Nice is the strongest all-round base, Cannes suits the western coast and Lérins Islands, Antibes offers an old town and harbour, and Menton sits near the Italian border. They are close by train but deserve more than platform-to-platform sightseeing.
Use one or two bases, not a different hotel every night. Coast trains handle the main towns, while Èze village, Saint-Paul-de-Vence and other hill settlements require buses or road transport.
Choose a base by direction
Nice balances airport and regional links. Cannes works for western outings, while Menton suits the eastern end of the coast.
Use trains along the shore
Regional rail avoids much road traffic, though peak trains and stations can be crowded. Check the last useful return before dinner.
Plan hill towns separately
A station with a familiar name may sit far below the historic village. Confirm the bus or walking route before leaving the coast.
A practical itinerary
- Days 1 to 2: explore Nice.
- Day 3: visit Antibes and its old town.
- Day 4: choose Menton or Monaco on the eastern line.
- Days 5 to 6: stay in Cannes and add the Lérins Islands or a western coast day.
Getting there
Nice has the main commercial airport and strongest regional transport. Marseille is a more distant western gateway. Long-distance trains serve several coast stations, but not every service stops everywhere.
Getting around
Regional trains link the principal coast towns. Local buses serve hill villages and city districts. Boats to islands and coastal trips follow seasonal and weather-dependent schedules.
Food to look for
Markets and menus reflect Provençal and Ligurian influences, with vegetables, olive oil, seafood, socca and local breads. Resort waterfronts can be expensive, so look in ordinary town streets as well.
When to visit
Late spring and early autumn balance services and walking weather. Summer is crowded, hot and event-heavy. Winter is mild in cities but quieter in seasonal resorts.
Accessible travel
Promenades and modern centres can be relatively level, while pebble beaches, old hill towns and station underpasses vary. Check the specific town and beach facilities rather than applying one Riviera-wide assumption.
Practical limits
Road distance is a poor guide during summer traffic. Boats can stop in wind or rough seas, and international crossings into Monaco or Italy require the correct ticket and documents.
Nearby places
Inland Provence needs a different base. The Italian Riviera continues east, but cross-border rail should be checked separately.
Places to add to your map
- Nice: Main eastern transport and city base.
- Antibes: Old town and harbour between Nice and Cannes.
- Cannes: Western Riviera base and island departure point.
- Menton: Coast town near the Italian border.
Open the route planner to place these stops in a wider France trip.
Continue planning
Questions about French Riviera
Where should I stay on the French Riviera?
Nice is best for transport and a first visit. Antibes is smaller, Cannes suits the western coast, and Menton works well for the eastern end.
Can I explore the Riviera without a car?
Yes for the main coast towns using regional trains and buses. A car can help with inland villages but creates parking and traffic pressure.
How many Riviera towns fit into one day?
One main town, or two close stops with a clear rail plan, is enough. More stops leave little time away from stations.
Sources and updates
This guide was last reviewed on 28 August 2026. Transport, access and opening arrangements can change, so check the official source before travel.
- Official French rail journey planner, SNCF Connect
- Official Nice Côte d’Azur visitor information, Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau
- Official Côte d’Azur visitor information, Côte d’Azur France Tourism Board
- Official Cannes visitor information, Cannes Tourism