A Road Trip Through the Riviera: From Pastel Ports to Cliffside Views
- Shanna Stewart
- Apr 15
- 14 min read
“On the Riviera, even the breeze feels romantic — carrying whispers of salt, citrus, and summer promises.”
Driving the French Riviera is a journey stitched together by color — the blue of the Mediterranean, the pink facades of old towns, the green terraces of olive groves and pines. Each stop along the coast feels like its own little world, from glamorous harbors to quiet medieval lanes perched high above the sea. This road trip captures the Riviera’s mix of beauty, culture, and effortless summer energy.
This post will take you on a 10 day journey through the Riviera to the following towns:
Nice (2 nights)
Saint Jean Cap Ferrat (1 night)
Menton (2 nights)
Grasse (2 nights)
Antibes(1 night)
Best Time to visit:
The best time to visit the French Riviera is during the shoulder seasons of mid‑March to April and September to October, when the weather is warm, the crowds are lighter, and hotel rates are more manageable.
Day 1 - 3: Nice, France
Nice, France is the cultural heart of the French Riviera — a city where Mediterranean light meets Belle Époque elegance. Stroll the Promenade des Anglais, wander the Old Town’s pastel lanes, and linger at the Cours Saleya flower market for Provençal scents and color. With its international airport (NCE), seaside hotels, and easy access to Monaco, Èze, and Cannes, Nice is the perfect base for Riviera adventures.
Top things to do in Nice:
Promenade des Anglais — Nice’s iconic seaside boulevard lined with palms, beaches, and Mediterranean views.
Vieux Nice (Old Town) — a maze of colorful lanes filled with cafés, boutiques, and Baroque architecture.
Cours Saleya Market — the city’s famous flower and produce market bursting with color and local flavors.
Castle Hill (Colline du Château) — panoramic views over the Baie des Anges and a picturesque hillside waterfall.
Port Lympia — a charming harbor framed by pastel buildings and traditional fishing boats.
Matisse Museum — a serene museum in Cimiez dedicated to the life and works of Henri Matisse.
Where to stay in Nice:
Arome Hôtel
3-Star Hotel
Arome Hotel is a 3-star boutique hotel located at 65 Rue de la Buffa, 06000 Nice, France, situated just 200 yards (approx. 200 meters) from the city center and a 3-minute walk from the Promenade des Anglais.
The hotel features 10 fully renovated rooms, ranging from standard singles to junior suites, all equipped with air conditioning, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and en-suite bathrooms. Guests appreciate the exceptional service provided by the owner, Fabio, who is frequently praised for his warm hospitality, local expertise, and assistance with dinner reservations.
Hôtel La Pérouse Nice
4-Star Hotel
Nestled in the rock face of Castle Hill (Colline du Château), an impressive limestone prominence facing the Bay of Nice, is a unique 4-stars luxury hotel. With its authentic charm and warm welcome, this atypical and historic residence feels as if you have stumbled upon a hidden treasure. Its traditional stucco façade, with sunny colors and wrought-iron balconies, invites you to enter. As you discover the unobstructed sea views, Mediterranean patio garden and spectacular rooftop terrace, you will wish to never leave.
Adding to the boutique hotel’s allure is its privileged setting along the eastern end of the Promenade des Anglais. The city’s top attractions are but a few steps away: the beach and harbor, Nice Old Town, castle ruins and historic garden… La Pérouse is ideally located in a peaceful yet dynamic district, surrounded by rocks, trees and water. Here in the heart of Nissa la Bella, couples and families alike find an abundance of activities and entertainment – or can simply slow down and enjoy the region’s timeless beauty.
In this setting defined by natural elegance and heartfelt service, 53 rooms and suites offer a relaxing stay with views over the sea or Mediterranean garden with its century-old lemon trees and fragrant jasmin. Our luxury beach hotel with pool is your pied-à-terre in the south of France, where guests are treated as family and the Niçois way of life awaits your discovery.
Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel - A Leading Hotel of the World
5-Star Hotel
Anantara Hotels & Resorts went all out for their first property in France. The brand acquired one of the most iconic buildings in Nice — a Belle Époque landmark just off the Promenade des Anglais, one of the first luxury hotels in town when it opened in 1848 — and gave it a five-star glow-up. Local architect Jean-Paul Gomis and London-based David Collins Studio handled renovations, reimagining the interiors with a minimalist sensibility and an earthy color palette. The glamorous rooftop bar, with its curved leather banquettes and views over the sea, is a highlight. Rooms are sophisticated with coffered walls, elegant writing desks, and sleek bathrooms stocked with products made in the south of France; suites have lovely terraces overlooking the water. The hotel’s private beach club, with its striped parasols and chaise lounges, is straight out of a French Riviera fantasy.
For more oon Nice, see my post: https://www.wanderlusttravelbucketlist.com/post/bucket-list-europe#viewer-6rh8v170136
Day 3: Visit Le Franche Sur Mer on they way to Saint Jean cap Ferrat
Le Franche Sur Mer
Villefranche‑sur‑Mer is one of the most enchanting seaside towns on the French Riviera — quieter than Nice, more intimate than Monaco, and wrapped around one of the deepest natural bays in the Mediterranean. It’s the kind of place where pastel houses spill down to the water, fishing boats bob in the harbor, and every corner feels cinematic.
Things to do in Le Franche Sur Mer:
Explore the Old Town — winding medieval streets painted in warm ochres and pinks
Relax at Plage des Marinières — the town’s long, sheltered beach
Walk the waterfront promenade — perfect golden‑hour strolls
Visit the Citadel Saint‑Elme — gardens, sea views, and small museums
Take a boat tour of the bay — the water is unbelievably clear
Dine at the port — seafood, rosé, and sailboats as your backdrop
Days 3 -4: Saint Jean Cap Ferrat
(about a 35 minute drive from Nice to Saint Jean Cap Ferrat)
Saint‑Jean‑Cap‑Ferrat is a serene, upscale peninsula known for its turquoise coves, scenic coastal trails, and the iconic Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Once a retreat for royalty and artists, it remains one of the Riviera’s most beautiful and peaceful destinations — perfect for travelers seeking nature, elegance, and sea views at every turn.
Things to do in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat:
Walk the Pointe Saint‑Hospice Trail — dramatic cliffs, sea views, and a lighthouse
Visit Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild — gardens, fountains, and Riviera glamour
Swim at Paloma Beach — a stunning cove with views toward Beaulieu and Èze
Explore the Port — cafés, gelato, and pastel waterfront charm
Relax at Passable Beach — calm waters and golden‑hour sunsets
Take a coastal boat tour — the peninsula is even more magical from the water
Where to stay:
Boutique Hôtel & Spa la Villa Cap Ferrat
4-Star Hotel
Boutique Hôtel & Spa La Villa Cap Ferrat is a 3-star boutique hotel located at 49 Avenue Denis Séméria, 06230 Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France, situated on the peninsula just a 5-minute walk from the sea and harbor.
The hotel features 22 air-conditioned rooms equipped with private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, Nespresso machines, and free WiFi, with some offering views of the sea, pool, or garden. Amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, a spa with a sauna and jacuzzi (free access), a bar, and a breakfast room with views. Guests can borrow bicycles for free, and the property offers private parking (reservation required) with an electric vehicle charging station; note that there is no elevator in the building.
Hotel Royal Riviera
5-Star Hotel
Today there are a multitude of ways to see the Côte d’Azur, but the quintessential Belle Époque grand-hotel experience is alive and well at the Royal-Riviera in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Even when it opened in 1904 it was a somewhat eclectic blend of eras and styles, which means that although its most recent renovation introduced some modern elements, there’s no question of spoiling the historical atmosphere — the contrasts are only made richer, and the look more memorable.
Its rooms and suites are divided between the original building and the newer Villa Orangerie; many of the former have views out to sea, while the latter are more secluded, overlooking the swimming pool or the hotel’s Renaissance-style gardens from their balconies or terraces. And across all categories, the interior style is an era-spanning collage of old and new, effortlessly combining modern simplicity and classic Riviera grandeur.
The pool and gardens combine to create a lovely outdoor environment, and they’re augmented by the Royal-Riviera’s petite private beach, as well as a THALGO spa. Meanwhile the poolside Jasmin Grill serves Indian dishes from its tandoori oven alongside more typical Mediterranean fare; La Table du Royal, the hotel’s gastronomic restaurant, stays focused on locally sourced modern French classics.
Grand Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel
5-Star Hotel
The Cote d’Azur positively teems with the rich and famous, and groans under the weight of serious amounts of cash. Those wishing to mingle with the beautiful people will no doubt find the Grand Hotel du Cap-Ferrat to be isolated perfection; however it’s clearly not for those traveling on a strict budget.
A year away from its centennial anniversary, the Grand Hotel du Cap-Ferrat makes no secret of its illustrious guest list — statesmen, aristocrats, captains of industry, pop stars — but even if you’re not worthy of having your photo hung in the Grand’s bar, the staff will treat you as if you were. Combine this with the effortless style of the building, the stunning natural surroundings, first-class food and general air of sophistication, and guests will feel like royalty regardless of their ancestry.
Naturally, each of the rooms and suites is luxurious to the point of opulence, with furniture made from exotic woods and bathrooms finished in rare varieties of marble. A 2009 renovation added a new wing, featuring terrace rooms and suites with private pools, all designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon. And for another step up there’s the Villa Rose-Pierre, a frankly astounding semi-private residence hidden away amidst the scented gardens.
The Grand Hotel du Cap-Ferrat is a destination unto itself; many guests lounge at the pool club by day and in the bars and restaurants by night, and never venture off the grounds. Mountain bikes are provided for cycling around the Cap Ferrat itself, and a funicular connects the hotel to the beach below — but any excursions beyond this will require a journey by car or train.
Day 4: Explore Eze on way to Menton
Eze
Èze is one of the most cinematic stops on the French Riviera — a tiny medieval village perched high above the Mediterranean, wrapped in stone lanes, bougainvillea, and sweeping sea views.
Top Things to Do in Èze
Wander the medieval village Cobblestone lanes, stone archways, tiny ateliers, and endless photo corners.
Jardin Exotique d’Èze The village’s crown jewel — panoramic terraces and rare succulents.
Fragonard Perfume Factory Free tours + classic French fragrances.
Nietzsche Path Hike A challenging but rewarding coastal‑to‑clifftop trail.
Èze‑sur‑Mer Beach A quieter pebble beach with clear water and a relaxed vibe.
For more on Eze, see my post: https://www.wanderlusttravelbucketlist.com/post/where-time-stands-still-wandering-europe-s-most-enchanting-historic-towns#viewer-otx02561
Days 4-6: Menton
(about 50 minutes drive time from Saint Jean Cap Ferrat to Menton)
Menton is the sun‑kissed, pastel‑painted “Pearl of France”, sitting right on the Italian border and offering a softer, slower, more romantic Riviera vibe than its glitzier neighbors. It blends Côte d’Azur elegance with Ligurian charm — citrus gardens, Belle‑Époque façades, and a waterfront that glows at golden hour.
Top Things to Do in Menton
Explore the Old Town — pastel lanes, steep stairways, and cinematic viewpoints
Basilique Saint‑Michel Archange — Menton’s iconic Baroque church
Promenade du Soleil & Plage des Sablettes — beach time + Riviera glow
Jean Cocteau Museum — modern art meets Mediterranean light
Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden — exotic plants in a lush microclimate
Cemetery of the Old Château — one of the best panoramas on the coast
Marché des Halles — Provençal produce + Menton lemon specialties
Fête du Citron (February) — giant sculptures made entirely of citrus
Where to stay in Menton
Hotel de Londres
3-Star Hotel
Hôtel de Londres is a 3-star Art Deco hotel located at 15 Avenue Carnot, 06500 Menton, France, situated just a few steps from the beach and the Promenade du Soleil. The property features a floral garden, a sunny terrace, a bar named "Lime House," and a "Garden Bar".
Princess et Richmond
4-Star Hotel
Hôtel Princess et Richmond is a 4-star boutique hotel located on the beachfront in Menton, France, offering elegant rooms with stunning sea views and a rooftop terrace. The property is ideally situated on the Promenade du Soleil (also listed as 32 Avenue Général De Gaulle), just a short walk from the casino, city center, and train station, with Monaco approximately 7 km away.
The hotel features 44 rooms and 2 suites, all equipped with air conditioning, private balconies, and flat-screen TVs. Guests can relax on the outdoor terrace or solarium on the 7th floor, which includes a jacuzzi, sun loungers, and a fitness room available free of charge. Additional amenities include a 24-hour front desk, a bar, free Wi-Fi, parking options (including a garage), and a continental or buffet breakfast served on the terrace or in-room.
Villa Genesis
4-Star Hotel
The Villa Genesis enjoys a dream location in Menton, on the French Riviera. While staying at the hotel you will be able to discover all the treasures of this delightful coastal town and its region.
The sea, only 100 metres from the hotel, awaits you, while the Casino de Menton and the pedestrianised shopping street are just a short and pleasant stroll away.
From the Marché des Halles, a wonderfully atmospheric market, to the Jean Cocteau Museum, by way of the Saint Michel Basilica and the Bastion by the sea, the riches of Menton are yours to discover.
If you wish to venture beyond the environs of Menton, just a ten-minute drive will take you to the famous Rock of Monaco or to taste all the many pleasures of the street markets of Italy.
Day 6: Visit Sainte-Agnes on way to Grasse
Sainte-Agnes
Sainte‑Agnès is one of the most magical hilltop villages on the entire French Riviera — a tiny stone perch high above Menton, officially classified as “Plus Beau Village de France” and known as the highest coastal village in Europe. It’s quiet, medieval, panoramic, and feels like stepping into another century.
Top things to do in Sainte-Agnes
Explore the Medieval Village Narrow stone alleys, vaulted passages, artisan workshops, and quiet courtyards.
Château de Sainte‑Agnès Ruins A short climb to panoramic ruins with sweeping sea‑to‑mountain views.
Maginot Line Fort (Fort de Sainte‑Agnès) A fascinating underground WWII fort carved into the mountain — guided visits available.
Local Artisans & Boutiques Ceramics, soaps, and small ateliers tucked into ancient stone houses.
Hiking Trails Several routes connect Sainte‑Agnès with surrounding peaks and Menton.
Days 6-8: Grasse
(about 1 hour from Menton to Grasse with stop in Sainte-Agnes)
Grasse is the perfume capital of the world — a sun‑drenched Provençal town in the hills above Cannes, filled with medieval lanes, flower fields, and legendary fragrance houses.
Top things to do in Grasse
Fragonard, Molinard & Galimard Perfumeries Free tours, scent history, and the chance to create your own perfume.
International Perfume Museum (Musée International de la Parfumerie) A deep dive into fragrance, botanicals, and centuries of perfume craft.
Old Town (Vieille Ville) Pastel buildings, vaulted passages, artisan shops, and Provençal squares.
Notre‑Dame‑du‑Puy Cathedral 12th‑century church with works by Rubens.
Perfume Workshops Molinard’s “create your own fragrance” class is especially beloved.
Flower Fields (seasonal) May roses and jasmine fields in the surrounding countryside supply major perfume houses.
Where to stay in Grasse
La Bastide des Golfs
3-Star Hotel
La Bastide des Golfs is a peaceful, garden‑surrounded hideaway just outside Grasse, offering a warm, family‑run atmosphere with only 12 comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, and a market‑driven restaurant. Guests appreciate its quiet setting near the region’s top golf courses, its simple but welcoming rooms with air‑conditioning and free Wi‑Fi, and the relaxed ambiance that makes it ideal for low‑key Riviera stays or golf‑focused getaways.
Skylark Bed & Breakfast
4-Star Hotel
Skylark Bed & Breakfast is a highly-rated accommodation located at 32 Rue des Carrières, 06130 Grasse, France, situated in the historic "Quartier des Parfumeurs" district. It offers a contemporary "Loft Style" home with stunning views ranging from Cannes to Nice and is located just a 15-minute walk from Grasse's Old Town and International Perfume Museum.
Guests consistently praise the property for its spacious rooms, private balconies, and exceptional hospitality from the owner, Agnes. Reviews highlight the stunning views, clean and well-equipped facilities, and the availability of a fully equipped kitchen for self-catering, with many visitors describing it as a "hidden gem" or one of the best B&Bs they have stayed in.
La Bastide Saint Antoine
5-Star Hotel
Though its present incarnation dates back only to 1996, La Bastide Saint Antoine was built in the eighteenth century, on this hillside overlooking the Bay of Cannes. Surrounded by acre upon acre of cypress and olive trees, the locaton is peaceful and secluded, minutes from the village of Grasse, yet just 13 kilometers from Cannes.\t
The hotel is best-known for its restaurant, Jacques Chibois, bearer of two Michelin stars. Mr. Chibois spent fifteen years at the Gray d'Albion, in Cannes, and his obsession with olive oil, apparently, knows no bounds. This is one of France's most respected restaurants, and the cuisine lives up to its reputation. During the warmer months, meals are served outdoors, on the terraced garden, with a view of the distant Mediterranean and the surrounding hillsides.\t
The hotel itself is not to be overlooked, though — in its previous life as a country house, it was host to Kennedys and Rolling Stones alike; in fact Bill Wyman made his home here for a time in the early Seventies, when the Stones had fled England to escape taxation, and he enjoyed it enough to make the South of France his permanent home. The guest rooms are decorated in a tastefully authentic Provençal style, with antique furnishings and terra cotta floors, and all the conveniences modern day Rolling Stones would require — top-of-the-line entertainment systems and oversized bathrooms with massaging showers, comparable to anything found in a big-city luxury hotel.
There is a heated pool, and, charmingly, several bowling rinks, as well as access to all the outdoor activities the region offers, from hiking and golf to diving and waterskiing. Chances are, though, most guests are here for the high life, and we would guess that the restaurant and terraced gardens, as well as the smoking room and the library, will prove more popular than any outdoor expedition.
Day 8: Explore Cannes on way to Antibes
Cannes
Cannes is one of the Riviera’s most glamorous yet surprisingly diverse destinations — a blend of sandy beaches, old‑town charm, island escapes, and of course, the iconic Croisette. Whether you’re visiting for a day or settling in for a longer stay, Cannes offers a polished but relaxed coastal experience.
Things to do in Cannes
Palais des Festivals — See the famous red carpet steps.
Cannes Beaches — Public and private options with soft sand and calm water.
La Croix des Gardes — A forested hill with panoramic views and quiet walking paths.
Old Port — Yachts, pastel buildings, and sunset views.
Rue d’Antibes — Shopping street with boutiques and cafés.
Days 8-10: Antibes
(About 31 minutes drive from Grasse to Antibes)
Antibes offers that perfect Riviera balance: historic charm, walkable streets, soft‑sand beaches, and a spectacular coastline. The Old Town feels intimate and Provençal, while Port Vauban brings superyacht glamour.
Things to do in Antibes
Vieil Antibes (Old Town)
Wander narrow stone lanes, colorful shutters, flowered balconies, and lively squares.
Picasso Museum
Housed in the Château Grimaldi — Picasso lived and worked here in 1946.
Marché Provençal
A beloved daily market with produce, cheeses, flowers, and local specialties.
Port Vauban
One of Europe’s largest marinas, home to superyachts and a scenic promenade.
Cap d’Antibes Coastal Walk (Sentier du Littoral)
A stunning cliff‑edge trail with turquoise water and rocky coves.
Fort Carré
A 16th‑century star‑shaped fort with panoramic views over the bay.
Beaches
Antibes and neighboring Juan‑les‑Pins offer sandy beaches — a Riviera rarity.
Where to stay:
Hôtel Cecil
3-Star Hotel
Hôtel Cecil is a 3-star boutique hotel located in the heart of Juan-les-Pins, Antibes, housed in a historic Belle Époque residence built in 1890 for Lord Cecil. It offers 19 uniquely decorated rooms with contemporary styles, set within a tranquil, detached house featuring a garden and small terraces.
Le 1932 Cap d'Antibes - MGallery
4-Star Hotel
If there’s such a thing as a timeless destination, the French Rivera certainly qualifies. But that’s not to say it isn’t more strongly associated with some eras in particular. Le 1932 Hotel & Spa Cap d’Antibes, as an eagle-eyed reader might suspect, is dedicated to the glamour of the interwar era. And it’s no mere reconstruction; this very hotel has indeed stood on this spot since 1932, and after a very thorough renovation it’s looking every bit as elegant as it would have upon its opening.
Today it’s a part of Accor’s MGallery collection, which features one-off boutique-style hotels that don’t fit in to any established brand. The look is heavily Art Deco–influenced, but modern as well — its visual simplicity and restraint mark it as a contemporary tribute rather than a faithful reproduction. The most desirable rooms and suites look out to sea from private balconies; anyway the beach at Belle Rives is just steps from your door.
Two restaurants serve Le 1932’s guests: La Rotonde, the wintertime restaurant in a Twenties throwback dining room, and the summertime Quinto Cielo, serving dishes inspired by Italy and Spain on a rooftop terrace under the sun.
Villa Miraé by Inwood Hotels - Cap d'Antibes
5-Star Hotel
If what you’re after is classic pastel luxury on the Cap d’Antibes then it’s hard to do much better than Villa Miraé by Inwood Hotels, a semi-secluded compound just yards from the beach. With 35 rooms and suites it’s smallish but full-featured, with a charming outdoor swimming pool and solarium as well as two restaurants helmed by Chef Mauro Colagreco: the gastronomic Amarines by Mauro Colagreco for refined Mediterranean cuisine, and Miraé by Mauro Colagreco which offers relaxed all-day dining.
Day 10: Drive back to Nice for your flight
(about 30 minutes drive time)
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