Travel to the French Riviera: The Complete Guide

Have you been dreaming of a holiday on the French Riviera? Or perhaps you're looking for your next travel destination!

Look no further. In our comprehensive guide to this immaculate region of France - we have compiled everything that you need to know. This guide will assist you in planning everything from the best time to travel to must-do activities while you visit.

If visiting France or the French Riviera is on your bucket list, now is the time to embark on a journey of a lifetime.

What should you know before visiting the French Riviera?

French riviera image edited by kettywillFrom Cassis in the west to Monaco in the east, the French Riveria stretches across the beautiful towns. The Riviera was used as a health resort in the 18th century. It was a summer playground for aristocrats in the 19th century and a summer resort for the rich and famous in the 1920s. The French Riviera is one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations.

You can experience the hustle and bustle of the big cities like Cannes, Nice, and Monte Carlo, as well as charming mediaeval towns and quiet fishing villages just off the coastline. The French Riviera is also well-known for having 300 days of sunshine per year - isn't that the dream?

So let's take a closer look at the best places to visit, the best foods, and all you need to know about France's history.

How to plan your trip to the French Riviera?

French riviera image edited by kettywillWhen is the best time to go?

The French Riviera has a pleasant Mediterranean climate all year round!

Many tourists visit in July and August, when temperatures are at their highest, resulting in crowded beaches and higher hotel prices. This region may have some of the world's best beaches. On the French Riviera, there is no shortage of glitz, excitement, and good times.

Since the Cannes International Film Festival takes place in May, summer is also a good time to visit. In the month of July, there is also a Jazz festival. However, because of the Riviera's mild weather, you can even visit during the winter months - which is great!

Just ensure you check the weather forecast before and during your trip to ensure you are well-prepared.

What language is spoken in the French Riviera?

The area's official language is French. Most people speak English to some extent, and in recent years, an increasing number of young people have begun to learn it. Before you leave, you should definitely learn some basic French travel words and polite phrases.

What is the currency accepted in the French Riviera?

France's currency is the Euro.

How to travel around the French Riviera?

The main cities and towns of the French Riviera are connected by an excellent rail system that includes both fast (TGV), and slower regional trains - that arrive more frequently and are more dependable.

Although, renting a car may be the best way to see some of the Riviera's more difficult-to-reach inland villages and beautiful natural areas, make sure you know the rules of the road.

Taxis can also be another option but can be quite expensive.

What to do when you travel to French Riviera?

French riviera image edited by kettywillVisit one of the most beautiful towns in France.

Les Baux-de-Provence's clifftop location provides numerous breathtaking viewpoints to discover. The village has been extremely well preserved and is a joy to visit. Visit the castle's labyrinthine ruins, which still stand on the plateau above the village. The admission price includes admission to the museum, where you can learn more about the history of this once-powerful city.

Drink from the Fontaine-de-Vaucluse.

The Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is a natural spring that emerges from a 755-foot-high cliff. It is France's largest spring and the source of the Sorgue River. After heavy rain, when the river is fuller, is the best time to visit. The spring is a lovely greenish-blue colour that has long been revered by the locals.

Gamble in Monte Carlo

Monaco's casino was built in 1863 by Paris opera house architect Charles Garnier. The main hall of the Salle Garnier is red and gold, with frescoes and other magnificent rooms leading off it. The high rollers compete in private in the Salles Privees.

Go to St. Jean Cap Ferrat and see the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.

It was built in 1905 for Beatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, a member of a well-known banking family. The pink-washed, neoclassical façade is famous for its gardens. Highlights include the unrivalled collection of drawings by Jean-Honoré Fragonard and a superb collection of precious porcelain and china.

Taste what the Cours Saleya Market in Nice has to offer.

Nice is a foodie town, indulge in a cooking class at Les Petites Farcis. The Côte d'Azur capital is large and lively, but the old town draws both locals and visitors. Old Nice clusters around the famous Cours Saleya, where a market fills the main square from Tuesdays to Saturdays.

Walk around Antibes's Old Town and Port.

Antibes is located in the heart of the French Riviera but possesses a friendly and laid-back vibe compared to its neighbouring towns. The imposing Fort Carre, which dates from the 16th century, orders a commanding view of the city and Port Vauban. The daily fruit and vegetable market, as well as small streets lined with tempting shops, can be found in the Old Town.

Look at the art at the Fondation Maeght in St-Paul-de-Vence.

The Fondation Maeght is housed in an equally impressive building set among pine-filled gardens in the Côte d'Azur. The light-filled structure was designed by Spanish architect Josep Lluís Sert, who worked with Le Corbusier. The museum has a magnificent collection of the works of Chagall, Braque, Miro, Matisse, Alexander Calder, Giacometti, Raoul Ubac, and other masters of the 20th century.

Visit the Iles d'Hyères to get back to nature.

The largest of the Iles d'Hyères is Porquerolles, which is car-free. The north coast has sandy beaches lined with pine trees, whereas he south coast is more rugged. Because Port-Cros is a national park, there are strict limits on how many visitors are permitted.

Be Famous in Saint-Tropez.

The former fishing port has preserved its old quarter, though now the fishing boats have been replaced by yachts. There's plenty for art lovers, from the Musée de l'Annonciade with its impressive collection of late 19th and early 20th-century Impressionist paintings to the Citadelle. The restaurants fill up in the evenings and the bars keep going into the early hours of the morning.

Rent a Boat in Villefranche-sur-Mer.

In the peak summer months, chartering a boat gives you an elusive experience with complete privacy away from the tourist crush along the Villefranche-sur-Mer. The French Riviera has a variety of landscapes, from the Calanques of the Esterels to beautiful beaches near Pampelonne and St Tropez. A Rent A Boat fleet with a skipper has the added benefit of local knowledge about where to navigate and recommended places to see along the coast. Charter guests are the real VIPS and get to enjoy the events and festivals of the French Riviera. Renting a boat for a special occasion such as an anniversary, birthday, or wedding is also a great idea.

Takeaway

This guide should assist you in planning your ideal trip to the French Riviera. Visit the vineyards filled with lush greenery and colourful flowers; explore the seaside towns dotted with beautiful villas and winding alleyways; and eat lunch or dinner in a seaside cafe on one of the many piers that stretch out for miles out into the Mediterranean. Most importantly, make time to relax; the warm weather lends itself well to enjoying the beach, sunbathing, swimming in the sparkling azure water, and discovering hidden coves to swim in.

It's time to add France's French Riviera to your list of unexplored bucket-list destinations - what are you waiting for? It will very well be one of the most beautiful places that you have been to.

Contact Rent a Boat at [email protected] or +44 7711863070 to start planning your trip of a lifetime. Visit our website at www.rentaboatbyhour.com to learn more.