Sights in the French Riviera

Here is our list of places to visit and things to do on the French Riviera. We have put these in order starting in Nice to the east and heading toward Italy. For many the highlight of their time in the Riviera (Côte d'Azur) is just relaxing in the warm sun near the sea. For others it is exploring the coastal countryside. All of these sites can be visited on day trips from your Riviera base.

Nice is the capital of the Riviera and the largest city along the coast with a population of 400,000. The city is a mix of modern and old world charm.

The Promenade des Anglais is the Rivera's best beach front boardwalk. The promenade follows the Baie de Anges and features 15 different beaches. Beaches are private and there is a charge to use them with additional charges for chairs or umbrellas. On the opposite side of the boardwalk you find many famous hotels and cafés.

At the eastern end of the promenade you come to the Vielle Ville, or old town, where the streets are lined with cafés, bars and shops. Follow Cours Selaya and, depending on the day and time you pass, a market of vegetables, flowers or antiques. This street will lead you to Marché aux Fleurs, one of the best flower markets in France.

After passing the old town you come to Le Chateau. This hill is where Nice was born in 100 BC. There was once a large castle on the hill, but now the highlight is the magnificent view of the Mediterranean and city. You can reach the top of the hill by elevator or on a tourist train.

In addition to the street and beach life, Nice is a city of art, featuring 19 museums and galleries. The top pick is the Musée d'Art Modern, considered one of the best modern art museums in France.

From Villefranche Sur Mer you see a peninsula to your left, this is Cap Ferrat. On the peninsula is the small fishing town of St. Jean Cap Ferrat. You can reach the peninsula by car or foot paths from Villefranche. This mostly residential area contains some of the most expensive real estate in all of France. The main part of town is lined with boutiques, cafés and restaurants that cater to the people using the beach and those arriving by yacht. The beaches are private and you pay a fee for a seat or umbrella.

On the top of the hill on the peninsula is the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. This pink and white mansion was built in 1912 by the eccentric Béatrice Ephrussi. She was born into the wealthy Rothschild family and married the director of the Banque of France, Maurice Ephrussi. While Béatrice had a home in Paris and Monaco she kept the villa for her art collection. She never had children and upon her death she left the villa and it's art to France. The Italian style villa and it's seven gardens can be toured. The villa is open in the summer from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The entrance fee is $9.00 and tours cost an additional $3.00.

Also on the peninsula is the exclusive Grand Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat. As a visitor you can enjoy the hotel's pool for a mere $50 per person. Why not splurge for a cabana for an additional $200!

This small Medieval town is midway between Nice and Monaco. From the main parking area near the costal road, you hike up to the medieval village which clings to the cliffs high above the sea. The buildings that make up the old town seem to be carved from the very stone on which they stand. Fancy boutiques, small cafés and wonderful views make this a very special place.

The French deserves a minimum stay of 3 nights. But we realize that many people come as a day trip from cruise ships, so we offer Private Tours in the French Riviera to make the best of limited time.

Travels with Friends: Learn more about other European destinations and tips for traveling within Europe. www.TravelsWithFriends.com

Private Guides: See Europe and learn about its history with your own private guide. www.PrivateGuidesInEurope.com

Sights in Nice and the French Riviera