to sight.

Cogolin

Cogolin is a quieter stop on the French Riviera, known for its traditional crafts and laid‑back vibe. This is the place to see local artisans at work — from carpet weaving to pipe‑making — skills that have been passed down for generations.

The village itself has a scenic old town with winding lanes and a slower rhythm, plus the surrounding countryside is beautiful if you feel like wandering a bit further. Cogolin might not have the glitz of Saint‑Tropez, but that’s exactly why it’s worth a visit.

Grimaud

Grimaud is a medieval village that’s full of charm, with cobblestone streets, stone archways, and the ruins of the Grimaud Castle watching over it all. From the village, you get beautiful views over the Gulf of Saint‑Tropez, making it a great spot for a slow wander and a few photos.

But Grimaud has a surprising twist — just down the road is Port Grimaud, a modern canal town often called the “Venice of Provence.” Here, pastel houses line the water, little bridges connect the streets, and boats are as common as cars. Visiting both sides of Grimaud in one day feels like two trips in one.

Hyères

Hyères is one of those places on the French Riviera that gives you a bit of everything — gorgeous beaches, history, and nature all in one stop. Its medieval old town is perfect for a stroll, with narrow streets, old stone walls, and lively markets that feel authentically local.

From the coast, you can see the Golden Islands (Îles d’Hyères), and with a short boat ride, you’re on some of the most unspoiled beaches in the region. Hyères has that balance of heritage and relaxed coastal vibes that makes it easy to spend a full day — or more — exploring.

Théoule-sur-Mer

Théoule‑sur‑Mer feels like a little secret on the French Riviera. Tucked between the red cliffs of the Esterel Mountains and the Mediterranean, it has a mix of tiny sandy coves, turquoise water, and rugged coastal views that make it instantly inviting.

It’s the kind of place to slow down — spend the morning on a small beach, have lunch at a waterfront restaurant, then maybe follow one of the coastal hiking trails for sweeping views. Théoule‑sur‑Mer might not get the same attention as Cannes or Saint‑Tropez.

Must-See towns on the French Riviera

Nice

Nice is the capital of the Alpes‑Maritimes and really feels like the beating heart of the French Riviera. Sitting along the pebbly shores of the Baie des Anges, it’s a city with layers — founded by the Greeks, later a retreat for 19th‑century European elites, and eventually a magnet for artists drawn to its light and colors.

Today, it’s a mix of old‑world charm and seaside energy. You can spend a full day wandering its markets, strolling the Promenade des Anglais, climbing up to Castle Hill for the views, and still feel like you’ve only scratched the surface. Even one day feels rewarding, but two or more lets you slow down and really enjoy it.

Tip: Best things to do in Nice

Monaco

Monaco was an easy choice for our itinerary — not only had we never really explored it before, but visiting meant adding another country to our list. This tiny principality might be famous for its yachts, casinos, and Formula 1 track, but there’s more to it than the glitz.

We loved wandering through the old town, seeing the Prince’s Palace, and taking in the views over the harbor. It’s compact enough to explore in a day, yet packed with character — a mix of history, luxury, and that unique “Monaco” feeling you can’t quite find anywhere else.

Tip: Things to do in Monaco

Cannes

Cannes is one of those names that instantly brings to mind red carpets and flashbulbs — and yes, the international film festival has a lot to do with that. But beyond the glamour, there’s a lot to enjoy here.

Walk along the Boulevard de la Croisette, with its line of luxury boutiques, palm trees, and grand hotels, then head up to Le Suquet, the old town, where cobbled streets and hilltop views give you a different, quieter side of Cannes. Between the beaches, art galleries, and that unmistakable Riviera vibe, Cannes is a mix of glitz and authentic charm.