Where to stay on the Côte d’Azur to make the most of the region?
There’s something for everyone, with seaside resorts, charming coastal villages or big cities…
Whether you’re looking for long beaches, museums or charming alleyways, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.
Below you’ll find our comparison of the best places to stay on the Côte d’ Azur, with maps, hotels and practical advice, based on our experiences there.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Where to stay on the Côte d’Azur? Map and quick answers
If you don’t want to read the whole article with all the best places to stay on the Côte d’Azur, here are our quick answers.
In the remainder of the article, we detail each location, with hotel and accommodation options.
Map of the best places to stay on the Côte d’Azur
Let’s start with a map to help you find your way:
For each of our favorite places to stay, we tell you more in the sections below with activities and the best hotels.
Where to go on the Côte d’Azur to see a bit of everything
- Antibes, close to Nice, Cannes and villages (and not too difficult to get out of by car)
– see top-rated accommodations
Where to stay to enjoy the beaches
- Cannes, with its sandy beaches in the city
– see top-rated accommodations - Saint-Tropez, with its unspoilt beaches all around
– see top-rated accommodations
Where to base yourself to enjoy the culture
- Nice, a city rich in museums, restaurants and pretty villages
– see top-rated accommodations
Where to stay on the Côte d’Azur for families
- Antibes / Juan-les-Pins, practical size, with beach and fortifications
– see top-rated accommodations - La Ciotat, quiet, small and with lovely gently sloping beaches
– see top-rated accommodations
Where to stay to party
- Cannes, famous for its beach bars and glamour
– see top-rated accommodations
Where to sleep and hike
- Saint-Raphaël, next to the Esterel massif
– see top-rated accommodations - Cassis with its magnificent calanques
– see top-rated accommodations
Where to base yourself without a car
- Nice has the widest choice of organized excursions
– see top-rated accommodations
Where to stay for a luxury holiday on the Côte d’Azur
- Monaco, with its palaces
– see our selection of the best hotels - Saint-Tropez, with a superb selection of charming 5-star hotels
– see our selection of the best luxury hotels in Saint-Tropez - Or see our luxury weekend ideas
Where to stay for a unique experience
- Èze, a medieval journey on a rocky outcrop and with historic luxury hotels – find out more
- Menton with its colorful houses
– see top-rated accommodations - or see our unusual weekend ideas.
Road trip on the Côte d’Azur
The Côte d’Azur is quite a large region, with a long coastline.
If you want to discover it in its entirety, we recommend you choose two accommodations:
- Nice or Antibes to the east
- La Ciotat or Cassis to the west
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.
Where to sleep on the Côte d’Azur? Best hotels
Luxury hotels on the Côte d’Azur
- Saint-Tropez: Hotel Sezz and its excellent restaurant
- Nice: Hôtel Negresco for art-deco style
- Cannes: Five Seas Hotel with rooftop pool
- Monaco: Hôtel Hermitage, a historic palace
- Cassis: Hôtel Les Roches Blanches, with one of the finest views of the coastline
See our list of the best luxury hotels
Charming “Boutique” hotels on the Côte d’Azur
- Saint-Tropez: Hôtel Le Pré de la Mer, charm and calm
- Nice: Hotel Apollinaire, in a poetic atmosphere
- Antibes: Hotel Alexandra, and its charming owners
- Cannes: Hôtel Le Suquet, with its two rooms with a view
- Monaco: Hôtel Miramar, along the port
- Beaulieu-sur-Mer: Hotel Carlton and its friendly staff
See our list of the best boutique hotels (coming soon)
Hotels by the sea
- Cassis: Hôtel Les Roches Blanches, with one of the finest views of the coastline
- Beaulieu-sur-mer: Hôtel La Reserve de Beaulieu, feet in the water
- Saint-Raphaël: Hôtel La Villa Mauresque, in a peaceful setting
See our list of the best seaside hotels
Destination 1: Nice
Why stay in Nice?
The ideal place to stay for lovers of museums and good restaurants.
Also ideal if you want to explore the region without a car.
Nicknamed “Nissa la Bella” by its locals, Nice is an unmissable destination that has truly charmed us. Between its omnipresent nature in the city, its seaside, its captivating museums, its architectural gems and its thriving gastronomic scene, we had no time to get bored in this idyllic Côte d’Azur location. It’s the region’s largest city.
But what charmed us most was the architecture and elegance of the city’s streets. Just look up and be amazed!
Nearby attractions
- The seafront promenade (Promenade des Anglais)
- The old town with its Italian influence
- The ancient heritage
- Numerous museums, especially art museums
- Views from Colline du Chpateau
- Belle-Epoque and Art-Déco architecture
- St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral
- And all around, villages like Èze and villas like Ephrussi.
- …
- See our article on Nice’s top attractions.
Where to sleep in Nice
We recommend..:
- Hotel Anantara, palace by the sea – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Apollinaire, elegant and bright – see prices, photos and availability
- Aparthotel AMMI, very practical and pleasant – see prices, photos and availability
Find out more with our articles: Best hotels – Best restaurants
Destination 2: Antibes
Why stay in Antibes
The ideal place to stay if you want to be close to famous cities without being caught up in the hustle and bustle.
Also ideal for families with beautiful beaches.
Antibes is one of our favorites on the Côte d’Azur. It’s rarely mentioned first, but we’re going to make an exception! It may be less famous and luxurious than its neighbors Nice and Cannes, but it offers the charm of history, beautiful stonework and breathtaking views.
It’s a pleasure to stroll through this human-sized commune, which offers magnificent Mediterranean landscapes, with ramparts, a rich heritage, sandy beaches and views of the sea and mountains.
Last but not least, it’s an ideal place to relax: numerous beaches, water sports and leisure parks. In Antibes, you’ll immediately feel like you’re on vacation!
Nearby attractions
- Walk on the ramparts and admire the statue of Le Nomade
- Explore the narrow streets of the old town
- Enjoy the many sandy beaches with unforgettable views
- Visit Fort Carré
- Learning at the Picasso Museum
- Hike the coastal path to Cap d’Antibes and its impressive Garoupe lighthouse!
- Explore old villages in the area,
- Take the train to explore Cannes and Nice
- …
See our article on the best attractions in Antibes.
Where to stay in Antibes
We recommend..:
- Hotel La Villa Port d’Antibes & Spa in the center of town – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Alexandra near Juan-les-pins – see prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel la Villa Cap d’Antibes, charm and calm – see prices, photos and availability
Find out more with our articles: Best hotels – Best restaurants
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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Destination 3: Saint-Tropez
Why stay in Saint-Tropez
The ideal place to stay for those who love charming luxury hotels and beautiful, unspoilt beaches.
We recommend this destination outside the summer months (when the city is overrun with star-seeking crowds).
Nestled on the Côte d’Azur, Saint-Tropez is a legendary town that combines glamour and authenticity. We were pleasantly surprised, as the town has managed to preserve a real Mediterranean charm (despite the huge yachts in the harbor that block the view of the colorful facades).
The old town remains on a human scale, where it’s a pleasure to stroll along the narrow streets. The Old Port, with its terrace cafés and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere, is an iconic location.
But what struck us most was the surrounding peninsula, which has remained largely undeveloped. It’s the ideal place to recharge your batteries, with vineyards, impressive views and sandy beaches with azure waters.
Nearby attractions
- Stroll along the harbour and through the narrow streets of the old town
- Relax on a terrace to enjoy the atmosphere
- Explore the 16th-century citadel and visit the museums. Enjoy beautiful views over the bay.
- Discover the most beautiful beaches in the area, such as Plage de Pampelonne and Plage de l’Escalet.
- Discover French popular culture at the Musée de la Gendarmerie et du Cinéma (in reference to films starring Louis de Funès).
- Explore nearby villages such as Grimaud, Gassin and Ramatuelle
See our article on the best attractions in Saint-Tropez.
Saint-Tropez is more isolated from the other major towns and attractions on the coast. It’s also less easy to reach.
Where to sleep in Saint-Tropez
We recommend..:
- Hotel Sezz, with its excellent restaurant – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Le Pré-de-la-mer, calm and cosy – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Lou Pinet, right in the center of town – see prices, photos and availability
Find out more with our articles: Best hotels – Best restaurants
Destination 4: La Ciotat
Why stay in La Ciotat?
An ideal place to stay for families and for those looking for a quieter town full of charm.
What a wonderful discovery! La Ciotat is a discreet town, but one that really knew how to enchant us. We appreciated its less touristy atmosphere, the charm of its port, dominated by an elegant church, its long golden sandy beaches and its calanques, all within easy walking distance!
What more could you ask for?
La Ciotat has a peaceful atmosphere that we recommend if you’re looking for a little more authenticity.
Attractions
- Stroll along the harbour and admire the traditional boats
- Visit the Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption church with its beautiful stonework
- Swimming along the Plage des Lumières
- Walk 20 min to reach the magnificent calanque de Figuerolles (pictured below) or the calanque de Mugel.
- Take the car for a scenic drive along the Route des Crêtes to Cassis
- Tour Île-Verte off the coast of La Ciotat, with beautiful views of the coastline.
- Learn more about the shipyards.
See our article on the best attractions in La Ciotat.
Where to sleep in La Ciotat
We recommend..:
- Best western hotel Premier vieux port where we loved swimming! – see prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel A Deux Pas de l’Eau, right next to the main beach – see prices, photos and availability
Find out more with our articles: Best hotels – Best restaurants (coming soon)
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
Destination 5: Cannes
Why stay in Cannes
The ideal place to stay for those who love glamour and partying.
But you can also choose it for its long sandy beaches and islands.
Cannes is one of the best-known cities on the Côte d’Azur. We were seduced by its golden sandy beaches, its special relationship with cinema, its museums and its famous Croisette promenade.
You probably know the city from the world-famous Cannes Film Festival. Does this event, which attracts major celebrities from the 7th art world to the red carpet, make you dream?
Beyond the cinema, we enjoyed discovering the old town (particularly the hilltop Le Suqet district) and the Lérins islands opposite.
Attractions
- Stroll through the Suquet district and admire the views
- Visit the Museum of Civilization and climb to the top of the tower for the best views.
- Feeling like a star on the red carpet steps
- Find the fingerprints of your favorite actors
- Take the boat to Île Marguerite for a soak in nature and visit the famous Man in the Iron Mask Museum.
- Or choose Saint-Honorat island and its abbey
- Stroll along the seafront on La Croisette
- The nearby village of Mougins
See our article on the best attractions in Cannes.
Where to sleep in Saint-Tropez
We recommend..:
- Five Seas Hotel with its huge rooms and rooftop pool – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel BW Le Mondial downtown – prices, pictures and availability
- Hôtel Le Suquet, where some rooms have a terrace with a view – see prices, photos and availability
Find out more with our articles: Best hotels – Best restaurants
Destination 6: Cassis
Why stay at xx
An ideal base for exploring the western Côte d’Azur and Marseille’s calanques.
Cassis is a small fishing town that has preserved its authentic charm despite its growing popularity. The iconic harbor is lined with lively cafés and seafood restaurants.
What we liked most was that Cassis combines the charm of a Mediterranean village with magnificent natural playgrounds: the calanques on one side and the Soubeyranes cliffs on the other.
The town is also famous for its white wine, Cassis, which you can taste in the surrounding vineyards.
Attractions
- Wander around the port and through the narrow streets
- Hop on a boat for a tour of the most beautiful calanques
- Hike along the Port-Mio cove, to the Port-Pin cove and, if you’re brave enough, the En-Vau cove.
- Enjoy the beaches of the town center with views of the Soubeyranes cliffs
- Take the car to admire the scenery along the Route des Crêtes to La Ciotat
See our article on the best attractions in Cassis (coming soon).
Where to sleep in Cassis
We recommend..:
- Hotel Les Roches Blanches, luxury in front of the cliffs – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Eden, centrally located – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel HPC Suites, for longer stays – see prices, photos and availability
Find out more with our articles: Best hotels – Best restaurants (coming soon)
Destination 7: Monaco
Why stay in Monaco
The ideal place to stay for those seeking the ultimate in palatial luxury.
Yes! 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. Between 5-star palaces, high-end boutiques, casinos, clubs and haute cuisine, you’ll be in heaven!
Last but not least, Monaco has other lesser-known assets that we liked: museums, beautiful religious buildings and even green spaces!
Attractions
- Visit the Prince’s Palace and watch the changing of the guard
- Explore and marvel at its museums: the Oceanographic Museum, Prince Rainier III’s car collection, and art museums.
- Admire the luxurious architecture
- Discover the many different garden styles (exotic, Japanese, rose garden…)
- Enjoy the luxurious ambience
See our article on the best attractions in Monaco.
Where to stay in Monaco
We recommend..:
- Hotel Hermitage, for a luxurious and historic experience – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Miramar, for a boutique hotel – see prices, photos and availability
- Monte Carlo Bay Hotel, for a resort – see prices, photos and availability
Find out more with our articles: Best hotels – Best restaurants
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Destination 8: Menton
Why stay in Menton
The ideal place to stay for a different kind of city atmosphere and for those who also want to explore Italy.
Menton is the most unique town on the Côte d’Azur. It’s a fascinating destination to explore. The old town of Menton, with its narrow streets and colorful facades, offers an immersion in the authenticity of the region.
The city is famous for its lush gardens, notably the Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden, which amazed us. Menton is the ideal place to relax on its sunny beaches, stroll through its gardens and sample local specialties. The town harmoniously combines the Mediterranean art of living with a peaceful, sunny atmosphere. We were spellbound.
Attractions
- Plage des Sablettes in the heart of the city, overlooking the colorful old town
- The staircase to Saint-Michel Basilica
- Jean Cocteau Museum
- Views from the old castle cemetery
- And the Lemon Festival, if you’re visiting (second half of February)
- The villages of Sainte-Agnès and Roquebrune
See our article on the best attractions in Menton (coming soon).
Where to sleep in Menton
We recommend..:
- Charming London hotel – see prices, photos and availability
- Riva Art Hotel, facing the sea – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Villa Genesis, Belle-Époque – prices, pictures and availability
Find out more with our articles: Best hotels – Best restaurants (coming soon)
Destination 9: Saint-Raphaël
Why stay in Saint-Raphaël
An ideal base for exploring everything, as the city is fairly central.
And it’s also ideal for hiking, with the Esterel massif just around the corner.
We recommend Saint-Raphaël if you want to stay in a seaside resort offering a wide range of activities. It’s the ideal place to visit if you’re planning to visit Saint-Tropez, relax on sandy beaches, enjoy yourself, or visit the sublime Estérel massif and its calanques. We have considered Fréjus as a “district” of Saint-Raphaël, as the 2 communes are less than 4km apart. As you stroll around, you may not even realize you’ve moved to another city!
Attractions
- Fréjus cathedral and arena
- The sandy beaches of Saint-Raphaël and Fréjus
- Esterel creeks with red rocks
- Central for excursions to Saint-Tropez, Cannes, Antibes and Nice.
See our article on the best things to do in Saint-Raphaël (coming soon).
Where to sleep in Saint-Raphaël
We recommend..:
- Hotel La Villa Maureque, a charming style by the sea – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Les Roches Rouges, 5-star seaside hotel in a peaceful setting – see prices, photos and availability
- Hôtel le Confidentiel, in a green setting – see prices, photos and availability
Find out more with our articles: Best hotels – Best restaurants (coming soon)
Destination 10: Èze village
Why stay in Èze
Èze is one of the most beautiful villages in Provence and France. It is very popular during the day. But to spend a weekend here is to enjoy the narrow streets and views before and after the crowds, to hear the wind rushing through the stones, and to imagine how different generations have lived here…
This village really took us back in time!
Nearby attractions
- Explore the village
- Visit the garden
- Take the car to visit: Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Menton, the Villa Ephrussi…
See our article on the best things to do in Èze.
Where to sleep in Èze
The village has two luxury hotels:
- At Hotel Chateau Eza – see photos and availability
- At Hotel La Chèvre d’Or – see photos and availability
Other top destinations on the French Riviera
If you haven’t found what you’re looking for, here are some other destinations and why we love them too.
Beaulieu-sur-mer
Beaulieu-sur-Mer is another discreet Côte d’Azur town. We really appreciated the elegance and calm. It was a very pleasant break from the hustle and bustle of other cities.
We particularly liked its beaches, with the cliffs surrounding the town and the many magnificent trees all around. It’s like a garden city.
It offers privileged access to Cap Ferrat and the famous village of Èze.
See the best rated accommodations.
See our articles: Attractions – Best hotels (coming soon)
Sanary-sur-Mer
Sanary-sur-mer is another pretty port on the Côte d’Azur. The town has a village atmosphere, with its church, tower and traditional boats.
Allow half a day to explore the center.
See the best rated accommodations.
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Villefranche-sur-Mer is considered one of the pearls of the Côte d’Azur.
Alongside the vibrant city of Nice, it offers a seaside village feel that won us over with its picturesque atmosphere.
Set in a superb bay, it offers a unique Mediterranean experience: an old port, a citadel, colorful houses, historic alleyways… We enjoyed wandering around.
We recommend staying in Beaulieu-sur-mer on the other side of the bay, as the town has a better range of hotels and less expensive parking.
Frequently asked questions
Cannes or Nice? Saint-Tropez or Monaco?
If you’re hesitating between 2 destinations, take a look at our detailed comparisons:
- Cannes or Nice
- Antibes or Menton
- Saint-Tropez or Monaco
- Nice or Monaco
- Cannes or Saint-Tropez
- Nice or Menton
- Cannes or Antibes
- Cannes or Monaco
- Nice or Saint-Tropez
Which is the most beautiful city on the Côte d’Azur?
It all depends on which charm gives the most pleasure
- Antibes if you like fortifications and old stones
- Menton if you like colorful buildings
- Nice, if you love the Art-Deco and Belle-Époque periods
What’s the difference between Côte d’Azur and Riviéra Française?
Both terms refer to the same area, the coast along the Mediterranean.
This is not an official geographical area. It has no defined limit.
We choose the modern version between Menton and Cassis.
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
