The French Riviera

The Riviera is more than just a geographical destination. It is a unique way of life where aesthetics, natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and a high level of service come together in perfect harmony. Riviera To-Do was created to make your experience of the French and Italian Riviera as seamless as possible. From discovering hidden wild beaches and booking tables at Michelin-starred restaurants to planning detailed day-by-day itineraries, you will find everything you need to organise your time on the Riviera.

We have taken a huge amount of travel information and turned it into clear, structured and easy-to-use to-do lists and itineraries. Our platform helps travellers, expats and locals find the best options for leisure, entertainment and everyday life along the coast.

Here you can find:

Whatever your taste or budget, you will find plenty of ideas for things to do on the French Riviera in this article, with useful links and leisure options.

Riviera cuisine is the essence of the Mediterranean diet, built around the freshest seafood, rich olive oil, local vegetables and fragrant Provençal herbs. No Riviera to-do list would be complete without a proper culinary experience.

Naturally, one of France's most famous and delicious treats is the humble croissant. If a croissant means more to you than simply a pastry, why not join us for a unique tour with a tasting of exceptional French croissants?

Want to taste croissants like a true French local? Book a croissant tasting tour.

Also, make sure you try these local favourites:

The Riviera offers endless opportunities for those who don't like sitting still. Add some active experiences to your To-Do list and discover the region from a whole new perspective.

Yachting and sailing remain some of the defining experiences of the Riviera. You can hire a small boat for a private trip along Cap d'Antibes or join the crowds watching prestigious sailing regattas in Cannes.

Boat and yacht trips in Nice, Saint-Tropez, Cannes and other destinations can be booked here:

For hiking enthusiasts, the region offers hundreds of kilometres of scenic trails — from the Nietzsche Path in the village of Èze to challenging mountain routes in Mercantour National Park.

Cycling is also incredibly popular. Smooth winding roads with sea views attract both enthusiasts and professional cyclists from all over the world.

Of course, you can also hire an e-scooter and explore the sights while experiencing the true Riviera vibe, without having to sit in traffic.

Want to explore the French Riviera without the traffic? Book an e-scooter rental.

The golf clubs in Mougins and Grasse offer world-class courses surrounded by pine forests.

It is impossible to talk about southern Europe without mentioning its wines. On the French side, the light and refreshing rosé wines of Provence deserve special attention and are the perfect match for a summer getaway. Make sure to include a visit to the vineyards of Bellet — one of France's oldest appellations, located in the hills just above Nice.

On the Italian side, in Liguria, vineyards often grow on steep terraces overlooking the sea. The region produces rare but incredibly aromatic white wines, such as Vermentino and Pigato, which pair perfectly with local seafood.

Discover the vineyards and atmosphere of Provence – book your tour.

If you would also like to visit the birthplace of European perfumery, make sure to stop in Grasse.

Want to combine gastronomy, wine and the world of French perfumery? Book a tour of Grasse.

This experience allows you not only to enjoy wine tasting, but also to discover the fascinating world of unique perfumes and fully immerse yourself in a sense of luxury and indulgence.

The French Riviera stretches from Menton on the Italian border to glamorous, cinematic Saint-Tropez. This is a region where Belle Époque villas sit alongside cutting-edge superyachts, while the foothills of the Alps descend towards the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean.

Nice offers the perfect balance between laid-back beach life and the energy of a vibrant city. A stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais is just the beginning of your list of things to do. Make sure to explore the Old Town (Vieux Nice), with its winding narrow streets, colourful flower market at Cours Saleya and charming local bistros. Art lovers will find plenty of inspiration in the museums dedicated to Marc Chagall and Henri Matisse, home to outstanding works by both artists.

Known around the world for the Cannes Film Festival, the city has much more to offer than red carpets and camera flashes. The palm-lined Boulevard de la Croisette, with its legendary hotels, leads towards the old port. Just a short ferry ride away, the Lérins Islands offer an oasis of peace and quiet, with an ancient abbey providing a striking contrast to the buzz of the city.

The Principality of Monaco is synonymous with prestige and international glamour. The Prince's Palace, the Oceanographic Museum, the Monte-Carlo Casino and the dramatic corners of the Formula 1 circuit make this tiny principality an essential stop on any Riviera itinerary. Luxury reaches its peak here, yet Monaco still retains its own unique history and character.

Once a modest fishing village, Saint-Tropez has become a favourite destination for celebrities from around the world. Yet behind the high-end glamour lies an authentic Provençal spirit. The 16th-century citadel, the endless sandy beaches of Pampelonne and the charming cafés around the port create an atmosphere of effortless, laid-back chic.