French Riviera 9-day Itinerary
France
Where to go and what to see in the Cote d’Azur to get the most from your trip – a 9-day itinerary including Cannes, Monaco, Nice & Saint-Tropez from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
Bucket list experience:
Cannes, Cote d'Azur, France
Escape civilization along this surprisingly wild, circular 5km coastal path that winds around Cap d’Antibes. Start at Garoupe Beach and pass rocky cliffs, high over the crashing waves.
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Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
France
Where to go and what to see in the Cote d’Azur to get the most from your trip – a 9-day itinerary including Cannes, Monaco, Nice & Saint-Tropez from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
France
Where to go and what to see in Nice to get the most from your trip – a 5-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
If you don’t have a car, you can take a taxi or local bus the 15 minutes from Antibes port to Garoupe beach, where the walk starts from the car park. You could book in for a pricey but unforgettable lunch in season at Grill Eden Roc, the only part of the mythic Hotel du Cap Eden Roc that is open to the public.
Because the path edges over cliffs and can be slippery (marked with Danger de Morte signs), it’s closed during bad weather, and is best for adults. The best walking months in the region are March to October.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Antibes, Cote d'Azur, France[1.3 miles]
Iconic hotel and pool, steeped in decades of celebrity myth and glamorous legend, on the Cote d’Azur. Stupendous grounds, a boat and tennis courts, world-class service and the price tag to match.
Official star rating:
Cap d'Antibes, Cote d'Azur, France[2.4 miles]
An elegant hotel and lavish restaurant, trimmed by Antibes’ only private beach. It’s a perfect refuge for couples who want to be near the action but have a romantic retreat right on the sea.
Official star rating:
Cannes, Cote d'Azur, France[8.6 miles]
The stars’ favourite during the Cannes Film Festival, this legendary Art Deco hotel and beach club delivers on glitz and glamour.
Official star rating:
Cannes, Cote d'Azur, France[8.9 miles]
A luxurious and iconic film-star favourite in Cannes’ most desirable location – pole position on La Croisette. The hotel’s private beach, jetty and restaurant are still the see-and-be-seen spot in Cannes.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Cote d'Azur, France
Sister city of Hollywood and host of the famous film festival, Cannes, with its palm-lined La Croisette, golden beach and five star hotels oozes cinematic and pure Riviera glamour.
Cote d'Azur, France
The buzzing, art-filled, foodie capital of the French Riviera, with a charming, Italian-influenced historic centre. The ideal base for a first-time visit to the Cote d’Azur, and home to the world-renowned Nice Carnival.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Antibes, Cote d'Azur, France[4 miles]
A delightful collection of Picasso’s works, brimming with joie de vivre – housed in the castle once used by the artist as a studio.
Best for ages: 18+ | £7
Cannes, Cote d'Azur, France[9.6 miles]
The world’s top film festival, held in the South of France. Though designed for professionals, it can be just as fun for fans with free and ticketed screenings.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free | 11 days
Nice, Cote d'Azur, France[17.3 miles]
An architectural jewel, this museum between Nice and Antibes is filled with world-class modern and contemporary art, inside and out.
Best for ages: 18+ | £14
Nice, Cote d'Azur, France[19.4 miles]
One of France’s most splendid Belle Epoque villas, donated to the city of Nice by the aristocratic Massena family, is now home to a compelling collection of art, furniture and artifacts that track Nice’s rich history.
Best for ages: 18+ | £12
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Cap d'Antibes , Cote d'Azur, France[1 miles]
Sheltered from the wind, child-friendly Garoupe is a good choice for beach lounging. There’s a free, public section (Plage Municipale) with sunbeds and parasols, as well as multiple private beach clubs. Plage Keller is the trendiest. Petit Plage and Plage Joseph are also good, and family-friendly.
Best for ages: Any | Free
Antibes, Cote d'Azur, France[7.8 miles]
The biggest theme park on the Cote d’Azur – a sea-inspired water park – has dolphin shows, aquariums and fairground rides. In summer there’s also Aquasplash, an enormous water park and a mini-golf course.
Best for ages: Any | £25
Cannes, Cote d'Azur, France[8.4 miles]
If you want to escape the crowds, cross the water to this peaceful island, the second largest of the Lerins. There’s a 3rd-century abbey, where St Patrick once studied; there are lovely walks, swims and the monks’ wine to purchase. See the ferry website for departures and tickets.
Best for ages: 8+ | £15
Cannes, Cote d'Azur, France[9.6 miles]
Join the locals by shopping the luxury boutiques, then stopping for a drink and people-watching at one of the many canopied cafés along this iconic seafront promenade in Cannes.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free