In contrast to popular opinion, visiting the French Riviera does not have to be incredibly ritzy and pricey. As a matter of fact, there are many decently affordable activities, excursions, and experiences that people of all ages can enjoy in their time in the region. Whether it is party, winetasting, or sightseeing, there is no stopping you from having fun in the French Riviera.

Situated on the French coast of the Mediterranean, the region comprises of many cities and towns with different profiles that will fit into any holidaymaker’s ideal destination. Monaco, Cannes, Nice, and St. Tropez are known to be the glamorous part of the region. But less popular attractions in Eze, Grasse, Biot, Antibes, Menton, and many others offer affordable class and beauty you can only get there. This brilliant blend of luxury, large wealth, and magnificent cobblestone towns makes the French Riviera a place to visit.

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Here is Why The French Riviera is Worth Visiting:

Step into the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild – Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Built in the early 1990s by a member of the ill-famed Rothschild banking family, this beautiful villa looks over the Mediterranean Sea. The Villa et Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild is made of exotic gardens that are regarded as one of the Noble Gardens in the country.

The villa also houses antique art and furniture. Visitors can take a day’s tour to the villa starting in the morning or a late tour in the evening when it is cool. Things even get more interesting if you are check-in June. Then you can see artists in their drove on the property, painting the area on the Painter’s Day.

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Go Hiking at Les Calanques – Cassis

Les Calanques affords visitors an exciting chance to go hiking in one of France’s natural wonders. The expanse of coastline on both sides of Marseille is where you can find les Calanques. The sea has worn away the cliffs to make natural sea inlets that are detached from the regular strains and stresses of everyday life.

There are only a few places in France that have this spellbinding beauty of the aqua-green and the rustic Mediterranean waters. Les Calanques is made up of small mountains, eroded by the resilient Mediterranean wind, with strait beaches in their valley.

You can either hike or boat to get the best of this place. Bear in mind that cars are not permitted entry because of the risk that forest fires pose. As a friendly advice, take a lot of water and a picnic when you arrive at one of the best places in the world. Entering Les Calanques is for free.

Basilique Notre-Dame de Nice

In the case that you have been to Paris and the stunning Notre-Dame, you might be inclined to be happy in knowing that you can get your Neo-Gothic, Roman Catholic yearnings. This Basilica, also called the Notre Dame of Nice, was built in the 1800s and is Nice’s largest church. The sliding gold, the white stone church, has about two large towers just at its entryway that is among the imposing in Nice. If you are big on church or history, stroll over to this sliding, white elephant. The sanctuary is located at 2 Rue d’Italie, 06000 Nice.

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Appreciate art at Museé d’Art Modern et d’Art Contemporain (MAMAC) – Nice

You might know about the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York City. This is the MAMAC and located in the city of Nice, and it houses a range of avant-garde artistic works from the mid-20th-century to contemporary time. Particularly striking are the many works of continental New Realists, American Pop Artists like Arte Povera, Worhol, and American minimalism. MAMAC is located at Places Yves Klein, 0600 Nice.

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Château de la Napoule – Mandelieu-La Napoule

First constructed in the 1300s, the Château de la Napoule is a sparkling landmark that is not your typical historic French castle. In the early 1900s, some Americans bought the castle. As you will see, the castle is one expansive lush garden where you can relax and commune with nature. On a regular evening in Mandelieu-La Napoule at the castle’s garden, you will be incredibly inspired by the setting. Château de la Napoule is located at Avenue Henry Clews, 06210 Mandelieu-la-Napoule.

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Saint-Paul de Vence

This commune is a place you will not want to miss. Saint-Paul de Vence is a small and enclosed old medieval town. In fact, it is one of the oldest communes in the French Riviera. To visit here for some time traveling. Check out the modern and contemporary interesting museums like the popular Fondation Maeght.

Vallée des Merveilles – Tende

Also known as the Valley of Marvels, the Vallée des Merveilles is a part of the national park and contains a large array of open-air Bronze Age petroglyphs. More than 10,000 of these ancient rock engravings are scattered throughout the valley. Among the popular ones is Le Christ: Christ, Le Sorcier: The Sorcerer, and the Chief of the Tribe. Those who are archeologically inclined will take interest here, and those who want to connect with their inner caveman. Vallée des Merveilles is located at Mercantour National Park, 06430 Tende.

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Watch Opera for Free – Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence, every summer, boasts of an impressive night of opera on the popular Cours Mirabeau. Anyone can visit to hear some delectable music by the local council. Distinguished companies are also invited to perform every year.

Rock Jumping Into the Sea – Marseille

Along the French Riviera, the shoreline changes while moving east. In Marseille, however, there are many great craggy patches where people dare each other to jump from. It can be exhilarating but ensure you know the water depth (a precaution to ensure that those jumping are safe, especially kids and parents). If you do not want to take the plunge, watching can be fun too.

>>Also Read: Marseille Travel Guide

Party Like it’s Your Last in St. Tropez

The city of St. Tropez is widely known to be very chic and ritzy. Rightly so, it is everything. Checking in at the local bars and restaurants can be expensive, but the views are free, and picnics come cheap. Considering the fun things to do at night and the lively atmosphere, the city might just have the most vibrant nightlife in southern France. Proceed to La Tarte Tropézienne for picnics where the popular dessert was created (the tarte tropézienne is made up of brioche and cake). La Trate Tropézinne is located at Travers des Lices, St. Tropez, France.

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Have a Delicious Socca at Nice’s Flower Market

For the uninitiated, socca is the crepe-like local chickpea pancake. It originated from the area around Nice and the Italian border, and one of the great spots to get it is in the flower market. Strolling the shops and trying out other good-looking goodies is another cracking experience.

Watch the Sunset From a Rooftop Bar

Along the Mediterranean Sea, the French coastline is stunning at sunset and is free. Some of the greatest rooftop bars can be seen along the Croisette in Cannes or Nice. If you are on a budget, go to Friche Belle de Mai in the city of Marseille. It used to be a tobacco factory that courses along the city’s St. Charles station train tracks. In the summer, it has DJs on the roof on Friday and Saturday nights. Some of the most exciting festivals are held here.

Is the French Riviera Worth Visiting or Is It Overrated? – Summary

There is no doubt that the French Riviera is the surest shot at a uniquely French experience. Are you going for a short or long vacation? Well, it does not really matter because the region is set to afford you with the very best it holds. Do not people-watch on the boulevards of Nice alone or rock jump into the sea at Marseille or party hard at a chic bar in St. Tropez alone. Rather, capture the moments in a photo and video shoots because in a while from now, you will be thanking your old self for creating those cherished moments spent in the Riviera.

Do you think that The French Riviera Overrated and not worth visiting? Let us know in the comments below.