Where to Stay on the French Riviera: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

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Heading to the beautiful French Riviera (also known as the Côte d’Azur) this year? 

This popular region in the south of France offers an enticing combination of historic towns, delicious food, rugged coastal scenery, and a whole host of glitz and glamour.

The Mediterranean’s original Riviera is home to many seaside towns and cities, some with sky-high reputations (such as the world-famous Cannes and St Tropez). But it’s not just a playground for the rich and famous – the Côte d’Azur is a more diverse region than you might think, with something for every price point.

Here’s a guide to help you figure out the best place for you to stay on the French Riviera, be it a glitzy luxury resort or a handy base for budget adventures.

This guide will cover:

  • a shortlist of the very best hotels and accommodation
  • a quick overview of the region and its best bits
  • how to get there and around
  • a rundown of all the resort towns, from west to east, and the best places to stay in each one

Shortlist – Best Places to Stay in the French Riviera

French Riviera – A Quick Overview

>> Skip the overview and go straight to the resort town descriptions

The French Riviera is a stretch of the Mediterranean coastline in the southeast corner of France, extending from Menton near the Italian border to Cassis (you might find a few different definitions, some people consider it to end at Hyères). The coastline is roughly 160km depending on how you measure it.

It’s a hotspot for the jet set, as evidenced by the luxury yachts moored in the harbours and the exclusive parties and events, most notably the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix.

But the Riviera is also steeped in culture and history. It has inspired countless artists, writers, and filmmakers with its picturesque landscapes and unique light. 

It also offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking in the Esterel or Mercantour, and sailing or water sports along the coast. The cuisine of the region, influenced by both French and Italian flavours, is a highlight, with seafood and local produce featuring prominently on menus.

The French Riviera is a year-round destination which enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild winters and hot, dry summers, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. Temperatures are moderated by the Mediterranean Sea, ensuring summers that are warm but not excessively hot thanks to the sea breezes. The area originally came to prominence during the days of the Grand Tour when it became a popular destination for escaping cold winters further north.

The landscape is adorned with olive trees, date palms, cypresses, bougainvillaea, and an abundance of flowers such as lavender, jasmine, and mimosa, which thrive in the warm climate. The region is also known for its gardens and parks, featuring both native and exotic plants, making it a haven for garden enthusiasts.

Expect the summer months (June-September) to feature high prices and crowds. The shoulder seasons (March-June, September-November) can be very pleasant times to visit.

Where to go on the French Riviera

Pampelonne beach near St Tropez.
Pampelonne Beach near St Tropez.
  • Glitziest Towns: Cannes, St Tropez, Antibes, Èze, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Juan-les-Pins
  • Best All-Round Bases: Villefranche-sur-Mer, Nice, Antibes
  • Best Places for Beaches: Lavandou, St Tropez, Cannes, Juan-les-Pins, Menton, Frejus
  • Best Areas for Scenery: Cap Ferrat, Calanques National Park, Cap d’Antibes, Cap Esterel
  • Best for Culture: Frejus, Cannes, Nice
  • Hidden Gems: Cap d’Ail, Ramatuelle, Menton, Theole-sur-Mer

The Riviera is split into east and west at Nice. East of Nice feels much more similar to the Italian Riviera.

Village near Antibes.
Village near Antibes.

Getting There and Around

Airports: There are two international airports which are served by international and domestic routes:

There are also smaller airports at Toulon-Hyères, Avignon, and a private airport at Cannes.

Train: The region is well-connected by train, including the high-speed TGV to Paris (5-6 hours). A regional train line runs from Marseilles to Menton and beyond, with most sections running along the coast. It’s easy to get between coast towns by train. There are also several inland spurs if you want to explore destinations in Provence (including Aix-en-Provence, St-Paul de Vence, and Grasse). 

Driving: The A8 motorway spans the length of the region but much of it is inland, not by the coast. If you’re looking for scenic and dramatic drives check out the 3 Corniches, favourites amongst motorists, cyclists, and motorcyclists.

Bus: The area is well served by local buses and passes are available – see Azur Ticket. Rome2Rio is always a good starting point for route information.

Ferry: The main ferry ports are Hyères (for the islands), Toulon, Marseilles, and Nice. There are some smaller local ferries during the summer months (such as Ste-Maxime to St Tropez).

I recommend using Ferryhopper for ferry schedules and tickets.

Western Riviera

Marseille

Marseille city walls and harbour entrance.

Marseille is not technically part of the French Riviera, but France’s second city lies just to its west and is a convenient gateway to the region so is a good place to start.

It has a reputation for being gritty but Marseille is a vibrant and historic port city with lots to offer the adventurous traveller. Known for its bustling Vieux Port, historic Le Panier district, renowned museums, and Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica, the city has a unique multicultural blend of urban energy and Mediterranean charm.

A visit here isn’t complete without savouring its famous bouillabaisse (a somewhat pricey but very tasty fish soup). 

Don’t miss a trip to the dramatic limestone cliffs and bays of the nearby Calanques National Park, which you can visit by boat or by trail, or a boat trip out to the Frioul Islands. 

For luxury in Marseille:

  • 5-star InterContinental Marseille: This 5-star hotel is housed in a historic building with stunning views of the Old Port. It offers luxurious rooms, a spa, and fine dining options.
  • 5-star Sofitel Marseille Vieux-Port: Located right on the Old Port, this upscale hotel boasts elegant rooms, a rooftop terrace with a pool, and exceptional dining experiences.

On a more restrained budget:

  • C2 Hotel: A chic boutique hotel in the heart of Marseille, C2 Hotel features unique and stylish rooms, a lovely garden, and a gourmet restaurant.
  • Alex Hotel & Spa: This boutique hotel sports modern design and a relaxing spa. It’s located near the Old Port and offers a personalized experience.
  • Tuba Blub: A hip eco-friendly hotel by the sea.

If you’re on a budget have a look at the Ibis Marseille Centre Gare Saint-Charles, cheap chain rooms near the station, or Hotel Edmond Rostand, a basic budget option in the city centre.

Cassis

Yachts in Cassis harbour.

Cassis is where the western end of the Riviera is generally deemed to start. And it’s a beauty, with tall colourful houses lining its harbourfront.

It’s on the other side of the Calanques National Park, you can also easily visit by excursion boats from the harbour.

Small and chic, Cassis is a fishing town however there are a few rocky/pebble beaches in the area and it’s surrounded on both sides by unspoilt coastal scenery. This makes it fairly isolated especially as the train station is some way inland, although it still manages to get busy with daytrippers. But it’s probably the nicest coastal town in the Western Riviera and ideal if you’re looking for a tranquil stay with good hiking nearby.

La Ciotat

Fishing boats in La Ciotat harbour.

La Ciotat is an unpretentious modern town not focused on tourism, however it has its attractions. 

There’s a small golden old town and a harbour with a rich maritime heritage, packed with brightly-painted traditional boats. Trips to the Calanques are available in high season, and boats will also take you over to the tiny Ile Verte in just 15 minutes.

The sandy beaches are another draw, although they’re narrow in parts and flanked by a road and promenade. There’s a particularly scenic small beach at the Parc de Mugel botanical gardens. 

Accommodation is comparatively inexpensive and mostly in traditional 2 and 3-star hotels. Top picks are:

Les Lacques and Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer

Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer from the air.

Quiet and simple, these two villages are adjoined, Les Lacques encloses the beach and Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer spreads inland. It has a small fishing port and seasonal beach tourism. The beach is a mix of sand and shingle and the seabed is very shallow (so it does fill up with local families in the summer).

There are some pleasant coastal walks in the area.

Hostellerie Bérard & Spa: is a boutique hotel in a neighbouring village featuring charming Provençal decor, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and a relaxing spa. It’s a short drive from Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer.

3-star Maison Bagatelle is a few blocks from the beach and has comfortable rooms and a shady terrace.

Bandol

Bandol is a bustling marina town also known for its scenic harbour and excellent wines. It’s also home to some fine beaches. Plage de Renécros, the main town beach, is a handsome sweep of fine sand backed by fragrant pines.

Small ferries can whisk you across to the private island Ile de Bendor, also known as the ‘Island of the Mediterranean Arts’ thanks to its museums (including a Wine and Spirits Museum( and galleries. It belonged to – and is the final resting place of – drinks tycoon Paul Ricard.

For natural beauty head west to Presqu’île de Capelan and Calanque de Port d’Alon.

The marina is one of the largest in the region and is also a cruise port of call for accessing Provence. There are plenty of boat excursions on offer.

5-star Hotel & Spa Ile Rousse Thalazur Bandol is right by the beach and also has a pool and thalassotherapy spa.

Beachfront 4-star Hostellerie La Farandole is halfway to Sanary but is on the beach and has a spa and impeccable views.

Sanary-sur-Mer

Traditional boats in Sanary-sur-Mer harbour.

Sanary is a low-key but pretty fishing port. It has a photogenic harbour, a busy Wednesday market, and beaches nearby at Bonnegrâce and Portissol (the former is bigger but the latter is sandier).

It’s the kind of place where you can laze away endless days in waterfront cafes. It has an artistic heritage too – it was a favourite of Aldous Huxley, Brecht, and Thomas Mann.

To the south is the Cap Sicie headland where you’ll find coastal trails and a couple of islands, the largest of which is Île des Embiez which also belonged to Paul Ricard.

Laid-back Ô Petit Monde has a private beach area on Portissol.

Hôtel Synaya is a 3-star in town with modern decor, and 2-star Hotel Restaurant de la Tour is a  solid choice right by the harbour.

Cheap and cheerful, Hotel Bel Azur is right by Bonnegrâce beach.

La Seyne-sur-Mer

La Seyne-sur-Mer is a coastal town which sits opposite Toulon, a busy industrial city. It was once home to shipbuilders but these days you’ll find a pleasant low-key town with a big harbour.

For beaches head south of the town towards an island called Saint-Mandrier which is connected to land by an isthmus.

On the south side of the isthmus, you’ll find the 5-star Grand Hotel des Sablettes Plage, Curio Collection by Hilton. The hotel has a private beach and a spa. On the island is a pretty town (St-Mandrier-sur-Mer) and a naval base.

Toulon

Toulon from above.

Toulon is a busy industrial city which is unlikely to be top of your French Riviera bucketlist. However, it’s an underrated city with excellent transport links undergoing a wave of regeneration.

The old town suffered extensive damage in WWII but has been given a facelift. There’s a naval museum, an excellent market, and a strong cultural scene with lots of galleries and an opera house.

The best beaches nearby are Plage de la Mitre and Le Mourillon, where you’ll find several scallops of sand. It’s a 25-minute walk or a short bus ride away.

It has an airport (Toulon-Hyères, although it’s nearer Hyères), train station, and is also a major cruise, ferry (depart here for Corsica and Sardinia), and naval port. It makes a good base for exploring the wider area.

If you’re catching a ferry the Ibis Styles Toulon Centre Port is the most conveniently located.

4-star Best Western Plus La Corniche is down by the beach.

3-star Grand Hôtel Dauphiné has a rooftop pool overlooking the Old Town.

Hyeres

A view across Hyeres to the sea.

Hyères is the oldest resort town of the French Riviera and still one of the most captivating. Known as the ‘city of palm trees’, it was once the favoured summer resort of royalty (and Tolstoy). This legacy is evident in its well-preserved old town which is home to many Belle Époque villas. It even has ancient ruins and the remains of a Templars lodge.

Unlike most of the other resorts on the coast, Hyères hasn’t developed around a seafront or harbour. The old town is 5km from the sea. This might explain why it’s not as popular now as Cannes or Nice. These days Hyères exports flowers and has a military base.

So it’s a great place to stay if some of the Riviera’s more popular destinations feel a bit commercial to you. It’s easy to reach by rail. And it’s also the stopping-off point for the Îles d’Hyères, an enchanting group of enchanting and unspoiled islands.

To the south of Hyères are long windy isthmus beaches and the Giens Peninsula. It’s popular with sailors, windsurfers, and kitesurfers. To the east are salt marshes and quieter beaches.

There are campsites galore. The restaurants are better in town, but the hotels are better by the beach.

Hotel highlights include:

Îles d’Hyères

Bicycles parked near the sea on Porquerolles island.

The Îles d’Hyères, also known as the Golden Islands, is an archipelago of four enchanting islands known for their natural beauty, walking trails, excellent snorkelling, and lush green vegetation. They’re a popular day trip from nearby coastal resorts.

Porquerolles is the largest and the nearest to Hyères port. It has exceptional beaches and 4 main trails. Exploring the island by bicycle is a popular activity.

Port-Cros is more rugged and is a designated national park with pristine waters.

Le Levant is popular with the clothing-optional crowd.

There’s only a handful of places to stay on the island and they tend to be expensive for what you get. Try  Hotel L’Oustaou de Porquerolles and Hostellerie Provençale on Port-Cros for basic rooms.

Le Lavandou

Boardwalk on Lavandou beach.

The laid-back beach resort of Le Lavandou is one of the best destinations in the Côte d’Azur for sandy beaches. The commune of Lavandou occupies 12km of coastline, with a small port town at its heart surrounded by beaches and picturesque coves fringed by pine trees.

It’s popular with domestic visitors and has a traditional and unpretentious French seaside resort vibe. Those looking for a Riviera chic won’t find it here, although the old town does have a few pasted-hued buildings and a Provençal market. But the appeal here is really the coastal scenery. It makes a relaxed base for a family trip.

St Tropez and the Îles d’Hyères are easily reached as day trips.

With so many beaches you might as well stay directly on one:

You’ll find a similar family-friendly vibe at nearby Cavalaire-sur-Mer which has a wide sandy beach.

South of Le Lavandou is the fancier Bormes-les-Mimosas, a peninsula with winding roads and discreet villas. 

Saint Tropez

Tiled rooftops of Saint Tropez old town.

Glamorous St Tropez is one of the most famous destinations in the French Riviera and is one of the most international resorts along the coast.

Celebrities and artists have been flocking here since the 1950s.  It’s known for its beaches and pretty terracotta-tiled old town. These days the nightlight is very high-end, the beach clubs are expensive, the narrow streets are filled with galleries and boutiques, and the harbour is lined with enormous megayachts.

Luxury-lovers are spoilt for choice but the standouts are:

  • Hotel Sezz  is très chic and has bungalows with private plunge pools
  • Pan Deï Palais is perfect for old-school glamour and a central location.
  • Cheval Blanc has a private beach and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
  • Hotel Byblos might not have the most stylish rooms but it wins on facilities, especially its beach club and spa.
  • Pastis Hotel has a pool surrounded by palms and a focus on modern art.

A boutique budget will net you a stay at Hôtel Le Mouillage, it’s just outside town but worth it for the landscaping. Or Le Yaca in the old town.

The peninsula south of St Tropez is relatively undeveloped, with two inland villages at Ramatuelle and Gassin, and the main beach in the area – Pampelonne – one of the best beaches in the French Riviera. There are some holiday villages near Pampelonne such as La Toison d’Or Riviera Villages which has beachfront chalets.

The wider area is home to lots of quiet villas and traditional rural guesthouses around here, as well as an abundance of activities such as horse-riding and golf.

For absolute luxury, the 5-star La Réserve Ramatuelle Hotel, Spa and Villas is exclusive and indulgent.

Hôtel Lily of the Valley is a sophisticated 5-star near Gigaro beach.

Smaller budget? Le Clos des Vignes Pampelonne Vineyard is a charming B&B with a heated outdoor pool.

Sainte-Maxime and Les Issambres

Drone shot of Les Issambres beach.

Across the bay from St Tropez is Sainte-Maxime, a (relatively) down-to-earth beach resort which is popular with families. The main town beach is a bit shingly but there are better clean and sandy beaches in the wider area.

It also has a marina, and during the summer there are water taxi services across to St Tropez so you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Stay at Hotel Les Jardins de Sainte-Maxime, a spacious 3-star with a big pool, or the 3-star Hotel Royal Bon Repos near the port.

At Les Issambres, there’s another marina, a thalassotherapy centre, and a rocky stretch of coast with the occasional sandy beach.

Fréjus and Saint-Raphaël

Frejus marina at night.

Fréjus is a large port and town which has been around since Roman times. It has a big, busy marina and an old town. It blends into Saint-Raphaël, and they both lie along the same beach.

Being one of the larger conurbations in the Riviera, there’s plenty to do here. There are some Roman remains (including an amphitheatre) as well as a cathedral and monastery, a daily market, regular festivals, wineries, a busy marina, and two old town areas to explore. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking a blend of culture, history, and beachside relaxation.

It’s a short drive to the nearby Esterel Massif where the red-hued rocks make a distinctive setting for outdoor activities. There are plenty of sandy beaches in the area, including an urban beach and the vast Plage de Saint-Agulf, and just outside town there’s a waterpark (Aqualand).

Most hotel options in town are functional and unexciting though, you’ll have to head out to the countryside for more style.

Cap Esterel and Agay

Agay is a small village in a large bay enclosed by the Esterel mountains. It’s quite a setting – and a riot of natural colours. It’s a delightful destination for nature lovers as there are many undeveloped areas nearby thanks to the ruggedness of the landscape. South of Agay is Cap Esterel, a wild coast with a scenic road D559. Watch out for wildfire closures in the summer though.

A beach runs the length of the Agay, and accommodation is built into the steep slopes so views are easy to come by.

3-star Le Relais d’Agay is right by sea road and has airy modern rooms.

The area is home to several traditional holiday villages such as Club Cap Esterel and Hôtel de l’Esterel.

Theole-sur-Mer

Théoule-sur-Mer is a small and picturesque harbour town surrounded by green hills. There’s a small beach next to the harbour and many more tucked away in the surrounded craggy coastline.

You can stay at the 5-star Château de Théoule right by the beach. This is possibly one of the most scenic hotels in the Riviera.

Head up the coast to Mandelieu-la-Napoule where you’ll find the intriguing 14th-century Château de la Napoule, a beachside chateau with gardens.

To the south, 5-star Tiara Miramar Beach Hotel & Spa is right on the water and has a pool and sunbathing platforms leading directly to the sea. 

Neighbouring Hotel Tiara Yaktsa Côte d’Azur has a pool with a view over the bay.

Cannes

Cannes waterfront.

Cannes is one of the Riviera’s big-name destinations, known for its world-famous film festival (annually in May), swanky vibe, and high-end restaurants and nightlife.

A glamorous large resort town, it has an old town, two ports, a covered market, castle ruins, a buzzing promenade, leafy suburbs, and a vibrant cultural scene. It’s one of the main superyacht hubs in the Western Med.

La Croisette is the main town beach. It is sandy and in the summer almost completely engulfed by private beach clubs (many belonging to the area’s luxury hotels). For free beaches (and more space) head west of Vieux-Port to Plage du Midi and La Bocca.

There are two small islands (Îles de Lérins) in the bay – Sainte Marguerite and Saint Honorat. They are pretty similar, Marguerite has slightly more amenities. Water taxis run throughout the way. You can also take excursion boats to other destinations in the Riviera including St Tropex and Monaco. Inland, visit Mougins and Vallauris for art and crafts.

The recently-refurbished 5-star Carlton Cannes wins the prize for the most beautiful hotel in town, both inside and out.

Similar grandeur and facilities can be found at the Belle Époque-era Hotel Martinez, a Hyatt Unbound Collection Hotel. It has a pool, spa, Michelin-starred dining, and a private beach complete with deep sunloungers dressed in Riviera stripes.

For stylish boutique rooms check out:

Juans-les-Pins

Juan-les-Pins was one of the original summer resorts in the French Riviera. It hasn’t quite retained its lofty status as a celebrity favourite but it has excellent sandy beaches, is lush with pines, and the surrounding coastline is very pretty. These days it’s known for its jazz festival, Jazz à Juan.

Juan-les Pins doesn’t have an old town or fishing harbour – the architecture here is a mix of modern postwar hotel blocks and luxurious Art Deco villas,  But Antibes isn’t far away across the peninsula (it’s a 25-minute walk). In fact, the two are often twinned. To the south of both is the stunning Cap d’Antibes, a headland with some of the Riviera’s best coastal scenery.

  • 5-star Hôtel Belles Rives is right on the seafront and leans into its glam Art Deco heritage (Scott Fitzgerald lived here and today you can drink in the Fitzgerald champagne and cocktail piano bar, for example)
  • 4-star Le 1932 Hotel & Spa has an immaculate monochrome design and sea views.
  • 5-star Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel is just south of town towards the Cap d’Antibes and has a private beach.

Antibes

Antibes old town from the air.

Antibes is one of the most charming resort towns on the French Riviera. It has a small walled old town at its heart, with a large harbour and 16th-century star-shaped fort to its north. There are several small beaches.

It was a popular spot for artists in the 20th century and is now home to the Musée Picasso which has a collection of works that he painted during his time in the town. There’s also a small archaeological museum.

There are several small beaches in town but it’s worth heading south to Plage du Ponteil and Plage de Salis, two generous white sand beaches which aren’t overdeveloped or packed with private clubs.

Central Antibes has fewer hotels than in Juan-les-Pins, with most clustered in the streets between the old town and the harbour such as Hotel & Spa La Villa Port d’Antibes.

The area’s top luxury hotels tend to be out in the Cap d’Antibes rather than in town.

Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc is an opulent 5-star retreat at the southern end of the cape with a private beach and lush gardens.

Villeneuve Loubet

Between Antibes and Nice is an area that encompasses urban sprawl from Nice (including the airport, industrial parks, and a tech hub) as well as plenty of green space.

In the middle of the coast is the Baie des Anges marina, a large 1970s development surrounded by wide beaches (a mix of sand and shingle). Up in the hills behind is the historic village of Villeneuve and the impressive Château de Villeneuve-Loubet.

The area is not a bad base if you need access to modern amenities. You’ll find plenty of holiday homes and campsites in the area. Just before the airport is the River Var which splits the Riviera into east and west.

Hotel Bahia and Hôtel Mercure Villeneuve-Loubet Plage are both right on the beach.

Thalazur Antibes is on the Antibes side of the beach.

Eastern Riviera

Nice

Nice's pebble beach.

Nice is the fifth-largest city in France and a popular tourist destination on the Riviera. It has an international airport and is the main gateway to the region for many arrivals, with excellent transport links out to other resorts. The airport is linked with the city by tram.

But it’s also one of the Côte d’Azur’s original winter resorts, popular with royals and aristocracy at the turn of the last century. This legacy can be seen in the city’s grand palace hotels, baroque mansions, and ornate villas. After WWII it attracted artists including Matisse.

These days Nice is one of the best places in France for art lovers, with MAMAC (Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Nice) being the main attraction.

The city has a little bit of grit, bags of charisma, street life, and plenty of culture. Its other big draws are its 5km wide pebble beach flanked by palm trees and a vibrant promenade, lush parks, the Cours Saleya flower market, and its medieval old quarter (Vieux Nice) which is next to the port. The area behind the beach is where you’ll find all of the opulent 18th and 19th-century buildings.

If you’re looking for an iconic stay, the most famous hotel in town is Le Negresco, a historic gem with luxurious rooms and a prime location overlooking the Mediterranean.

Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel is in a renovated 5-star heritage building and is ideally located between the old town, the main beach, and the new town.

Its size means there’s a wide variety of accommodations including plenty in the mid-range, including cute boutiques:

Backpackers and digital nomads will want to check out the stylish Villa Saint Exupery Beach Hostel or the HI Nice Les Camelias.

Villefranche-sur-Mer

The coastline east of Nice is home to some of the most dramatic and beautiful scenery in the Riviera, with colourful houses built where the steep green foothills of the Alps meet the sea.

Villefranche-sur-Mer is a particularly stunning fishing harbour and resort town. It’s connected to Nice by train so is a suitable base for a few days, although it’s worth noting that it gets very busy with cruise passengers during the day.

There are several sandy beaches in the area, including the main town beach.

The family-run Welcome Hotel is a 4-star seafront hotel with great views, airy rooms, and a central location.

Saint-Jean Cap Ferrat

Drone shot of Cap Ferrat

South of Villefranche is Cap Ferrat, a rugged peninsula which rivals Cap d’Antibes in beauty (and in wealthy patrons). The vibe is peaceful and serene, with manicured gardens, small coves and beaches, fragrant pines, and a coastal trail.

The only real town here is St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. It has a stunning coastal path and a couple of lovely beaches.

The cape is a luxury enclave and its standout hotel is the 5-star Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, located at the bottom of the peninsula. Built in 1908, this iconic hotel has hosted many famous guests over the years, including Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin. It boasts stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and lush gardens, along with a spa and Michelin-starred restaurant.

Beaulieu-sur-Mer

Up at the top of the Cap Ferrat peninsula, on the other side from Villefranche-sur-Mer, is Beaulieu-sur-Mer.

A small upmarket resort and harbour town, it’s an underrated spot on the Riviera. It doesn’t suffer the same crowds as Villefranche but it benefits from being on the same train line.

It has many fine pastel-pink Belle Époque villas by the water’s edge, a pleasant beach, a marina, a small working fishing fleet, gardens, and plenty of greenery. The name itself translates to ‘Beautiful Place on the Sea’.

Don’t miss a visit to the intriguing Villa Kerylos, a 20th-century copy of a classical Greek villa which is now a museum packed with antiques and eccentricities.

La Réserve de Beaulieu Hotel & Spa is the pinnacle of luxury in Beaulieu-sur-Mer. This elegant hotel offers a lavish experience with stunning sea views, a renowned restaurant, a seafront pool, and a world-class spa.

Classic 5-star Hotel Royal Rivera is located at the south end of town towards Cap Ferrat and close to Plage des Formis.

Next to the port, The Originals Hotel Frisia is a solid 3-star option with a pool

Hôtel Carlton is an elegant 4-star with classic Riviera styling.

Èze

The hilltop village of Eze.

Èze is an enchanting medieval hilltop village which is very popular with first-time visitors to the area.  It has jaw-dropping views over the bay and charming streets packed with art galleries, artisan shops, perfumeries, and cafes.

Èze is not far from the sea, you can walk down to Plage d’Èze in around 1 hour or catch the bus in the summer.

Most visit on a day trip, but there are a few places to stay. Notably, the Château de la Chèvre d’Or, one of the Riviera’s bucketlist luxury hotels.

4-star boutique Hôtel Les Terrasses d’Eze has a superb infinity pool.

Monaco

A view of Monaco's port through the hills.

Monaco, a tiny sovereign city-state on the French Riviera, is synonymous with luxury, glamour, and exclusivity. Famed for the Grand Casino, lavish yacht show, and prestigious Grand Prix, Monaco is a playground for the rich and famous.

Most visitors to the Eastern Riviera will pop in for a visit, even if only to briefly ogle the supercars and megayachts on parade. But there’s plenty of history and culture (and shopping) here too. The city-state’s compact size makes it easy to explore.

To get the real Monaco experience, book into the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, a legendary property that has welcomed guests since 1864. The hotel features opulent rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and a rooftop pool with panoramic views of the Mediterranean.

Other top luxury stays include:

(Monte Carlo is a district of Monaco.)

On a smaller budget? Try the 2-star Hôtel de France.

For somewhere in the middle, there’s the Columbus Hotel Monte-Carlo, Curio Collection by Hilton.

Roquebrune-Cap-Martin

You might find that some hotels advertised as Monaco are actually in  Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, the area immediately east of Monaco. It’s easy to hop on a train or boat into the principality.

Roquebrune itself is an ancient hilltop village with a 10th-century chateau, Cap Martin is a pretty peninsula, and on the other side of it is the unremarkable beach resort of Carnolès.

Top stay in the area is The Maybourne Riviera, a recently renovated modernist delight which commands amazing views over Monaco from its whitewashed rooms and infinity pools.

Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel is right by the sea and has a private beach and contemporary 1930s-inspired interiors.

Carnolès is a good bet for value such as the 4-star Hotel Victoria, but there’s plenty in the 2 and 3-star range too. The beach is 1km of pebble.

Menton

Colours of Menton's buildings reflect in the water.

At the far eastern end of the Riviera, Carnolès blends into lies one of its prettiest gems, the picturesque coastal town of Menton. 

Known for its lemon festival, excellent food, Jean Cocteau Museum, exotic gardens, and pastel-hued buildings, Italianate Menton gives a hint of what lies across the border. From here it’s a hop, skip, and a jump to Ventimiglia, the first town of the Italian Riviera (and it’s an easy trip on the train).

Menton is a relaxed place and is increasingly popular with influencers. There are several sandy beaches and the old town leads up steep paths to the beautiful Basilica of Saint-Michel-Archange.

Located down near Carnolès, 4-star Villa Genesis brings a touch of glam with its marble bathrooms and palm-lined pool.

Hôtel Napoléon is more centrally located and has modern pop-art decor.

2-star Hôtel Richelieu has clean comfortable rooms and a convenient location.

Read more:

Where to Stay on the Italian Riviera: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

Where to Stay in Croatia: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

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Image credits:

Bay near Cassis: janoka82 / Adobe Stock

Village near Antibes: rh2010  / Adobe Stock

Map: © The Mediterranean Traveller

St Tropez beach: © lukaszimilena / Adobe Stock

Marseille: © S-F / Shutterstock

Cassis: © Boris Stroujko / Shutterstock

La Ciotat: © Gerald Villena / Adobe Stock

Saint-Cyr-La-Mer: © Александр Лобач / Adobe Stock

Sanary-sur-Mer: © Yvann K / Adobe Stock

Toulon: © SergiyN / Adobe Stock

Hyeres: © Wanda / Adobe Stock

Iles d’Hyes: © Samuel Borges Photography / Shutterstock

Le Lavandou: © Jonathan Stutz / Adobe Stock

Saint Tropez: © NAPA / Shutterstock

Les Issambres: © chromoprisme / Adobe Stock

Frejus: © JackF / Adobe Stock

Cannes: © IR Stone / Adobe Stock

Antibes: © Сергей Иванович / Adobe Stock

Nice: © saiko3p / Adobe Stock

Villefranche-sur-Mer: © Stockbym / Adobe Stock

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferret: © Michal / Adobe Stock

Eze: © travelpeter / Adobe Stock

Monaco: © Boris Stroujko / Shutterstock

Menton: © grutfrut / Shutterstock

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