5 Days French Riviera Itinerary: The Perfect Côte d’Azur Road Trip
Plan Your Trip
- First Time in France
- Travel Tips
Itineraries
- France Itineraries
- France Road Trips
Destinations
- Regions of France
- Hidden Gems
The French Riviera, also known as the Côte d’Azur, is one of the most iconic coastal regions in Europe. With its turquoise waters, colorful villages, and glamorous seaside towns, it offers the perfect mix of culture, nature, and Mediterranean charm.
This 5 days French Riviera itinerary is perfect for travelers who want to explore the best of the Côte d’Azur, from Nice to Monaco and Menton.
If you’re dreaming of picturesque harbors, hidden beaches, and hilltop villages overlooking the sea, this road trip is the perfect way to experience the best of the Côte d’Azur.
Map of this 5 Days French Riviera Itinerary
To help you visualize this road trip, here is the map of the 5 day French Riviera itinerary, including the main stops between Nice, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Èze, Monaco, Antibes, Cannes and Menton.
In this guide
Day 1 – Discover Nice, the Heart of the French Riviera
Start your journey in Nice, the vibrant capital of the French Riviera and one of the best places to experience Mediterranean culture.
Begin your morning in Vieux Nice, the historic old town filled with narrow streets, colorful facades, and lively cafés. Stop by the famous Cours Saleya Market, where locals buy fresh flowers, fruits, and regional specialties.
After lunch, take a walk along the legendary Promenade des Anglais, the seaside boulevard that stretches along the Bay of Angels.
For the best panoramic view of the city, climb up to Castle Hill (Colline du Château). From the top, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views over the old town, the harbor, and the turquoise Mediterranean Sea.
Spend the evening dining in one of the many restaurants in the old town and enjoying the relaxed Riviera atmosphere.
Day 2 – Antibes and Cannes
Continue your journey along the coast to the charming town of Antibes.
This beautiful seaside town is known for its historic ramparts, colorful harbor, and lively Provençal market. Wander through the narrow streets of the old town and soak in the relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.
While exploring Antibes on your French Riviera itinerary, consider taking a short detour to nearby Juan-les-Pins. This lively seaside resort is famous for its sandy beaches, beach clubs, and palm-lined promenade, making it the perfect place to stop for a swim or enjoy a seaside lunch.
From Antibes, continue your drive to Cannes, world-famous for hosting the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.
Take a walk along La Croisette, the elegant boulevard lined with luxury hotels, palm trees, and beautiful beaches. For the best views over the harbor and the bay, head up to Le Suquet, the historic old quarter of Cannes.
Day 3 – Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and the Riviera Coastline
On your third day, explore the beautiful peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, one of the most scenic spots on the French Riviera.
This peaceful village is known for its luxurious villas, crystal-clear waters, and spectacular coastal paths.
One of the highlights is the stunning Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, a historic villa surrounded by themed gardens inspired by Italian, Japanese, and French landscapes.
In the afternoon, walk part of the Sentier du Littoral, a coastal trail that circles the peninsula and offers incredible views of the Mediterranean.
You can also relax at Paloma Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on the Côte d’Azur.
Want to map this out for your own dates? Build it in the free planner →
Day 4: Hilltop Villages and Monaco
Today you’ll explore two iconic destinations of the French Riviera: Èze and Monaco.
Start the day in the medieval village of Èze, perched high above the Mediterranean Sea. Its narrow cobbled streets, stone houses, and artisan shops make it one of the most charming villages in the region.
Don’t miss the breathtaking views from the Jardin Exotique d’Èze, a botanical garden located at the top of the village.
In the afternoon, continue to the glamorous principality of Monaco. Visit the famous Monte-Carlo Casino, stroll through the marina filled with luxury yachts, and explore the historic old town where the Prince’s Palace overlooks the sea.
Day 5 – Menton, the Pearl of the French Riviera
End your itinerary in the beautiful town of Menton, located near the Italian border.
Often called the “Pearl of the French Riviera,” Menton is famous for its pastel-colored houses, lush gardens, and sunny climate.
Explore the charming old town that climbs up the hillside above the sea and visit the peaceful Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden, which hosts tropical plants from around the world.
Menton is also known for its annual Fête du Citron (Lemon Festival), a unique event where giant sculptures made of citrus fruits fill the town.
Enjoy a final walk along the seaside promenade and soak in the relaxed Riviera atmosphere before ending your journey.
Tips for Planning a French Riveira road trip
Planning your first trip to France is exciting, and this itinerary offers a great introduction to the country.
Here are a few tips to make the most of your journey:
Best time to visit
The best time to explore the French Riviera is between April and June or September and October, when the weather is warm and the crowds are smaller.
Getting around
The easiest way to explore the region is by car, allowing you to visit small coastal villages and scenic viewpoints at your own pace.
Where to stay
Many travelers choose to stay in Nice because it offers easy access to the entire coastline.
How long to stay
Five days is enough to see the highlights, but spending one week on the French Riviera allows you to discover even more hidden gems.
Free planner
Planning this trip yourself?
Lay out your days, drag in the places worth your time, and see straight away when a day is trying to hold too much. Free, and you don’t need an account to start.
Madison Laffont
Travel planner · Journeasy France
I have lived all over France — I moved my whole life, and every corner of it turned out to be its own place. Travelling once, I met people who were only going to see Paris, and I felt frustrated on their behalf. There is so much more. That is where Journeasy France came from.
Ready to explore France?
France offers endless landscapes to discover, from the Mediterranean coast to historic villages and breathtaking countryside.
👇 Start planning your journey and create your own unforgettable adventure.