The South of France, also commonly referred to as the French Riviera or Côte d'Azur, is one of those travel destinations that lingers on my FYP, particularly ahead of summer. No surprise there - it's one of the sunniest locations in Europe, making it a go-to for beach dwellers who like to discover a fresh, clear-water oasis everywhere they go. The most popular cities, which you can access via train, run the gamut. Whether you like to see iconic landmarks - from the Cannes Film Festival red carpet to the Circuit de Monaco in the streets of Monte Carlo - or simply enjoy the peaceful bliss of one of the quieter villages, there's something for everyone.
Having just returned from this luxurious vacation site, I decided to put together a handy guide full of travel tips and packing suggestions. Be forewarned - this is a particularly stylish region where chic dress codes are in place at beach clubs and restaurants, especially during the high season when the night begins with a late and leisurely meal no earlier than 7:30 or 8 p.m.
Best Time to Visit the South of France
I visited the French Riviera at the end of May, which is an optimal time to go. May to June and September to October are generally thought of as the best times, with enjoyable weather and fewer crowds than the peak season (there is a notable tourist influx in July and August). While I was there, high temperatures hovered around 70 with bright and sunny conditions and we enjoyed three to four beach days where the ocean was warm enough to swim in. The average high in May and October is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas it's 77 degrees Fahrenheit in June and September.
I would recommend visiting the South of France for a minimum of 10 days if it's your first time and you want to see as many cities as possible.
Top Places to Stay in the French Riviera
Whether you like to scour the internet for the best hotels all over the world or prefer to book through Airbnb, there are so many wonderful spots to stay in the South of France. I highly recommend checking out Hôtel Gounod in Nice for a great central location (the sister hotel Splendid Hotel & Spa is right next door with a fully accessible fitness center for guests). If you're headed a bit further to Saint-Tropez, I stayed at the charming Hotel Lou Cagnard, which has a beautiful courtyard and well-maintained pool.
Must-Visit Towns in the South of France
Menton, Èze, Saint-Tropez
While some of the most well-known spots in the South of France shouldn't be missed - Nice, Cannes, Monaco, and Saint-Tropez, to name a few - there are quite a few lesser-known towns to explore that, in my opinion, should not be missed. Visit Menton's famous Les Rampes Saint Michel, where you can gaze down from the bight-yellow, sea-facing staircase and admire all the beautifully-colored homes built into the mountains. Just minutes away is Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, where the picturesque medieval village is peaceful and quiet, yet breathtaking.
Similarly, Èze is known for the shops, art galleries, and perfumeries built wondrously into cobblestone - it's referred to as a village-musée, or a "museum village" by residents and travelers alike. I also enjoyed Antibes for the stunning sunset (Baba Restaurant Bar Plage at Cap D'Antibes Hotel was one of my favorite meals) and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat for the tranquil blue waters (swim at Paloma Beach or Plage Passable) and stunning villas.
Also, it goes without saying that the Liguria region of Italy is a stone's throw away when you visit the South of France. I hopped on a 10-minute train then trekked through Ventimiglia and Sanremo all in one day, where I had some of the best pizza of my life at Senese.
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