Riviera Guide
After years of living on the French Riviera, I've put together my personal list of favorite spots - the restaurants where I actually eat, the beaches I go to on my days off, and the hidden places that most tourists walk right past. This isn't a copy-paste from a travel blog. These are places I love and genuinely recommend to friends and guests.
Transportation
For private car tours to discover the area, without all the hassle of public transportation, I highly recommend a friend of mine.
Triptia - Private Car Tours
Constantin is a professional licensed driver who provides personal car tours tailored to your needs. He will take you anywhere you want to visit, wait for you while you explore, and take you back. He offers both pre-defined tours across the French Riviera and fully customized itineraries depending on your interests. It's the perfect way to discover the region in total comfort, without the hassle of public transportation.
Visit WebsiteWhere to Eat
My go-to restaurants in Nice. I've been to each of these many times and they never disappoint.
Casa Leya
One of my all-time favorites in Nice. Cozy atmosphere, homemade pasta, and the kind of food that makes you come back every week. The staff is incredibly warm and you'll feel like you're eating at an Italian friend's home.
View on MapsDi Piu
Authentic Italian with a great selection of pizzas and fresh pasta. It's always busy with locals which tells you everything you need to know. Make sure to try their truffle dishes if they have them on the menu that day.
View on MapsLa Voglia
Perfect for a relaxed Italian dinner in the Old Town. Great pizzas, generous portions, and a lovely terrace for people-watching. It's the kind of place where the waiter remembers your order.
View on MapsBistrot Gourmand
If you want one truly special dinner in Nice, this is it. A Michelin-Guide restaurant that doesn't feel pretentious at all. The tasting menu is incredible and the chef really knows how to bring out the best of Provencal flavors. Worth every euro.
View on MapsLe Duc
Excellent French cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood. The presentation is beautiful, the service is attentive, and the wine list pairs perfectly with everything on the menu. A go-to spot for a refined evening out.
View on MapsMaybourne Riviera
The restaurant at the Maybourne hotel has some of the most jaw-dropping views on the entire coast. Situated on the clifftop, you eat while looking out over the Mediterranean. It's an experience as much as it is a meal. Book a terrace table at sunset, trust me on this one.
View on MapsPlaces to Visit
The spots I always recommend to guests. Some are well known, others are places only locals really know about.
The Flower Market
Cours Saleya is the heart of Old Nice. Every morning the market comes alive with fresh flowers, local fruits, olive oils, soaps, and spices. Come early for the best selection and grab some socca (chickpea pancake) from a street vendor, it's a Nice tradition you can't miss.
View on MapsCascade du Château
A beautiful waterfall hidden on Castle Hill that most tourists walk right past. Climb up (or take the free elevator near the Old Town) and you'll find some of the most spectacular panoramic views of the entire Promenade des Anglais. One of my favorite spots in the city.
View on MapsParc Phoenix
If you need a break from the busy beaches and streets, Parc Phoenix is the place. It's a beautiful botanical garden near the airport with tropical greenhouses, flamingos, and huge green lawns perfect for a picnic. Locals come here to relax and it's never crowded.
View on MapsFort du Mont Alban
A 16th-century fortress sitting on a hilltop between Nice and Villefranche. The views from up here are absolutely unreal. You can see the entire bay of Villefranche, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, and the city of Nice stretching out below. Very few tourists make it here, which makes it even better.
View on MapsParc de la Grande Corniche
This is hands down one of the most spectacular viewpoints on the entire Riviera. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Saint-Tropez, and sometimes even the mountains of Corsica appear on the horizon. I bring friends here every time they visit and the reaction is always the same: pure amazement.
View on MapsÈze Village
A stunning medieval village perched high above the sea. Walk through the narrow cobblestone streets, visit the exotic garden at the very top, and enjoy breathtaking coastal views. It's like stepping back in time. Come early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds.
View on MapsTête de Chien
Literally "Dog's Head" in French, named after the shape of the rock. This is the best spot to see Monaco from above. You're standing 550 meters above the principality and the view is absolutely mind-blowing. Most people don't know about this place, so you'll often have it to yourself.
View on MapsMenton
The last town before the Italian border and one of the most photogenic places on the coast. Famous for its lemons, pastel-colored buildings, and beautiful gardens. The Old Town is gorgeous and the beaches are much quieter than Nice. It feels like a different world; slower, warmer, more Italian.
View on MapsBillionaires Bay
Located on the stunning Cap d'Antibes, this bay is surrounded by some of the most exclusive villas on the Riviera. The water is turquoise and perfect for swimming. Accessible via the coastal path (Sentier du Littoral), it's a breathtaking spot that feels worlds away from the busy beaches.
View on MapsÎles de Lérins
The islands just off the coast of Cannes are a perfect day trip. Take the ferry from the old port of Cannes (runs every 30 minutes in summer) and discover turquoise waters, an underwater sculpture museum you can snorkel over, and peaceful forest paths. The smaller island, Saint-Honorat, has a monastery where monks still make wine.
View on MapsBeach Clubs
Whether you're in Nice or heading down to Saint-Tropez, here are my top picks for a day of sun, cocktails, and good music.
Les Canailles
Probably the most popular beach club in Nice right now, and for good reason. Great food, good music, and a fun crowd. The seafood platters are excellent and the cocktails are strong. Get there early or book ahead in summer; it fills up fast.
View on MapsCocoon Beach
More chill and laid-back compared to the others. Comfortable sunbeds, decent food, and a relaxed atmosphere. It's the place where you can actually have a conversation without shouting over music. Perfect for a lazy afternoon.
View on MapsLa Vela
Italian-style beach club right on the Promenade des Anglais. The food leans Italian (great pasta and seafood) and the atmosphere is elegant but never stuffy. Beautiful setting especially at sunset when the light hits the water just right.
View on MapsAmour
The newest addition to Nice's beach club scene. Stylish decor, good cocktails, and a younger, fashionable crowd. It's the place to see and be seen. The food is surprisingly good for a trendy spot. Great for a fun afternoon or an evening aperitif by the sea.
View on MapsVerde Beach
Right on Pampelonne Beach, Verde is one of the original Saint-Tropez beach clubs. White sand, turquoise water, and that unmistakable Riviera glamour. The food is excellent and the atmosphere is electric in summer. It's the full Saint-Tropez experience.
View on MapsNikki Beach
The legendary Nikki Beach needs no introduction. DJs, champagne, pool parties, and an incredible energy. It's more of an event than a beach club. If you're looking for the ultimate party-on-the-beach experience on the Riviera, this is it. Book well in advance during July and August.
View on MapsSand Beaches
Most beaches in Nice are pebble, but there are some stunning sandy spots nearby that are absolutely worth the short trip.
Villefranche-sur-Mer Beach
Just 10 minutes from Nice, Villefranche has one of the most beautiful bays in the world. The beach is sandy, the water is calm and crystal clear, and the colorful buildings of the Old Town create a stunning backdrop. We stop here on most of our boat tours and guests always fall in love with it.
View on MapsMala Beach
Tucked at the base of dramatic cliffs in Cap d'Ail, Mala Beach feels like a secret paradise. The water is an unbelievable shade of turquoise and the setting is absolutely spectacular. There's a great restaurant right on the beach too. You reach it by walking down a path from the road above and the effort is 100% worth it.
View on MapsReady to Explore the Riviera?
See these places from a whole new perspective. Book a private boat tour and discover the coastline the way it was meant to be seen — from the water.
Book a Tour