The Ultimate Guide to the French Riviera’s Hidden Gem Towns
The French Riviera is also known as the South of France. This place really exceeded my expectations as I explored quaint villages and hidden gems. In this guide, I explain the best places to stay in the French Riviera and French villages you can visit on day trips.
Table of contents
- Best Hotels to Book in Nice City Centre
- Transport in Nice
- Things to do in Nice city centre
- French Villages to visit near Nice
- How to get to Eze Village
- How to visit Saint-Paul-de-Vence
- Stay at La Maison de Jacques Prevert
- How to get to Saint-Paul-de-Vence
- Visit Monaco
- Visit Menton
- Is the French Riviera worth a visit, you say?
Best Hotels to Book in Nice City Centre
Make Nice your base and spend a few nights in the heart of the city. You’ll want to explore the old town, eat local dishes, and visit Colline du Château for breathtaking views of Nice. One of the best view points in the French Riviera.
I recommend you stay at Hotel Le Grimaldi, a boutique hotel that features French and Italian styles. Comfortable beds and city views of Nice. It suits all budgets The hotel is within walking distance to Gare de Nice-Ville station. Perfect for when you do day trips to nearby French villages and around Nice. It’s also walking distance to Cours Saleya Flower Market.
I had a wonderful stay at Hotel Le Grimaldi. The staff were nice and friendly. The highlight for me was the complimentary jars of lemon water and sweets available in the lounge for guests. You can view my Instagram video on Hotel Le Grimaldi to get a glimpse of how the rooms look like.
Another good and affordable hotel you could stay at is Hotel Byakko. A small boutique hotel located near Nice Ville station. It features a rooftop terrace you can access during your stay. The room was nice and clean but we found it to be small and the bathroom smaller. Not great for two people, but if you’re travelling solo, this would be a great hotel as it’s perfect and affordable.
Transport in Nice
Using public transport in Nice and around the South of France is easy. There are two main options: you can buy train tickets to visit local villages or rent a car to drive. I would suggest traveling by train and bus, as transport in France is surprisingly affordable. I traveled by train to several French villages at cheap fares. The only downfall are the crowds at bus stops and packed carriages.
Things to do in Nice city centre
- Explore the old town.
- Visit museums such as Matisse.
- Climb up the Colline du chateau for stunning views.
- Visit Cascade Dijon – the park’s waterfall.
- Check out Cours Saleya Flower market.
- Try the local dishes like Socca.
- Walk along the Promenade des Anglais
- Have dinner at La Cucinanice which serves the BEST food in Nice.
- Grab some freshly baked doughnuts from Fluffy Donuts France.
- Wander around the Old Port of Nice.
French Villages to visit near Nice
Eze Village
Not far from Nice is the charming village of Eze, set high on a mountain above the Mediterranean. This picturesque village is home to a medieval citadel and a stunning botanical garden. It has cute small restaurants and art galleries. You must not miss this place, it’s a true gem.
If you want to see stunning views of Eze village and the Mediterranean Sea, visit Le Jardin Exotique d’Eze. A beautiful garden located on a hilltop. A ticket costs €10 and can be purchased at the entrance gate or online.
The garden has beautiful tropical plants and flowers, and steps that lead to spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. You can book a tour with Viator Tours. I recommend Monte-Carlo and Eze Village Small Group Half-Day Tour it’s a small group tour that takes off from Nice city centre. If you prefer to do your own tour, read below for details.
How to get to Eze Village
You can take the 82 bus from Nice, but check the timetable since buses run infrequently. Tickets are €3.00, paid in cash only. The journey to Eze Village takes 30 minutes, followed by a 10-minute hike to the village entrance. Alternatively, you can take the train from Nice to Eze-sur-Mer and then do a 1 hour hike up a steep hill to reach Eze Village.
How to visit Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Another stunning gem not to miss is the picturesque town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. This charming hilltop village is one of the oldest in France and home to art galleries and museums. As soon as you walk through the gates, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. There’s a lot to see and discover, like the former home of the French poet Jacques Prévert in this quaint village – look out for a house covered in ivy.
Stay at La Maison de Jacques Prevert
Did you know this beautiful home is now available to book? You can stay right in this charming place and wake up to the beautiful views of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Book your stay at La Maison de Jacques Prevert on Booking.com.
Images from Booking.com
How to get to Saint-Paul-de-Vence
You can also reach St. Paul’s de vance easily. Get the train to Cagnes-sur-mer, then walk outside the station and take the 600 or 455 bus to St Paul de Vance.
Visit Monaco
While you’re exploring the south of France, why not visit a new country! Monaco. It is so easy to reach by train from Nice. One of the top things to do in Monaco is explore the iconic Prince’s Palace of Monaco. Located at the top of Rock of Monaco, the palace is an impressive structure and an iconic symbol of the Royal Family. You can explore the palace’s rich history and architecture, including the State Apartments, the Throne Room, and the Royal Chapel.
Another must-do in Monaco is to visit the Grand Casino. You can buy drinks at the bar, or just look around and admire the interior. Once you’re done exploring the Grand Casino, make your way to Port Hercules, the city’s historic harbor. This charming waterfront is lined with picturesque buildings painted in vibrant colors, giving it a unique Mediterranean charm. It’s the perfect spot for photos too!
Visit Menton
Situated on the Italian border, Menton is only 30 minutes from Nice by train. It’s the final stop before Italy and a true gem of the French Riviera. Not only can you explore the town’s many attractions, but you can also easily take a day trip into Italy.
Menton is a quaint seaside town with picturesque colorful buildings in all shades of yellow. Spend some time exploring the old town and witness its beauty and charm.
Is the French Riviera worth a visit, you say?
Of course! It’s one of the best regions of France that you need to visit and experience its beauty. The best option is to travel by public transport, you save money. And you don’t have to worry about parking space if you’re driving. So, pack your suitcase and book yourself an unforgettable trip to the South of France.
Do you want more travel guides on the French Rivera, read my next blogs.
Key Takeaways
- The French Riviera, also known as the south of France, offers quaint villages and hidden gems for travelers.
- Nice serves as a great base, with recommended hotels like Hotel Le Grimaldi and Hotel Byakko for affordable and comfortable stays.
- Public transport makes exploring the French Riviera easy; trains and buses connect to local villages and attractions.
- Key attractions include Eze Village, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Monaco, and the colorful town of Menton, each with distinct experiences.
- Overall, the French Riviera is a must-visit for its beauty, culture, and convenient travel options.
Disclosure: Some of the links on this page contain affiliate links. This just means that if you choose to make a purchase, I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
Travellers Stays
Travellers Stays is a travel blog by a solo female traveler, sharing travel guides, honest hotel reviews and solo tips to help readers plan unforgettable trips.
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