South of France Travel Guide: Nice, Cannes, Antibes & Èze
The French Riviera immediately captivates you. Between pastel buildings, turquoise waters, vibrant markets, and world-class food, there is a distinct sense of ease that makes every day feel like a dreamy escape.
If you’re planning a trip, Nice is the absolute best base. It’s vibrant, walkable, and perfectly situated along the coast. Best of all, exploring neighboring towns like Cannes, Antibes, and Èze couldn’t be simpler: you can easily hop on local trains using Omio to compare routes and book tickets in seconds.
Whether you want to lounge at a beach club, wander historic cobblestone streets, or indulge in fresh seafood, this guide covers everything you need for an unforgettable getaway.
Nice: Gateway to the French Riviera
Nice seamlessly blends Italian influence with French coastal elegance. Between the palm-lined Promenade des Anglais, the historic Old Town, and a thriving food scene, it offers the perfect balance of culture, ocean views, and practical transit connections.
Take a Private Tour of Nice with Context Travel
A guided walk on day one is a great way to settle into the city. I joined Context Travel’s private Sites & Insights: Nice City Tour with a guide named Alison, which was a fantastic start to the trip.
We explored Old Town and headed up Castle Hill for sweeping coastal views and a massive waterfall built into the rock face. Alison brought the city to life with fascinating details, including pointing out Nice’s own little bronze Statue of Liberty along the waterfront.
Having her explain how Nice shifted between different rulers over the centuries added rich context to the architecture, food, and distinct neighborhood vibes as I explored on my own later.
Book the private Nice tour with Context Travel
Duration: ~2.5 hours. Covers Old Town, Castle Hill, and Nice Cathedral.
Visit the Daily Market
One of my favorite morning routines in Nice was wandering through the daily open-air market in Old Town. Stalls overflow with seasonal produce, lavender, olive oil, soaps, and local handicrafts.
It is a great spot to grab a freshly squeezed juice and try local street food like socca, a hot chickpea pancake served with black pepper. The market is best experienced in the morning before vendors pack up for the afternoon.
Where to Eat and Drink in Nice
Nice has a much broader food scene than I expected, and I loved having everything from French and Niçoise food to Thai, Vietnamese, and seafood within walking distance.
Cafés and Sweet Stops
Cafe Marche
A welcoming spot in Old Town serving beautifully made espresso and filter coffee, paired with a small menu of freshly baked goods.
Miette à Miette
The perfect morning pit stop to grab a freshly brewed coffee alongside some of the flakiest croissants in Nice.
Fenocchio Gelato
Recommended by my host as an absolute must-visit in Nice. They offer an unbelievable variety of artisanal ice cream and sorbet flavors, ranging from classic staples to fun, unique creations.
Café Fino
A bright specialty coffee shop right in the city center. Their espresso drinks and flat whites are top-tier, and they also serve great brunch plates if you’re hungry.
Clay
A trendy, aesthetic café near Port Lympia known for fantastic artisanal coffee and matcha, along with a great selection of fresh breakfast bowls.
Restaurants
Restaurant Mallard
A delightful local bistro near Acropolis known for seasonal French classics, house-made sourdough, and a very warm and friendly atmosphere.
Le Banthai
Authentic, flavorful Thai food that locals genuinely swear by when looking for a change of pace.
Viet Sandwich
Delicious Vietnamese food at very reasonable prices. It works especially well when you want something quick without settling for a forgettable meal.
Peixes
A fun seafood restaurant with a lively atmosphere. Come here when you want fresh flavors and an evening that feels a little more energetic.
Chez Thérésa
One of the places to try socca, Nice’s thin chickpea pancake. Chez Thérésa began as a market stall in 1925 and is still known for making it in the traditional wood-fired style. It can sell out early, so I would not leave this until late afternoon.
Chez Acchiardo
An iconic family-run institution in Old Nice that has been serving hearty, traditional Niçoise dishes for generations.
Le Plongeoir
Perched directly on sea pillars over the Mediterranean water, this unique spot offers unbeatable coastal views and fresh Mediterranean seafood.
The Beach in Nice
Nice’s shore stretches alongside the Promenade des Anglais, making it almost impossible not to end up by the water.
The beach is covered in smooth pebbles rather than sand, so water shoes make swimming much more comfortable. You can choose a free public section or book a lounger at a private beach club for food and drink service.
Where to Stay in Nice
Luxury
Hotel Le Negresco
A five-star hotel overlooking the iconic waterfront, known for its historic interiors, art collection, and unmistakable pink dome.
Hôtel du Couvent
A beautifully restored former convent in Old Nice, with peaceful gardens, Roman-inspired baths, several restaurants, and interiors that make the hotel feel completely removed from the city outside.
Mid-Range
Hôtel Apollinaire Nice
A polished four-star hotel in the city center with a bright courtyard, comfortable rooms, and a location that works well for both Old Town and the beach.
Hôtel Le Petit Palais
A peaceful Cimiez boutique hotel with 25 rooms, a garden, pool, and scenic views, making it ideal for a charming, quiet stay.
Budget-Friendly
Hôtel Le Meurice
A central boutique stay with uniquely decorated rooms, located just minutes from the beach and Place Masséna.
Nice Garden Hotel
An intimate nine-room hotel set inside an early 20th-century house, with a garden and a location only a few minutes from Promenade des Anglais.
Cannes and Antibes in One Day
It is easy to combine Cannes and Antibes in a single day if you start early. A popular itinerary begins in Cannes, continues with a quick 10-minute train ride to Antibes in the afternoon, and ends with a return to Nice after dinner. Routes and train schedules are easy to compare on Omio.
Cannes is the more luxurious and expensive of the two, with grand hotels, designer stores, and private beach clubs along La Croisette. Antibes feels more intimate, with sandy beaches, historic streets, local shops, and an Old Town that invites you to linger a little longer.
What to Do in Cannes
Stroll La Croisette and Palais des Festivals
Walking along La Croisette is the quintessential Cannes experience. This palm-lined boulevard stretches along the bay, flanked by golden sand on one side and grand historic hotels on the other.
Following the promenade west leads directly to the Palais des Festivals, home of the Cannes Film Festival. The red carpet steps offer a classic photo spot, and celebrity handprints are embedded in the pavement surrounding the building.
Go Shopping
Shopping in Cannes is practically an official pastime, featuring two very distinct street styles:
- La Croisette: Home to top international luxury houses like Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton. The storefront window displays facing the sea are incredible to admire as you walk by.
- Rue d’Antibes: Running parallel just one block back from the water, this pedestrian-friendly street has a much more accessible mix of international brands, French fashion boutiques, and local perfumeries.
Relax on the Sandy Beaches
Cannes is famous for its golden sand beaches and clear Mediterranean water. You have two main options depending on the style of beach day you want:
Public Beaches
Just steps from the center of town along La Croisette, Plage Macé and Plage Zamenhof offer free, easy beach access with calm waters perfect for a quick, refreshing dip.
Private Beach Clubs
- Hyde Beach Cannes
A stylish spot on the sand along La Croisette, offering sunbeds, Italian-inspired dishes, and an easygoing setting for spending the day by the water. - Lucia Cannes
A colorful beachfront venue with sun loungers, Mediterranean food, and cocktails, perfect for spending the afternoon by the sea and staying for sunset drinks.
Where to Stop for Coffee
When you need a quick caffeine boost or a relaxed morning coffee, these local spots deliver:
- Good Mate Coffee
An inviting specialty coffee shop with great energy, serving excellent espresso, flat whites, and matcha. It is an ideal first stop of the morning. - Sõra Matcha
A sleek spot dedicated entirely to high-grade matcha. It is the best place in town for a vibrant iced drink or a smooth, velvety latte. - Itinéraire Café
Set on lively Rue Hoche, this independent roastery is the go-to for single-origin filter coffees, rich espresso, and specialty loose-leaf teas.
Take a Day Trip to the Lérins Islands
If you have an extra day or half-day in Cannes, taking a boat out to the Lérins Islands is one of the best escapes from the mainland. The islands are just a 15-minute ferry ride from the coast.
- Île Sainte-Marguerite: The largest of the islands, covered in shaded pine and eucalyptus forests, quiet swimming coves, and walking paths. It is also home to Fort Royal, where the mysterious Man in the Iron Mask was imprisoned during the 17th century.
Tours and Excursions:
- Book a round-trip ferry to Sainte-Marguerite Island
- Take a half-day catamaran cruise from Cannes
- Join a half-day sailboat cruise around the Lérins Islands
Antibes
Explore Vieil Antibes
Vieil Antibes (Old Antibes) is a charm-filled web of narrow stone streets, small galleries, restaurants, and shops set behind historic stone walls.
It is the best area to slow down and wander. Pick up local treats at the Provençal Market, stroll along the waterfront sea walls, and visit the Picasso Museum inside Château Grimaldi.
Beaches in Antibes
Plage de la Gravette is the most convenient if you are exploring Old Town. It is a sheltered sandy beach between the port and the historic ramparts.
Plage du Ponteil and Plage de la Salis have longer stretches of sand and views toward Old Antibes.
Plage de la Garoupe, on Cap d’Antibes, has a smaller public section alongside private beach areas and works better when you have extra time.
Shopping in Antibes
Shopping in Old Town works best when you simply wander rather than look for specific stores. Focus your walk along Rue de la République, Rue James Close, and Rue Sade, which open into Place Nationale and Place de la Régence.
Juan-les-Pins
Juan-les-Pins is the beachier, livelier side of Antibes, known for long sandy beaches, summer beach clubs, waterfront dining, and nightlife.
In summer, you can rent loungers at the municipal Lutétia and Square Gould beaches, or choose from surrounding private options.
Where to Stay in Antibes
Vieil Antibes: Best for historic streets, restaurants, markets, and being able to explore most of the town on foot.
Juan-les-Pins: Best for sandy beaches, beach clubs, and livelier evenings.
La Régence: A more residential base near Juan-les-Pins, suited to travelers who want access to the coast without staying directly on the busiest beachfront streets.
Restaurants to Save
- Le Vauban
Contemporary French cooking and a current Michelin Guide recommendation. - Le P’tit Cageot
A small Old Town bistro known for creative, seasonal dishes. - Bistrot Margaux
Traditional French cooking in front of Port Vauban. - Chez Mo
A good seafood option when you want to stay close to the port.
A Day Trip to Èze
Èze is a medieval hilltop village between Nice and Monaco, filled with stone passageways, tiny shops, perfumeries, and extraordinary Mediterranean views.
FYI: If you take the train from Nice to Èze, it will drop you off at Èze-sur-Mer at the bottom of the hill. From there, you’ll still need to make your way up to the village, either by walking or taking an Uber or taxi. We chose to take an Uber directly from Nice, which cost around $15 USD one way (depending on the time and demand), and found it to be the easiest and most convenient option.
Take your time exploring the medieval stone alleys. Perfume is a major highlight here: Fragonard and Galimard both offer factory visits and workshops where you can create your own custom scent. You can book a perfume making class here.
We ate at Le Nid d’Aigle, a Provençal restaurant at the top of the village near the Exotic Garden. The French food was excellent, and the views made it the kind of lunch where no one is in a hurry to leave.
Èze also has a beach at the bottom of the hill, so you can easily combine time in the medieval village with time by the sea.
Where to Stay in Èze
Inside and around the village
Château Eza: A five-star boutique hotel tucked inside the medieval village, with just 14 rooms and suites overlooking the Mediterranean.
La Suite du Village d’Èze: An intimate suite-style stay in the heart of the medieval village, with character-filled interiors and a private rooftop terrace overlooking the sea and surrounding hills.
Near the water
Cap Estel: A five-star hotel set on a private peninsula in Èze-Bord-de-Mer, with a private beach, sea-view pools, gardens, and a spa.
EZE Beach Residence: A modern apartment-style option near Èze-sur-Mer, with kitchenettes and the beach only a short walk away.
Èze is also one of many places you can explore from this part of the Riviera. For more ideas, read my guide to 7 Underrated Day Trips from Cannes.
What I loved most about this trip was how easily each day felt completely different. Nice provides an exciting home base, while local trains make traveling between glamorous Cannes, historic Antibes, and hilltop Èze feel completely effortless.
Give Nice several days, pick the day trips that match your interests, and leave plenty of room to enjoy the beaches, markets, and long meals along the way.
