Taste the Best Ice Cream in the French Riviera

When you think of a summer holiday in the South of France, what is the first thing you imagine eating? Maybe it is a fresh croissant for breakfast or a piece of local fish for lunch. But for most travellers, the highlight of every afternoon is finding the perfect scoop of gelato.

In the French Riviera, ice cream is more than just a snack; it is a tradition. Because the Riviera is so close to Italy, its gelato is among the best in the world. Whether you are walking through the narrow streets of Old Town Nice or watching the yachts in St. Tropez, there is always a “glacier” (that is French for ice cream maker) nearby.

At Atelier Plage, we believe that the best way to enjoy a scoop of gelato is while wearing something comfortable and stylish. After all, you might get a little drop of chocolate on your shirt if you aren’t careful! Our Nice France Fitted Beach Sweatshirt is the perfect companion for those evening walks to the gelato shop as the sea breeze cools the city.

Let’s go on a city-by-city tour to find the best gelato in the French Riviera.

 

Nice: The King of Gelato Cities

Nice is the best place to start your ice cream journey. The city is famous for its massive selection of flavours, ranging from classic vanilla to very strange things like cactus or black pepper!

1. Fenocchio Gelato (Old Town Nice)

If you ask anyone in Nice, “Where is the best gelato near me?”, they will point you toward Fenocchio. Located in the heart of the Place Rossetti in the Old Town, this shop is a legend.

• Why it’s famous: They have over 90 flavours!
• The Flavours: You can try traditional Italian styles, but Fenocchio is famous for its “Provençal” flavours. This includes Lavender, Rosemary, Thyme, and even Tomato and Basil!
• The Vibe: It is right next to the beautiful Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate. You buy your cone and sit on the fountain steps to watch the world go by.

2. Azzurro Gelato (Old Town Nice)

Just a short walk from Fenocchio is Azzurro. While Fenocchio has the most flavours, many locals believe Azzurro has the “creamiest” gelato in Nice.

• The Detail: They make their waffle cones fresh right in front of you. The smell of baking waffles fills the street and makes it impossible to walk past without stopping.
• Must Try: Their pistachio and hazelnut (Nocciola) are incredibly rich and authentic.

3. Oui Gelato

If you are looking for a more modern and trendy spot, Oui Gelato Nice, France, is a fantastic choice.

• What’s different: They focus on “Slow Food.” This means they use very high-quality milk and fruit from local farms. It feels a bit more artisanal and healthy.
• Style Tip: This is a very “Instagrammable” spot. It’s the perfect place to wear your Saint-Tropez Oversized T-Shirt for a bright, sunny photo with your cone.

4. Casa del Gelato & Amorino

For those who want a reliable and beautiful treat, Casa del Gelato Nice and Amorino are great options.

• Amorino: You might recognise this brand because they are famous for shaping their ice cream into a rose on top of the cone! It is very beautiful and perfect for photos.
• Casa del Gelato: This is a classic spot that travellers from the UK and USA love because the portions are generous and the staff is very friendly.

 

Cannes: Glamour and Gourmet Scoops

In Cannes, everything is about luxury. The gelato shops here are often very elegant, and they love to use expensive ingredients like gold leaf or rare chocolate.

5. Niva

Located just a few streets back from the famous Croisette, Niva is a boutique gelato shop that feels like a jewelry store.

• The Secret: They use milk from the Piedmont region of Italy, considered the best for gelato.
• The Flavour: Try their “Salted Caramel.” It is the perfect balance of sweet and salty.

6. Vilfeu

This is a historic shop in Cannes. It is where the locals go when they want to avoid the tourist crowds.

• Why go here: It has a very classic French feel. Their fruit sorbets are made with 100% fresh fruit and taste like you are biting into a cold, frozen peach or strawberry.

Cannes Style:

When walking the boulevards of Cannes with an ice cream, you want to look effortless. Our Oversized Beach T-Shirt in Black, Cannes, France, is the perfect choice. It is dark enough to hide any accidental drips and stylish enough for the world’s most famous film city.

 

Antibes: The Artist’s Choice

Antibes is a bit more relaxed, and the gelato here reflects that. It is all about simple, high-quality flavours that you can enjoy while walking along the old sea walls.

7. Gelateria del Porto

This shop is located right near the entrance to the Old Town and the Port.

• The Experience: It is very small, but there is always a line. The gelato is made fresh every single morning.
• Must Try: Their “Stracciatella” (vanilla with chocolate flakes) is a masterpiece.

8. Gelato Famiglia

As the name suggests, this is a family-run business. They are very welcoming to students and families.

• Vegan Options: If you are looking for Vegan gelato in Nice or Antibes, this is a great place to check. They have many fruit-based sorbets that are dairy-free but still incredibly creamy.

Monaco: Royalty and Refreshment

In the Principality of Monaco, the gelato is as fancy as the yachts in the harbour.

9. Santo Gelato

Located near the Prince’s Palace on “The Rock,” this shop is tiny but famous.

• The Quality: They use organic ingredients and very little sugar, so the fruit or chocolate flavour really stands out.
• The View: Grab a cup and walk to the edge of the cliff to look out over the Mediterranean Sea. It is a “million-dollar view” for the price of a scoop of ice cream.

Saint-Tropez: The Celebrity Scoop

Saint-Tropez is famous for a specific dessert called the “Tarte Tropézienne,” but the gelato is also top-tier.

10. Barbarac

This is the most famous ice cream shop in Saint-Tropez. It is located right on the harbour.

• The Vibe: You will often see famous actors or models standing in line here!
• Must Try: Their “Yoghurt” flavour is world-renowned. It is light, tangy, and perfect for a hot day on Pampelonne Beach.

 

How to Order Gelato Like a Local

If you are travelling from the USA or the UK, the way ice cream is ordered in France might be a little different from what you are used to. Here are some tips:

1. Pot or Cone? In French, a cup is called a “pot” (pronounced po), and a cone is a “cornet” (cor-nay).
2. Number of Scoops: You usually order by the number of “boules” (scoops). A “deux boules” (two scoops) is usually the perfect amount.
3. Tasting: It is okay to ask for a small taste of a flavour, but try not to ask for more than one or two, especially if there is a long line behind you!
4. Chantilly: This is the French word for whipped cream. Most shops will ask if you want “Chantilly” on top. The answer should almost always be “Yes!”

 

Gelato and Sustainable Fashion

At Atelier Plage, we care about the environment as much as we care about good food. You might wonder, “What does gelato have to do with sustainable fashion?”

Many of the best gelato shops on the French Riviera are moving toward greater eco-friendliness. They use wooden spoons instead of plastic ones and serve their ice cream in edible cones instead of paper cups that get thrown away.

We have the same mission with our clothes. Instead of using “fast fashion” materials that hurt the planet, we use:

• Organic Cotton: This uses less water and no harmful chemicals.
• Recycled Materials: Our hoodies and sweatshirts help keep plastic out of the oceans.
• Sustainable Printing: We only print what is ordered, eliminating waste.

When you wear our Antibes Beach Hoodie while enjoying your favourite gelato, you are supporting a lifestyle that values quality, tradition, and the protection of our beautiful coastline.

 

Summary: The Best Gelato by City

To make it easy for your next trip, here is a quick table of where to go:

City	Shop Name	Why Go?
Nice	Fenocchio	90+ Flavours and historic location.
Nice	Azzurro	Freshly made waffle cones.
Cannes	Niva	High-end Italian ingredients.
Antibes	Gelateria del Porto	Perfect for a walk by the harbour.
Monaco	Santo Gelato	Organic and royal quality.
St. Tropez	Barbarac	Best for celebrity spotting and harbour views.

Bringing the Riviera Feeling Home

Even if you aren’t in the South of France right now, you can still embrace the “Gelato Lifestyle.” It’s all about taking a moment to enjoy something sweet and simple.

Our Founder’s Faves Bundle includes our favourite pieces for any summer day, whether you are in London, New York, or Nice. They are designed to be timeless, just like a perfect scoop of vanilla gelato.

Final Thoughts for Your Trip

The French Riviera is a place of magic. The combination of the blue sea, the warm sun, and the delicious food creates memories that last a lifetime. Whether you prefer the classic “Fenocchio gelato nice” or the modern “Oui gelato,” we hope this guide helps you find your favourite flavour.

What flavour will you try first? Will you be brave enough to try Lavender or Tomato, or will you stick to a classic Double Chocolate?

Let us know, and don’t forget to pack your Atelier Plage gear for the ultimate stylish holiday!