Destinations, Europe, France

The Perfect French Riviera Itinerary: 10 Days in Nice, St. Tropez, Antibes, & More

I can speak from experience…planning a French Riviera vacation is overwhelming! There is so much to see in the Côte d’Azur, so determining exactly where to stay and which destinations to visit isn’t an easy task. 

This guide is based off of a longer South of France summer trip that I took. I spent months putting together an itinerary that covers the best of the French Riviera, checking off bucket list destinations along the way.

My itinerary allows you to see and stay in top destinations (like Nice, Saint-Tropez, and Antibes), while still visiting smaller must-see spots. Think Eze, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, and so much more! 

While some days are a bit more packed, I’ve made sure to include chill time so that you can relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy the beauty of the French Riviera. Read on for my full 10-day French Riviera itinerary!

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  • A view of a beach club from above at Castle Hill. There are white and tan umbrellas, and people swimming in the water.
  • A stone building covered in ivy with light blue shutters on the windows
  • The rugged coastline view from the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat walk.

Key Things to Know for this French Riviera Trip

Before we dive into the itinerary, here are a few key things to know as you plan your trip: 

  • Airport – for this itinerary, you’ll be flying in and out of the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport. It’s conveniently located right between Nice (the first destination in this itinerary) and Antibes (the final destination in this itinerary). 
  • Home Bases – this itinerary includes four nights in Nice, three nights in Saint-Tropez, and two nights in Antibes. I’ve included hotel recommendations for each city. If you’re interested in extending your trip, I have additional recommendations for nearby places to visit at the end of this guide!
  • Getting Around – you won’t need a car to explore Nice or Antibes. It’s easy to get around both destinations via public transportation and rideshare/taxi. That said, I do recommend renting a car once you leave Nice, and driving it to Saint-Tropez. 

The Ultimate French Riviera 10 Day Itinerary

Here’s a quick breakdown of this itinerary:

  • Days 1 through 5 in Nice (4 nights)
  • Days 5 through 8 in Saint-Tropez (3 nights)
  • Day 8 through 10 in Antibes (2 nights)

Home Base 1: Nice (Days 1 through 5)

Start your trip in the bustling seaside city of Nice. This is an excellent home base for a French Riviera trip, as it’s surrounded by some amazing day trip destinations that are easy to get to via public transportation. The city itself is beautiful and full of amazing restaurants and attractions. 

Where to Stay in Nice:

The following will give you an overview of how to spend your time exploring the city (and the day trip-worthy destinations around Nice). If you want a more comprehensive guide with even more details, tips, and restaurant recommendations, take a look at my post on how to spend three days in Nice. 

  • A bright red building with orange and green details in Place Massena
  • White beach umbrellas over sun loungers at the beach in Nice.
  • An ornate grey building next to a red and green building in Old Town

Day 1: Arrive in Nice & Spend a Chill Afternoon in the City

I’m leaving the first day in Nice a little less structured so that you have time to check into your hotel, settle in, and if needed, recover from your travels!

I think spending an afternoon at a beach club is a great way to kick off your French Riviera vacation (particularly if you’re visiting in the summer or early fall!). 

If you have more time, consider stopping for a wine tasting at Château de Crémat, a 20th century castle located in the hills above Nice. Foodies may also consider booking the very popular No Diet Club Nice food tour!

Some other options include walking along the port of Nice (known as Port Lympia) or visiting a local museum. Some museum options that aren’t in the itinerary below include Villa Masséna, the Asian Arts Museum, the Charles Nègre Photography Museum, and the National Sports Museum. 

Day 2: Explore Nice

Start your first full day in Nice exploring Castle Hill (or Colline du Château). This park towers over Nice, offering incredible views of the bright blue water and the cityscape down below. 

Next, make your way over to Old Town (Vieux Nice), a historic quarter filled with restaurants, cafes, and shops. Be sure to order socca (a chickpea flatbread) to snack on while you’re there! This quarter is also home to numerous markets that are absolutely worth visiting, including a daily market on Cours Saleya. 

After Old Town, spend an hour or so at the Marc Chagall National Museum in the Cimiez neighborhood. Note that it is closed on Tuesdays (refer to the online calendar online for the most up-to-date opening info). 

From there, make your way back to the coast for a walk along Promenade des Anglais, eventually ending up at the iconic Le Negresco Hotel for a drink at the bar. 

  • A view of the city of Nice and the beach from above at Castle Hill
  • Various vintage-style prints underneath a white and yellow canopy at a market in Old Town
  • A pink clock tower in Old Town

Day 3: Day Trip to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat & Explore More of Nice

Begin your day with a stroll through the main square in Nice: Place Massena. This is where you’ll see the iconic Fontaine du Soleil, which depicts the Greek god Apollo. 

From there, make your way to the Matisse Museum in the Cimiez neighborhood. Plan to spend around one to two hours here. Note that it’s currently closed on Tuesdays, but refer to the online calendar for up-to-date info.  

After the museum, it’s time to take a day trip to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. You can pick and choose which activities you’d like to enjoy while you’re there. 

If you’re visiting in the summer, you may want to hang out at one of the local beaches or beach clubs. For a bit more of an active experience, you can hike around the peninsula and find spots to swim. 

Another popular Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat attraction is the beautiful Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, where you can do a self-guided tour. If you’d like to get out on the water, I highly recommend this boat tour around the Cap Ferrat peninsula (I did this exact tour and had an amazing experience!). 

Read through my Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat guide for more details on things to do in the area, as well as info on how to get there from Nice. 

A fountain featuring a statue of Apollo in front of a red building in Place Massena
Beach goers lounging at Paloma Beach. There is a villa situated on the cliff above the beach.
A water feature surrounded by landscaping leading up to the pink-hued Villa Ephrussi

Day 4: Choose Your Day Trip Adventure (Eze, Menton, Villefranche-Sur-Mer, & Monaco)

On the third day of your time in Nice, you’ll explore more of the stunning destinations around the city. 

I recommend starting the day in the hilltop medieval village of Eze. During a day trip to Eze, you can visit the Jardin Exotique d’Èze and stroll through the picturesque town. You can also visit the Fragonard Parfumeur boutique, and can even do a free tour of the laboratory or book a perfume making class!

My Eze day trip guide goes into everything you need to know to plan the perfect visit! 

After Eze, you can decide which destination to check out next. You may be able to fit in two spots if you get an early start to your day!

Option 1 – I highly recommend going over to beautiful Menton, a seaside town on the Italian border. While you’re there, you can climb up the iconic Menton stairs and explore the citrus-hued old town, take in the view from the port, and indulge in a tangy lemon tart (or “tarte au citron”). 

Option 2 – If you’d like to stay a bit closer to Nice, another option is to visit Monaco. While you’re there, you can visit the Prince’s Palace, see the Monte Carlo Casino (note: you need your passport if you actually want to go inside the casino!), and explore the Oceanographic Museum. 

Option 3 – The third option is to visit Villefranche-sur-Mer, a waterfront town just outside of Nice. As you stroll through this tranquil seaside town, you can stop by Chapelle Saint-Pierre, Église Saint-Michel, and Rue Obscure (a medieval underground street). 

A French flag on top of a roof, with the Mediterranean Sea in the background
The view up at a round stone tower in Eze. There are flowers and greenery on the building.
View looking up at a church from the middle of the stairs in Menton. The stairs are painted a golden yellow, and they make a criss-cross pattern

View from Eze | Eze Village | Menton

Home Base 2: Saint-Tropez (Days 5 through 8)

Next, it’s time to say goodbye to Nice and hello to the glitz and glam of Saint-Tropez! 

It is possible to get to Saint-Tropez (and Saint-Paul-de-Vence, which you’ll check out on your way to St. Tropez) via public transportation. That said, for ease and efficiency, I’d recommend renting a car in Nice for this portion of the trip. 

Where to Stay in Saint-Tropez: 

Alternatively, take a look at vacation rentals in Saint-Tropez. You can find some great options, including stays that are a bit more budget-friendly than some of the luxury hotels in town! 

Read through my Saint-Tropez travel guide for a more in-depth look at things to do in the area, where to eat and drink, and where to stay. 

Pastel-colored buildings in Saint-Tropez, with a string of flags over the walkway
A light silver moped in front of an orange wall
Restaurants along the port of Saint-Tropez. There are orange and yellow buildings behind the restaurants.

Day 5: Drive to Saint-Tropez & Stop at Saint-Paul-de-Vence 

Get your car and start making your way to the incredibly beautiful Saint-Paul-de-Vence, one of the oldest medieval villages on the French Riviera. 

Spend some time strolling through town, visiting the many shops and galleries (the town has a rich history of being a haven for artists!). You’ll also want to walk along the ramparts and visit the Saint-Paul-de-Vence Cemetery (where the grave of Marc Chagall is located). The Maeght Foundation museum is also a must-visit. 

For an extra special dining experience, you can book a lunch reservation at the restaurant at the famous La Colombe d’Or. 

Be sure to check out my comprehensive Saint-Paul-de-Vence guide before you go! 

Once you’re done in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, journey over to Saint-Tropez. After settling into your accommodation, make your way to dinner. I highly recommend checking out Kinugawa (located just outside of Saint-Tropez in Ramatuelle) for a fun dinner out! 

  • A stone building covered in pink flowers and greenery on the left, and a portion of the ramparts on the right
  • Large sculptures in grass underneath trees at Fondation Maeght
  • Pink flowers and greenery growing up a stone building

Day 6: Spend a Day in Saint-Tropez and Relax at a Beach Club 

On your first full day, explore Saint-Tropez’s Old Town, which is complete with pastel-colored buildings and pretty cobblestone passageways. While you’re there, I highly recommend ordering a tarte tropézienne (an iconic Saint-Tropez dessert made of brioche and cream) from Boulangerie Aux Deux Fréres, 

From old town, make your way over to the bustling port of Saint-Tropez. Here, you’ll get up close to superyachts and other luxury boats docked in the port.  

If you’re interested in doing some shopping in Saint-Tropez, this is a great time to do it. The city is known for its designer stores, but you’ll also find reasonably-priced boutiques throughout town. There are also some open air markets, including the popular Marché de la Place des Lices (which happens Tuesday and Saturday mornings). 

Once you are done exploring town, spend the rest of the afternoon at one of the beach clubs on Pampelonne Beach in Ramatuelle. Advanced reservations are highly recommended (and often required!).  

  • Flags hanging across a passageway between two pastel-colored buildings
  • The wooden plank pathway to the entrance of Le 1051 beach restaurant.
  • A narrow passageway surrounded by pastel orange buildings that leads down to an archway. You can see the ocean through the arch.

Day 7: Explore More of Saint-Tropez (Choose Your Adventure!)

On your second full day in Saint-Tropez, you can pick and choose exactly how you’ll want to spend your time. A Saint-Tropez vacation is often about relaxing and soaking up the sun, so you may want to chill by your hotel pool or have another beach club session. 

Some other options to consider include: 

  • Go on a Boat Excursion – enjoy the beauty of Saint-Tropez from the water! Consider chartering a private yacht or booking a private boat tour for a sun-soaked day on the Mediterranean Sea.  
  • Explore the Citadel – this 17th century fortress is perched just above Saint-Tropez, and is within walking distance of the old town. Visitors can explore the grounds and check out the Musee d’Histoire Maritime to learn more about the history. 
  • Visit a Local Winery – this region is well-known for producing high-quality rosé. You can visit vineyards on your own, or consider booking a private guided wine tour, where you can do tastings at three local vineyards. 
  • Check Out a Museum – Saint-Tropez has a few cool museums, including the Musee de l’Annonciade (a modern art museum inside a former chapel) and the Musee de la Gendarmerie et du Cinema (a cinema history museum).

Home Base 3: Antibes (Days 8 through 10)

After your time in Saint-Tropez, it’s time to make your way to Antibes: a vibrant yet laid-back seaside destination!

It’s easy to get around Antibes via public transportation and rideshares/taxis, so if you’d like, you can drive your car to Antibes and drop it off at the beginning of this leg of the trip. Otherwise, keep it until you return to Nice.  

Where to Stay in Antibes: 

My comprehensive Antibes travel guide will give you a deeper look at the best things to do in this seaside destination! 

  • Bougainvillea and other greenery growing on a stone building in Antibes
  • The view of the rocky coastline from the ramparts
  • A small garden in Antibes with buildings behind it. There are palm trees, cacti, and other plants

Day 8: Drive to Antibes & Spend an Afternoon in Juan-les-Pins

Pack up your bags (and potentially enjoy one last dip in the pool or the ocean), and start the drive to Antibes! 

If you get out early enough, you may want to make a quick stop in Cannes for lunch and a little exploration. While you certainly can’t see all of the city with a short pit stop, you can stroll through the historic Le Suquet (Canne’s old town), or shop and dine on Boulevard de la Croisette. 

After arriving in Antibes and checking into your accommodation, you can spend the afternoon at a local beach on the west side of the peninsula. 

The first option is the famous Bay of Billionaires (AKA the Baie des Milliardaires), which is located towards the tip of the peninsula. This small (and very popular!) cove has sapphire blue water, and is a docking spot for yachts. The beach is very rocky, so it’s definitely worth bringing water shoes. 

Alternatively, hang out at either Plage de Juan les Pins or Plage des Ondes. If you want a sweet treat, I also recommend walking around Juan-les-Pins and getting a crepe from a local shop!

After your afternoon at the beach, freshen up before heading out to dinner. For one of your nights in Antibes, I highly recommend making a reservation at Baba at Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel. It was one of my favorite meals of my trip! 

  • A view looking down at the cove of Billionaire's Bay. There are people on the beach and in the water.
  • People jumping off a cliff into the water at Billionaires Bay
  • A handing holding a bright orange cocktail in front of the view of the sunset on the beach

Bay of Billionaires | Baba Restaurant

Day 9: Explore Old Town Antibes 

On your second day in Antibes, head over to Old Town Antibes, which is on the opposite side of the peninsula from Juan-les-Pins. This historic old town has beautiful passageways lined by stunning pastel-colored buildings, many of which are covered in bougainvillea and other native plants. 

You may wish to start your day with a stroll through the Marché Provençal, a market offering produce, spices, flowers, and other goods. It is open daily in the morning and early afternoon (except for Monday in the winter). 

From there, take a leisurely stroll through the heart of Old Town, walking around the lively square of Place Nationale and through the pretty side streets. While you’re in the area, it’s also worth stopping by the popular Boulangerie Veziano, a well-loved bakery known for its pissaladiere (a savory flatbread) and fresh bread. 

After that, I recommend walking over to Port Vauban, and taking a look at Plage de la Gravette – one of the most popular beaches in Antibes. 

Next, walk up onto the stone ramparts that encircle the old town, and follow the ramparts to the Picasso Museum. After the museum, I recommend continuing to walk down the ramparts (the views of the coast are beautiful!), eventually stopping at Jardin Des Poetes, a scenic mini garden. 

If you’d like more of a guided experience, consider booking a two-hour walking tour of Old Town Antibes!

For the rest of the day, you can pick and choose which activity you’d like to enjoy. Consider hanging out at one of the local beaches, or booking a daytime cruise or a scenic sunset sail around Antibes. Another option is to explore the historic Fort Carré, a star-shaped fort that dates back to the 16th century. 

If you’d prefer to be a bit more active, hike along Le Sentier du Littoral, a scenic waterfront path that goes along the peninsula. As you hike, you can find spots to jump into the Mediterranean Sea! 

  • A narrow stone passageway lined by stone and pastel-colored buildings in Antibes
  • A tall statue on a stone patio that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea
  • Purple bougainvillea and other greenery growing over a stone building with bright blue shutters

Day 10: Fly Out of Nice

Your trip has come to an end! If you are flying out later in the day, I recommend spending more time hanging out in Old Town Antibes, or soaking up the sun at a local beach. If you have a full day to spare, you can even book a sun lounger at a beach club. 

The Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is just about a 25 to 30-minute drive from Antibes.  

Additional Places to Visit in the South of France

If you have more time, I highly recommend also adding an Aix-en-Provence leg to your South of France itinerary. This is an excellent home base for Provence. You can see the beauty of the region, and are also close to popular Luberon Villages, including Gordes, Roussillon, and Lourmarin. 

As mentioned, the above itinerary is an overview of how you can plan out your 10-day French Riviera vacation! For a more detailed look at each of the destinations included in this itinerary, take a look at my other France travel guides: 

  • Nice – check out my itinerary for spending three days in Nice. It expands on days two through four of the above itinerary, and also has restaurant recommendations and tips for your visit. 
  • Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat – my comprehensive Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat guide talks through the best activities in the area, as well as how to get there from Nice. 
  • Eze Village – my Eze day trip guide includes everything you need to know to plan your visit! It also covers key information on how to get there from Nice. 
  • Menton – my Menton day trip guide is another must-read if you plan on visiting this town on the Italian border. 
  • Saint-Paul-de-Vence – read my Saint-Paul-de-Vence travel guide for more information about visiting this hilltop village. 
  • Saint-Tropez – take a look at my full Saint-Tropez guide, which dives deeper into things to do, where to eat, and where to stay. My Hotel Lily of the Valley review is also worth reading if you’re interested in booking a bucket list-worthy stay! 
  • Antibes – read through my guide on the best things to do in Antibes for even more details on the activities worth adding to your itinerary. 
Posted In: Destinations, Europe, France

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Kyra is a travel writer and the founder of Sea to Sequoia, a site she launched in 2020. A California native who has lived in San Diego, the Bay Area, and now Los Angeles, she shares comprehensive itineraries and curated travel guides for the Golden State and dreamy destinations around the world. As a type A traveler and meticulous planner, she gives readers all they need to know to effortlessly plan their next adventure.

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