📍 France

FRENCH RIVIERA: COASTAL GEMS AND PERCHED VILLAGES

Lemon-scented coasts meeting Mediterranean blue, villages perched like eagle's nests, lights dancing on harbors, ramparts framing endless views. The Riviera, irresistible.

≈ 15
Days
124
Km
15
Stops
📖 9 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Explore the Riviera between sea and perched villages. Pass through Menton and its gardens, climb to Sainte-Agnès commanding the coast, discover Roquebrune, Beaulieu and Villefranche-sur-Mer, ascend to Èze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence, visit Biot and Gourdon, then end at Antibes where heritage meets Mediterranean.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Menton

lemon groves scent warmly

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10 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Menton — colorful old town (alleyways, stairs) up to Saint-Michel basilica and panoramic terrace over the bay.
2
Jean Cocteau Museum (Séverin Wunderman collection) — works inspired by the Mediterranean.
3
Val Rahmeh Garden — subtropical garden with rare species and pools.
🎯

Activities

→
Promenade du Soleil — coastal walk shaded by palm trees.
→
Discovery of Jardin Biovès installations (depending on season).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 6 km
Travel time: 7min
2
Day

Sainte Agnes

clifftop village crowns impossibly

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6 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Sainte-Agnès — perched village (800 m), flowered alleyways and sea-mountain view from the castle ruins.
2
Maginot fortification of Sainte-Agnès — underground route and historical exhibition (subject to opening).
🎯

Activities

→
Ridge trail — short loop with viewpoints over the Riviera (moderate level).
→
Local produce break (local products) on the village square.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 3 km
Travel time: 4min
3
Day

Roquebrune Cap Martin

rocky cape guards cove

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5 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin — medieval village, alleyways and 10th-century castle (exteriors).
2
Le Corbusier Promenade — customs officers' path along the cape's coves.
3
Villa E-1027 (exteriors) — modernist architecture icon by the sea.
🎯

Activities

→
Coastal walk and swimming breaks in sheltered coves (depending on season).
→
Ascent to Mont Gros for panorama over Monaco and the Italian Riviera.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 5 km
Travel time: 6min
4
Day

Monaco

luxury glimmers royal grace

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6 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Monaco-Ville (the Rock) — historic alleyways, Saint-Martin gardens and Prince's Palace esplanade (ext.).
2
Oceanographic Museum — collections and view of the deep blue sea.
3
Casino Square — Belle Époque architecture, iconic facades and gallery.
🎯

Activities

→
Walk along Port Hercule — panorama of yachts and the F1 track.
→
Exotic gardens and urban viewpoints (optional).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 11 km
Travel time: 13min
5
Day

Beaulieu Sur Mer

beaches curve golden sand

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5 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Beaulieu-sur-Mer — seaside promenade, palm trees and marina.
2
Villa Kérylos (exterior/architecture) — reconstruction of an ancient Greek residence.
🎯

Activities

→
Maurice Rouvier Promenade (Beaulieu ↔ Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat section) — views of the harbor.
→
Petite Afrique Beach — relaxation and peaceful swimming (seasonal).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 2 km
Travel time: 3min
6
Day

Saint Jean Cap Ferrat

peninsula crowns elegance alone

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9 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat — cape tour via sections of the coastal path (cliffs, pines, coves).
2
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild — themed gardens and musical fountains (park).
🎯

Activities

→
Coastal kayaking/paddling along the points (calm sea).
→
Swimming at Passable or Paloma beach (depending on exposure).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 3 km
Travel time: 3min
7
Day

Villefranche Sur Mer

harbor opens perfect circle

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6 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Villefranche-sur-Mer — old pastel town and sloping streets down to the waterfront.
2
Saint-Elme Citadel (ext.) — 16th century bastion and municipal museums.
🎯

Activities

→
Marinières Beach — swimming/snorkeling in the harbor (clear waters).
→
Walk from quai de la Santé to port de la Darse (photo spots).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 6 km
Travel time: 8min
8
Day

Eze

spires pierce azure sky

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6 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Èze-village — medieval streets, workshops and belvederes suspended above the sea.
2
Exotic Garden of Èze — cacti and viewpoints over the Mediterranean.
3
Fragonard Perfumery — discovery of local expertise (depending on hours).
🎯

Activities

→
Friedrich-Nietzsche Trail (ascent from Èze-sur-Mer or descent) — challenging section.
→
Panoramic pause at the castle ruins (village summit).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 24 km
Travel time: 29min
9
Day

Cagnes Sur Mer

artist studio village thrums

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7 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Haut-de-Cagnes — medieval town, small squares and viewpoints.
2
Grimaldi Castle-Museum (ext.) — keep and esplanade.
3
Seaside district — Plage promenade (walking/cycling stroll).
🎯

Activities

→
Renoir Museum (Domaine des Collettes) — studio and olive grove (according to opening hours).
→
Côte d'Azur Racecourse — tour of the stands and esplanade (according to schedule).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 6 km
Travel time: 7min
10
Day

Saint Paul De Vence

ramparts guard renaissance souls

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4 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Saint-Paul-de-Vence — ramparts, artisan streets and views over the valley.
2
Maeght Foundation — sculptures and modern works outdoors and in galleries.
🎯

Activities

→
Route along the curtain walls (ramparts) and belvederes.
→
Art itinerary in the village (main galleries).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 8 km
Travel time: 9min
11
Day

Saint Jeannet

slopes climb sunny faces

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4 photos
Day 11
🔍

Discover

1
Saint-Jeannet — balcony village and trail starting points toward the Baou.
2
Baou de Saint-Jeannet — limestone summit with Var-coastal panorama.
🎯

Activities

→
Hiking (round trip to summit plateau) — easy rocky passages.
→
Equipped climbing sites (with supervision).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 16 km
Travel time: 19min
12
Day

Tourrettes Sur Loup

violets weave village lanes

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2 photos
Day 12
🔍

Discover

1
Tourrettes-sur-Loup — medieval spur town, arcades and stone houses.
2
Discovery of violet workshops (confectionery, perfumery — seasonal).
🎯

Activities

→
Walk toward the Loup valley — stone walls, terraces and orchards.
→
Local violet-based tasting (if available).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 10 km
Travel time: 12min
13
Day

Gourdon

eagle perspective commands sight

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5 photos
Day 13
🔍

Discover

1
Gourdon — classified perched village, monumental viewpoint over the Pre-Alps.
2
Château de Gourdon (exterior) and gardens inspired by Le Nôtre.
🎯

Activities

→
Gorges du Loup — stops at Saut du Loup and photo points (whitewater).
→
Paragliding sites in the vicinity (depending on aerology/club).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 17 km
Travel time: 20min
14
Day

Biot

craft artistry glows glass

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4 photos
Day 14
🔍

Discover

1
Biot — alleyways and glassmaking tradition; glassblowing demonstrations.
2
Fernand Léger National Museum — works and monumental mosaics.
🎯

Activities

→
Cool path along the Brague (departmental park).
→
Heritage trail through the village (doors, small squares).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 7 km
Travel time: 9min
15
Day

Antibes

amphitheater meets yachting charm

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10 photos
Day 15
🔍

Discover

1
Antibes — old Antibes, ramparts and Grimaldi castle (Picasso museum).
2
Cap d'Antibes — coastal path (coves, rocks, pine trees).
3
Port Vauban — esplanades and panorama over the docks.
🎯

Activities

→
Easy cycling loop Antibes ↔ Juan-les-Pins along the seafront.
→
Supervised swimming (seasonal): Garoupe beach.

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🛡️ Travel advice - France

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 12 and 18 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.