French Riviera
French Riviera holidays
Often hailed the Cote d’Azur, the French Riviera has a swish and suave feel to it. There’s over 100km of coastline to enjoy, and plenty of glitzy buildings to roam around. Visit historic residences, hit the glam boutiques, dine in stylish international restaurants, and head to the casino.
Language
French
Currency
Euro
Time difference
+1hr
Cost of a beer
£3.50 / €4
3 course meal
£35/ €40
Flight times
2-2.5hrs
A real looker
Pretty palm-lined promenades, epic villas and palaces – the French Riviera has rightly been the subject of art. Picasso, Monet and others have all been inspired! Surrounded by glistening blue sea and topped off with lush green hillsides, it’s quite the sight. Plus, Menton adds to the colour with its blooming orange and lemon groves.
Bright lights, bigger shores
Whether you’re a savvy shopper, eagle-eyed yacht spotter or avid dice roller, there’s something with your name on it. Sports stars and celebs rock up for film festivals and fashion events throughout the calendar. It’s like turning the pages of a glossy travel magazine and jumping right in!
From 0-60mph
Let the sound of revving V8s be the extravagant soundtrack to your coastal escape. With so many unapologetically fancy avenues around the region, it’s no surprise that the F1 elite and supercar drivers park up there. Lamborghinis, Bugattis, classic Ferraris, modified Porsches and more could all be waiting.
French Riviera resorts
Cannes Area
There’s a golden glow to this chic, distinguished urban hangout.
Saint Raphael
Oo la la, this stunning seaside town is the epitome of French Riviera chic! Canopy-covered cafés, dancing palms and a sail-speckled marina – it doesn’t get more swish than Saint Raphael.
Saint-Tropez
Saint-Tropez, what can we say? Wide-brim hats, striped umbrellas and 50s film stars spring to mind. Easily one of the world’s most glamorous holiday hotspots, this charming port is where to come for fun and frolics in the golden Mediterranean sunshine.
Beaches
Anyone who’s anyone hits the beach on the cool blue Côte d'Azur. And it’s no surprise that life revolves around the shore thanks to its mix of long sandy strips, small pebble bays and arcs of golden sand backed by restaurant-filled proms. And of course, you'll find your fair share of super chic beach clubs.
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Plage Beau Rivage
French Riviera
Plage Mace
Cannes Area, French Riviera
Sights
Aside from super cars and celebs, there are plenty of other things worth keeping an eye out for. We're talking grand palaces with manicured gardens, medieval hilltop towns, and sparkling marinas bursting with the biggest yachts you’ve ever seen. You’ll find lots of interesting museums to check out too, including one of the oldest aquariums in the world.
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Church of Our Lady of Esperance
Cannes Area, French Riviera
La Malmaison
Cannes Area, French Riviera
Activities
Ever-sunny skies and a crisp sea breeze make this a great place to get active. Out on the water, sailing is the fancy way to cruise the coast, but speed boats and jet skis turn things up a notch. Biking, hiking and promenade strolling are all lovely ways to appreciate the views from dry land.
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Cannes Tourist Office
Cannes Area, French Riviera
F1 Circuit
French Riviera
Eating and drinking
Fine dining is a given, so expect your pick of Michelin-star settings. Don’t worry if you want to keep things low-key, there are heaps of humble bistros too. Whatever the style and whatever your budget, don't leave without trying a smoky fish bouillabaisse, washed down with a pastis aperitif and a bottle of the region’s famous rosé.
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Aux Bons Enfants
Cannes Area, French Riviera
Bistrot Gourmand
Cannes Area, French Riviera
Shopping
Like most things around here, shopping is a chic affair. Cannes is home to almost every designer label under the sun, but make sure you seek out fine French produce too, from Provençal lavender to herbs and honey. And don't miss market day – you might even pick up an antique or two with your baguette.
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Forville Market
Cannes Area, French Riviera
Maison du Chocolat
Cannes Area, French Riviera
Nightlife
Yacht clubs, open-air beach bars and rooftop terraces all set the scene for a glamorous night out on the tiles. Whether you rub shoulders with the jet set in an old-school gents’ club, or just hang out with the locals in a streetside bar, a certain je ne sais quoi is guaranteed.
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Bar Américain
French Riviera
Charly's Bar
Cannes Area, French Riviera
