12 Must-See Villages on the French Riviera
Hey everyone, in this article we will share with you some of the best villages on the French Riviera. In Mai 2024, we spent 1 week travelling in south of France, precisely in the PACA region (Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur) and around the department of the Var and Alpes-Maritimes.
Along our journey, we spend a few days around Nice and the rest of the weeks around Saint-Tropez. This gave us plenty of times to explore this region of France and one thing that we noticed is how many cute villages there are. We didn’t visit them all, but those are the one we visited and loved.
In this article, we will share with you the list of our Must-See Villages on the French Riviera. So, if you too are planning a trip to the south of France and the French Riviera than, let ‘s dive in these Must-See Villages on the French Riviera.
Table of Contents
About the French Riviera
Moving Around the French Riviera
The best way to move around the French Riviera is by car (Unless you own a yatch). Some tours can be taken around Nice and Monaco, however, to get to the nearby town and villages, a rental car would be great to have. For our rental, we always use rentalcars.com and always had the best experience ever.
When to Visit
The French Riviera is located in south of France; it is therefore a year-round destination. Nice is blessed with a Mediterranean climate that brings mild winters and hot summers.
In any case remember that the peak season is July and August. We would recommend going in May/June or September/October.
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:
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
Sim Card
One of our least favorite things to do when we arrive in a new country is to have to figure out how to get a good sim card. From finding where is the shop, in the airport, or the city center? To deal with the registrations, giving ID and even finding which operator is the best… Well, it’s a true headache.
That’s why, we started using Airalo, for countries where our sim card doesn’t have free coverage. Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that gives you access to eSIMs (digital SIM cards) for 200+ countries/regions to be connected anywhere in the world the second you land.
In France, you can get an Airalo eSim of 5GB for 13,5€ or 10GB for 22€. Airalo has a discount going on:
- New customer: Save 15% on eSIMs at Airalo.com. Use Code: NEWTOAIRALO15 (7/1 – 12/31/2024)
- Existing one: Save 10% on eSIMs at Airalo.com. Use Code: AIRALOESIM10 (7/1 – 12/31/2024)
Must-See Villages on the French Riviera
Eze
In the best things to do in Monaco, we had to included some must-see places that are around Monaco. Eze was the highlight of our visit in Monaco. Eze. It is located on the French Riviera, 8.5 km to the northeast of Nice and 4.5 km to the west of Monaco. With its beautiful old town vibes, Eze is a remarkable place to stop at. And be sure to visit the garden on top of the town. It is worth it.
Menton
On the other side of Monaco, closer to the Italian border, Menton is known for beaches and gardens such as the Serre de la Madone garden. East, the hilly, medieval old town is home to Basilique Saint-Michel, with its 18th-century bell tower, and the ornate facade of La Chapelle des Pénitents-Blancs. Nearby, the Musée Jean Cocteau collection Séverin Wunderman displays works by poet Jean Cocteau
Saint-Tropez
Saint-Tropez is a coastal town on the French Riviera. Long popular with artists, the town attracted the international “jet set” in the 1960s, and remains known for its beaches and nightlife. The cobblestoned La Ponche quarter recalls its past as a fishing village, although yachts now outnumber fishing boats in the Vieux Port (Old Port).
Ramatuelle
This charming medieval village is perched on a hillside overlooking vineyards and the sea. With narrow, winding streets, stone houses, and flower-filled squares, Ramatuelle offers a peaceful escape and a taste of authentic Provençal life.
Gassin
Gassin is a picturesque hilltop village recognized as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France.” It offers sweeping views over the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and has a lovely selection of cozy restaurants, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely meal with a view.
Cogolin
Known for its traditional crafts, Cogolin is a village where you can discover local artisans, from carpet weaving to pipe-making. It has a relaxed atmosphere, a scenic old town, and beautiful countryside nearby for nature lovers.
Grimaud
This medieval village combines history with charm. Stroll through its cobblestone streets, admire the ancient Grimaud Castle ruins, and enjoy stunning views over the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. Grimaud also has a unique modern side with the canal-filled Port Grimaud, known as the “Venice of Provence.”
Hyères
Known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and the nearby Golden Islands (Îles d’Hyères), Hyères is a fantastic destination for exploring natural and cultural heritage. Its medieval old town, coastal promenades, and vibrant markets make it a must-visit spot on the Côte d’Azur.
Théoule-sur-Mer
Théoule-sur-Mer is a charming coastal village nestled in the red rock landscape of the Esterel Mountains. Known for its sandy coves, turquoise waters, and rugged coastal views, it’s ideal for those seeking a quieter, scenic escape. The area offers hiking trails, small beaches, and waterfront restaurants, making it a hidden gem on the Riviera.
Must-See towns on the French Riviera
Nice
Nice is the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes department on the French Riviera and sits on the pebbly shores of the Baie des Anges. Interesting fact, the city was founded by the Greeks and was later a retreat for 19th-century European elite and later artists. Nice is the heart of the French Riviera, and is itself a stunning place to be. There are many things to do in Nice and you could be spending from 1 to 2 full days to explore it slowly. We opted to have a full day in Nice which already gave us plently of time to visit all the best sites.
Monaco
Monaco was obviously on our itinerary as we have never been together there and never really visited it. Plus, Monaco would be another country to add to our list of countries. With its old town, palaces it is nice place to visit.
Cannes
Famous for its international film festival, Cannes is a glamorous destination along the French Riviera. Its iconic Boulevard de la Croisette is lined with luxury boutiques, fine dining, and elegant hotels, offering a perfect place to soak in the glitz and glamour. With beautiful beaches, art galleries, and historical spots like Le Suquet (the Old Town), Cannes is a blend of luxury and culture.
It is not the destination where you end up but the mishaps and memories you create along the way
