Nice & Beyond

Wondering where to stay in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat? This small peninsula between Nice and Monaco is one of the most exclusive addresses on the French Riviera, yet it feels surprisingly low-key. Unlike Cannes or Saint-Tropez, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat isn’t about nightlife or flashy beach clubs. And compared to Monaco, it’s far less showy. It’s about sea views, pine trees, coastal paths, stately villas, and long lunches overlooking the water.

If you’re looking for a complete Nice travel guide that goes beyond a list of attractions, you’re in the right place. Nice isn’t just a beach stop on the French Riviera. It’s a vibrant Mediterranean city with distinct neighborhoods, strong regional train connections, layered history, and immediate access to hilltop villages, coastal walks, and glamorous Côte d’Azur towns.

Looking for the best things to do in Saint-Paul de Vence? Perched on a hill between Nice and the hinterland villages of the Alpes-Maritimes, this medieval village is compact, atmospheric, and incredibly dense in history, art, and character. Saint-Paul de Vence is one of those villages I keep coming back to. Over the years, I’ve visited in different seasons, at different times of day, sometimes just passing through, other times lingering for hours.

Wondering where to stay in Villefranche-sur-Mer, France? This small seaside town, located just east of Nice, is one of the most scenic spots on the French Riviera, boasting a limited number of hotels and a strong focus on vacation rentals.

Looking for the best things to do in Cannes? This iconic French Riviera city is best known for its film festival and glamorous image, but there’s far more to Cannes than red carpets and luxury boutiques. Located just 35 minutes from Nice by train, Cannes is an easy day trip yet rewarding enough to justify a longer stay. I’ve visited Cannes many times over the years, in different seasons, and this guide reflects what actually stands out once you look beyond the clichés.

Just 40 minutes from Nice by train, a Menton day trip takes you to the French Riviera’s most Italian-feeling town: A colorful, lemon-scented escape that feels like the border between two worlds. Menton captivates with its pastel old town, lush gardens, and seaside promenades. It’s one of the most rewarding day trips from Nice, easy to reach yet distinctly different in atmosphere and pace.

Figuring out where to stay in Antibes matters more than you might expect. The town is beautifully spread out along the coast, and each area offers a very different experience, from the historic Old Town to the exclusive Cap d’Antibes and the lively resort feel of Juan-les-Pins. In this guide, I break down the pros and cons of each area and share the best Antibes hotels and vacation rentals to make your trip planning easier.

Figuring out where to stay in Menton can feel confusing at first. The town is compact yet diverse, with several micro-areas that each offer a unique experience. Menton is one of the most charming destinations on the French Riviera with pastel facades, gentle beaches, beautiful gardens, and a relaxed pace that sets it apart from busier coastal towns.

With its palm-lined promenade and year-round sunshine, Menton is one of the most inviting places on the French Riviera for a beach day. What I love most about Menton’s beaches is the calm, clear water and the feeling that you’re at the sunniest edge of France, just steps from the Italian border.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat may be small, but this pine-covered peninsula between Nice and Monaco hides some of the most beautiful coves on the French Riviera. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat’s beaches are some of the most atmospheric on the Côte d’Azur: intimate, scenic, and never far from a postcard view. Each has its own character, some quiet and wild, others elegantly understated. Together, they capture what makes the French Riviera so timeless.