The deep blue of the Mediterranean, cliffside roads, harbours packed with yachts, and historic fishing villages. The Côte d'Azur, also known as the French Riviera, is one of those destinations that just needs you to take your time. While cities like Nice or Cannes usually take centre stage on any itinerary, the real heart of this region in the south of France lies in its small towns, where history, art, great food, and some of Europe’s most spectacular scenery come together.
If you plan on visiting the Côte d'Azur, exploring by car is without a doubt your best option. The distances are short, the coastal roads offer unforgettable views, and you'll have the freedom to stop off at hidden beaches, viewpoints, or charming restaurants that you'd easily miss if you were relying on public transport.
In this guide, you’ll discover five must-visit villages on the French Riviera, what to see in each one, and how to plan the perfect road trip to make the most of one of France's most stunning destinations.
If you fly into Nice airport, the main international gateway to the region, you can head straight out on your road trip as soon as you land.
A perfectly balanced itinerary would look something like this:
Day 1: Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and Èze.
Day 2: Menton and the Italian border.
Day 3: Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Day 4: Saint-Tropez and back.
The best thing about having a car is being able to stop off at those lesser-known spots that don't usually make it into the guidebooks. For instance, between Èze and Menton, you’ll find some of the most spectacular views over the Mediterranean, while the stretch between Nice and Saint-Tropez is dotted with tiny coves and beaches that are well worth a stop.
Located just a few miles from the Italian border, Menton is often the first big surprise for anyone exploring the Côte d'Azur. Its pastel-yellow, orange, and terracotta buildings, stacked neatly above the bay, make up one of the most iconic views on the French Riviera.
The old town deserves a slow, relaxed wander. Its narrow streets climb up to the Basilica of Saint-Michel Archange, where you can catch spectacular views of the Mediterranean and the town's famous colourful rooftops.
Afterwards, head down to the promenade to soak up the atmosphere at the seaside cafés and visit the Les Halles covered market, where you can find local specialities from Provence and the French Riviera.
If you have some time to spare, it's also worth visiting one of the botanical gardens around the town. They are widely considered some of the most beautiful in the south of France, thanks to the incredible variety of tropical plants that thrive there.
Few places capture the romantic spirit of the French Riviera quite like Èze. Perched on a rocky cliff over 400 metres above sea level, this tiny medieval village feels as though it is suspended between the sky and the Mediterranean.
Wandering through Èze means exploring cobbled alleys, bougainvillaea-draped stone walls, tiny art galleries, and craft shops that still hold the charm of a different era.
Its main highlight is the Exotic Garden, sitting right at the top of the village. From up here, you get a 360-degree panoramic view stretching across a huge part of the French Riviera, and on a clear day, you can even make out the Italian coast.
What to Do in Èze
There’s no set itinerary here. The best way to experience it is simply to lose yourself in the streets, stumble upon hidden squares, and stop to take in the views from its natural lookout points.
If you fancy a walk, you can also explore the Nietzsche Path, an old trail connecting Èze to the coast that offers spectacular views the entire way down.
Of all the villages on the French Riviera, Saint-Paul-de-Vence stands out for its rich cultural heritage. Enclosed by perfectly preserved Renaissance walls, this tiny hilltop village has been well-known for painters, sculptors, and writers for decades. Legends like Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse, and Joan Miró all found inspiration here, drawn by the peaceful streets and the unique, glowing light of the French Riviera.
Exploring Saint-Paul-de-Vence is best done without a fixed plan. Every corner asks you to pause, whether it's a square shaded by plane trees, a centuries-old fountain, a pottery workshop, or a contemporary art gallery. The village strikes that perfect balance between history and modern art, making it an absolute must-visit.
What to See in Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Start your walk by passing through the Royal Gate and strolling down the Rue Grande, the village's main street. From there, you can dip into independent galleries, craft shops, and little cafés to try some Provençal specialities.
Make sure to head over to the ramparts. From the walls, you’ll get panoramic views of the French Riviera's countryside, where hills dotted with cypress trees and olive groves contrast beautifully with the deep blue of the Mediterranean.
If you’re an art lover, leave some time to visit the Maeght Foundation, one of France's most important modern art museums, located just a few minutes from the historic centre.
Just ten minutes down the road from Nice lies Villefranche-sur-Mer, a spot that often catches even seasoned French Riviera visitors by surprise. Sheltered from the coastal winds, its bay is widely considered one of the prettiest in the Mediterranean and has served as the backdrop for countless films.
The vibe here is noticeably different from some of the more exclusive, glitzy towns nearby. Fishing boats, relaxed waterfront cafés, and an old town criss-crossed with narrow alleys, where balconies always seem to be bursting with flowers, take centre stage instead.
What to See in Villefranche-sur-Mer
The harbour is the best place to start your visit. From there, you can watch the colourful buildings reflecting on the water while soaking up the town's relaxed atmosphere.
Next, head over to the Rue Obscure (Dark Street), a fascinating, vaulted medieval passage that runs right underneath part of the old town and is easily one of the most unusual spots in the area.
Afterwards, wander down to the main beach. The water here is calm and crystal-clear, making it the perfect spot for a swim during the warmer months.
Few places on earth are quite as famous as Saint-Tropez. However, writing this destination off as just a playground for luxury yachts would be a mistake. Long before it became one of the most exclusive spots on the Mediterranean, Saint-Tropez was a humble little fishing port, and that original charm is still very much alive.
The best way to experience it is to steer clear of the busiest spots and head straight into La Ponche, the historic quarter. Its narrow alleys, pastel coloured houses, and quiet squares offer a completely different side of the town to the one you usually see in magazines.
What to See in Saint-Tropez
The old port is still very much the heart of the town. Take a stroll between traditional wooden fishing boats and ultra-modern superyachts while soaking up the buzzing café atmosphere.
Next, head up to the Citadel of Saint-Tropez. On top of housing a fascinating maritime museum, the fortress offers some of the absolute best views over the entire bay.
If you have some time to spare, make your way over to Pampelonne Beach. Stretching for three miles, its fine white sand has made it one of the most famous beaches in France.
The absolute best way to experience the French Riviera is at your own pace. Whether it's pulling over at a scenic viewpoint, stopping for a spontaneous lunch overlooking the sea, or stumbling upon a tiny village that wasn't even on the map, traveling this way makes the whole trip feel so much more rewarding.
If you're flying into Nice, hiring a car as soon as you land lets you make the most of every single day and explore the coast without being tied to public transport timetables. With CarJet, you can compare deals from all the top hire companies in one place, pick the option that fits your trip perfectly, and hit the road with the peace of mind that you've secured the best price.
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