Cote D'Azur Holidays

The Côte d’Azur is where glamour sunbathes. With its yacht-filled harbours, chic beaches and pastel-perfect towns, this French Riviera beauty is pure holiday gold. Whether you’re strolling through Nice’s markets, celeb-spotting in Cannes, or sipping rosé in Saint-Tropez, you’re living la belle vie – with sunshine on top.

Good to Know

• 🌞 Fun fact: The name Côte d’Azur literally means "Azure Coast" – one look at the sea and you'll see why.

• 🏖️ Best beach: Plage de la Garoupe – crystal-clear water, creamy sands, and a pinch of old-school Riviera glam.

• 🍺 Pint price: Around €6 (about £5.15) – but sipping wine is way more on-brand here.

Highlights

• Nice’s Promenade des Anglais: Palm trees, sea breeze, and the perfect place to strut in your sunnies.

• Cannes Film Festival: Held every May – expect tuxes, flashbulbs and the odd megastar.

• Eze Village: A clifftop stunner with medieval lanes and knockout views over the Med.

• Boat trips to Îles de Lérins: Tiny paradise islands just off the coast of Cannes.

Local Lingo

Brush up on a few phrases to impress the locals – or at least charm your waiter.

• Bonjour! – Hello!

• Merci beaucoup – Thank you very much

• Une glace, s’il vous plaît – An ice cream, please

• Où est la plage? – Where’s the beach?

• C’est magnifique! – It’s magnificent!

Getting around – Côte d’Azur

This is one of the best-connected stretches of coast in Europe. The TER coastal train links all the main towns – Nice, Antibes, Cannes and Monaco – in under an hour. Buses are cheap, scenic and great for beach-hopping. Or go full Riviera and rent a convertible (headscarf optional, but encouraged).

Where is the best area to stay in Côte d’Azur?

The French Riviera’s got something for every holiday vibe – from family-friendly sands to boujee beach clubs and romantic hilltop villages.

• Families – Antibes: Safe, sandy beaches and a fab waterpark (Marineland is a must with the kids).

• Groups – Nice: Lively bars, buzzing beaches, and central for easy train trips along the coast.

• Couples – Èze or Villefranche-sur-Mer: Dreamy, peaceful, and almost too romantic to handle.

What are the best beaches to visit on your Côte d’Azur holidays

The French Riviera beaches are a mix of pebbly city strips and soft-sand coves – just bring beach shoes if you’re a tenderfoot.

• Plage de la Garoupe – Classy and quiet, perfect for sun-lounging with a book (or a glass of rosé).

• Paloma Beach, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat – Ultra-private, celeb-fave, and jaw-droppingly beautiful.

• Plage Publique de Beau Rivage, Nice – Pebbled but central, with loungers and cocktail service.

• Plage du Midi, Cannes – Soft sand and movie-star vibes – ideal for Insta-ready sunbathing.

• La Mala Beach, Cap d’Ail – Tucked-away gem with turquoise water and dramatic cliffs.

What are the best hotels in – Côte d’Azur

Hotels here range from Belle Époque beauties to boutique beach hideaways – all with a dash of Riviera chic.

• Hotel Negresco, Nice – An icon. Historic, lavish and right on the Promenade.

• Hotel Martinez, Cannes – Old-school glamour, private beach, Michelin-starred dining.

• Hôtel La Pérouse, Nice – Cliffside hideaway with unreal views and a quiet, romantic vibe.

• Le Mas de Pierre, Saint-Paul-de-Vence – Countryside calm, with pools, gardens and spa bliss.

• Hotel Belles Rives, Juan-les-Pins – Art Deco dream on the sea, once home to F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Things to do for families in Côte d’Azur

• Meet dolphins and ride rollercoasters at Marineland Antibes.

• Chill on Juan-les-Pins’ sandy beaches – ideal for little paddlers.

• Wander the flower markets and gelato stalls of Nice’s Old Town.

Things to do for couples in Côte d’Azur

• Watch the sunset from the exotic gardens of Eze Village.

• Take a private boat trip to Île Saint-Honorat with a cheeky champagne picnic.

• Dine al fresco in Menton, the Riviera’s pastel-painted sweetheart.

Things to do for groups in Côte d’Azur

• Hop on the coastal train for a DIY beach crawl from Nice to Monaco.

• Dance the night away in Cannes’ beach clubs and rooftop bars.

• Rent a villa with a pool in Grasse or Mougins – pool parties, sorted.

Things to do for foodies in Côte d’Azur

• Try socca, a crispy chickpea pancake – best from a market stall in Nice.

• Go wine tasting in the Bellet vineyards on the hills behind Nice.

• Feast on bouillabaisse (Provencal fish stew) in a sea-view bistro in Villefranche.