The 3 best routes along the French Riviera from Nice

France

Nice is the capital of the French Riviera, a stunning region famous for its beaches, glamorous towns, coastal villages, and good weather. By hiring a car in Nice, you can explore one of the most beautiful regions in the Mediterranean at your own pace. To help you make the most of your journey, CarJet brings you the three best routes along the French Riviera, with Nice as your starting point.

What to do in Nice

Nice is a coastal gem and one of the most popular cities in France, and it's no wonder why. Nice combines some of the best things a trip can offer: good weather, beautiful beaches, rich history, vibrant culture, and a lively atmosphere. While there are plenty of things you can do in Nice, there is one experience you cannot miss: getting lost in the narrow streets of Vieille Ville.

Vieille Ville, Nice’s historic centre, is full of historic buildings with wooden shutters in ochre and yellow hues. One highlight is the Marché Aux Fleurs, a flower market that has been selling fresh products since the 19th century. Another standout is Massena Square, located in front of the Soleil Fountain, where locals go about their daily lives. As you wander through the streets, you will encounter impressive landmarks such as the Cathedral of Sainte-Reparate and the Lascaris Palace Museum. Eventually, your path will lead you to the sea, where urban beaches like Ponchettes Public Beach and Beau Rivage Beach await.

If you are a nature enthusiast, head to Castle Hill, just metres from the city centre. At the top, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the coastline from the Castle Hill Viewpoint, right next to a cascade.

History extends beyond the city centre. For museum lovers, the Fine Arts Museum of Nice, Marc Chagall National Museum, Matisse Museum, and the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art are must-visits. Other historic buildings include the Basilique Notre-Dame de l’Assomption and St. Nicholas Cathedral, the largest Orthodox cathedral in Western Europe.

What is the French Riviera?

The French Riviera, or Côte d'Azur (Blue Coast), is one of the most popular destinations in France and a favourite among tourists. Located in southern France along the Mediterranean Sea, the region boasts beautiful beaches, idyllic villages, stunning coastal views and hikes, excellent food, and pleasant weather with over 300 days of sunshine a year. Cities like Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Monte Carlo, Menton, and Saint-Tropez are some of the most popular spots that compose this coastal paradise.

Perhaps the most stunning venue on the French Riviera is the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, located just 10 kilometres from Nice’s city centre. Don’t miss the chance to visit this magical place, which hosts some of the most important and luxurious events in the world. Its beautiful gardens, with the sea on both sides, along with its fountains and statues, will leave you amazed.

The 3 best routes along the French Riviera

The best way to discover the French Riviera is by hiring a car. With a rental car you can tailor your own itinerary, driving as far as you like and discovering the true essence of the region. Here you will see the 3 best routes starting from the French Riviera’s heart: Nice.

Route 1: Nice to Monaco

Begin your journey in Nice and head north-east along the coast. Your first stop is Villefranche-sur-Mer, known for its colourful houses and deep harbour. Villefranche is a perfect spot for a morning coffee by the sea.

Continue along the coastal road to Eze, a mediaeval hilltop village that offers incredible views of the Mediterranean and the French Riviera’s coastline. Wander through its narrow streets, and visit its Jardin Exotique at the top of the village.

Finally, make your way to Monaco, the playground of the rich and famous. Explore Monte Carlo, visit the Prince’s Palace, the Casino of Monte-Carlo, Notre-Dame-Immaculee Cathedral, and take a walk along the Monte Carlo Harbor. If you are a big motorsport fan, you can recreate the famous Monaco Grand Prix circuit! Coming back to Nice from Monaco will take you less than half an hour.

Route 2: Nice to Cannes

Head south-west from Nice towards Antibes. This route takes you through some of the most beautiful coastal areas of the French Riviera. In Antibes, visit the Old Town, explore the National Picasso Museum, and go for a walk along the Cap d’Antibes, where you can enjoy a picnic or go for a swim in the Bay of Antibes Billionaires.

Continue your journey to Cannes, the city famous for its international film festival. Walk along La Croisette, a promenade that brings together luxury hotels, shops and beaches. Visit the old quarter of Le Suquet, and enjoy beautiful views of the city from the Notre-Dame d'Espérance Church. Cannes combines glitz with a relaxed Mediterranean vibe, making it a perfect end to this coastal route. Nice is around 30 kilometres away from Canne, making this route ideal for a day-trip.

Route 3: Nice to Saint-Tropez

For a route that combines the best of inland villages and coastal destinations, start by heading northwest from Nice to Saint-Paul-de-Vence. This mediaeval village is an artist’s haven, with narrow streets filled with galleries and studios. Continue to Grasse, the perfume capital of the world. Here, you can tour famous perfume factories, learn about the history of perfume-making in museums, current techniques and even create your own signature scent.

Finally, make your way to Saint-Tropez. Known for its beautiful beaches, luxurious yachts, and nightlife, Saint-Tropez is a celeb’s favourite. Stroll through the old port, relax on the famous Pampelonne Beach, and enjoy the atmosphere of one of the most chic resorts in the world. This is the longest route of them all, combining a 250 kilometre trip if you want to finish back in Nice.

CarJet will make this holidays unforgettable

Make your trip along the French Riviera a dream come true, by hiring a car from CarJet. As a leading car hire comparison website, CarJet compares top car hire companies all over France, finding unbeatable deals for you. Its user-friendly platform allows you to book a rental car in seconds, simplifying what has traditionally been a complex and time-consuming process.

Forget about the hassle of comparing car hire companies one by one—CarJet does it all in seconds, ensuring you get the best car at the lowest prices. Enjoy the freedom and flexibility to explore the French Riviera at your own pace, with CarJet as your trusted partner in car hire.