Côte d'Azur
Nice (Nizza)
Nice is the unofficial capital of the Côte d'Azur — and since 2021 a UNESCO World Heritage site as the "Winter Resort of the Riviera." France's fifth-largest city (340,000 inhabitants) combines Italian flair, French grandeur, and Provençal ease like no other place on the coast. Here, the ochre facades of the old town blend with the Belle Époque hotels of the promenade, markets with museums, the sea with the mountains.
Nice became French only in 1860 — before that, the city belonged to the Kingdom of Sardinia. This Italian past is felt everywhere: in the cuisine (Socca, Pissaladière, Salade Niçoise), in the architecture, in the language. The people of Nice still speak their own dialect, Nissart, a mix of Occitan and Italian.
Plan at least 3 full days for Nice — one for the old town and Castle Hill, one for the museums, one for the promenade and the Cimiez district. From Nice, you can easily reach the entire Riviera by train or bus.
Tipp
The best Nice hack: Buy the French Riviera Pass (€26/24h, €38/48h, €56/72h). It includes over 30 museums and attractions, a city tour, and the airport bus. Worth it from 2 museums per day.
Vieux Nice (Old Town)★★★
The Old Town of Nice (Vieux Nice) is a labyrinth of narrow streets, ochre-colored Baroque facades, fluttering laundry, and hidden squares. Located between Castle Hill and Place Masséna, it is the vibrant heart of the city — here people live, cook, celebrate, and haggle.
Cours Saleya — the most famous market on the Côte d'Azur. Tuesday to Sunday flower market (since 1897), Mondays antiques and flea market. Set up at 7 a.m., bustling until 1:30 p.m. Lavender sachets (€3), soap from Grasse (€5), olives (€8/kg), fresh Socca directly from the stand (€3 per portion).
Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate — Nice's Baroque cathedral on Place Rossetti, named after a Christian martyr from the 3rd century. Magnificent interior with gilded stucco work and a bell tower with glazed tiles. Next door, the best ice cream in town at Fenocchio (72 flavors, €2.50 per scoop).
Place Garibaldi — the most architecturally uniform square in Nice in the Piedmontese style (1773–1790). Named after the freedom fighter Giuseppe Garibaldi, who was born here in 1807. Today surrounded by cafés and restaurants — especially atmospheric in the evening.
Castle Hill (Colline du Château) — the 93 m high hill east of the old town offers the most beautiful panoramic view over Nice, the harbor, the Baie des Anges, and on clear days to Cap d'Antibes. The castle was destroyed by Louis XIV in 1706, but the park with its artificial waterfall is beautiful. Ascent via 213 steps (15 min.) or by free elevator at Tour Bellanda.
Park: free, daily 8–20 (summer until 21). Elevator: free, 9–19 (summer until 20).
Tipp
Eat Socca only at Chez Thérésa on the Cours Saleya (since 1920) or at Chez Pipo on Rue Bavastro. Socca is a crispy chickpea flatbread, fresh from the wood oven — Nice's national dish. Always eat directly from the tray, with a glass of rosé.
Promenade des Anglais★★★
The Promenade des Anglais is the most famous promenade in the world — 7 km of winding sidewalk along the Baie des Anges, lined with palm trees, Belle Époque hotels, and the azure Mediterranean. Financed by the English colony in 1822 (hence the name), it was the winter walk of the European aristocracy.
The Hôtel Negresco (1913) is the landmark of the promenade — a Belle Époque palace with a pink dome, designed by Dutch architect Édouard-Jean Niermans. The lobby with its Baccarat crystal chandelier (16,309 crystals, made for the Tsar in 1860) is freely accessible. A drink in the Le Relais bar costs from €14 — expensive, but worth it for the ambiance.
The beach of the promenade consists of pebbles, not sand — comfortable shoes or water shoes are recommended. Public sections are free, private beach clubs (Beau Rivage, Castel, Blue Beach) charge €22–35 for a lounger and umbrella, offering mattresses, service, and restaurants.
The promenade is ideal for jogging, cycling, or rollerblading — the separate bike path runs the entire length. "Vélo Bleu" bike rental at numerous stations (€1/30 min.).
Tipp
For the perfect photo: Stand on the terrace of Castle Hill (Belvedere platform) at sunset. From there, you can overlook the entire promenade in golden light — with the Alps in the background. Free and breathtaking.
Museums in Nice
Musée Matisse
In the noble Cimiez district, in a Genoese villa from the 17th century. Henri Matisse lived in Nice from 1917 until his death in 1954 — this museum showcases his entire oeuvre: from early still lifes to the Fauvism period to the late cut-outs. 68 paintings, 236 drawings, 218 prints, 57 sculptures. The garden with a view of the ruins of the Roman arena is worth a visit alone.
Free (since 2015 all municipal museums in Nice). Wed–Mon 10–18, Tue closed. Bus 15, 17, 20, 25 to Arènes/Musée Matisse.
Musée Marc Chagall
The world's most important museum for Marc Chagall's work — inaugurated by the artist himself in 1973. 17 monumental paintings of the "Biblical Message" in rooms specially designed for them. The bright colors and dreamlike scenes unfold their full effect in the natural light of the building. In the concert hall, three stained glass windows about creation.
€8 (reduced €6), under 26 free. Wed–Mon 10–18 (Nov–April until 17). Bus 15 to Musée Chagall.
MAMAC (Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art)
At Place Yves Klein: four interconnected towers display works of Nouveau Réalisme (Yves Klein, Niki de Saint Phalle, César), Pop Art, and contemporary installations. The rooftop terrace offers a spectacular view over the old town to the sea.
Free. Tue–Sun 10–18.
Musée Masséna
In a magnificent Belle Époque villa directly on the promenade: the history of Nice and the Riviera from 1792 to 1939. Napoleon memorabilia, historical photographs, costumes, and the opulent interior of an aristocratic villa. The garden with palm trees and roses is freely accessible.
Free. Wed–Mon 10–18.
Tipp
Nice's municipal museums are all free — take advantage of that! On a rainy day, you can cover Matisse, Chagall, and MAMAC. Only Chagall (National Museum) costs €8, but even that is a bargain for one of the most important museums in southern France.
Cannes & Film Festival★★
Cannes (75,000 inhabitants) thrives on glamour — and delivers it reliably. The Croisette, Cannes' legendary beach promenade, is 2 km of pure luxury: palm trees, designer boutiques (Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton), five-star hotels (Carlton, Martinez, Majestic), and the most expensive beach clubs on the Riviera. But Cannes has more to offer than red carpets and superyachts.
The Festival de Cannes (May, 12 days) is the most prestigious film festival in the world. The Palme d'Or has been awarded to films like "Pulp Fiction," "The Piano," and "Parasite." During the festival, the city is in turmoil — premieres at the Palais des Festivals, stars on the Croisette, open-air cinema on the beach (Cinéma de la Plage, free). Hotels cost three times as much, but the atmosphere is electric.
Le Suquet — Cannes' picturesque old town on the hill above the old port. Narrow streets, Provençal restaurants, the bell tower of the Notre-Dame d'Espérance church (1648), and from the tower of the Musée de la Castre a 360° panorama over the bay, the Lérins Islands, and the Esterel Massif. Here, Cannes still feels authentic.
The Îles de Lérins — two islands, 15 minutes by ferry. Île Sainte-Marguerite: pine forests, hiking trails, crystal-clear water, and the Fort Royal, where the "Man in the Iron Mask" was imprisoned. Île Saint-Honorat: a functioning Cistercian monastery from the 5th century, which today produces its own wine (tasting €8, 7 wines). A perfect half-day trip.
Ferry Îles de Lérins: Trans Côte d'Azur, round trip €16 (Ste-Marguerite) or €17.50 (St-Honorat). Departures every 30–60 min. from Quai Laubeuf.
Tipp
Cannes outside the festival (June–September) is surprisingly relaxed and cheaper. The public beaches east of the Croisette (Plage du Midi, Plage de la Bocca) are free and less crowded than the private sections. The best value for money for food is at Marché Forville (Tue–Sun 7–13).
Monaco & Monte Carlo★★★
Monaco — the second smallest state in the world (2.02 km²) is a surreal experience. 39,000 inhabitants, only 9,000 of whom are Monegasques, but the highest millionaire density in the world. Here, Bugattis park next to Ferraris, superyachts line up in the harbor, and the Casino de Monte-Carlo looks like an opera house — because it was built by the same architect (Charles Garnier).
The Prince's Palace on the Rocher (the rock) towers 60 m above the sea. Every day at 11:55 a.m., the changing of the guard takes place — punctual, ceremonial, and free. The state rooms are accessible from April to October (€10). The cathedral next door houses the graves of Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly — always adorned with fresh flowers.
The Casino de Monte-Carlo (1863) is the most famous gaming casino in the world. Admission to the gaming rooms (from 2 p.m.) costs €17 — the interior alone (Art Nouveau stained glass windows, gilded ceilings, onyx columns) is worth the visit. You can play from €5 at the slot machines, roulette from a €10 minimum bet. Dress code: no shorts, no flip-flops, no tank tops. ID required, minimum age 18.
The Oceanographic Museum (1910) — founded by Prince Albert I, a passionate oceanographer. Built directly into the rock, with a spectacular aquarium (6,000 specimens, 450 species), shark tank, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views. Jacques-Yves Cousteau directed the museum for 30 years.
The Monaco Grand Prix (last weekend in May) transforms the city's streets into a Formula 1 racetrack — the tightest and most dangerous on the calendar. Grandstand tickets from €130, but most sections of the track are visible from public areas. Outside the race, you can walk the track.
Tipp
Monaco is an expensive day trip, but surprisingly much is free: changing of the guard, cathedral, Japanese garden, Jardin Exotique (viewpoint), walk the Grand Prix circuit. Eat beforehand in Nice or Menton — a sandwich in Monaco easily costs €15. The train from Nice to Monaco-Monte Carlo takes only 20 minutes (€4.30) and offers spectacular coastal views.
Saint-Tropez★★
Saint-Tropez was a sleepy fishing village until the 1950s — then came Brigitte Bardot. The film "And God Created Woman" (1956) made the place overnight the epitome of jet set and bohemia. Today, "Saint-Trop'" is a bizarre mix of Provençal village charm and absurd luxury: fishing boats next to 50-meter yachts, boules-playing retirees next to Instagram influencers.
The Vieux Port (Old Port) is the heart of the action — the pastel-colored houses reflect in the water, an espresso at the Quai Jean Jaurès costs €5, and seeing and being seen is the program. In the mornings, real fishermen still dock here and sell their catch directly from the boat.
The Musée de l'Annonciade is a surprise: In a former chapel by the harbor hang works by Signac, Bonnard, Matisse, Braque, and Dufy — all painted in Saint-Tropez. Paul Signac discovered the place in 1892 and invited his artist friends. The collection is small but exquisite.
The Citadelle (1602) on the hill above the town houses a maritime museum and offers the best view over the bay, the rooftops of Saint-Tropez, and the Massif des Maures. The garden with peacocks is freely accessible.
Away from the hustle and bustle: the Sentier du Littoral — a coastal hiking trail that leads from Plage des Graniers to Cap Camarat. Wild coves, pine forests, turquoise water — the original Saint-Tropez.
Musée de l'Annonciade: €8. Tue–Sun 10–13 and 14–18. Citadelle: €4, daily 10–18:30 (winter until 17:30).
Tipp
Saint-Tropez has no train connection! Arrive by bus from Toulon (about 2 hours, €3 with Zou! bus) or by ferry from Sainte-Maxime (15 min., €8 one way, Bateaux Verts). In summer (July/August), the access via the only road is often congested — expect 1–2 hours of traffic. Best to arrive early in the morning or by boat.
Antibes & Cap d'Antibes★★
Antibes (75,000 inhabitants) is the best-kept secret of the Côte d'Azur — or at least it was. Located between Cannes and Nice, Antibes has a fully preserved old town with 16th-century fortress walls, one of the largest marinas in Europe (Port Vauban, 1,642 berths, superyachts up to 165 m), and with the Cap d'Antibes one of the most exclusive peninsulas in the Mediterranean.
The Musée Picasso in Château Grimaldi is unique: Pablo Picasso used the castle as a studio in 1946 and left 23 paintings and 44 drawings as a thank you. "La Joie de Vivre," "Ulysse et les Sirènes," and the cheerful fauns and centaurs — here you feel the Mediterranean joie de vivre that Picasso found on the Riviera. The rooftop terrace with views over the bay is magical.
The Marché Provençal (Cours Masséna) is one of the most beautiful markets in the region — covered, daily except Monday, 6–13. Fresh fruit, cheese, olives, tapenade, lavender soap, Socca. Less touristy than the Cours Saleya in Nice, better prices.
Cap d'Antibes — the peninsula south of the old town is a paradise for walkers. The Sentier du Littoral (coastal path, about 2 hours, 3.7 km) leads around the entire southern tip of the cape: spectacular cliffs, pine forests, hidden coves, and views of the Îles de Lérins. At the highest point stands the Phare de la Garoupe (lighthouse) with panoramic views and a chapel where fishermen have left votive offerings for centuries.
The Jardin Thuret — a botanical garden on the cape (established in 1857), 3.5 hectares with over 3,000 exotic plants. Free and hardly visited.
Musée Picasso: €8 (reduced €5). Tue–Sun 10–13 and 14–18 (summer continuously until 18). Jardin Thuret: free, Mon–Fri 8–17:30.
Tipp
Plage de la Garoupe on Cap d'Antibes is one of the most beautiful sandy beaches on the entire Côte d'Azur — fine sand, turquoise water, pine trees. The public section is free. From Antibes city center, it's a 20-minute walk or shuttle bus (€1.50).
Èze & Corniche Roads★★★
Èze is a medieval eagle's nest — a tiny village (2,500 inhabitants) clinging to a steep rock at 427 m altitude, offering a breathtaking view over the entire Riviera. On clear days, you can see as far as Corsica. The narrow streets are car-free, the stone houses host art galleries, perfumeries, and small hotels. Èze is touristy, but rightly so — the atmosphere is unique.
The Jardin Exotique on the ruins of the medieval castle is the highlight: cacti and succulents from around the world, arranged among the wall remnants, with perhaps the most spectacular panorama of the entire Côte d'Azur. Friedrich Nietzsche is said to have conceived the third part of "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" on the way to Èze — the hiking trail from Èze-sur-Mer up is now called Sentier Nietzsche (about 45 min., steep but rewarding).
The Parfumerie Fragonard in Èze offers free tours of the production — from flower to perfume. In the shop, fragrances from €25, soaps from €5. Founded in 1926 in Grasse, Fragonard is one of the last independent perfume houses in France.
The Three Corniches
The most famous coastal roads in Europe connect Nice with Monaco/Menton on three different levels:
Grande Corniche (D2564) — the highest route (up to 520 m), laid out by Napoleon on the route of the old Via Julia Augusta. Spectacular views, little traffic. The car chase in "To Catch a Thief" (1955, Hitchcock) was filmed here. Grace Kelly tragically died on this road in 1982.
Moyenne Corniche (D6007) — the middle route passes through Èze Village. The best balance of panorama and driving comfort.
Basse Corniche (D6098) — directly along the sea through Villefranche-sur-Mer, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, and Cap-Ferrat. Best for relaxed cruising and swimming stops.
Jardin Exotique Èze: €7 (adults), €3.50 (children). Daily 9–18:30 (summer until 19:30). Fragonard: free, daily 9–18.
Tipp
The perfect Corniche tour: Drive the Grande Corniche from Nice to La Turbie (visit the Trophy of Augustus), then down to Èze Village (Jardin Exotique, lunch), continue the Moyenne Corniche to Monaco (Casino, Oceanographic Museum), and return via the Basse Corniche with a stop in Villefranche-sur-Mer (the most beautiful harbor on the Riviera). Total duration: a full day with your own car or rental.
Beaches of the Côte d'Azur: The Ranking
The Côte d'Azur has over 300 beaches along 115 km of coastline — from tiny rocky coves to wide sandy beaches. Here is our ranking of the best, sorted by beach type and atmosphere.
The 5 Best Sandy Beaches
1. Plage de Pampelonne, Ramatuelle — 5 km of fine white sand near Saint-Tropez. The most famous beach on the Riviera, divided into dozens of beach clubs (Club 55 from €40 minimum spend, Nikki Beach from €50 for a lounger) and free public sections. Warm, shallow water — ideal for families.
2. Plage de la Garoupe, Cap d'Antibes — fine sand, sheltered bay, turquoise water like in the Caribbean. Half public (free), half private (Joseph-Plage, from €25). Surrounded by pine trees.
3. Plage de Paloma, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat — hidden bay on the peninsula of billionaires. Small pebble/sand mix, crystal-clear water, a simple restaurant. Accessible via a 15-minute walk from the parking lot.
4. Plage de l'Escalet, Ramatuelle — wild, unspoiled beach with pine trees and rocks. Less crowded than Pampelonne, no beach clubs, excellent snorkeling.
5. Plage de la Gravette, Antibes — city beach right by the old town of Antibes, protected by the fortress walls. Fine sand, calm water, view of the Alps. Free, with showers.
The 3 Best Rocky Coves (Calanques)
1. Calanque de Maubois, Èze — wild rocky cove below the Grande Corniche. Only accessible on foot (20 min. descent), often deserted. Fantastic snorkeling.
2. Anse de la Fausse Monnaie, Marseille border area — tiny cove with diving rocks and emerald green water.
3. Plage Mala, Cap-d'Ail — one of the most beautiful coves near Monaco. Steep descent over 200 steps, but below awaits a pebble beach with crystal-clear water and two excellent beach restaurants (main course €18–30).
Nudist Beaches
France has a long nudist tradition. On the Côte d'Azur, the following beaches are officially nudist: Plage de l'Espiguette (near Grau-du-Roi), a section of Plage de Pampelonne, and the Île du Levant (Hyères, 90% of the island is a naturist area).
Tipp
Many beaches on the Côte d'Azur are pebble beaches — water shoes (aqua shoes) are a must! Buy them in advance or at the Marché Forville in Cannes (from €8). For sandy beaches, you need to head specifically towards Saint-Tropez or Antibes.
Dining & Nightlife on the Côte d'Azur
The cuisine of the Côte d'Azur is Provençal-Ligurian — olive oil instead of butter, fish instead of meat, herbs instead of heavy sauces. The region has some of the best restaurants in France, but also fantastic everyday cuisine.
Typical Dishes
Socca — the chickpea flatbread from the wood oven, Nice's soul on a piece of paper. Hot, crispy, salty. From €3 on the Cours Saleya.
Salade Niçoise — the original: tuna (raw or canned), anchovies, hard-boiled eggs, green beans, olives, tomatoes, peppers. Never potatoes, never cooked vegetables! Every chef in Nice has a firm opinion about it.
Pissaladière — onion tart with anchovies and black olives on bread dough. The counterpart to pizza, but sweeter and more intense.
Ratatouille — stewed vegetables (eggplant, zucchini, peppers, tomato) with herbs of Provence. Every grandmother has her own recipe.
Bouillabaisse — the legendary fish soup from Marseille also has a tradition on the Riviera. At least three different fish, saffron, rouille (garlic-chili mayonnaise), and croutons. In good restaurants from €35 per person.
Pan Bagnat — "bathed bread": a round roll soaked in olive oil, filled with Salade Niçoise ingredients. Nice's perfect picnic food. From €5 in bakeries.
Restaurant Recommendations
€ Budget (main course under €15)
Chez Pipo, Nice · Rue Bavastro 13 — The best Socca in town, since 1923. Plus Petits Farcis (stuffed vegetables) and Vin de Bellet. No frills, great.
€8–14 · Tue–Sun 11:30–14:30 and 17:30–22:30
La Zucca Magica, Nice · Quai Papacino 4bis — vegetarian restaurant at the harbor, run by a South African chef. Set menu (€25) with 5 courses, all with pumpkin. Reservation needed.
€25 menu · Tue–Sat 12–14 and 19–22
€€ Mid-range (15–35€)
Le Safari, Nice · Cours Saleya 1 — Institution at the flower market since 1961. Salade Niçoise (€15), grilled sea bass (€24), bouillabaisse (€38). Terrace overlooking the market.
€15–38 · Daily 12–23
L'Épicurieux, Antibes · Rue du Docteur Rostan 14 — Bistronomy in the old town: creative Provençal cuisine, daily changing menu depending on market offerings. Lunch menu €22 (2 courses), evening à la carte €25–35.
€22–35 · Tue–Sat 12–14 and 19–22
€€€ Upscale (from €35)
La Petite Maison, Nice · Rue Saint-François de Paule 11 — one of the best restaurants on the Riviera, famous for its Petits Farcis Niçois and grilled sea bass. No Michelin star, but every local chef eats here. Reservation weeks in advance needed.
€45–80 · Mon–Sat 12–14:30 and 19:30–22:30
Le Plongeoir, Nice · 60 Boulevard Franck Pilatte — spectacular location on a former diving platform over the sea, on the cliffs below Castle Hill. Mediterranean cuisine with sea views that take your breath away. Cocktails from €14, main courses €28–42.
€28–42 · Daily 12–23 (summer)
Nightlife
Nice — nightlife is concentrated in Vieux Nice (bars on Rue de la Préfecture and Rue Benoît Bunico) and the Port (trendy bars on Quai des Docks). Popular addresses: Wayne's Bar (rock pub, Rue de la Préfecture 15, free entry, beer from €6), Le Shapko (live music, Rue Rossetti 5), High Club (Nice's largest nightclub, Promenade des Anglais 45, entry €15–20 incl. drink).
Cannes — more glamorous: Le Baôli (beach club & club, Port Pierre Canto, entry from €20, the Riviera's celebrity density), Gotha Club (in the Palais des Festivals, €30 entry).
Monaco — dress code everywhere: Jimmy'z (the legendary club in Sporting Monte-Carlo, entry from €30, cocktails from €25), Buddha Bar Monte-Carlo (in the Hotel de Paris, cocktails from €20).
Saint-Tropez — in summer: Les Caves du Roy (in Hôtel Byblos, the most exclusive club on the Riviera, no fixed entry ticket — you have to "fit in," champagne from €350 a bottle), VIP Room (most prominent guest list, entry from €25).
Tipp
The best value for money when dining: Order the "Formule Déjeuner" (lunch menu). Even upscale restaurants offer 2–3 courses for €18–28 at lunchtime — the same meal costs €50–80 in the evening. The French eat lunch between 12 and 2 p.m., after which many kitchens close. Always reserve in advance at upscale restaurants.
Villefranche-sur-Mer & Cap Ferrat★★
Villefranche-sur-Mer has the most beautiful natural harbor on the Riviera — a deep, sheltered bay surrounded by colorful houses climbing up the hillside. The small town (5,500 inhabitants) is only 6 km east of Nice but feels like a world of its own: quieter, more authentic, less styled. The old town with its covered alleys (especially the Rue Obscure from the 13th century, a completely covered street) exudes medieval charm.
The Chapelle Saint-Pierre at the harbor was painted in pastel frescoes by Jean Cocteau in 1957 — scenes from the life of Saint Peter, the fishermen, and the Roma. A small jewel. Entry €3.
The Plage des Marinières right at the harbor is one of the most beautiful beaches in the region: coarse sand, crystal-clear water, view of Cap Ferrat. Free, with restaurants within walking distance.
Cap Ferrat — the peninsula of the super-rich (David Niven, Charlie Chaplin, and the Rothschilds own villas here). The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild (1912) is the highlight: a pink Belle Époque villa with 9 themed gardens (French, Spanish, Florentine, Japanese…) and an art collection with porcelain, paintings, and 18th-century furniture. The gardens offer a 360° view over both bays of the peninsula.
The coastal hiking trail around the entire Cap Ferrat (about 2.5 hours, 11 km) leads past hidden coves, lush vegetation, and spectacular cliffs. The Plage de Passable on the west side is ideal for a swimming break.
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild: €16 (adults), €13 (children 7–17). Daily 10–18 (summer until 19). Audioguide included.
Tipp
Take bus 81 from Nice to Villefranche (15 min., €1.50) and then continue to Cap Ferrat. Alternatively: walk the Nice–Villefranche route along the sea (about 45 min., beautiful). From Villefranche, hike to Cap Ferrat (Sentier du Littoral, signposted from the harbor). Return by bus.
War dieses Kapitel hilfreich?
