Sep 3

Sep 3 The Ultimate Guide to the South of France

Welcome to your ultimate travel guide to the South of France! Over the years, my husband and I have visited this stunning region multiple times, primarily to attend the Monaco Grand Prix, where my husband DJs each year! With each trip, we've gathered plenty of tips and insights that I’m excited to share, so you can make the most of your own South of France adventure. In this post, you'll find everything you need to know—from flights and accommodations to must-see sights and activities along the breathtaking French Riviera!

Flights:

Three of the major airport hubs in the South of France are Nice (LFMN), Marseille (LFML), and Toulon (LFTH). Since we are typically traveling to the Monaco Grand Prix, we fly into Nice Airport. If you're planning to visit cities and towns like Cannes, Monaco, Nice, or Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Nice will be the most convenient airport for your trip as well.
Because we are traveling from Denver, there are unfortunately no direct flights to Nice. We have taken flights to Nice with Lufthansa, Delta, British Airways, and American Airlines, and have quite enjoyed each of our flights. With 1 stop layovers, these flights usually take anywhere from about 12-15 hours one way and cost roughly between $1,000-$1,700 roundtrip. Flying in Economy, we have found that Delta gives the best experience, with the comfiest reclining seats, food, and service. We were also lucky enough to experience our very first Business Class flight a few years back by upgrading our flights only a few hours before take off for a very discounted rate. See below in the “Travel Tips” section if you’d like to learn more about how to do this!

Where to Stay:

We love staying in Nice because it’s perfectly located in the heart of the French Riviera, offering easy access to nearby towns and attractions, all while being one of the more affordable destinations in the region. Over the years, we've enjoyed staying in several wonderful Airbnbs, and we usually choose the Le Carré d'Or neighborhood. It's the best area for dining, shopping, and sightseeing, plus it's within walking distance of both the beach and Old Town.

Things to Do & See in the French Riviera:

Promenade des Anglais in Nice: This picturesque boardwalk in Nice stretches all along the coastline, and taking a leisurely stroll here is one of my daily highlights. On both sides, you'll find breathtaking ocean views, lively beach clubs and restaurants, chic hotels and boutique shops. The people-watching is unbeatable too!
Eze / Le Jardin Exotique: Eze is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. This medieval hilltop village has incredible views of the Mediterranean and the surrounding French towns and beaches. You can easily spend a few hours walking around the village and exploring the Jardin Exotique. Tickets to the garden are about 7€ and it is absolutely worth it. You’ll capture some of the most beautiful photos of your entire trip in these gardens. Trust me, this is a MUST DO for your trip to the South of France!
Nice’s Old Town: This vibrant, historic neighborhood is a true gem of the city. You could easily spend hours meandering through its charming, narrow cobblestone streets and lively squares. The area is brimming with fantastic food and drink options, including several Michelin-starred restaurants, as well as local boutiques offering a range of Provençal specialties. As the sun sets, the nightlife comes alive, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a drink, savor a delicious dinner, and soak in the atmosphere under the stars!
Day trip to Cannes: Famous for its glamorous film festival, Cannes is a sparkling gem on the French Riviera, offering luxury shopping, stunning beaches, and a vibrant nightlife. With its palm-lined boulevards and scenic harbor, it's a perfect blend of elegance and coastal charm. We have taken a couple of half day trips to Cannes, and while it is a beautiful city, we prefer Nice a bit more. :)
The Cours Saleya Market in Nice: The beautiful Cours Saleya hosts several different weekly markets, including a fresh flower market, produce market, antique market and night market. We’ve found beautiful French film posters, delicious baked treats, and other Provençal specialties here. I would highly recommend strolling through this lovely, lively thoroughfare at least once during your time in the French Riviera! Learn more about the Cours Saleya Market by clicking here!
Snap some photos in Menton: Menton, nestled on the border between France and Italy, is a charming town with a strong Italian flair. This picturesque seaside gem, with its vibrant colors and quaint streets, is ideal for a relaxing half-day or full-day visit. Don’t miss the “Menton Viewpoint”—it offers stunning views and fantastic photo opportunities! :)
Villefranche Sur Mer: You can easily spend a morning strolling around this quaint, colorful fishing village, and trust me, you’ll love it. Be sure to make your way over to the Citadelle and its gardens before grabbing lunch and checking out the beautiful beaches and crystal clear water of Villefranche!
Stroll through St-Paul-de-Vence: Nestled in the hills of the French Riviera, St-Paul-de-Vence is a stunning medieval village known for its cobblestone streets, vibrant art scene, and sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. With its charming galleries, quaint cafés, and timeless atmosphere, it’s a must-visit for anyone seeking a blend of history and beauty. While we loved our time in St-Paul-de-Vence, we slightly preferred the other beautiful medieval village of Eze because of it’s dramatic views of the Côte d'Azur. :)
Castle Hill in Nice: This was my absolute favorite part of Nice! Castle Hill is located just past the Old Town area of Nice, and is accessible by stairs or an elevator. At the top of your climb, you are rewarded with the most breathtaking view of Nice you will ever see! You can also explore the park, take in views of the Nice Port, eat at the cafe, and take photos of the beautiful waterfall! Castle Hill is a must see when you are in Nice.
Live out your Bridgerton dreams at the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild: Perched on the stunning Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is a lavish estate with breathtaking gardens and opulent interiors. Once the home of the eccentric Baroness Rothschild, this historic villa offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the early 20th century, with panoramic views of the Mediterranean and beautifully manicured grounds to explore. I would highly recommend spending a morning here exploring the villa and the gardens, before exploring one of the nearby towns of Villefranche Sur Mer or Eze.
Spend the day relaxing at a beach club: We've enjoyed this at both Le Galet in Nice, and Paloma Beach in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. For the full experience, I highly recommend dedicating at least half a day to lounging in one of their comfy beach chairs, soaking in the beautiful blue water, catching up on a good book, and sipping on a refreshing Aperol Spritz. :) While prices have changed year to year, it typically costs around €100 for two lounge chairs, an umbrella and towels. Be sure to read below in the “Restaurants/Bars” section what we recommend ordering at each place!
Cheer for your favorite F1 driver at the Monaco Grand Prix: Each of our trips have revolved around the Grand Prix, which my husband DJ’s at! I detail everything about the Monaco GP in this post, if you’re interested!

Food & Drink:

Le Plongeoir: A visit to this spot is an absolute must when in Nice. Nestled on a rock formation along the coast, this charming little restaurant offers breathtaking views. The food is delicious—slightly on the pricier side, but the lively atmosphere makes it well worth it. After dinner, make sure to head downstairs to the lounge bar, Le Vivier, for a drink and a relaxed vibe to cap off the evening.
Grab some ice cream at Fenocchio: This yummy spot is nestled perfectly in Nice Old Town’s Place Rossetti. It is the perfect place to grab a cone, sit and enjoy the beautiful ambiance of this vibrant square.
Paloma Beach: If any of you have seen Emily in Paris, Paloma Beach is the real “Laurent G’s” beach club. This has quickly become one of our favorite spots in the South of France and we try to either do a beach day, or at least grab a cocktail or lunch at Paloma Beach each time we are there. We have ordered the lobster pasta, seafood tartare, tomatoes and burrata, ceviche, melon and parma ham, and several of their cocktails. Everything is always fresh and absolutely delicious!
Get the best croissant of your life at Maison Kayser: After sampling croissants all over Paris and the South of France, we always find ourselves returning to Maison Kayser. Perhaps it's the perfect balance of flaky layers and rich, buttery flavor, but we just can’t get enough. It’s our go-to spot for a quick, satisfying breakfast in both Nice and Monaco. If you visit, be sure to try their classic croissant, pain au chocolat, and delicious quiche!
Le Negresco bar: If you're in Nice, a visit to the iconic Le Negresco hotel is a must. Located along the famous Promenade des Anglais, it boasts several exceptional restaurants, including a charming outdoor bar. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail while taking in the breathtaking ocean views.
Anjuna Beach Club: This vibrant beach club is a favorite among celebrities, F1 drivers, and other A-listers. I would recommend starting your day in Eze and taking the scenic hike down the Nietzsche Path to Anjuna Beach Club (just be sure to wear sturdy shoes!). Situated along one of the most stunning stretches of coastline, with crystal-clear blue waters, it’s the perfect spot to relax. If you get the chance, definitely stop by for a bite to eat and a refreshing cocktail—you won’t regret it!
La Favola: La Favola is hands down one of our most frequent dining spots when we're in Nice. Situated on the lively Cours Saleya, it’s the perfect place for people-watching while enjoying delicious pizzas, pastas, and more. We've sampled a variety of their menu items, including the baked rigatoni, pizza blanche, and refreshing spritzes, and each one has been fantastic. The food and service are always outstanding, and the portions are HUGE. While there's often a line outside, it moves quickly, so it’s definitely worth the wait!
Le Galet: This is one of my all-time favorite spots to dine in Nice. Set right on the beach with breathtaking ocean views, it offers not only an incredible setting but also delicious food and drinks. We've tried several dishes, including the Seafood Linguine, Truffle Gnocchetti, and the Galet’s Spritz, and everything has been fantastic. I highly recommend making a stop here during your visit to Nice!

Travel Tips:

If you are short on time and wanted to combine a few of the above mentioned spots in one day, you could do Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat in the same day, or Èze and Menton in the same day. However, I would recommend spending a full day in Monaco or Nice!
On our first trip to the South of France, we initially booked round-trip economy class flights with Lufthansa, including layovers in Germany both ways. After taxes, fees, and seat selections, our tickets came to about $1K each. However, both my husband and I were feeling unwell leading up to the trip and realized we wouldn’t be able to sleep or relax in our original seats. So, we decided to monitor the cost of upgrading to Business Class in the emails that we were receiving from Lufthansa. The day before our flight, the upgrade was priced at $1K, but on the day of, it dropped to just $500—so we jumped on it! Let me tell you, it was hands down the best decision we’ve ever made. The experience was incredibly luxurious—our seats reclined fully flat, we received a lovely L'Occitane toiletry kit, and the food and drinks were outstanding. If you get the chance, I highly recommend splurging on Lufthansa Business Class!