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Bottom line first: The right way to explore the French Riviera is self-driving — Nice to Monaco, Èze, and Cannes with each village 20 minutes apart, stopping whenever you want to jump in the Mediterranean. A small two-wheel-drive car is sufficient; the French Riviera roads are far easier than French mountain roads. Monaco parking is extremely expensive (€4/15 minutes) — recommended to park at the border car park and walk across.
Nice is France’s fifth-largest city and one of the world’s most famous seaside resorts. From here, the route passes Cannes, Antibes, Monaco, Èze, and Menton — each village with its own distinct character, one of Europe’s most classic self-drive routes.
French Riviera Self-Drive Route
Nice → Antibes → Cannes
Antibes is the most “French” town on the Riviera — no overdeveloped tourism commercialism, just an ancient fishing harbor, the Picasso Museum (Picasso lived in Antibes for a year), and clean beaches. Antibes Harbor (Porte Marine) is the best photography angle for the blue Mediterranean and sailing yachts.
Cannes is world-famous for its film festival, but outside the festival, the city is actually quite small — the main shopping street Rue d’Antibes and the Croisette seafront promenade can be covered in 2 hours. Cannes beaches are the finest sand between Nice and Monaco (all private beaches — €20–40/day).
QEEQ French Riviera car rental offers pickup at both Nice Airport and Nice city center; accepts Chinese license with translation; comprehensive insurance packages save 50% vs. purchasing separately.
Èze Village
Èze is the French Riviera’s “eagle’s nest” — the entire village sits on a cliff at 429 meters elevation. The signature attraction is Jardin Botanique d’Èze, admission €6, with 700+ species of cacti and succulents; the mountain top has a panoramic view overlooking the Mediterranean — extraordinarily spectacular.
Photography tip: Arrive 2 hours before sunset; the light turns the Mediterranean golden for the best photography.
Monaco
Just 10 minutes from Èze to Monaco — you’ll see road signs reading “Welcome to Monaco - State of the Prince” as you cross.
Must-Visit Attractions:
- Casino de Monte-Carlo: World’s most famous casino; the architecture is the ultimate expression of French Baroque; entry fee €17 (passport required)
- Palais Princier: Monaco’s royal family official residence; changing of the guard ceremony at 11:55 daily
- Monaco Harbor (F1 circuit): The F1 Monaco Grand Prix street circuit runs around this harbor every May
Parking advice: Monaco parking is €4/15 minutes, capped at €30/day. Park at Les Thermes de Monte-Carlo on the border; 5-minute walk across; 70% cheaper than parking inside Monaco.
Cannes Film Festival Incomplete Guide
78th Cannes Film Festival: May 12–23, 2026
If you’re a film fan who wants to attend, general public can buy official screening tickets (€15–25/screening) or attend non-competition screenings (no invitation required).
Ticket hunting strategy: The festival official website starts selling official screening tickets in April — register an account and be ready to queue. Popular screenings (opening film, competition premieres) sell out within 1 minute.
Tiqets Cannes attraction pass provides tickets to Palais des Festivals and Cannes museums — suitable for visiting during or outside festival dates.
Nice Old City (Vieux Nice)
Nice’s old city is a paradise for lovers of Baroque architecture and color — mustard-yellow and orange building facades, narrow streets, vibrant morning market (Marché Cours Saleya) — the most vivid and authentic part of the French Riviera.
Must-Try Food:
- Socca: Nice’s specialty chickpea pancake; street vendors €2–3 per portion
- Pan Bagnat: Nice’s version of a submarine sandwich with tuna; €5–8
- Salade Niçoise: Refreshing salad of tuna, hard-boiled egg, olives, and anchovies
Nice Transport
Airport: Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (Aéroport Nice Côte d’Azur) is France’s third-largest airport, approximately 8 km from the city center. Tram Line 2 goes directly to the city center for €2.
Welcome Pickups Nice airport transfers — covers Nice Airport to Cannes, Monaco, and other Riviera towns at fixed prices that don’t rise with traffic.
French Riviera Mobile Data
Airalo France eSIM offers a 10GB/30-day plan at approximately $18; EU-wide plans available covering mainland France + Corsica.
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