If vacation in France rhymes 🎶 with Provence, a road trip that is fun for sure rhymes with Côte d’Azur 🤣! From Menton to Saint-Tropez via Nice and Monaco, SIXT takes you on a drive across the coastline and the hinterland of the South of France with this incredible French Riviera itinerary. Nature, culture, history, and luxury are all on the menu. Join us for a ride, wind blowing through your hair, on the most beautiful roads in the southeast of France 🛣️!
Summary
- Nice: Get lost in Old Town
- Menton: Treat yourself with a fruity moment
- Monaco: Leisure meets luxury
- Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: Find your villa
- Saint-Paul-De-Vence: Reveal your inner artist
- Antibes: Immerse yourself in history, beachside
- Cannes: Get an award
- Saint-Tropez: Last but not least!
- Enhance your journey with the perfect soundtrack
- Tips for your road trip on the Côte d’Azur
- French Riviera. 7-day itinerary: What to do?
- What to do during a 10-day road trip on the French Riviera?
- Weekend Getaway: The Essential French Riviera
- How to organize a road trip on the Côte d’Azur?
- What are the most beautiful roads on the Cote d’Azur?
- Rent a car for a French Riviera road trip
Nice: Get lost in old town 🏖️
We begin our journey in a land of sun, beaches 🏖️ and cicadas: Nice. The drive starts along the coast on the famous Promenade des Anglais. Despite the name, nobody drives on the left, and the main spoken language is not English. Follow the road nestled between the beach and the prestigious hotels and enjoy the sights along the coast.
After a few minutes on this memorable avenue, we recommend that you to take your first break during your French Riviera road trip. Park your car to begin exploring the city by foot.
Once you find a place to park 🅿️ (and it may take a little while), start your tour of the city with the Old Town, Le Vieux Nice. Here, the walls are adorned with yellow and orange, the streets are narrow and immerse you in the history and traditions of the city.
What is the best way to discover this neighborhood? Switch off your GPS! Open the door to serendipity, even if you get lost. While immersing yourself in the beauty of the architecture, you might end up walking a few kilometers before you know it while finding hidden gems along the way. As the day winds down, you will be rewarded with delicious local treats. Nibbling on some pissaladière, socca, pan bagnat, or tapenade will quickly restore your energy levels 🔋 for the rest of your road trip on the Côte d’Azur.
Menton: treat yourself with a fruity moment 🍋
If you are looking to discover an underrated destination in the Côte d’Azur, head to Menton. The city offers a perfect mix of beach fun, colorful houses, and lush greenery that includes fruit trees 🌳. The city of the lemon encapsulates the region’s beauty. Here, as in Nice, we recommend that you let yourself be carried away.
Walk along the beach and the port 🛥️. Then, venture into the steep streets of the city. Along the way, you can open the doors of the Jean Cocteau Museum, visit the Saint-Michel-Archange Basilica, storm Le Bastion or stroll through the market.
When you need a nature break during this French Riviera itinerary, Menton is the perfect stop. Between its gardens, its beaches and its numerous hiking trails 🥾, adventurers will find plenty to do.
Want to discover France by car? Check our guide to the most beautiful villages in France
Monaco: Leisure meets luxury 👑
It is now time to add a princely touch to our road trip on the Côte d’Azur. But don’t swap your car for a horse-drawn carriage 🎠. It’s much faster to drive to the Principality of Monaco from your last destination.
As soon as you arrive on the Rock (Le Rocher), between the sports cars, prestigious hotels and luxury boutiques 🤩, a real red carpet is rolled out for you. Follow it to arrive at the Prince’s Palace of Monaco. After a visit to the main courtyard and stately apartments, head back down to the city to discover the Oceanographic Museum 🐠, the exotic garden or the Princess Grace Rose Garden.
If luxury and race cars 🏎️are more appealing to you than exotic plants and fish, in front of the city’s palaces and on the tracks of the Monaco Grand Prix, you should find what you are looking for. It is possible that when you see these major automobile brands, you will want an upgrade for your ride. In this case, head to the casino ♠️. Who knows, if you win big, you might be able finish the rest of this French Riviera itinerary behind the wheel of a luxury sedan! Unless, of course, you already started your journey in southeastern France with one from SIXT. 😉
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: Find your villa 🏡
The next stop on our road trip on the Côte d’Azur leads us to the commune of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat! Upon arrival, you’ll see that although the landscape may have changed, the relaxing atmosphere remains the same. Located on a peninsula beside Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Villefranche-sur-Mer, you will find villas, yachts, palaces, gourmet restaurants and beautiful cars. But rest assured, it is not necessary to have a title of nobility to enjoy the landscapes and beaches ⛱️ of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
At the northern end of the cape, you can drive past some of the most beautiful resorts on the Côte d’Azur, such as the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild or the Villa Kérylos.
After that, find a place to park at the port and stop by the portside observation deck before heading down to the semaphore for another scenic view. At the south end of the peninsula, you can snap a few of your best selfies beside the iconic lighthouse that looks out to the sea.
Finally, finish with a swim in the Mediterranean from one of the city’s many beaches. Plage des Fossettes, Cros deï Pin or la Paloma… Pick your pleasure. On the sands of Saint-Jean-Cap Ferrat, you will find the perfect place to enjoy the best that Mediterranean beaches can offer 👍.
Saint-Paul-De-Vence: Reveal your inner artist 🎨
A French Riviera road trip is also an opportunity to admire paintings from some of history’s finest artists 🖼️! To do this, you have to leave the seaside for a moment and venture inland to the charming village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. After the beaches of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, you can trade your breaststroke for a brushstroke 🖌️ and follow in the footsteps of the great artists linked to the town. Chagall, Modigliani and Matisse enjoyed Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Here is your chance to draw inspiration from the greatest!
To admire their masterpieces, as well as those of other artists, open the doors of the Maeght Foundation. This museum displays the work of some of the greatest painters of the 20th century. But the city is not only a mecca for art. It also has a rich history! Once you have finished visiting the museum, go for a stroll in the narrow streets of Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Must-sees: 👉 the ramparts, a stately tower and around ten churches and chapels which can serve as a model for your first sketches!
Antibes: Immerse yourself in history, beachside 📙
On many vacations, you might find yourself choosing between museums and beaches or culture and nature. The good news about an itinerary in Côte d’Azur is that you don’t have to choose!
In Antibes, you can combine sightseeing with relaxation. Archaeological museum, fort, aqueduct, Greek and Roman ruins, Provençal market, medieval houses… In other words, visiting Antibes is like opening a history book 📖!
Obviously, between lessons, you should take a break. No problem! When it comes to relaxation, Antibes has plenty to offer! Once you are done exploring the city, you can go for a walk on the Cap d’Antibes trail, lie down in the sand of Salis beach or enjoy a delicious cocktail 🍸 in the Old Town to wrap up this wonderful day.
Cannes: Get an award 🏆
Don’t you deserve a reward after racking up so many kilometers during your road trip on the Côte d’Azur? In this case, Cannes sounds like the perfect destination! Even if your trip doesn’t line up with the schedule of the city’s famous film festival, you will be able to visit the city of festivals and discover all its secrets.
Start by walking along the Croisette to the famous Chemin des Étoiles ⭐where nearly 400 actors and directors have left their mark on Cannes. Who knows, one day, you might add yours too if acting is your cup of tea!
If you prefer the pleasures of nature to fame and glory, the seaside offerings in Cannes can quench your thirst for adventure. From the port, take a boat 🚤 to Sainte-Marguerite Island or Saint-Honorat Island. In the heart of the Mediterranean, with the Cannes palaces in the background, enjoy a day in this haven of tranquility.
Saint-Tropez: last but not least! 🌞
It is quite possible that at the end of your French Riviera Itinerary, after having tasted the delights of Monaco and Cannes, you will have become accustomed to luxury 😏. Therefore, let’s end this trip on a refined note with a final stop in the Var port of Saint-Tropez.
Like its Riviera neighbors, you will find yachts, gourmet restaurants, sumptuous villas, beaches and private parties 🕺 in this former fishing village that has become a hot spot for jet-set fun-lovers 😎.
And as always on the Côte d’Azur, behind the palaces, nature is never far! Saint-Tropez is located a few steps from the massif de l’Esterel, a hiking paradise.
Whether you put on your walking or evening shoes 👠, Saint-Tropez is the perfect place to end your French Riviera road trip!
Enhance Your Journey with the Perfect Soundtrack! 🎶
No road trip is complete without the perfect playlist. Enjoy a curated selection of French Riviera-inspired tracks with SIXT’s official Spotify playlist. 🎧🚗
Tips for your road trip on the Côte d’Azur 🤓
7-Day French Riviera Road Trip: What to Do? 🤔
Day 1: Nice – The Gateway to the Riviera
- Promenade des Anglais: Stroll along this iconic seafront boulevard, enjoying the Mediterranean views from the famous blue chairs. 📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/wYFCbqSFS8voSPZc9
- Old Town (Vieux Nice) & Cours Saleya Market: Explore the colorful streets and discover local delicacies. 📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/EYSDDRfRo6fVR2xQ7
- Castle Hill (Colline du Château): Climb up for a breathtaking panoramic view over Nice and the coastline. 📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/YKGLKZ8eqYXMHzAr6
- Lunch at Chez Pipo: Try the famous Niçoise specialty, Socca. 📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/NKQRCR8bF7g3PJE18
Day 2: Monaco & Menton – Glamour and Authenticity
- Monte Carlo Casino: Experience the luxury of Monaco.📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/k5nsRsgTKVPsYk8m6
- Prince’s Palace of Monaco: Witness the changing of the guard. 📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/ffNqMMDudAQv7NNp9
- Oceanographic Museum: Explore marine life exhibits and enjoy a rooftop terrace view.📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/7Jo8c2FLkQQrguiLA
- Old Port of Menton (Vieux Menton): A charming and colorful seaside town.📍https://maps.google.com/?cid=16976826366756496422
- Dinner at Les Incompris (Maison Martin et Fils): Try the local specialty, Barbajuan.📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/osrW3RSVWnt8vc846
Day 3: Cannes & Îles de Lérins – Luxury Meets Tradition
- La Croisette: Walk along Cannes’ most famous boulevard.📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/PdmKS9yquXDzDJALA
- Le Suquet: Discover the oldest district of Cannes.📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/zGs4YbFtCrLbKepN7
- Marché Forville: A lively Provençal market full of fresh products.📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/P2af9eiDWM1Wy5UN6
- Carré d’Or: Enjoy an evening in the trendiest nightlife district.📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/pMcGNJkBpCu32iTp8
- Boat trip to Île Sainte-Marguerite & Underwater Eco-Museum: Swim in crystal-clear waters and discover submerged sculptures.📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/RQRPpZAP4b8debiK8
Day 4: Saint-Tropez & Port Grimaud – Chic and Picturesque
- Place des Lices: A traditional Provençal square where locals play pétanque.📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/F6wp9czph3QsxBTP7
- Pampelonne Beach & Club 55: Relax on the most iconic beach of Saint-Tropez.📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/KL5f5cDhYQMpoFv68
- Port Grimaud: Discover this “Venice of Provence” by boat.📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/BtfedbTbRtW1chPv7
Day 5: Gorges du Verdon & Massif de l’Estérel – A Natural Wonder
- Gorges du Verdon: Kayak through Europe’s most beautiful canyon.📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/HnJwiy2GLU74zNUN6
- Hike in the Estérel Massif: Explore stunning red rock landscapes.📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/HnJwiy2GLU74zNUN6
Day 6: Antibes & Cap d’Antibes – Art, History, and Coastal Beauty
- Picasso Museum: Visit a medieval château featuring Picasso’s works.📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/UuYQWBUaoRx3GqzZ7
- Sentier du Littoral: A breathtaking coastal hiking trail.📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/yF1i98LFZdtZQcXh6
Day 7: Eze & La Turbie – Timeless Villages and Panoramic Views
- Eze Village & Fragonard Perfume Factory: Wander through cobbled streets and learn about perfume-making.📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/XkrwawczfVGXBNpD6
- Trophée d’Auguste: Discover an ancient Roman monument in La Turbie.📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/vz552x3Qcm3HJs6YA
French Riviera: what to do during a 10-day itinerary? 🧐
In 10 days, you will have ample time to drive from the Var to Menton and the Italian border. We recommend stops in Nice, Cannes 🎥, Antibes and Monaco and also the hinterland to take in its villages and greenery. Even though we’re a car rental company, we recommend that you give yourself a break from the road, every so often, to have quality days of rest by the sea. In our opinion, Menton is the ideal place. You can also have a few days inland, in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, for example.
When planning a 10-day trip in Southern France, the time of the year will influence the number of stops you can realistically do given traffic and how busy it is in your desired sightseeing destinations. Even if you are going on a 10-day road trip, in summer, it is more time consuming ⌚ to travel and sightsee on the Côte d’Azur.
Weekend Getaway: The Essential French Riviera
This 2-day itinerary is designed to make the most of your weekend on the French Riviera, blending the charm of Nice and Monaco with the glamour of Cannes and Antibes. With your SIXT rental car, you’ll have the flexibility to explore at your own pace, discovering breathtaking landscapes, historic sites, and local flavors.
Day 1: Nice & Monaco – Mediterranean Beauty and Luxury
Morning: Exploring Nice
- Promenade des Anglais – Start your day with a scenic stroll along this world-famous seafront boulevard. Grab a coffee at Le Plongeoir, a unique cliffside café. 📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/wYFCbqSFS8voSPZc9
- Castle Hill (Colline du Château) – Hike or take the elevator to the top for panoramic views of Nice and the Baie des Anges. Don’t miss the beautiful waterfall and ruins.📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/YKGLKZ8eqYXMHzAr6
- Old Town (Vieux Nice) & Cours Saleya Market – Wander through colorful alleys, visit the flower market, and try local specialties like Socca at Chez Pipo.📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/EYSDDRfRo6fVR2xQ7
Midday: Drive to Monaco
- Prince’s Palace of Monaco – Witness the Changing of the Guard at 11:55 AM and explore the old town. 📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/ffNqMMDudAQv7NNp9
- Lunch at Café de Paris – Experience classic Monégasque cuisine with a view of the legendary Casino Square. 📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/HU7kC37BmpHQCtV76
- Monte Carlo Casino – Even if you don’t gamble, step inside to admire the Belle Époque architecture. 📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/k5nsRsgTKVPsYk8m6
Afternoon: Coastal Drive & Eze Village
- Drive along the Grande Corniche – This scenic coastal road offers breathtaking views over the Riviera. 📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/V8bxaQ1eJMRMq34x8
- Eze Village – Wander through this medieval clifftop town, visit the Fragonard Perfume Factory, and enjoy a drink with a view at Château de la Chèvre d’Or. 📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/XkrwawczfVGXBNpD6
Evening: Sunset in Monaco & Nightlife
- Sunset at the Oceanographic Museum Terrace – A stunning spot to watch the sun dip behind the Mediterranean.📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/8TXRjHuMv11EWX346
- Dinner at Blue Bay (Michelin-starred) – A gourmet experience overlooking the sea.📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/PL1rt3EFUBShvbmv9
- Nightlife: Buddha-Bar Monte-Carlo – For those wanting to extend the night, enjoy cocktails in a chic ambiance. 📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/818EDA66kXyJvEEM9
Day 2: Cannes & Antibes – Glamour, History, and Coastal Beauty
Morning: Cannes – The City of Stars
- Breakfast at La Californie – Enjoy a fresh French breakfast with ocean views.
- Le Suquet – The Old Town of Cannes – Climb up to this historic district for the best views of the bay.📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/zGs4YbFtCrLbKepN7
- Palais des Festivals – Walk the famous red carpet where Hollywood stars gather for the Cannes Film Festival. 📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/oKj58aA4RcWuJfDL6
- Marché Forville – A lively Provençal market offering fresh produce, cheeses, and local delicacies.📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/CsYdp4atuxyTpRpK9
Midday: Beach & Island Escape
- Boat trip to Île Sainte-Marguerite – Just 15 minutes from Cannes, this peaceful island offers crystal-clear waters, perfect for a swim. Visit the Fort Royal, where the legendary Man in the Iron Mask was imprisoned.📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/RQRPpZAP4b8debiK8
- Lunch at La Guérite – A stylish seaside restaurant serving Mediterranean flavors.📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/E7FXrzJcnxqP1LYW9
Afternoon: Antibes – Art & Coastal Charm
- Picasso Museum – Housed in a medieval château, this museum features one of the best collections of Picasso’s Riviera-inspired works.📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/UuYQWBUaoRx3GqzZ7
- Sentier du Littoral – Cap d’Antibes – A breathtaking coastal walk surrounded by nature.📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/yF1i98LFZdtZQcXh6
- Plage de la Salis – Relax on one of the best beaches in Antibes.📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/QF95AHgQ7w2gztra7
Evening: Sunset & Farewell Dinner
- Drinks and dinner at Le Baoli – A trendy rooftop bar with sea views.📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/31rchoBmgAbCWSwB6
How to organize a road trip on the Côte d’Azur? 📆
The French Riviera is a very popular region year-round. If you want to ensure having a room at accommodations at each stage of your road trip, we recommend booking ahead of time in addition to preparing your itinerary. Before you take off, remember to get some rest before spending a week or more on the road in Southern France💤.
Although there are many magnificent places to discover on the Côte d’Azur, holidays are made for relaxing. Choose the towns, villages and beaches you don’t want to miss and come back another time to visit the rest. Anyway, you will want to!
What are the most beautiful roads on the Cote d’Azur? 🛣️
Beyond legendary avenues like the Promenade des Anglais or the Croisette, the Cote d’Azur is full of scenic roads to enjoy during your road trip, such as:
Beyond legendary avenues like the Promenade des Anglais or the Croisette, the Cote d’Azur is full of scenic roads to enjoy during your road trip, such as:
- The Tête de Chien Road from Cap-d’Ail to La Turbie: for superb views of Monaco
- The road to the hills in Aubagne, celebrated by Marcel Pagnol in his books. A must-do trip by car to experience the Garrigue
- The Mimosa Road from Bormes-les-Mimosas to Grasse
- The Esterel Corniche from Saint-Raphaël
- The Corniche Road from Nice to Menton
- The Napoléon Road from Golfe-Juan to Grenoble
Rent a car for a road trip on the French Riviera
For your road trip on the Côte d’Azur, SIXT offers you a wide choice of cars 🚗 in its local branches. Book yours today.
Car rental on the French Riviera
Thanks to their strategic locations in the heart of the action, you won’t miss a single moment along the Mediterranean Sea even as you put your luggage 🧳 in the trunk!
