The Côte d’Azur. The name alone conjures images of superyachts, James Bond casinos, and sparkling blue water.
But looking at a map of the French Riviera is overwhelming. Do you stay in the bustling city of Nice? The glitzy hotels of Cannes? Or the quiet, medieval villages perched high in the hills?
Choosing the wrong base can leave you stuck in traffic (the Riviera’s one flaw) or stranded far from the beach. At The Expat Tours, we match your location to your lifestyle.
Here are the three ways to do the Riviera right.
The “City Hub” (Nice & Cannes)
The choice for explorers, shoppers, and beach lovers.
In Nice, you have the Promenade des Anglais, the Old Town (Vieux Nice), and a train station that connects you to Monaco or Italy in 20 minutes. In Cannes, it’s about high-end shopping on La Croisette and sandy beaches (a rarity here!).
You don’t need a car. You can wake up, grab a coffee, hit the beach, and take a train to Monte Carlo for dinner.
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Nice: More authentic, Italian influence, pebble beaches.
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Cannes: More polished, sandy beaches, luxury brands.
???? The Expat Secret: Public beaches in July are… crowded. Don’t fight for towel space. We can pre-book loungers at exclusive Private Beach Clubs. You get a comfortable mattress, waiter service for your cocktails, and a front-row seat to the Mediterranean.
The “Hilltop Hideaway” (Eze & Saint-Paul-de-Vence)
The choice for romantics, artists, and view seekers.
These medieval villages are perched on cliffs thousands of feet above the sea. The views are unmatched. You sleep in converted 12th-century stone fortresses that are now boutique hotels. It’s incredibly romantic and peaceful after the day-trippers leave at 5 PM. However, to get to the beach or a dinner in Nice, you need a car or a transfer. There are lots of steep cobblestone steps (leave the stilettos at home). This is where our Private chauffer service saves the day and for those who prefer to drive, we can orgabise a rental with one of our trusted patners.
The “Monaco Life” (Monte Carlo)
The choice for high-rollers and bucket-listers.
Everything is clean, safe, and expensive. You are surrounded by Lamborghinis and the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo. The hotels here are grand palaces. It’s perfect for a short, 2-night splurge to experience the glamour before moving to a more relaxed part of the coast.
???? The Expat Tours Upgrade: The drive from Nice Airport to Monaco is beautiful but can take an hour in traffic. The solution? A Helicopter Transfer. It takes 7 minutes. It costs less than you think (often comparable to a private van for small groups). And the view? Absolutely unforgettable. Book My Helicopter Transfer
The “Must-Do” Riviera Experience
No matter where you sleep- Nice, Eze, or Monaco you are missing the point if you stay on land. The Riviera is meant to be seen from the water. Private Boat Day Ferries are crowded. The train doesn’t show you the hidden coves. We recommend booking a Private Boat Charter for one day. Your skipper will take you to the “Billionaire’s Bay” of Cap d’Antibes, drop anchor in turquoise waters for a swim, and serve a picnic lunch on deck. It is consistently rated the #1 day of the trip by our clients. Inquire About Boat Charters
Ready to soak up the sun?
