Money-Saving Tips
Here's how to experience the Côte d'Azur without breaking the bank:
- Free museums in Nice: The Musée Matisse, MAMAC (Modern Art), Musée Masséna, and the Musée de la Photographie are free. Nice offers more free culture than any other city on the coast.
- Beaches cost nothing: All beaches in France are legally open to the public. Even in Cannes and Saint-Tropez, there are free sections between the private beaches — lay down your towel and enjoy.
- Use TER regional trains: The train line Nice–Monaco–Menton (€4.10) and Nice–Cannes (€7.90) is one of the most beautiful and affordable ways to explore the coast. No traffic jams, no parking stress.
- Marché du Cours Saleya: The famous market in Nice offers fresh fruit, cheese, olives, and Socca. In the evening, leftovers are sold cheaply — perfect for a beach picnic.
- Monaco for free: The Prince's Palace (changing of the guard at 11:55 free), the old town, the Jardin Exotique, and the harbor cost nothing. Even in the casino, you can admire the lobby for free.
- Eau du robinet: In restaurants, you can order tap water for free — just say "une carafe d'eau." It's drinkable and saves the expensive bottle.
- Nice Pass: The City Pass (€26–50 for 24–72h) offers free entry to museums, city tours, and public transport. Worth it for intensive sightseeing.
- Hinterland instead of coast: The mountain villages and the Var hinterland are significantly cheaper than the coastal cities. A lunch in Mougins or Vence costs half as much as in Cannes.