Côte d’Azur – a Thrill-Seekers Guide

Practical Info

The Côte d’Azur, often called the French Riviera, stretches along France’s Mediterranean coast from Toulon to the Italian border. Technically part of Provence, it covers most of the Alpes-Maritimes and Var departments. While towns like Saint-Tropez, Cannes, and Antibes are famed for their glitzy image and celebrity appeal, the region is surprisingly down to earth and an excellent destination for an active holiday.

The Côte d’Azur, often called the French Riviera, stretches along France’s Mediterranean coast from Toulon to the Italian border. Technically part of Provence, it covers most of the Alpes-Maritimes and Var departments. While towns like Saint-Tropez, Cannes, and Antibes are famed for their glitzy image and celebrity appeal, the region is surprisingly down to earth and an excellent destination for an active holiday.

In summer, you can expect warm sea temperatures up to 25°C. There are over 40 km of beaches, and a mix of rugged natural beauty, history, and vibrant culture. Nice is the region’s largest city and a great base, with excellent rail links and accommodation options.

West of Nice, you’ll find Antibes, the luxurious resort of Cannes, and the red rock coastline around the Massif de l’Esterel leading to Saint-Raphaël and Fréjus. Inland, picturesque hill towns like Grasse (famous for perfume), Vence, and Saint-Paul-de-Vence are perfect for exploring.

Heading further west, Saint-Tropez gives way to quieter, wilder coastal stretches near the Îles d’Hyères—a group of islands off the coast from Hyères, including Port-Cros, a designated national park. The port city of Toulon marks the western limit of the Côte d’Azur.

To the east of Nice, the landscape rises sharply as the Alps meet the sea. This section includes dramatic coastal roads known as the Corniches, connecting Nice with Menton and the Italian border. En route lies Monaco, the tiny but world-renowned principality, famous for Monte Carlo and its luxury lifestyle.

Driving tips

Driving along the Côte d’Azur gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace—but it comes with a few caveats. Summer traffic can be heavy, especially near hotspots like Nice, Antibes, Cannes and Saint-Tropez, where covering a few kilometres can take ages. That’s why some of the ultra-rich opt to fly in and out by helicopter. Outside of peak season, however, driving is a pleasant and efficient way to get around.

The A8 autoroute is the fastest route along the coast, running from Aix-en-Provence to the Italian border at Ventimiglia. While it’s not the most scenic option, it bypasses many of the congested coastal towns and offers easy access to major Riviera destinations like Cannes, Nice, and Menton.

Parking

• Town centres often have limited street parking with time restrictions. Look for “Zone Bleue” areas (free short-term parking with a disc—available at local shops or tourist offices).
• Use underground parking garages in cities like Nice, Antibes, or Cannes—they’re secure and centrally located but can be pricey.
• In smaller towns and beach areas, aim for park-and-ride lots or out-of-centre parking, especially in summer.
• Avoid illegal parking—fines are frequent and enforcement is strict.
• Many car parks use automatic payment machines; keep coins or a card handy.

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

• Charging infrastructure is improving but still inconsistent, especially outside major towns.
• Look for public charging stations in car parks, supermarkets (like Carrefour, Intermarché and Leclerc), and near tourist offices.
• Use apps like Chargemap, ABRP or PlugShare to find available stations.
• The A8 autoroute has some fast chargers at rest areas, but plan ahead—stations can be few and far between inland or on scenic routes.
• Hotels and accommodation with EV charging are becoming more common—filter for this feature when booking.

Motorhomes (Camping-cars)

• Wild camping is officially banned along the coast and strictly enforced in popular areas.
• Use designated motorhome areas (aires de camping-car) for overnight stays—many offer basic services like water and waste disposal.
• Inland villages are more motorhome-friendly than coastal towns.
• Booking campsites in advance is recommended in July and August.

Useful resource: campingcar-infos.com lists aires and service points throughout France.

Getting Around by Train

Train travel is one of the easiest and most scenic ways to explore the Côte d’Azur. The regional TER (Transport Express Régional) trains run frequently along the coast, connecting key destinations from Toulon in the west to Ventimiglia (just across the Italian border) in the east.

This coastal line stops at many major towns, including Saint-Raphaël, Cannes, Antibes, Nice, Monaco, and Menton. Travel times are short (e.g. Nice to Cannes in 30 minutes, Nice to Monaco in 25), and trains run roughly every 30–60 minutes during the day. Tickets are affordable and can be purchased online, via the SNCF Connect app, or at station kiosks.

Nice makes an ideal base if you’re relying on public transport. From here, you can easily hop on day trips by train without needing a car.

West of Saint-Raphaël:
Beyond Saint-Raphaël, the train line veers inland, so coastal access becomes more limited. To reach Hyères, Le Lavandou, Bormes-les-Mimosas, and Toulon, you’ll need to switch to regional buses, which are reliable but slower and less frequent. Plan ahead if heading this way, especially outside summer.

Tips:

• Validate paper tickets before boarding at the yellow machines on the platform.
• For digital tickets (via app), validation isn’t necessary—but make sure your phone is charged!
• During July & August, trains can be crowded—aim to travel early in the day.
• Want to head to Italy? TER trains continue to Ventimiglia, where you can connect to the Italian rail network (you need to change trains because believe it or not, the rail gauge is narrower in Italy) to travel on to Sanremo, Finale Ligure or Genoa.