Your guide to the French Riviera

Glitz and glamour, twinkling turquoise seas, pale rosé and fresh peaches. These are just a few of the reasons the French Riviera has been such a beloved holiday destination for so long. From the celebrity hotspots of Antibes and Saint-Tropez to the burgeoning food scene in Marseille, it’s not surprising that the Côte d’Azur was chosen as the location of the fourth season of acclaimed TV series The White Lotus, which is set to premiere in 2027.

While the south of France has a single coastline, there’s more variation than you might think. The pizzazz (and prices) generally increase the further east you go, while the western Riviera landscape is a little more rugged and full of authentic charm.

Starting from Marseille

To reach the Côte d’Azur from Paris, you can hop on a quick flight to Marseille in the west, the small airport of Toulon-Hyères in the southern tip, or Nice in the east. Another option is to take the train to any point along the coast, with Marseille a mere three hours on the TGV from Paris. If you have time, why not start there and work your way east. Read on to discover the best places to visit along the way. 

While Marseille used to be seen as unpolished, it’s become the trendy new escape for Parisians. Its up-and-coming food scene now gives Lyon a run for its money after lots of young chefs moved to the city. Head to Cours Julien for diverse cuisine and, once you’ve had your fill, venture outside the city for perfect respite in Les Calanques.

Stretching from Marseille to Cassis, the Calanques National Park features rugged limestone cliffs and vibrant turquoise sea views. Take in the beautiful scenery and fresh salty air, whether by kayak or an overland hike. Don’t skip visiting Cassis or its neighbour La Ciotat, though — two small and charming coastal towns that can be explored in a day. In Cassis, try restaurant Cassis et Romarin for fresh, home-cooked lunches and tarts. Venture 10 minutes outside the town and visit one of the many vineyards for a tasting, such as Domaine du Paternel , which also offers sweeping views across the vines. Head a little further along the coast to La Ciotat and wander the winding streets of the old town around the port. 

Bandol vineyards and more

If more wine is what you’re after, you’re in luck: as you enter the department of Le Var, you’ll hit the famous wine region of Bandol. Not to be missed is the glamorous new island hotel just off the coast, Zannier Île de Bendor. A short boat ride from the mainland, the island was acquired in 1950 by Paul Ricard, the creator of Pastis, the anise- and liquorice-flavoured apéritif. It became famous in the 1960s as a hub of hedonism, loved by locals and celebrities alike, and only recently reopened after a five-year renovation.

As you travel east through the Var department, don’t miss the towns of Sanary-sur-Mer and Hyères — get lost in the beautiful streets lined by pastel pink buildings and fading blue shutters. In Hyères, a bustling market fills the streets on Tuesday and Saturday mornings, selling fresh melons, olives and more. Need to recharge? Head to La Vague for brunch or check into Le Provençal, a family-run hotel welcoming guests since 1951 – its famous rock pool alone is worth the stay. From there, you’re in the perfect spot to hop on the ferry to the island of Porquerolles. Hire e-bikes when you arrive and whizz round the coast, stopping off to swim in bright blue seas at little beaches before enjoying a refreshing drink at one of the many bars and restaurants at the port.

Continuing your journey east, you’ll pass through the pretty village of Bormes-les-Mimosas on your way to the iconic hotspot of Saint Tropez, loved by famous names from Picasso to Brigitte Bardot. For a taste of the glamour, peruse the superyachts at Quai Jean Jaurès, try a famous tarte tropézienne and check into the iconic Hotel Byblos. For a peaceful retreat, Villa Cosy is a serene hotel surrounded by lush gardens, yet still mere moments from the hustle and bustle of the town centre.

Cannes and Nice escapades

Next up, you can’t miss Cannes. Spend a day or two strolling along the palm-tree-lined promenade, relaxing on the beach and enjoying good food — the newly opened Le Beefbar at the iconic Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic is a must-visit for the indulgent truffle mash. Head a little further up the coast to Antibes for its beautiful old town and, of course, more superyachts. Treat yourself to a sunset drink overlooking the sea at the luxurious and glamorous Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc’s Bellini Bar .

The last big name to visit is Nice. Take a turn around the designer boutiques (even if only window shopping), wander along the Promenade des Anglais by the sea and soak up the atmosphere with a meal at one of the many bougie beach clubs.

Finally, don’t miss some of the quieter gems along this stretch of the coast, such as the utterly beautiful Villefranche-sur-Mer and Menton, which is considered the final stop on the French Riviera before you reach Monaco.