Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) The Aéroport Nice Côte d'Azur is the third largest airport in France and is located just 6 km west of the city center — right by the sea. From landing to the Promenade des Anglais can take less than 20 minutes. Two terminals, well organized. Flight connections from Ge

TGV from Germany The TGV connects Paris with Nice in 5.5 hours — one of the most beautiful train routes in France, especially the last 90 minutes along the coast. From Frankfurt, there are direct TGV/ICE connections to Strasbourg, from there continue with the TGV to Nice. Prices: from 59€ with early

Tram & Bus in Nice Nice's tram lines (L1 and L2) connect the main points of the city: airport, center, port, Cimiez (Matisse Museum). Single ride: 1.50€, day pass: 5€. The buses (Ligne d'Azur) also cost 1.50€ and cover the entire city area. Rental Car For the coastal cities, you don't need a rental

Nice — The Best Base Camp Nice is the best base for the Côte d'Azur: centrally located, excellently connected by train, with an airport on the doorstep and the widest range of accommodations in all price categories. From here, you can easily reach Monaco (20 min.), Cannes (35 min.), Antibes (25 min.

Packing List & Travel Essentials

The Côte d'Azur requires a versatile wardrobe — from beachwear to smart casual to something more elegant for evenings in Monaco or Cannes: Essentials Sun protection: SPF 50+ (the Mediterranean sun is intense), sunglasses, hat Water shoes / Aqua shoes: Essential for Nice's pebble beaches! Comfortab

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Travel Guide Côte d'Azur

Q: Practical Information

Language French is a must — English is understood in hotels and tourist facilities, but a few words of French open doors and hearts. Essential: "Bonjour" when entering any shop/restaurant (considered rude in France not to do so), "S'il vous plaît", "Merci". In Monaco, Italian and English are also sp

Your complete travel guide for the Côte d'Azur

Country:France (+ Monaco)

Language:French

Currency:Euro (€)

Best Travel Time:May–Jun / Sep–Oct

Flight Time:1.5–2 hours from DE

Visa:Not required (EU/Schengen)

Last updated: 20 March 2026 · 11 Chapters · 34 Sections

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The perfect first-time visitor tour: all the highlights in one week, with the ideal rhythm of culture, beach, glamour, and hinterland romance.

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Long Weekend — 3 Days

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The best of the Côte d'Azur in 3 days: explore Nice, marvel at Monaco, climb Èze. Stressful but doable — and you'll see the essence.

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Côte d'Azur & Hinterland — 10 Days

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The grand tour with coast and hinterland: all coastal towns plus the Gorges du Verdon, the mountain villages, and the lavender fields. Best with a rental car for the last 3 days.

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Art & Museums — 5 Days

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The Côte d'Azur as an art journey: Matisse and Chagall in Nice, Renoir in Cagnes, Léger in Biot, Picasso in Antibes, the Fondation Maeght in Saint-Paul, and Cocteau in Menton. One of the most rewarding art road trips in Europe.

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All Chapters

Planning· 3 Chapters

Chapter 1

Welcome to the Côte d'Azur

4 Sections

Chapter 2

Best Time to Visit & Climate

3 Sections

Chapter 3

Budget & Costs

3 Sections

Regions· 4 Chapters

Chapter 4

Nice — Capital of the Côte d'Azur

4 Sections · 1 Walking Tour

Chapter 5

Cannes, Antibes & Juan-les-Pins

3 Sections · 1 Walking Tour

Chapter 6

Monaco & the Corniche Coastal Roads

3 Sections

Chapter 7

Saint-Tropez & Hinterland

3 Sections

Understanding· 2 Chapters

Chapter 8

History

3 Sections

Chapter 9

Art & Culture

2 Sections

Practical· 2 Chapters

Chapter 10

Arrival & Transport

3 Sections

Chapter 11

Accommodation & Practical Information

3 Sections

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Regions at a Glance

Nice

The unofficial capital of the Côte d'Azur: the legendary Promenade des Anglais, the winding Old Town with the Cours Saleya, top-notch museums (Matisse, Chagall, MAMAC) and vibrant gastronomy. Both authentic and cosmopolitan.

Promenade des AnglaisVieux NiceColline du ChâteauMusée Matisse+1

Nizza

Cannes, Antibes & Juan-les-Pins

Film festival glamour on the Croisette, Picasso's legacy in the Château Grimaldi, the largest yacht harbor in Europe, and the most beautiful sandy beaches on the coast. Three places that could hardly be more different — and only minutes apart.

La CroisetteCannes Film FestivalMusée PicassoCap d'Antibes+1

Cannes

Monaco & Corniche Coastal Roads

The principality of superlatives: Casino Monte-Carlo, Grand Prix, Prince's Palace, and the three most spectacular coastal roads in the world. Plus the eagle's nest Èze and the lemon city Menton on the Italian border.

Casino Monte-CarloGrand PrixCorniche coastal roadsÈze+1

Monaco

Saint-Tropez & Hinterland

Legendary beaches, Provençal charm, and jet-set glamour in Saint-Tropez. In the hinterland, the perfume city Grasse, Europe's Grand Canyon (Gorges du Verdon), medieval mountain villages, and endless lavender fields.

Plage de PampelonneGrasse ParfumGorges du VerdonSaint-Paul-de-Vence+1

Saint Tropez