This journey combines two different sides of the French Riviera. It begins in Nice, where city life, restaurants, and the Mediterranean set the tone. The trip then continues west to Sainte-Maxime – a classic seaside resort with sandy beaches, a waterfront promenade, and the relaxed holiday atmosphere that defines summer on the Riviera.
The concept is simple: arrive in Nice, enjoy the city – and then move on to the quieter side of the Riviera for several days by the sea.
Nice – city life, beaches, and the Mediterranean
The journey starts in Nice, where the Mediterranean is always close by. With two nights here, you get a perfect introduction to the Riviera: walks along the Promenade des Anglais, lunches in the old town, and your first swim in the clear blue water.
In Vieux Nice, small restaurants, wine bars, and markets line narrow streets where the pace is lively yet easy to take in. Cours Saleya fills with color and aromas, and the beach is just minutes away – ideal for combining city life with time by the sea.
Two nights are enough to capture the atmosphere without feeling rushed.
Toward calmer days along the coast
After Nice, it’s time to continue along the coast. We recommend picking up a rental car, which makes the journey both smooth and flexible. The drive takes approximately 2–2.5 hours, passing landscapes that gradually open up toward wider beaches and calmer coastal towns.
Upon arrival in Sainte-Maxime, city energy gives way to a relaxed holiday rhythm.
Sainte-Maxime – beach life and a relaxed Riviera
Sainte-Maxime is one of the Riviera’s most popular seaside resorts. Here you’ll find long sandy beaches, beachside restaurants, small shops, and a harbor where life moves at a comfortable pace.
The rhythm of the days is simple:
morning swims, long lunches, afternoons on the beach, and evening strolls along the promenade. Everything is close at hand, and the atmosphere is relaxed rather than dressy.
With four nights here, there’s time to truly settle into holiday mode – and to mix peaceful days with excursions.
Excursions and beaches around Sainte-Maxime
Sainte-Maxime is an excellent base for exploring the Riviera coast at an unhurried pace. From here, you can easily reach both convenient beaches close to town and more untouched spots for longer outings.
Plage de la Nartelle
One of the area’s most appreciated sandy beaches, located just outside Sainte-Maxime. Open and spacious, it’s easy to spend full days here by the sea, with beach restaurants and plenty of room even during high season.
Les Issambres
East of Sainte-Maxime lies Les Issambres, with several smaller beaches and swimming coves along the coast. A good option for varying beach days and finding quieter spots close to the water.
Cap Taillat – for those who want to go further
For travelers who want to experience a more untouched side of the Riviera, a longer excursion to Cap Taillat, south of Saint-Tropez, is possible. This protected natural area offers rocky coves, turquoise water, and a sense of calm far removed from the more popular beaches.
Allow approximately 45–60 minutes by car from Sainte-Maxime, followed by a walk along the coastal path. This is best enjoyed as a full-day excursion and rewards those who make the effort.
Together, these excursions allow you to alternate between comfortable beach days close to your accommodation and more nature-focused experiences, depending on mood and pace.
Excursion: boat to Saint-Tropez
From the harbor in Sainte-Maxime, regular boats run to Saint-Tropez, with a crossing time of around 15 minutes. It’s one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to visit the iconic neighboring town – completely avoiding traffic and parking hassles.
Saint-Tropez makes for a perfect day trip: stroll around the harbor, enjoy lunch, or simply soak up the atmosphere before returning to the calm of Sainte-Maxime in the evening.
Practical information
Best time to travel
May to October is the best period for this trip. Early summer offers pleasant temperatures and plenty of space on the beaches, while high summer brings warmer sea temperatures and classic Riviera summer vibes. September is particularly popular for its calmer pace.
Getting around
This trip is best done with a rental car, especially between Nice and Sainte-Maxime. It gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace and makes it easy to reach beaches and excursions.
The rental car is not included in the price of the trip, and we recommend booking it in advance.
Distance:
Nice → Sainte-Maxime: approx. 2–2.5 hours / 200 km
Tip for your return journey
If you have an early morning or mid-morning flight home from Nice, it can be convenient to add an overnight stay near the airport. This helps you avoid stress on departure day and end your trip at a relaxed pace.
You return the rental car conveniently at the airport when heading home.
A package tour and a linked arrangement offer travellers different booking processes but provide the same protection under the Package Travel Act, ensuring customer rights and peace of mind during the trip.
