Fora’s Take
The South of France is extremely walkable, and the many coastal towns are easily accessible to one another via train. Base yourself in Nice for three-four days and explore the seaside towns of the French Riviera, including Villefrance Sur-Mer, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Èze and Monaco along the way.
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Where to stay
Le Méridien Nice
Polished hotel directly across from the Mediterranean Sea with bright rooms.
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$100 hotel / resort credit.
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Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée
Situated on the glamorous Promenade des Anglais in Nice, France, this iconic hotel offers a perfect blend of elegance, comfort and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. With its beautifully designed guest rooms, world-class amenities including a rooftop pool and a luxurious spa and a prime location near the city's vibrant attractions, Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée provides an unforgettable stay for those seeking a refined and indulgent escape on the French Riviera.
Fora Perks
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$100 food / beverage credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Hotel Royal-Riviera
This hotel is a stunning cocktail of Art Deco and Neo-Hellenic influences overlooking a Mediterranean garden.
Fora Perks
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$100 spa credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Le Méridien Beach Plaza
A glamorous Mediterranean retreat in Monte Carlo, where contemporary luxury meets seaside sophistication, offering elegant accommodations, private beach access, and unparalleled views of the French Riviera.
Fora Perks
- ★
Welcome amenity
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$100 hotel / resort credit.
- ★
Breakfast daily.
- ★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Unlock perks by contacting our team of advisors to book your trip.
Day 1: A Wonderful Day in Nice
Start the day off with a walk along the Promenade des Anglais, through the old town, and up to Castle Hill (Colline du Château), which offers panoramic city and sea views, and a waterfall to cool down.
Hint: If you reach the summit at the top of the hour, you will hear cathedral bells ringing throughout the city while you stand looking out at the amazing view.
Continue your day exploring the flower market and old town, people-watching at Miroir d'Eau fountains and book a day lounge for a few hours at Ruhl Plague. If you need to get out of the sun, there is always the option of browsing through Galeries Lafayette near Place Masséna.
Be sure to find yourself at the I LOVE NICE sign at some point, which is located on the Promenade des Anglais just before Port Lympia (the Old Port of Nice).
Dinner recommendations:
Le Plongeoir *Reservation required
La Pizza Cresci *A simple pizza or pasta option
Le Fleur (in the old town) *For people watching and live music
End the day with a gelato from one of the many options you will find throughout the city.
Day 2: The Trifecta of Villefranche-Sur-Mer, Beaulieu-Sur-Mer & Èze
Walk to the train station (Gare de Nice-Ville) and catch any of the trains headed for Menton or Ventimiglia. The trains come every 15-30 minutes. Purchase a roundtrip ticket (approx €7) in advance to Beaulieu-sur-Mer. Be sure you will be able to make a stop in Villefrance Sur-Mer with your return ticket.
Hint: I recommend booking a ticket in advance via Trainline.
Fifteen minutes by train from Nice Ville is Villefrance Sur-Mer. Exit the train station to the left, and walk down into the small town. Explore the small shops, enjoy the colorful boats and seaside dining at Espuma or one of the many restaurant options.
Hint: Walk out of the right side of the train station and up the hill for beautiful coastline views of the beach town.
Five-minutes by train from Villefrance Sur-Mer is Beaulieu-sur-Mer. Exit the train station and head west along the water toward Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat to tour the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Explore the magnificent gardens of the property, which overlooks the Mediterranean. Stand in awe at the interior of the Villa, which includes a restaurant and tearoom with extravagant dessert options for an afternoon snack.
Book an Uber from the Rothschild Villa to drive up to the medieval Village of Èze (approx. €15).
Hint: This is a much faster option than taking the bus. The train will take you to the beach below Èze, not to the Village.
In Èze, there are several activities to choose from, in addition to the many unique boutique shops and artist studios:
Le Jardin Exotique - For sweeping views of the French and Italian coastline, entrance fee €8/person.
Fragonard Parfum Factory Tour - Free.
Châteaua Eza *Stop for a drink overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
End the day with dinner at the Alice in Wonderland-themed Restaurant Le Mas Provençal *Reservation required.
Day 3: Monaco for the Win
From the train station (Gare de Nice-Ville), purchase a roundtrip ticket in advance to Monaco. Hop on any of the trains headed for Menton or Ventimiglia, which should arrive every fifteen-thirty minutes. The train ticket will cost around €8, and Monaco is about thirty minutes by train from Nice.
Hint: There are no Ubers or Lifts in Monaco. Extra Hint: Dress to impress.
Arrive in Monaco and spend the day exploring the one-of-a-kind Principality:
Palace of Monaco - Sweeping views of the city.
Saint Nicholas Cathedral - Where many Grimaldi Royal members are buried, including Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco, and Rainier III.
Monte Carlo Casino - Entry to the foyer is free. Beach clothes and flip-flops are not permitted.
Café de Paris Monte-Carlo - For people and car-watching outside the Casino
Plage du Larvotto. There are also many options for beaches and cafés.
Sexy Tacos - Perhaps the best tacos in Europe.
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to South of France. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Katherine Flynn's guide, Honeymoon in the South of France.