The French Riviera, or Côte d'Azur, has captivated aristocrats, artists, and entrepreneurs for over a century. At its heart lies Monaco, the sovereign principality that epitomises Mediterranean luxury. This guide reveals how to experience the region at its most exclusive.
Monaco serves as the ideal base for exploring the Riviera. From the principality, Cap Ferrat is a fifteen-minute drive, Nice twenty minutes, and Cannes under an hour. A private jet arrival at Nice Côte d'Azur followed by helicopter transfer to Monaco positions you perfectly for regional exploration.
Cap Ferrat remains the Riviera's most prestigious address. The peninsula's Belle Époque villas, including the magnificent Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild with its nine themed gardens, offer glimpses into the region's gilded past.
The village of Èze, perched 427 metres above the sea, provides the Riviera's most dramatic views. The Jardin Exotique at its summit and the medieval streets below create an atmosphere unchanged for centuries. The Michelin-starred restaurant at Château Eza offers dining with views stretching to Corsica on clear days.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat's coastal path, the Promenade Maurice Rouvier, offers a gentle walk between Beaulieu-sur-Mer and the village, passing hidden coves and palatial estates. The Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, a Four Seasons property, anchors the peninsula's hospitality scene.
Nice, the Riviera's largest city, balances urban sophistication with seaside charm. The Vieille Ville's baroque architecture, the Cours Saleya flower market, and the Promenade des Anglais merit exploration. The recently opened Hôtel Negresco remains an Art Deco landmark.
Cannes, synonymous with its film festival, offers year-round appeal. La Croisette promenade, the old town of Le Suquet, and the Lérins Islands provide diverse experiences. The Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in nearby Antibes is perhaps the Riviera's most legendary property.
For those seeking active pursuits, the Riviera delivers exceptional golf at Monte-Carlo Golf Club in La Turbie, with views across the principality, and Royal Mougins Golf Resort near Cannes.
The region's culinary scene rivals any in France. Beyond Monaco's Michelin constellation, seek out Mirazur in Menton, consistently ranked among the world's best restaurants, and La Chèvre d'Or in Èze for gastronomic excellence with incomparable settings.
Yacht charter from Monaco opens the coastline's most exclusive anchorages. The Îles de Lérins off Cannes, the calanques near Cassis, and the Italian Riviera's Portofino are all within comfortable cruising distance. Port Hercules provides berths for vessels up to 150 metres.
The Riviera's artistic heritage is profound. The Fondation Maeght in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, the Matisse and Chagall museums in Nice, and the Picasso Museum in Antibes house world-class collections in settings that inspired the artists themselves.
Seasonal considerations shape the Riviera experience. May brings the Monaco Grand Prix and Cannes Film Festival, July and August the peak summer season, while September offers warm seas with diminished crowds. Winter reveals a quieter Riviera, with Monaco's mild climate ensuring year-round appeal.
Transportation between Riviera destinations is best accomplished by helicopter or chauffeured car. The coastal roads, while scenic, can be congested in season. Helicopter transfers from Monaco to Saint-Tropez take twenty minutes versus two hours by road.
The French Riviera's enduring allure lies in its combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and uncompromising luxury. From Monaco's concentrated glamour to the Riviera's diverse pleasures, the region offers experiences that justify its century-long reputation as Europe's premier destination.