French Riviera TRAVEL GUIDE | TOP THINGS TO DO | Nice & Monaco | France Cote d’Azur Travel Vlog π«π·
[Music] In today’s vlog, we are taking you to the French Riviera, more specifically to Nice, which will be our home base for the next few days. From there, we will explore the most beautiful towns along the coast. We’ll show you which ones are worth visiting, and we will also stop by the elegant Monaco. As always, we will tell you what’s worth seeing, where to eat, and share a few of our personal tips. We noticed that 97% of you watch our videos without subscribing to the channel. So, don’t forget to hit that subscribe button so you don’t miss the next videos, especially since we will soon be uploading episodes from the Dolommites and Lake Garda. [Music] Let’s start with the best time to visit the French Riviera. While we usually prefer traveling offseason, that’s not the best idea when it comes to knees. It could end up being a waste of money. That’s because outside of the summer months, especially in fall and spring, the weather isn’t that great. It often rains. Unfortunately, we learned this the hard way when traveling in early October. And it turns out this isn’t unusual. So if you want to experience the full potential of French Riviera, enjoy the beaches and swim in the Turkish water, we highly recommend going between June and September. Our base was east, the largest city on the French Riviera. It has a bit of an Italian village feel, a touch of Parisian chic, and lots of Mediterranean east. It’s a perfect hub for exploring the region. a huge selection of hotels, great train connections, and thanks to its central location, all the most beautiful places on the Ria are just a short ride away. We’ll come back to Nice later in the video, but for now, let’s show you the places that impressed us the most because Nice wasn’t actually our number one. one that definitely was ease. A tiny but breathtaking hilltop village offering spectacular views over the French Riviera. Unfortunately, you can’t get here by train. The nearest station is down by the cliff and getting up here can be quite the adventure. Buses on Cot Dazour are often overcrowded, sometimes skipping stops because they are full and even offse you can end up crushed against the windows. If you want to avoid this, you can book a tour that includes several towns. That way, you don’t need to worry about transportation or transfers. We’ll leave a link to one of those tours in the description. Another option is to use our travel guide where we have explained in detail how to get to all the important spots. The narrow stone alleys, hidden galleries, and cobblestone stairs create an incredible atmosphere. As you climb, you pass medieval houses covered in flowers until you reach the town’s highest point, the exotic garden. It’s filled with cacti and succulents from all over the world. And the view is absolutely stunning. On clear days, you can even see Corsica. If you’re looking for the perfect Instagram photo spot, this is it. The entrance fee is β¬8, but the view is totally worth it. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe so you can catch the rest of the videos on our channel. You will find travel series from Italy, Spain, Greece, the Canary Islands, Portugal, Japan, and many other corners of the world. We showcase the most beautiful places, recommended accommodations and restaurants, must see attractions, prices, and plenty of practical tips to help you plan the perfect trip. S is known not only for its fairy tale views, but also for the Fraggonard perfumery, one of the oldest on the French Riviera. You can tour the factory, learn the secrets of perfume making, and try out different scents. If you want to create your own fragrance, you can sign up for a perfume making workshop and lab tour. [Music] Let’s move on to another gem of the Riviera. Just 15 minutes by train from N, you can find yourself in a different world with narrow streets, pastel facads, and the scent of freshly washed laundry hanging above your head. But before that, a quick question for you. Would you like to see the most beautiful Ria spots without a car and without wasting hours of planning? Find flights to Nice for under β¬40, even in a peak season. Discover where to eat in Monaco without breaking a bank. Learn how to get from the airport to downtown N for β¬170, even though the machines only sell β¬10 tickets. Good news, in our mini guide, you will find a full 6-day itinerary. 70 pages covering towns, beaches, viewpoints, trails, and mustsee attractions on the French Riviera. Over 90 tried and tested locations. It’s all linked directly to Google Maps. Everything organized day by day with our best tips, websites and apps, transportation advice and restaurant recommendations for every budget, plus an interactive map with over 130 pins sorted by category. And all of this for less than the price of pizza. You will find the guide link in the video description. It’s the only thing you need when flying to Nice. And with all our tips, it pays for itself instantly. Now back to the video. Just 15 minutes by train from N lies Villa France Oldtown. A maze of stairways, artist, and pastel buildings. Down by the harbor, you’ll find a prominate seaside restaurants and boats gently rocking in the bay. The place has the charm of a small Italian town, but with a French twist. We arrived during the afternoon break because if you didn’t know, just like in Spain and Italy, restaurants in France close at 2:00 p.m. and reopen around 7:00 p.m. So, it’s important to plan meals around that schedule. We didn’t make it this time, but we ate at the Dry, a modern restaurant with a bay view. It’s worth mentioning because it was the only spot open during the siesta, so we got lucky. They serve original dishes inspired by Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist. Fresh fish and seafood, creative salads, and vegetarian options. After lunch, we took a long walk towards the Cap Farra Peninsula with a fairy tale beaches and a fantastic walking trail along the coast and cliffs. You will find all the details in our travel guide. Of course, this is also a great moment to mention Marinier’s beach in Vil Franch. One of the nicest and most pleasant beaches on the coast. Sandy with a bit of gravel, shallow entry, and stunning sea color. It’s a perfect spot for a swim and some relaxation. The water here is warmer than it’s quite accessible, too, which matters because beaches on the peninsula require a bus ride or a longer walk. [Music] Let’s now return to Nice. And what’s worth seeing there? Definitely the old town. A maze of narrow lanes, yellow orange buildings, and green shutters. It’s lively, full of local shops, galleries, restaurants, and landmarks like the Barack Church of St. Francis of Paola, the Palace of Justice, and Denise Cathedral. [Applause] [Music] Kur Sala is the heart of the old town. A colorful flower and produce market takes place here daily. And on Mondays in turns into a flea market full of antiques. Besides fresh fruits, spices, and lavender, you’ll also find local pastries and snacks perfect for a quick breakfast or a beach picnic. Be sure to try the famous suka, as thin, crispy chickpea pancake slightly charred and sprinkled with pepper. Eaten hot straight from the pan. and it’s considered part of Nice’s culinary heritage. You’ll find it at market stalls and in small bakeries nearby. [Music] From the market, you’ll reach Nis’s most iconic street, the prominade deang. The wide seaside prominade stretches for over 7 kilometers along the coast. Nie’s beaches are pebbly, so bring water shoes. But the colors more than make up for it. Turkish water and blue and white beach umbrellas create a postcard perfect scene. Along the prominade, you’ll find public beaches as well as private clubs with sunbeds, bars, and music perfect for spending the whole day. [Music] [Music] Walking along the prominade, you’ll get Dun’s most elegant and prestigious neighborhood. It might not be in every guide book, but we really enjoyed exploring this area, so we had to mention it here. [Music] We also recommend one of the great restaurants we visited in Nice. Mediterranean style tapas leaning toward Italian and French cuisine. Lots of seafood ceviche faukacia rotto or ravioli plus French classics with a modern twist. Each small plate costs around 8 to 12. And of course you will find even more restaurant tips with prices in our guide. [Music] Next must see, Colleen de Chateau. One of the best viewpoints in Nice. Located at the eastern end of the prominate. From up here you get sweeping views of the old town, the port, the prominate, and the blue sea. At the top, there is a large park, a playground, a charming artificial waterfall, plenty of shade and picnic spots. A great escape from the city bus. This is where you will find the best panoramic views. Few people know that you can reach the top easily via an elevator carved into the rock right of the prominate and it’s free. More tips like this in our guide, of course. [Music] Another must see spot in this Messina Square with its red building facades and black and white mosaic tiles. In the center stands the fountain of sun with a statue of Apollo. From the square runs the elegant and bustling shopping street avenue Xiao Medisong full of boutiques, chain stores, cafes, and ice cream shops. It’s the city’s main avenue stretching from the old town to the train station. Our hotel was right here and we can highly recommend it. Ideally located just 300 m from the station making it a great base for all our train trips. plus unlimited coffee, comfy beds, and a spacious room for N standards. Of course, we paid β¬140 per night. As always, we will leave the link in the video description. Another mustd do trip from N Monaco. The second smallest country in the world, but certainly one of the most famous, not only for its luxury, but also for its unique location. Wedged between the French Riviera and the Alps, this micro state covers less than two square kilometers and blends Mediterranean vibes, urban glamour, the history of the Grimmaldi family and natural coastal beauty. In one day, you can see the Princess Palace, the Super Yak Port, the Formula 1 track gardens, the old town, and the famous Monte Carlo Casino. A true symbol of elegance and style. Everything is within walking distance. Our first stop, the iconic Casino de Monte Carlo. Surrounded by luxury boutiques, hotels, and sports cars. The lobby is free to enter, and it’s worth it. It’s full of the oldworld opulence. The vibe is straight out of a James Bond movie. Entry to the main gaming area costs β¬20 with β¬10 redeemable for a drink or chips. Don’t forget to bring your ID. Just steps from the casino is one of the most prestigious yacht harbors in Europe, Port Hercules. Massive luxury yachts like floating villas are mured here. Strolling around the pier is a pleasure. See on one side the Monte Carlo skyline on the other and the F1 Grand Prix track running alongside. While walking along the track, you can’t miss the small charming change of Saint Devot. The first mention of a chapel here dates back to remember this location. It’s the most convenient way back to the train station after exploring the lower part of Monaco. Where to eat in Monaco without going broke? One such place is Norma, an Italian restaurant with a truly Italian team who won’t judge you for not speaking French. Despite being an elegant spot in the city center, prices for Monaco are very reasonable. Pizzas start at β¬16. And considering that many places in Monaco charge upwards of β¬40 per dish, this is a steal. You will find more affordable restaurant tips and great lunch spots in our mini guide and the included map. We have also got recommendations for car lovers, plant enthusiasts, and directions to the best panoramic viewpoints in the city. [Music] After lunch, we headed up to the Palace Hill to see the Grimaldi family’s residence. Every day at 11:55 a.m., you can watch the changing of the guard. Entry to the palace interior with audio guide is β¬10. Exploring the hill and its scenic viewpoints is free. The courtyard view is impressive and on both sides of the palace there are terraces with stunning city panoramas. At the eastern edge of the palace hill you find a free St. Martin gardens. Jardan s Martel is a peaceful green oasis perfect for a relaxing walk with the sea views. Among palm trees, olive groves and charming paths there are lovely lookout spots. Our favorite was the one right next to the frame. An art installation in the shape of a picture frame. [Music] While wandering the narrow streets of the palace hill, you’ll also come across the Cathedral of St. Nicholas where members of the royal family are buried, including Princess Grace. For ocean lovers, a great choice is the Oceanographic Museum, one of Monaka’s top attractions. Admission is β¬2550. Even if you don’t plan to go inside, it’s worth checking out the building itself. The massive cliffside facade makes quite an impression. [Music] Monaco isn’t just about monuments. You can also hit the beach here. We can recommend Levto, a public beach that’s nicely maintained. It’s a great place for a swim or a relaxed lunch overlooking the bay. Nearby, you will also find the Japanese Garden, an ideal spot for a short, peaceful stroll. Even better, admission is free. By the way, if you’re only coming to the French Riviera for two or three days and want to make the most of your time, including seeing Monaco, a guided day trip from MI could be a great option. It’s a stress-free way to visit the Riviera’s most beautiful towns all in one day. No planning, nor transfers, no juggling buses and trains. These tours often include s Monaco can and tip and sometimes lesser known but equally charming spots. Everything is handled comfortable transport a guide and a full itinerary. We didn’t use this option ourselves as we had more time to explore at our own pace. But if you’re just here for the weekend, it’s definitely worth considering. We’ll leave a link to these tours in the video description, too. Another place that totally stole our hearts was Monton. Located right near the Italian border, this charming town brings together the best of both worlds. You instantly feel that Italian vibe. Colorful houses, narrow streets, the smell of espresso and laidback atmosphere that reminded us of places like Portoino or the villages of Chinqera which are actually not far away. Fun fact, Molton is also famous for lemons. Thanks to its unique microclimate, the town grows juicy aromatic citrus that have became a symbol of the area. In February, they even host a famous lemon festival, complete with massive sculptures made entirely of fruit. While strolling through Monton, be sure to explore the old town where narrow alleyways wind between pastel colored houses. Don’t miss the Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel, one of the town’s most important landmarks. A great photo spot is the staircase leading up to the cathedral, especially when shot from below. And from the lookout point near the port, you’ll get a postcard perfect view of Monton’s colorful old town facads. You will find more mountain recommendations in our travel guide. We encourage you to check the link below the video where we have included several free pages full of great tips. And by the way, we haven’t had a chance to share this with you on YouTube yet. But soon we will be launching a whole series of phone friendly mini guides for popular destinations like Spain, the Canary Islands, Japan, Italy, and Portugal. So if you want to grab them at the lowest possible price, be sure to sign up for our newsletter below. We hope you enjoyed our vlog from the French Riviera. If you did, give it a thumbs up and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel so you won’t miss out our upcoming videos from other amazing destinations.
The French Riviera β what to see and how to plan your trip? In this vlog, weβre taking you on a journey through the stunning CΓ΄te dβAzur! We’ll explore the top attractions in Nice, elegant Monaco, the fairytale village of Γze, and colorful Menton. You’ll also see dreamy beaches, panoramic viewpoints, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Antibes, Cap Ferrat, and the iconic red carpet in Cannes π¬
Weβll visit famous spots like the Promenade des Anglais, Cours Saleya Market, Castle Hill (Colline du ChΓ’teau), the Monte Carlo Casino, the Princeβs Palace in Monaco, Larvotto Beach, Port Hercule, and the charming old towns of Nice and Monte Carlo.
πΊοΈ The French Riviera in 6 Days β Mobile Travel Guide + Interactive Map with 130+ pins:
π https://travelike.me/french-riviera-yt
Now available… for less than the price of a pizza! π
Whatβs inside the guide? β¨
π A ready-to-use 6-day itinerary β 70 pages packed with towns, beaches, scenic viewpoints, hiking trails & must-see attractions along the French Riviera
π 90+ verified spots β organized day by day
βοΈ How to find flights from just β¬30 one way from all over Europe β even in high season
π How to get from the airport to the city center for β¬1.70 (when machines try to sell β¬10 tickets!) β this tip alone is worth the guide!
π Our best tips & tricks β avoid tourist traps and overspending
π Where to eat? Restaurant recommendations for all budgets (20 detailed listings + more on the map!)
π Budget eats in Monaco β where to dine without breaking the bank
π Prices for attractions, tickets, transportation & restaurant meals
π Unique places to stay
π Must-have apps & websites
π Local transport explained β how to get around by bus or train, which lines to take, where to buy tickets
πΊοΈ Interactive Google map with over 130 pins: sights, towns, food spots, beaches & trails
β¨ French Riviera day trip (Γze, Monaco, Cannes, Antibes & Saint-Paul-de-Vence):
https://gyg.me/YC9Pc5lC
π Boat trip from Nice to Saint-Tropez:
https://gyg.me/5pGg0r7j
πΏ Fragonard Perfume Workshop in Γze:
https://gyg.me/YJTGxNA2
π¨ Our hotel:
https://www.booking.com/Share-ezeOdl
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2 Comments
Ah, the French Riviera. Still as glamorous as ever, see. Your guide to Nice and Monaco looks solid – definitely hitting the classic spots. We actually did a trip there in 2023 and captured some of our own experiences. It might be interesting to do a 'then and now' or 'different perspectives' collab, comparing how the Riviera experience has evolved (or stayed the same) from your 2025 take to our 2023 adventures. Could be a cool way to show different facets of the same iconic destination.
Great video. Liked and subscribed.