Itinerary tips for 3, 5 and 7 days in the French Riviera

” Find out what to do and see on your next trip to the French Riviera in France with expedia.co.uk/explore. Check out our itineraries for 3, 5 and 7 days!

A trip to the French Riviera will ruin you in the most delicious of ways. Located on the Mediterranean coast in southeast France, this area is known for its beauty. There’s the exquisite architecture straight out of a postcard, museums overflowing with stunning art pieces, and soft shorelines next to topaz seas. A trip to this region will change your life. Pack your bags, because we have a 3, 5, and 7-day French Riviera itinerary guide that will have you soaking up the sun during an epic holiday.

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3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Nice

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If you’re asking yourself where to fly into for a vacation in the French Riviera, the answer is simple: Nice. This gorgeous city has one of the most accessible airports in the region, and offers the perfect first impression of the area. Nice maintains its classical aesthetic, with quaint outdoor cafés and lovely apartment buildings with colourful window shutters.

Walk along Promenade des Anglais, the famous 7-km path along the coastline. If you’re deciding where to book your French Riviera hotel, anywhere close to this landmark is highly recommended.

There are over 100 museums in the area. Stop into favourites like Palais Lascaris, which is known for housing more than 500 musical instruments, or Villa Massena, home to stunning art pieces from the 18th through 20th century.

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Day 2: Cannes

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Located 33 km south of Nice, a coastal drive will take you to the famous city of Cannes. Known for its world-class film festival, the city also offers plenty of shopping and gorgeous, centuries-old architecture. If you’re wondering where to stay in the French Riviera, this is grandeur at its best.

Shop along Promenade de la Croisette, which is a cornerstone of the city and has some of the top-named luxury brands in the world. In fact, walking through this area is considered one of the top things to do in the French Riviera.

Bring your camera to Le Vieux Port. This is a top spot to watch dazzling yachts float into town as you sip on a cocktail at a seaside bar. The sunsets are magical as well.

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Day 3: Îles de Lérins

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Located only a 15-minute ferry ride from Cannes, Îles de Lérins is a perfect cluster of islands to visit for a day trip. The last ferry back leaves in the early evening, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy museums and monk-grown wine.

Sainte-Marguerite Island is home to Musée de la Mer**, which once held the Man in the Iron Mask as prisoner and is now an archaeological museum.

Make a stop at Abbaye de Lérins**. This monastery is still home to devout monks (the only full-time inhabitants on the island), who make award-winning wine. Pick up a bottle, along with some honey and olive oil to take home.

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5-Day Itinerary

Day 4: Saint Tropez

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Make Saint Tropez your next stop. In the 1950s, fashion model and actress Brigitte Bardot landed in Saint Tropez, and ever since, these French Riviera beaches have been known as the sexiest in the country.

Spend the day stretched out on Pampelonne Beach. It’s the longest and most popular beach in the area, and a prime spot for incredible yachts and a ritzy beach bar scene.

Don’t want tan lines? Plage de Tahiti is one of the most famous nude beaches in the world.

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Day 5: Monaco

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Monaco is technically its own country (the second smallest in the world!), but given its proximity to the French Riviera, it’s a must-visit. After all, any city with princes and princesses deserves a spot on your French Riviera itinerary.

Is it a casino or a palace? Casino de Monte-Carlo was designed by Charles Garnier, who created the opulent Paris Opera House. The casino’s astounding beauty may lessen the pain of losing a hand at blackjack.

Make time to watch the changing of the guards ceremony in front of the official Prince’s Palace.

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7-Day Itinerary

Day 6: Marseille

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Marseille could easily win the prize for the best city in the French Riviera, due to its abundance of things to do. You can just as easily spend your afternoon cycling around the coast as you can admiring antique art pieces or strolling through a manicured garden.

The city is full of impressive museums. Explore favourites like the Mucem, with its incredible architecture and amazing sea views, and Musée des Beaux-Arts, which is the oldest museum in town.

Play tourist when you book a ticket on the Marseille Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour bus ride. It’s the easiest way to stop and explore 13 of the top attractions in the area, including Vieux Port and Notre-Dame de la Garde.

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Day 7: Préalpes d’Azur Regional Natural Park

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After spending most of your trip amongst brilliant art museums and upscale shops, it’s time to unwind in nature. Head to Préalpes d’Azur Regional Natural Park, which has over 2,000 plant species, along with stunning views of gorges and valleys.

The Authion Circuit will take you past battlegrounds and defensive structures from the 14th century through WWII.

Take a bike or car along Route Napoléon, which follows the emperor’s route when he returned from the island of Elba in 1815.

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A weekend (or week) getaway to the French Riviera is the exact kind of inviting holiday you deserve. With all of the beauty, history, and wine, life is lived to the fullest around here. Book your flight to the French Riviera, reserve a world-class hotel, and enjoy your time along the coast.”