In our 6-day journey to the French Riviera, also known as the Côte d'Azur, we have included walks through charming coastal towns, deciding not to spend much time on beach leisure. However, the beaches here are so magnificent that for the sake of this type of recreation, we can add a few extra days. Our tour does not involve visiting the famously extravagant and expensive restaurants, hotels, and beaches. We plan to explore this unique region from the perspective of a simple traveler, more interested in its historical and cultural treasures..
Day 1: We will meet at Nice Airport, which is conveniently located almost within the city itself. Our base will be nearby. We'll take a stroll through the city center, briefly exploring its history.
Day 2: This day is dedicated entirely to the beauty of Nice. We will visit the famous Cathedral of St. Nicholas, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Nice, stroll through Place Masséna and the Promenade des Anglais, which is not only the hallmark of Nice but the entire region. We will climb Castle Hill to admire the world-renowned views of this magnificent coastline. We'll see the Port of Nice, and if time allows, visit the Marc Chagall Museum, and perhaps even make it to the museum and the grave of Henri Matisse.
Day 3: Without the goal of playing for real estate, we will visit the Principality of Monaco exclusively to admire the splendid Casino of the same name. Here, we will see the Opera, the Hotel Paris, and the square in front of the Royal Palace. The city's roads are 'carved' into the rock, so enjoying road views here is not an option. Prices in local restaurants will prompt us to look for alternative dining spots, but we will find them.
Then we will head to Menton. It is the westernmost resort on the French Riviera, bordering the Italian Riviera. This small and tranquil town looks externally indistinguishable from the coastal villages of Liguria. A stroll through its ancient streets will convince us of its Italian origins, as nothing here reminds us of France. On the way back, we plan to visit the renowned mountain village of Èze. It is particularly magnificent in the rays of the setting sun. You won't forget it; there's nothing else like it.
Day 4: We will begin this day in Villefranche-sur-Mer. Here, we will see the Chapel of St. Peter painted by Jean Cocteau and the 130-meter-long Rue Obscure, resembling an underground passage more than a street. If the winding hillside streets tire us, we can descend to the sea – the beaches here are secluded and sandy, unlike the popular and pebbly beaches of Nice. In the evening, we will return to Nice and stroll once again through Place Masséna and the Promenade. When illuminated at night, they exude a special charm.
Day 5: This day we will dedicate to a trip in another direction. First, we will stop in Antibes, where we will stroll through ancient stone quarters with modern park oases, along the promenade of Cape Cap d'Antibes, and see the largest yacht port in the region. At night, life here is vibrant, and the privileged youth converges on dance floors, bars, and restaurants. But (we did agree not to sell our property for momentary pleasures, didn't we?) we will still continue to Cannes
In the 14th century, this small fishing village became a gem of the Riviera: sandy beaches, a unique climate, and stunning views of the bay from the Suquet hill attracted the aristocratic elite. After the Second World War, the city gained worldwide fame as the venue for the renowned film festival. The grandeur of La Croisette promenade and the red carpet of the Festival Palace make prices in the city's restaurants and hotels exorbitant, but it's still possible to find a place here to suit every taste and budget.
Day 6: This is our last day on the French Riviera. If the flight schedule allows, we will take another stroll through Nice.
Estimated price from €780.
Includes: accommodation (hotels, BNB, cottages, bungalows – discussed, affects the final tour cost), breakfasts, partially lunches and dinners, all transfers (transport with a driver provided), services of our guide.
Not included in the price: visa + insurance, airfare, meals during free time, rental equipment (if applicable), excursions with local guides at sites, entrance fees to attractions (museums, exhibitions, etc.). We recommend budgeting around €300-€400 for such expenses.
We look forward to welcoming you on the French Riviera!