Nestled in the southeast corner of France, the French Riviera is renowned for its captivating landscapes, Provencal cuisine, charming Gallic towns and cities, and joie de vivre. It has long been the playground of the rich and famous since the 19th century, and it’s still as charming as it is now. As one of the most picturesque French regions, it is the perfect destination for those seeking extraordinary cuisine combined with fascinating culture and history.
To make the most of your holiday, consider staying in places offering the best views. So, check out this list of the best places to stay on the French Rivera with a sea view.
- Eze
Overlooking the stunning Mediterranean Sea, the enchanting village of Eze offers some of the best views of the French Riviera. The hilltop village has winding pedestrian streets, gorgeous gardens, and luxurious hotels, making it an ideal place to stay on your holiday in the French Riviera.
Dubbed the “eagle’s nest” because of its location high up on the cliff, Eze is a fun place to stroll around. While staying in Eze, you can wander around its pretty cobblestone streets with old stone buildings draped in colourful flowers. Since the town is small, you can explore everything in less than an hour. When it’s time to relax, head to one of its beautiful gardens or grab a snack at one of the pretty cafes along the street.
Le Jardin Exotique is a must-visit. It’s a gorgeous garden built on an ancient castle, which you can easily access through the town. Aside from admiring the variety of exotic plants, it’s a perfect place to relax while enjoying the panoramic views of the Mediterranean.
Eze is home to two perfume houses that are worth checking out. Aside from touring the factory and learning about the local perfume industry, you’ll have a chance to try and purchase some scents.
- Saint-Tropez
As one of France’s most visited destinations, Saint-Tropez is home to some of Europe’s most fabulous villas and hotels, making it one of the best places to stay on the French Riviera. Aside from the incredible accommodation options, there are many good reasons to stay in the picturesque town.
For one, it’s home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the South of France. Of these, Pampelonne Beach is the most popular. It’s a long stretch of fine white sand with crystal-clear waters.
Another thing that makes Saint-Tropez a great place to stay is its lively nightlife scene. It has many exclusive clubs and bars for those looking for a night out on the town. Head to Les Caves du Roy, one of the town’s most famous nightlife spots and a favourite among celebrities and jetsetters looking to party in style on the French Riviera.
One of the things to look forward to in Saint-Tropez is the delicious Mediterranean cuisine. Between hanging out at the beaches and partying, you can indulge in some delectable local cuisine, from seafood dishes to traditional Provencal cuisines.
- Grasse
The French Riviera lures travellers seeking upscale experiences. Thus, you will find plenty of luxury accommodation options in the Cote d’Azur, great for those who want to explore the French Riviera in luxury. Many of these accommodations are in Grasse, a lovely town renowned for its thriving perfume industry since the end of the 18th century.
A land of art and history, your visit to Grasse will take you on a journey through time, from its 13th-century cathedral to lavish mansions from the 17th and 18th centuries. Immerse in the city’s culture, history, and heritage on your visit to the city’s top museums, including the Fragonard Art Museum. Learn about the life and career of famous painter Jean-Honoré Fragonard, who hails from the town and represents the French art of the 18th century.
You will enjoy wandering around the picturesque city, checking out its local attractions and beautiful sights. When it’s time to relax, settle down on the terrace of one of the city’s cute cafes and treat yourself to a cup of coffee and French pastries. If you’re looking for a full meal, visit one of the local restaurants and order the local specialty, lou fassoum, a cabbage stuffed with rice, pork, and peas.
- Cannes
Many people heading to the French Riviera will choose Cannes as their base, and it’s easy to see why. Aside from being home to some of the world’s most sophisticated hotels, it boasts an incredible shopping scene and has many cultural and historic spots to delight visitors.
As you wander around town, you’ll understand how art is at the forefront of the town’s culture. Its picturesque streets are full of art galleries and magnificent buildings like the Chateau de la Castre, a medieval castle that was a monks’ monastery turned into a museum.
When most people think of Cannes, they immediately associate it with the film festival. The event gathers world-famous celebrities, journalists, and producers into the town for over a week of film-related events. If you happen to be in Cannes during the Film Festival, you’ll most likely bump into one of your favourite celebrities at the beach and other public places.
- Antibes
Antibes is one of the French Riviera’s most incredibly picturesque destinations and an ideal place to stay for your holiday in the region. Aside from its history, culture, art, and cute cafes, it has a stunning harbour, pristine beaches, and gorgeous coastal scenery.
While staying in Antibes, you can stroll through its pretty streets, admire well-preserved Renaissance and medieval buildings, relax by the beach, or shop for produce and souvenirs from its lively local markets.
Antibes is renowned for its vibrant cafe culture. As you wander around the city, you’ll find many cute cafes with outdoor seats, offering the perfect spot to sip coffee while observing locals going out and about.
Antibes’ dining scene is also incomparable. The city has many fantastic restaurants specialising in local French cuisines, from seafood shacks to traditional restaurants and alfresco dining venues.