Beaches with turquoise waters, fortified towns, picturesque villages and must-see museums… you won’t have time to get bored on a week’s trip to the Côte d’Azur. It will be unforgettable!
To help you make your choices, here’s our ideal 7-day itinerary for the Côte d’Azur, plus a few alternatives to suit your travel requirements.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Define our 10-day Côte d’Azur road trip itinerary
The Côte d’Azur is so rich and varied that the itinerary possibilities are endless. Below you’ll find our ideal road trip program. A mix of everything: towns, villages, beaches, nature
Here is a map to help you find your way:
This itinerary can be experienced as a road trip, with a change of city almost every night, to discover the different atmospheres.
But you can also choose to sleep every night in one central location, to avoid changing hotels. But you’ll have more road every day.
In that case, stay in Nice: see our selection of the best hotels.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Day 1 – Menton
Start by discovering Menton, the most unique town on the Côte d’Azur. In the old town, narrow streets and colorful facades offer a mix of Mediterranean characters.
Menton is the ideal place to relax on its sunny beaches, stroll through its gardens and sample local specialties. The town harmoniously combines the art of living with a peaceful, sunny atmosphere. We were spellbound.
To plan your day, read our article on the best attractions in Menton.
Our ideal day is:
- Morning at the Jean Cocteau Museum
- Exploring the old town with the staircase under St. Michael’s Basilica and views from the old castle cemetery
- Visit to the Jean Cocteau Museum
- Lunch break – see restaurants
- Visit the magnificent Val Ramheh garden
- Relax on the Sablettes beach in the heart of the city, overlooking the colorful old town.
And if you’re on a road trip, spend the night in Menton: see our selection of the best hotels.
Day 2 – Monaco
Even if you’re not a fan of luxury, Monaco is well worth a visit, as it’s a city like no other! While most of the city is made up of massive buildings, Le Rocher has been preserved and features pretty little streets, with magnificent panoramic views of the coast.
If, on the other hand, you’re a lover of luxury, the Principality is the place for you: 5-star palaces, high-end boutiques, casinos, clubs and haute cuisine.
To plan your day, read our article on Monaco’s top attractions.
Our ideal day is:
- Visit the casino to admire its architecture and chandeliers (open to visitors in the morning).
- At 11:55 a.m., watch the changing of the guard
- Lunch break – see our favourite restaurants
- Visit the princely palace and its beautiful frescoes
- Cathedral tower
- Discover the oceanographic museum
And if you’re on a road trip, spend the night in Monaco: see our selection of the best hotels.
Day 3 – Èze + Villa Ephrussi
This morning, we advise you to get up to the village of Èze early, before the crowds arrive. In our opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful villages on the Côte d’Azur. We love wandering around in the calm of the early morning, and we’re sure you will too. It’s a trip back in time!
Start by exploring all the narrow streets of this small village.
Perched on a steep hill some 427 metres above the Mediterranean Sea, it offers spectacular views of the coast and sea. It’s a maze of narrow lanes and cobbled streets, typical of the Mediterranean region, with tunnels and arches.
Then climb to the very top of the village and choose to visit the botanical garden with its many species of cactus on the hillside. Be careful, it’s very steep!
On the way back down, stroll through the alleyways and explore the local craftsmen’s stores, which will then be open, or head for the next visit.
Find out more about the village of Èze.
Option 1: lunch in Eze.
Option 2: go directly to the Villa Ephrussi and start with lunch in the gardens.
The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is famous for its multi-influenced architectural beauty. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century, and blends different styles: Italian Renaissance, Baroque and French Classicism. You can explore the villa and admire its 9 extraordinary gardens, overlooking the sea. In our opinion, its gardens are among the most beautiful on the Côte d’Azur.
>> Book your admission ticket including audioguide
Find out more about Villa d’Ephrussi.
If you’re on a road trip, spend the night in Beaulieu-sur-Mer: see our selection of the best hotels.
In the evening, you can admire the seafront with its sheer mountains and the Villa Kerylos.
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make your stay in Provence a success, will soon be gathered in a single ebook!
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Day 4 – Nice
Let’s move on to Nice, the region’s largest city.
Nicknamed “Nissa la Bella” by its inhabitants, Nice is a must-see destination that charms everyone. The city boasts ubiquitous nature, a seafront, captivating museums, architectural gems and a thriving gastronomic scene. You won’t have time to get bored.
To plan your day out, read our article on the best attractions in Nice.
Our ideal first day is:
- Stretch your legs along the Promenade des Anglais to the sundial
- Climb to the castle hill for magnificent views of the city, sea and mountains.
- Strolling through the old town of Nice
- Lunch break – see our selection of restaurants
- Visit the famous MAMAC art museum
If you’re on a road trip, spend 2 nights in Nice: see our selection of the best hotels (night 1/2).
Day 5 – Nice
For this second day in Nice, complete your choice of museums that interest you most:
- Chagall Museum
- Matisse Museum
- Museum of Photography
- Musical Instrument Museum
- National Sports Museum
- Museum of Archaeology
- Asian Art Museum
- Villa Masséna
- …
In our opinion, Nice deserves at least 2 days The city is rich in museums and attractions. But if you want more variety, you can spend a day in Monaco instead.
If you’re on a road trip, spend your 2nd night in Nice.
Day 6 – Musée Renoir and Haut-de-Cagnes, Saint-Paul-de Vence
It’s a busy day. If you prefer a quieter itinerary, choose the stops that interest you most.
We start with a visit to Renoir’s house, with the magnificent olive trees he loved to paint.
The museum isn’t large, but it’s the garden that’s sure to charm you, and you’ll understand why he loved living there!
Then discover Haut-de-Cagnes. This village (with its cobbled streets) has attracted many artists, including Renoir and Matisse, as well as Josephine Backer, Suzy Solidor and Georges Simenon.
This charming village, a little less well-known than its neighbor Saint-Paul-de-Vence, has it all: a hilltop location, charming little streets, a superb church, a château-museum, views in all directions!
Then we head a little further inland to discover the exceptional collection of works at the Maeght Foundation. Created in 1964, it presents major works by Miró, Calder, Giacometti, Braque and Chagall in a unique architectural setting designed by Josep Lluís Sert, where art, nature and architecture harmoniously interact.
And finally, take a tour of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, undoubtedly one of the best-known villages on the Côte d’Azur. It combines medieval charm, a rich artistic history and magnificent views over the region.
It’s very well preserved and lively, with many art galleries and restaurants.
We particularly enjoyed strolling along the ramparts to admire the views over and around the village.
The village is renowned for its art scene (particularly in the 20th century). It has attracted many famous artists, including Marc Chagall, who lived and worked there, as well as Renoir and Picasso.
If you’re on a road trip, spend the night in Antibes: see our selection of the best hotels (night 1/2).
Day 7 – Antibes
Continue to Antibes for a very different experience. It may be less famous and luxurious than its neighbors, but it offers the charm of history, beautiful stonework and breathtaking views.
We find it very pleasant to walk along the ramparts, in the heart of the old town and along its beaches with views of the sea and mountains.
This city invites you to take a trip back in time.
To plan your day, read our article on the best attractions in Antibes.
Our ideal day is:
- Walk on the ramparts, and admire the statue of Le Nomade
- Explore the narrow streets of the old town
- Visit the Picasso Museum
- Lunch break – see our selection of restaurants
- Visit Fort-Carré
- Relax on the Ponteil beach, overlooking the city and the mountains
- …
If you’re on a road trip, spend the night in Antibes: see our selection of the best hotels (night 2/2).
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities
- Great kayak trips in:
Saint-Tropez to the Ramatuelle reserve
Cassis to the calanques - Helicopter flight from Cannes
- Shuttle service along the coast between Nice and Saint-Tropez
- Bike tours: eBike in Nice – Mountain biking in the Esterel massif
Day 8 – Vallauris and Mougins
Morning in Vallauris and the Picasso National Museum
The pretty commune of Vallauris hosts a combination of 3 museums in a single fort:
- The Musée National Picasso: located in the Chapelle du Château de Vallauris, it houses the work La Guerre et La Paix (1952). We were speechless in front of this immense fresco in vibrant hues!
- The Magnelli Museum: admire the colorful abstractions of Italian painter Alberto Magnelli (1888-1971).
- The Musée de la Céramique: traces the development of Vallauris ceramics through various major periods.
Afternoon: Mougins village
With its medieval charm, refined cuisine and artistic ambience, Mougins has something to please every visitor. It’s a circular labyrinth of charming narrow cobbled streets. Its statue-decorated squares create an enchanting atmosphere, perfect for a peaceful stroll.
Stroll through the charming village of Mougins with views of the mountains.
If you’re on a road trip, spend the night in Cannes: see our selection of the best hotels (night 1/2).
Day 9 – Cannes and Ile Sainte-Marguerite
Cannes is one of the world’s best-known cities, with its golden sandy beaches, its links with cinema, its museums and its famous Croisette promenade.
You probably know the city from the world-famous Cannes Film Festival.
Beyond the cinema, we enjoyed discovering the old town (and particularly the Le Suqet district perched on a hill) and the Lérins islands opposite.
To plan your day out, read our article on the best attractions in Cannes.
Our ideal day is:
- Take the boat to Marguerite Island
- Get home for lunch – see our selection of restaurants
- Stroll through the Suquet district, enjoy the views and visit the church.
- If you have time, visit the World Explorations Museum.
- Relax on the beach or feel like a star on the festival red carpet.
If you’re on a road trip, spend the night in Cannes: see our selection of the best hotels (night 2/2).
Day 10 – Esterel
You can also choose to discover a little more of nature.
From Cannes, we advise you to stay closer to the sea, and discover the beautiful landscapes of the Esterel with its red rocks.
You can:
- go for a walk in Théoule sur mer
- follow the corniche road through the red rock creeks, stopping at each viewpoint
- climb inside the national park and go hiking.
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Alternative days: according to your preferences
Day 2 – Villages of Saint-Agnès and Roquebrune
If Monaco doesn’t inspire you, you can opt to visit two of our favorite villages in Provence.
- Sainte-Agnès north of Menton, one of the highest seaside villages with magnificent views and lots of charm – find out more
- Roquebrune, west of Menton, another superb village with old stonework and a château. Read more
Day 5 – Saint-Tropez
From Nice, discover the legendary seaside resort that attracts the stars.
The town is charming, with its colorful alleyways and Provencal market, and we were spellbound during our stay. Between beaches, museums, culinary specialties and vineyards, you’ll love discovering this not-to-be-missed town on the French Riviera.
Take the shuttle boat and explore for yourself with our article on the best attractions.
>> Reserve your place on the shuttle
Day 6 – Road trip to the Verdon gorges
Photo coming soon!
The impressive Gorges du Verdon, a natural canyon of limestone cliffs overlooking emerald waters, is a dream come true.
If you don’t mind a day with a lot more road and mountain roads, head north to see the canyon, charming hilltop villages, lavender fields, Lac de Sainte-Croix…
Day 6 – Grasse perfumeries
If you’re a fan of French luxury perfumes, Grasse is the international capital of perfumery. You can learn more about plants and perfume-making.
WHERE TO STAY ON THE Côte d’Azur
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
Far from the cities: Road trip west of the Côte d’Azur
There is no official definition of the Côte d’Azur. Some stop in Saint-Tropez, others in Toulon. We find that the same seaside quality extends to Cassis.
So you can also choose to visit the western part of the Côte d’Azur, with its smaller towns and beautiful beaches.
Day 1 – Saint-Tropez
Today, explore the town of Saint-Tropez itself, with its museums, citadel, charming alleyways and port.
Soak up its unique atmosphere.
See our article on Saint-Tropez’s top attractions.
Overnight in Saint-Tropez – see our hotel selection (1/3)
Day 2 – Peninsula around Saint-Tropez
All around Saint_Tropez, the peninsula is magnificently rich in sandy beaches(see our favorites) and charming villages(see our favorites). For example, you can visit Grimaud and Port Grimaud in the morning and spend the afternoon at Pampelonne beach.
Overnight in Saint-Tropez – see our hotel selection (2/3)
Day 3 – Fréjus
Fréjus is a charming, lesser-known town on the Côte d’Azur, just 1 hour’s drive from Saint-Tropez, but one that will appeal to lovers of ancient history.
Here you’ll find a beautiful cathedral, as well as ancient sites such as the amphitheatre, the ruins of the aqueduct and the archaeological museum…
See our article on the best attractions in Fréjus.
Overnight in Saint-Tropez – see our hotel selection (3/3)
Day 4 – Domaine du Rayol and Bormes-les-Mimosas
Heading west with two stops:
First, explore the magnificent Domaine du Rayol, a semi-wild seaside garden (a good level of fitness is required).
Then it’s on to the charming village of Bormes-les-Mimosas: a medieval village nestled on a hilltop, offering an authentic atmosphere and timeless charm. Its narrow streets and stone houses create the ideal atmosphere for a leisurely stroll.
The village has really made an effort to add plants and flowers everywhere.
Drive to the Giens peninsula for an early start the next day.
Day 5 – Porquerolles
Located off the coast of Hyère, the island of Porquerolles seduced us with its unspoilt natural beauty. We rented an electric bike to explore as much as possible in one day.
We discovered its dream beaches, with crystal-clear waters and golden sand.
But we were also fascinated by its historic forts, which bear witness to its military past. Be sure to climb to the very top of Fort Sainte-Agathe for exceptional views, as shown in the photos above and below.
It’s the most beautiful island on the Côte d’Azur.
Day 6 – Toulon
Today, you’ll discover another aspect of the Côte d’Azur with the city of Toulon, known for its military port.
The must-do activity here is to take a boat tour of the harbour to see the warships!
You can also visit the Balaguier Museum on the peninsula. The virtual reality diving experience is excellent!
Day 7 – Sanary-sur-Mer and L’île verte
Discover the charming village of Sanary-sur-Mer with its traditional boats. Its port is one of the most photogenic spots on the Côte d’Azur.
Make your way to La Ciotat to take a boat shuttle to admire the scenery on Île-Verte.
Overnight in La Ciotat: view the best hotels
Day 8 – La Ciotat
Explore the charming little town of La Ciotat and its beautiful calanque – see the attractions
Then get back on the road, and discover the wonderful landscapes of the Route des Crêtes between La Ciotat and Cassis, at the top of the cliffs.
Overnight in Cassis: view the best hotels
Day 9 – Cassis and its calanques
From Cassis, take a boat tour of the calanques between Cassis and Marseille (or hike to Port-Pin).
And discover the charming little town.
See the best attractions.
Day 10 – Cassis and its calanques
Finish the trip in style with a hike in the calanques, or relax on the beach and enjoy the unique atmosphere of Cassis.
Frequently asked questions about visiting the Côte d’Azur in 10 days?
When is the best time to visit the Côte d’Azur?
Spring and autumn have very pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds than in summer (and cheaper accommodation). If you want to swim in the sea, choose September or early October.
Which car to choose for a road trip on the Côte d’Azur?
If you’re not planning to go inland, you don’t need a powerful engine. We recommend that you rent a small car, so that you can get around more easily and, above all, park more easily!
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE Côte d’Azur
- Inspiration
The most beautiful landscapes in 30 photos
Best things to do on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful villages
Best beaches on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful gardens
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Most beautiful islands
Secret places
- Practical advice
Successful travel on the Côte d’Azur (coming soon)
Rent a car in Provence – in Nice – in Cannes – in Marseille – in Aix-en-Provence.
Itineraries: 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
Weekend ideas: best-of – romantic – luxury – unusual
- Where to stay
Where to stay on the Côte d’Azur
Best luxury hotels on the Côte d’Azur
Hotels by the sea
Best boutique-hotels
