The French Riviera is made for a slow-paced road trip. Distances are short, the coastal roads wind between sea and cliffs, and each place serves as a base for excursions rather than a final destination. With a rental car, it’s easy to vary your days between city life, swimming, small villages, and spontaneous stops along the way.
The journey starts in Nice, continues east towards the Italian border, and ends further west in Antibes – with the Mediterranean constantly in sight.
Nice – start by the Mediterranean
The trip begins in Nice, where city life and the sea meet. Here you pick up your rental car and have time to settle in before continuing along the coast. The old town, the seafront promenade Promenade des Anglais, and the markets around Cours Saleya provide a clear introduction to the Riviera.
Nice also works well as a base for shorter excursions.
Excursions from Nice:
- Villefranche-sur-Mer with a sheltered bay and beach close to the center
- Èze high above the coast with views over the Mediterranean
- The coastal road towards Monaco, with several natural stops along the way
Beaches:
- Pebble beaches along Nice’s seafront promenade
- More sheltered beaches in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Menton – calm base near Italy
The journey continues east to Menton, a quieter coastal town with clear Italian influences. The pace is slower here, and days are easily shaped around swimming, walks, and short excursions.
Menton is well suited as a base for exploring the eastern part of the Riviera.
Excursions from Menton:
- Roquebrune-Cap-Martin with coastal paths, rock bathing spots, and smaller beaches
- Small roads along the coast towards Monaco
- The inland areas, where mountain roads quickly lead to quieter village environments
Beaches:
- Beach sections close to central Menton
- Smaller beaches and coves for swimming around Cap Martin
Antibes – ending by the sea
The journey continues west to Antibes, where the Riviera opens up with longer stretches of beach and small harbors. The old town is lively yet easy to get an overview of, with markets, restaurants, and evening strolls along the city walls.
Antibes is an excellent base for excursions in the western part of the Riviera and at the same time offers a calm end to the trip.
Excursions from Antibes:
- Cap d’Antibes with coastal roads, walking paths, and rock bathing spots
- Juan-les-Pins with wider sandy beaches
- Cannes, which works well as a day trip
Beaches:
- Sandy beaches around Juan-les-Pins
- Smaller coves and rock bathing spots along Cap d’Antibes
The proximity to Nice Airport makes the end of the trip smooth without losing the feeling of being on a journey.
Practical information
Best time to travel
May to October is the best period for the French Riviera. Spring and early summer offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, while late summer brings warmer sea temperatures and a lively atmosphere along the coast. September is particularly popular for those who want to combine swimming with a calmer pace.
Getting around
You get around by rental car, which gives you the freedom to move between coastal towns, beaches, and smaller roads at your own pace. The roads are well maintained and driving distances are short.
A rental car is not included in the price of the trip, and we recommend booking your car before departure. You can easily book it here.
Driving distances
- Nice Airport → Nice city center: approx. 15 min / 7 km
- Nice → Menton: approx. 40 min / 30 km
- Menton → Antibes: approx. 1 hr 30 min / 75 km
- Antibes → Nice Airport: approx. 25 min / 20 km
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.
