2nd September 2025
15 min read
by Anna Jones
Nice to Cassis
The French Riviera – or Côte d’Azur – is a stretch of Mediterranean coastline that runs from Cassis in the west to Menton on the Italian border. Known for its glamorous seaside towns, beaches and winding coastal roads, the French Riviera is the perfect destination for road trippers looking to soak up the best of southern France.
Whether you’re drawn to the glitz of Monaco or the more laid-back vibes of Antibes, the Riviera offers something for everyone. Summer is the most popular time to visit as the long sunny days are perfect for beach-hopping and alfresco dining. Spring and autumn are just as good times to visit, and choosing to come in off-peak seasons means quieter roads, blooming landscapes, and a more relaxed pace.
Hiring a car gives you the freedom to explore the Riviera at your own pace - and if you do decide to rent, don’t forget to protect yourself with an excess insurance policy from ReduceMyExcess. That way, you can enjoy the journey with peace of mind as you'll know you’re covered if the unexpected happens.
Nice
Nice is often called the capital of the French Riviera and is a Mediterranean gem where ochre-hued Baroque buildings meet art, culture, and the sea. From the grand facades and palm-lined Promenade des Anglais to the vibrant alleys of Vieux Nice, it's easy to see why it was such a popular retreat for 19th-century European elites.
If you're a fan of art you won't be bored in Nice. Henri Matisse stayed here for 27 years inspired by the Mediterranean light, rich colours, and tranquil atmosphere, and the Musée Matisse pays homage to the artist. Similarly, the Musée Marc Chagall showcases Chagall's vivid religion and myth-inspired works.
For sweeping views of the city and the Baie des Anges, climb Colline du Château (Castle Hill), where gardens and ruins overlook the sea.
Nice is also the perfect base for exploring other nearby places. Take a sunset boat tour to Cap Ferrat or visit Villefranche-sur-Mer, a postcard-perfect harbor town just minutes away.
Best Restaurants in Nice
- L'Epicerie Georges – This locally loved restaurant is located in Nice's old town and offers a small, seasonal menu of French comfort food in a cosy home-style setting.
- Restaurant JAN - Experience a luxurious and unique set-menu where French bistro classics meet South African cuisine within an intimate 20-seater restaurant tucked behind Nice's Old Port.
- Le Siècle - Located inside the historic Hôtel West End on the Promenade des Anglais, this restaurant offers a refined Mediterranean cuisine.
Best Hotels in Nice
- Le Negresco – This is a sea-facing Belle Époque landmark on Nice’s Promenade des Anglais with an opulent interior and fine French cuisine served in its restaurant.
- Hôtel Villa Rivoli - This hotel lies in a 1890's Belle Époque townhouse in Nice's historic centre. It has 24 individually decorated rooms and is only a two minute walk from the beach.
- Hôtel Le Soleia - Set on the prestigious Victor Hugo Boulevard, just minutes from the beach lies this hotel with rooms and suites inspired by the Nicois sunshine.
Èze
Located 400 metres above the Mediterranean, Èze is a medieval village that's only a short, scenic drive from Nice up Mont Bastide. Èze boasts winding cobblestone streets, stone archways and gorgeous panoramic views.
For those who like nature Èze is perfect. At the top of the village lies the Jardin Exotique d’Èze, a cactus garden with sculptures. Some say they've seen the best views of the Riviera from here.
Additionally, the Nietzsche Path offers a scenic trail down to the coast. It’s said that the philosopher walked this very path and it was this walk that inspired the third part of his philosophical novel Thus Spoke Zarathustra.
The history is rich in Èze as it was also a pirate hideout in the Middle Ages - it's dramatic cliffs and fortified walls made it perfect. You can wander through art galleries, browse perfume shops and admire the 18th-century Notre-Dame de l’Assomption Church.
Best Restaurants in Èze
- Le Cactus - Against the stunning backdrop of the French Riviera and at the entrance of the medieval village, this restaurant offers fresh dishes and a friendly service.
- Les Remparts - Enjoy your Mediterranean meal with a gorgeous views of the sea and the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat bay.
- Le Ficus - This restaurant celebrates local cuisine under century-old ficus trees with panoramic views of the Mediterranean.
Best Hotels in Èze
- Château de La Chèvre d’Or - This luxurious clifftop hotel offers incredible views of the Mediterranean with a refined atmosphere whilst still retaining that classic charm of a chateau.
- Hôtel Cap-Estel - Set in two hectares lies Hôtel Cap-Estel, this is a luxurious hotel that offers panoramic sea views, private beaches, swimming pools, spas, tennis courts and an elegant restaurant.
- Les Terrasses d'Eze - With modern, elegant rooms minutes from Èze, this hotel has incredible views of the surrounding coastline and the Mediterranean Sea, not to mention a gourmet restaurant, spa and infinity pool.
Monte Carlo
Only 20 minutes from Èze is Monte Carlo, a district within the independent city-state of Monaco.
Best Restaurants in Monte Carlo
- Quai des Artistes - Serving French brasserie classics in a traditional Art Deco brasserie setting, this restaurant is one of Monaco's most recognisable dining institutions.
- Caffe Milano - More laidback, Caffe Milano serves traditional Italian dishes against the backdrop of the harbour.
- La Table d'Antonio Salvatore - This restaurant serves up 'New-Monegasque' cuisine which is a blend of Italian cookery with refined French cuisine.
Best Hotels in Monte Carlo
- Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo - Famed for its Belle Epoque architecture, this hotel is intimate and opulent with amazing sweeping views out across the Mediterranean Sea.
- Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo - This hotel opened in 1864 on Monaco's prestigious Casino Square and is another iconic and luxurious hotel complete with a spa, restaurants and other similar sought-after amenities.
- Fairmont Monte Carlo - This luxury hotel is located on the seafront in Monaco and overlooks the iconic Formula 1 Grand Prix hairpin bend.
Menton
