The French Riviera: Everything You Need to Know About Côte d'Azur
If you think the French Riviera is a playground reserved only for the ultra-rich, think again. Sure, just a mention of Côte d'Azur may bring up images of Grace Kelly, royalty, turquoise waters, and chic parties on luxurious yachts, but it’s far more accessible than you might imagine. If you're wondering how to spend Avios for a memorable holiday there, read on for inspiration and tips on where to stay, what to see, and how to make your travel dreams come true via a British Airways reward flight.
Where Is the French Riviera? The French Riviera, or Côte d'Azur as it’s known in France, is the Mediterranean coastline in the southeast of France. While there’s no strictly defined boundary, it’s typically considered part of the Alpes-Maritimes department. It stretches from the Massif de l'Esterel to Menton near the Italy border and includes destinations such as Cannes, Antibes, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Monaco, and more. Despite its reputation for luxury, this corner of France is surprisingly diverse and has something for everyone.
Why Visit the French Riviera? Whether you're a culture vulture, a foodie, an art buff, or simply in need of some lazy days by the sea, the French Riviera has a little je ne sais quoi for everyone. With miles of coastline that includes secluded coves and sandy stretches, you're sure to find a cosy spot to relax and gaze at the sunset over azure waters. While the area is known for the Cannes Film Festival, Monaco's royal charm, and the artistic legacies of Picasso, Matisse, and Chagall, there's so much more to it.
Lovers of the past can spend hours wandering among the pastel facades of Menton, the medieval cobblestone streets of Èze, or the historic corners of Nice. There's also plenty of fresh seafood, Provencal produce, Italian influences near the border, and world-class restaurants in every town to charge you up. The area is well-connected by train, bus, and roads, so you can create an unforgettable itinerary across multiple towns along the coast.
Why the French Riviera Makes for a Great Holiday Using Avios If you're daydreaming of strolling along the Promenade des Anglais or sipping cocktails in Cannes, your Avios can make it happen. When you choose a British Airways reward flight, not only can you save money on your French adventure, it can also help you climb the BA Tiers ladder by allowing you to earn more Tier Points when booking paid segments or combining your travels strategically. If you're travelling from overseas or within Europe, you can easily reach the region through the Côte d'Azur Airport near Nice on the eastern side of the region. Another option is Marseille-Provence Airport on the western side. Both airports are well connected by train, bus, or car. You can find BA reward flights between London and Nice-Côte d'Azur International Airport (NCE) for 18,500 Avios plus £1 for an off-peak Economy return seat, while an off-peak Economy return flight between London and Marseille-Provence Airport (MRS) costs 18,500 Avios plus £1. Not bad for an escape to one of Europe’s most luxurious destinations!
What is the French Riviera Famous For? Nothing is off the table when you visit Côte d'Azur. Your adventures are only limited by your imagination. People come for its sun-drenched beaches that stretch for miles along the Mediterranean Sea. Once they arrive, they’re captivated by the Riviera's artistic heritage, having inspired famous artists such as Picasso, Matisse, and Chagall, whose influence can still be seen in the local art museums. Beyond its glitz, the Riviera is peppered with hilltop villages such as Èze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence, where you’ll find beautiful cobblestone streets and quaint alleyways. It's also a top destination for yachting and hosts many prestigious sailing events and regattas throughout the year. Then there's always the local cuisine, a blend of French, Mediterranean, and Italian flavours that make up distinctive dishes such as socca, pissaladiere, tarte de palettes, and farcis nicoise. The area is also known for its gardens and historic villas, such as the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and the Jardin Exotique in Eze. Both are meticulously maintained and open to the public. Lively outdoor markets like the Cours Saleya in Nice and the Marché Provencal in Antibes house fresh produce, antiques, crafts, and street food. Grasse is recognised as the world's perfume capital – you can even create a personal signature scent when you visit!
What's the Best Time to Visit? No matter when you arrive, the region's temperate climate and clear coastal waters mean you'll enjoy the Côte d'Azur's natural beauty year-round. But to experience the true magic of the French Riviera without getting crowded out, it's best to come in May, June, July or September when the weather is warm and sunny without overwhelming crowds. You can even come during the shoulder season but avoid coming in August when the whole of France goes on holiday, which means higher prices and crowded beaches.
Things to Do When thinking of the French Riviera, most people think of glamorous nightlife, grand palace hotels, and beautiful beaches. Yet, it also features other attractions, such as architecture, history, natural parks, and museums. Beyond the celebrated waterfronts of Cannes and St-Tropez, with their star-studded promenades, medieval hilltop towns invite you to wander cobblestone streets, explore busy market squares, and admire centuries-old ramparts. If you move away from the coast, there are plenty of options for activities such as hiking, swimming, snorkelling, and cycling. With so many possibilities, narrowing down your must-sees can be challenging, so here are a few activities we recommend on your first Riviera adventure:
Nice: ● Go for a walk along the famous Promenade des Anglais for sweeping views of the bay. ● Spend a day exploring the old town with its narrow, winding streets and Italianate architecture. ● Visit the colourful Cours Saleya market to experience the local culture and cuisine.
Villefranche-Sur-Mer: ● Enjoy a relaxing day on the sandy beach, easily accessible by train from Nice. ● Wander through the old town's narrow streets, taking in the traditional Mediterranean architecture. ● Make a pitstop on the Boulevard Napoleon III road for a panoramic view.
Menton: ● Explore the historic old town with its lemon-themed shops and colourful facades. ● Take in the stunning views from the old hill cemetery overlooking the Mediterranean.
Monaco: ● Check out the luxury yachts in the famous Port Hercules. ● Gamble or visit the grand Monte Carlo Casino. ● Tour the Prince's Palace and the Saint-Martin Gardens.
Cannes: ● Walk the glamorous La Croisette boulevard, home to the Cannes Film Festival. ● Take a boat trip to the nearby glamorous town of Saint Tropez or explore the rugged natural beauty of the Massif de l'Esterel.
Saint-Tropez: ● Soak up the sun on the famous Pampelonne Beach, dotted with chic beach clubs. ● Wander around the old port and indulge in a leisurely lunch while people-watching. ● Visit the Annonciade Museum to appreciate its modern art collections.
Antibes: ● Stroll through the old town to discover the Picasso Museum, where many of the artist's works are displayed. ● Experience the busy daily market and street life that define this historic town.
Cassis: ● Explore the dramatic Calanques National Park, ideal for hiking, swimming, and boating. ● Enjoy a meal at a waterfront restaurant in the picturesque harbour, known for its fresh seafood.
What to Eat and Drink Of course, nobody comes to the French Riviera to eat. But when you're running on an empty stomach after a long day, nothing charges you up better than delicious food, which is a common occurrence in almost every town in the French Riviera. The region is famous for using Mediterranean and Provençal ingredients like olives, olive oil, thyme, lavender, dried fruits and nuts, fresh fish, lemons, garlic, and tomatoes.
Nice is the culinary heart of the Riviera. It’s famous for its blend of French and Italian influences in dishes such as ratatouille, pistou (a basil and vegetable soup), salad niçoise (a tuna-based salad), and fougasse (a type of flatbread). The Cours Saleya market in Nice is a must-visit for sampling local foods and soaking up the area's culture. Another Nice speciality is Socca, a savoury pancake made from chickpea flour. Other cities like Cannes, St-Tropez, Monaco, and Antibes are also celebrated for their culinary offerings, with many restaurants boasting Michelin stars and spectacular sea views. In Marseille, you can enjoy regional favourites such as bouillabaisse (a rich fish stew), pastis (an anise-flavoured liqueur), and chichis frégi (a type of doughnut similar to churros). To wash it all down, the local rosé and crisp white wines are excellent with seafood, while pastis, an anise-flavoured liqueur from Marseille, makes a refreshing apéritif on warm days.
Finding the Right Accommodation If you prefer daily beach strolls and easy access to local restaurants, choose a central base like Nice, Cannes, or Antibes. However, renting a car allows you the freedom to book accommodations farther inland, score better prices, and more peaceful settings.
Here are our recommendations for where to stay:
La Pérouse, Nice Just a stone’s throw from the old town's cobblestone streets, La Pérouse is a cliffside secret. The hotel is positioned perfectly on the hillside next to Nice’s Parc du Château. The rooms are decorated with a stylish, Riviera-inspired design with ceramic lamps and striped curtains that mirror the sea’s colours. You can eat Mediterranean dishes in the hotel’s outdoor restaurant or enjoy a drink on your own terrace. Prices start at about £406 per night.
Hôtel Belles Rives, Juan-les-Pins, Antibes Back in 1926, when Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald rented the Villa Saint-Louis by the sea, who would've guessed their home would turn into a hotspot for sipping "Sparkling Scott" champagne cocktails? Fast forward to today, and that very spot is the Hôtel Belles Rives, a charming family-run gem since 1929. The hotel features 43 elegant rooms, a Michelin-star restaurant, La Passagère, and even a private beach with waterskiing. Room rates start from about £736 per night.
The Mondrian, Cannes The Mondrian is Cannes' fresh face in the hotel scene, and what a transformation it’s had! After a seven-month makeover, this hotel (once the 1863 Grand Hotel) has reemerged as Cannes' first "affordable luxe" spot. Need a workout? Hit the state-of-the-art gym. Beach day? Hyde Beach Club is just across the street. And for a truly special stay, book one of the two luminous suites on the 11th floor. They're the highest points in town, complete with sea-facing decks, your own mini-botanical garden, a Jacuzzi, and views that stretch endlessly into the horizon. Nightly rates start at about £738. Whichever option you choose, remember to book ahead, especially in spring and summer. Cities like Nice and Cannes fill up quickly during peak season, and a quick search well in advance can help you find BA reward flights and accommodation deals that suit your style.
Make the French Riviera Your Next Escape The French Riviera's glamorous reputation is well-deserved, but don't let its glitzy surface deter you. With its blend of medieval charm, stunning sea views, and artistic heritage, there are endless reasons to visit. When next planning how to spend Avios and maximise your BA Tiers, think of Côte d'Azur. Bon voyage!
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