7-Day French Riviera Itinerary

Are you dreaming of a South of France trip itinerary that feels like a movie? The French Riviera, also known as the Côte d'Azur, is the most famous coastline in the world. It boasts sparkling blue water, sun-drenched beaches, and cities rich in history.

Want to see fast cars in Monaco or eat fresh bread in a quiet village? This France itinerary has it all. We will show you how to plan the perfect southern France itinerary for one whole week.

Planning Your 7-Day Trip

Before we start the daily plan, let's address some common questions about your South of France travel itinerary.

How many days do you need in the French Riviera?

While you can see the main spots in five days, 7 days is the best choice. A 7-day French Riviera itinerary lets you slow down. You can spend more time at the beach and visit smaller, hidden villages without rushing.

Is 7 days enough for France?

If you try to see the whole country, one week is too short. However, one week is perfectly enough to explore a specific region like the South of France.

A focused South of France itinerary ensures you see the best of the coast.

What is the best month to go to the French Riviera?

June and September are the winners. The weather is warm and sunny, but it is not as crowded as July or August. If you go in September, the water is still very warm for swimming!

What is the prettiest town on the French Riviera?

This is hard to answer because there are so many! However, Èze and Menton are often called the prettiest towns on the French Riviera. Èze looks like a fairy tale on a hill, while Menton has beautiful orange-and-yellow houses.

Where to Base Yourself: Nice, France

For this nice France itinerary, the best city to stay in is Nice.

Nice is central and easy to reach. It has a big airport and a central train station. By choosing Nice as your home base, you don't have to carry your luggage to a new hotel every day. You can take guided day trips from Nice or use the train to see everything.

If you are looking for top-rated luxury accommodations for a week on the French Riviera, Nice offers the famous Hotel Negresco or the Anantara Plaza. Both are beautiful and right by the sea.

Your 7-Day French Riviera Itinerary

This plan is a 7-day French Riviera itinerary by train. The trains here are clean, fast, and run along the beautiful coast. You won't need to worry about traffic or parking!

Day 1: Welcome to Nice

Start your nice itinerary by exploring your new home. Walk the Promenade des Anglais, which is a long path right next to the blue sea.

Visit the Old Town (Vieux Nice). The streets are narrow and smell like fresh flowers and spices.

This is the best place to find the best local food tours to book during a week on the French Riviera. You can try "Socca," a local pancake made from chickpeas.

Day 2: The Glamour of Monaco and the Beauty of Èze

Take a short train or bus ride to Èze. It is a medieval village high on a hill. Walking here feels like going back in time. How to book skip-the-line tickets for popular French Riviera attractions?

For the Exotic Garden in Èze, it is best to buy tickets online or arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds.

In the afternoon, head to Monaco. See the Prince's Palace and the famous Monte Carlo Casino. If you are on a 7-day French Riviera itinerary for couples, a sunset walk by the harbor in Monaco is very romantic.

Day 3: Art and History in Antibes

Antibes is a charming town with old stone walls. It is home to the Picasso Museum, which sits in an old castle.

After the museum, walk around Port Vauban to see some of the biggest yachts in the world. If you enjoy nature, the "Sentier du Littoral" is one of the best cycling routes for a French Riviera itinerary—or an excellent place for a coastal hike.

Day 4: The Stars in Cannes

Take the train to Cannes. This city is famous for the Film Festival. Walk the Red Carpet at the Palais des Festivals and take photos.

Walk along La Croisette, a street full of palm trees and fancy shops. If you want to escape the crowds, take a 15-minute boat to Sainte-Marguerite Island. It is quiet, green, and perfect for a picnic.

Day 5: The "Lemon Capital" - Menton

Menton is the last French town before you hit Italy. It is famous for its lemons and colorful houses.

Visit the Jean Cocteau Museum or relax on the beach. Menton is very peaceful and feels different from the busy streets of Nice or Cannes. It is often called a "hidden gem" of the côte d'Azur.

Day 6: Sailing and Sea Life

Today is the day to get on the water. How to book Yacht rentals along the French Riviera coast? Many companies in Nice and Cannes offer boat rentals. You can hire a small boat with a captain for a few hours.

If you prefer to stay on land, this is an excellent day for a Provence and French Riviera day trip. You can visit the countryside to see lavender fields or small mountain villages like Saint-Paul-de-Vence.

Day 7: Final Relaxation and Shopping

On your last day, stay in Nice. Visit any museums you missed, like the Matisse Museum.

Do some final shopping at the Cours Saleya market. Buy some lavender soap or local olive oil to take home. End your trip with a nice dinner overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Travel Tips for the French Riviera

1. Using the Train: A 7-day French Riviera itinerary by train with scenic routes and passes is very easy. You can buy a "ZOU!" pass, which gives you unlimited travel for a few days. The views from the train window are some of the best in France.

2. Car Rentals: If you want to see the deep countryside, look for affordable car rental services for a week exploring the French Riviera at the Nice Airport. However, for the coastal cities, the train is much faster and easier.

3. Booking Tours: If you don't want to plan everything yourself, look for the best 7-day French Riviera itinerary with recommended local tour operators. They can handle the driving and tell you all the history.

Is the French Riviera for You?

The South of France is a place where you can feel like a star. Whether you want a South of France itinerary full of adventure or a quiet week by the sea, the Riviera will not disappoint.

Final Thoughts

The French Riviera is a place you will never forget. Over seven days, you can experience everything from the red carpets of Cannes to the quiet, cobblestone streets of Èze.

By basing yourself in Nice, you make travel easy and stress-free. You have time to eat excellent local food, visit world-class art museums, and soak up the Mediterranean sun. So, stop dreaming and start planning! A South of France trip itinerary is the perfect way to spend a week in paradise.