4 must-visit spots along the French Riviera

The French Riviera has long been synonymous with pricy yachts, glamorous film festivals, and fancy parties. While this holds true to an extent, the Côte d’Azur is more diverse than the cliché suggests. Of course, sophistication and glitz form part of the region’s charm. But the south-eastern tip of France also boasts secluded hilltop villages, tranquil seaside towns, and colorful cities brimming with centuries-old traditions. 

 4 must-visit spots along the French Riviera
[image: unsplash by arno smit]

Nice

Nice is one of the top touristy cities in France, together with Paris and Lyon. And Nice is where most trips to the French Riviera begin. Nestled along the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean, the city is a gorgeous blend of architectural wonders and coastal scenery. The colorful Old Town is the perfect start for a serene stroll among cobbled streets full of cafés, baroque churches, and shaded squares. 

Climbing up the Colline du Château, the 11th-century ruins of the city’s castle offer a commanding view over the bay. The lush park nearby is the right place for a sunny pick-nick, unless visitors would rather relish an ice cream on the Promenade des Anglais boardwalk. And for a typical Provençal meal, open-air markets overflow with handmade delicacies like pissaladière or pan bagnat.

Grasse

Grasse is the fourth-largest city on the French Riviera. Much like Nice, the city’s Old Town is a feast of romantic chapels, medieval facades, and sun-drenched plazas. But Grasse is most well-known for its unique fragrances. The city, indeed, is considered the world’s perfume capital since the 18th century. To this day, Grasse produces two-thirds of all French aromas. And tourists can get to know the ins and outs of this traditional industry by visiting famous perfumeries, like Gallimard or Fragonard. Some factories even offer visitors to create personalized fragrances. 

Come August, summer vacationers can also take in the scents and sights of the Jasmine Festival. But July may be the best month to pick for nature lovers, as fields of lavender along the Route Napoléon transform Grasse’s outskirts into an honest-to-goodness Provençal postcard.

Saint-Paul-de-Vence

The French Riviera might be heaven for beach-goers, but the region also boasts some inland gems. Located atop a hill in the country, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a picturesque, walled village with a typical Provençal atmosphere. Visitors can stroll along the ramparts to soak in the sights of the valley and its olive groves. 

While it is one of the most ancient medieval villages in the area, Saint-Paul also exudes a modern charm. Indeed, the village offered sheltered many artists. Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall are some of the most prestigious names to have fallen for Saint Paul’s charm. The latter is even buried in the village cemetery. Artsy galleries and world-class museums, such as the Fondation Maeght, complete an already mesmerizing picture.

Monaco

Monaco might not be French per se, but this paragon of glamour and luxury remains a must-visit on a trip to the French Riviera. With its dramatic coastline and hilltop old town, the principality offers many a scenic walk. The Palace also gives visitors a glimpse into European nobility, chronicling the history and legacy of the Grimaldi princes of Monaco. But for many tourists, Monaco rhymes foremost with deluxe leisure. Shopping, clubbing, and fancy dining are magnets for A-list celebrities and affluent entrepreneurs. 

Monaco is also one of the top destinations for gambling. The Casino de Monte-Carlo is so renowned that it appeared in several movies like James Bond’s GoldenEye. If gamblers don’t have time to play it like agent 007, though, they can make the most of casinos online. And there’s no need to stake all their fortune, either. The best casino bonuses provide gamblers with much-needed extra funds for their bankroll. Welcome bonuses, for instance, are accessible to all newcomers. Other offers might include free spins, no deposit promotions, or device-specific bonuses. So, gamblers can read free expert tips to find the right reward to cater to their playing style.

Do you dream of villages of old, elegant perfumeries and sun-soaked beaches? Then the French Riviera has got you covered. And there are many more destinations to explore, from the coastal town of Menton to the rock art site of Tende. Thus, visitors will not run short of fantastic places to tour on a trip to the south of France.