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Sights & Attractions in The French Riviera

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The French Riviera Sights

From Cannes to the Italian border is the real heart of the French Riviera. The region's waterfront resorts—Cannes, Antibes, Villefranche, and Menton—draw energy from the thriving city of Nice, while jutting tropical peninsulas—Cap Ferrat, Cap Martin—frame the tiny principality of Monaco. Farther inland, medieval villages mushroom out of the nearby hills, offering refugees escaping from the coastal crowds a token taste of Old Provence. Deeper into the backcountry lies a scattering of wild, Latin-accented mountain towns, long cut off from the chic enclaves below. And backing it all, looming icy-white on a clear day, rise the Alps, telephoto-close behind the palm trees.

Whether you settle into one coastal home base and make day trips from there or move from resort to city to hill village, this part of the coast has an enormous selection of places to see. It's worth it to visit different resort towns, as each has a distinct personality and its own sights. Even on a short trip, you'll want to make a foray into the hills to see one of the famous perched villages; you can easily visit one or two in a day trip, plus, a night or two in the backcountry offers a pleasant contrast to the seaside. On a longer sojourn, spare at least a day—or a lengthier exploration—to venture into the hills toward the Alps.

Situated between the watercolor port of St-Tropez and the rugged red rock of the Estérel, the western end of the Riviera has drawn sun lovers and socialites since the days of the Grand Tour. Here the coastal highway hugs the spectacular waterfront, snaking past sophisticated getaway towns as well as a staggering concentration of restaurants, high-rise resorts, gas stations, tourist traps, and beach discos. Proceed just a few miles inland to find picturesque Provençal villages perched above the fray; penetrate farther still and you'll be rewarded with mountain scenery and serene little towns.

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