French Riviera 5-Day Itinerary: Nice to Saint-Tropez
Azure Waters and Historic Cities
Thinking about an extraordinary journey around the French Riviera but unsure about the starting point, the best places to go, the expense, or the length? This itinerary is your go-to companion, loaded with all the details to put together an unforgettable five-day expedition. After all, the region is full of nightlife, delicious food, beautiful locations, and couples making it a terrific place to explore.
If you follow this guide, you'll find beautiful beaches, colorful towns, historical attractions, and delicious food. All of the specific planning information you need will be covered below, such as the route, expected budget, activities, and where to stay.
This itinerary will take you through the following destinations:
- Nice (2 days)
- Cannes (1 day)
- Saint-Tropez (2 days)
The Port of Cannes, France
Itinerary Highlights
- Great for couples
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Beaches
- Delicious Food
- Beautiful Locations
- Historic Sites
- Nightlife
Prepare to be captivated by the region's breathtaking beaches. You really can't miss spending some time indulging in the soothing waters for a fun and relaxing experience. The beaches around Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez are not to be missed.
Indulging in delectable cuisine is a major motivator for travel, and a visit to the French Riviera is no different. Brace yourself for an abundance of outstanding restaurants and local dishes that are simply a must-try. Dining opportunities in Nice and Cannes are particularly amazing, so plan ahead.
the French Riviera pulls in visitors for its breathtaking scenery, a key highlight of the region. Don't forget your camera - trust me, the real-life experience is even more awe-inspiring. You don't want to miss Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez for the beautiful scenery.
the French Riviera is a treasure trove of history waiting to be discovered. Make sure to soak in the richness of the area through its historic architecture, museums, and charming atmosphere. It's an experience you can't miss.
Get ready for a buzzing nightlife scene in the French Riviera with plenty of hot spots that are an absolute must-visit. Specifically, don't miss the nightlife in Saint-Tropez, Cannes, and Nice.
Nice, France
When is the best time to visit?
Summer is a very popular time of year for a trip to the French Riviera. While you might experience plenty of crowds, everything will be open and accessible.
Who is this itinerary for?
Let's make sure to talk about the romantic aspects of the French Riviera. It's known to be such a great couples' destination. If you're traveling with your loved one, you're in for a treat. Especially visit Cannes, Saint-Tropez, and Nice for the enchanting atmosphere.
If you're planning a family getaway, the area is an absolute winner for a fantastic, kid-friendly trip. There's a wide variety of activities tailored for the little ones. We'll dig into more details below. In particular, make a point to visit Saint-Tropez.
This area offers a myriad of travel choices perfect for those on a budget or backpacking adventure. Whether it's budget-friendly hostels, affordable hotels, free activities, pocket-friendly dining, or the lively social scene, you're in for a fantastic trip even if you're pinching pennies.
Saint-Tropez, France
Transportation
Getting from one destination to another in the French Riviera is generally easy, with the majority of these places being approximately 2 hours apart.
We've planned this as a one-way journey from Nice to Saint-Tropez because it covers a lot of distance and the transportation options are good in both places. However, you could always loop back to the beginning if it's easier. Also, you can do this route in the opposite direction if you find better tickets into Saint-Tropez instead of Nice. To get to Nice, you can see flight prices and schedules here.
Traveling around with this itinerary is easy if you have a car. If you didn't bring your own wheels, go ahead and reserve a rental car. Having your own set of wheels gives you total freedom and flexibility in the French Riviera since you can roll on your own time and pull over whenever the mood strikes.
Efficient and budget-friendly, train travel through the French Riviera is a breeze, swiftly linking major cities while smaller destinations may require a bit more time, possibly involving transfers to local buses. Stick to the primary routes, and you'll find it easy to navigate, offering ample opportunities to sit back and appreciate the picturesque scenery outside your window. Don't forget to check ticket prices and schedules ahead of your trip.
Buses offer an excellent means of transportation within the area due to their affordability, speed, and convenience. For budget-conscious travelers who prefer not to be at the wheel, exploring the various price options makes considering buses an attractive alternative to other transportation modes.
Is five days enough time in the French Riviera?
Yes, five days should give you ample time to explore the key destinations in the French Riviera. Our carefully crafted itinerary ensures you can savor these locales at a leisurely pace, making your trip both relaxed and enjoyable. Of course, if you're eager for more local experiences, feel free to extend your stay or delve deeper into each spot. Day trip options abound, offering flexibility. Conversely, if time is tight, you can customize this suggested itinerary for a shorter yet fulfilling visit. While trimming destinations is an option, we recommend sticking to around five days to truly appreciate everything.
How much does a five-day trip to the French Riviera cost?
Below is a budget breakdown for this exciting five-day journey across the French Riviera. Our cost estimates are based on the average daily expenses of real travelers, coupled with data from major companies. Keep in mind, these costs are per person and exclude transportation between destinations. Consider this a helpful guide, because opting for mid-level hotels, regular dining, and covering main attractions will keep you on par with these averages. For those on a tighter budget, hostels and budget hotels, along with more affordable dining options, can keep you below these estimates. Conversely, indulging in luxury accommodations, upscale dining, and private tours might push you well above this budget.
| City | Daily Average | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nice | $142 | 2 | $284 |
| Cannes | $149 | 1 | $149 |
| Saint-Tropez | $159 | 2 | $317 |
| Total per Person | $751 | ||
| for 2 People | $1,502 | ||
The anticipated expenses for this five-day journey in the French Riviera tallies up to $751 per person. Keep in mind that this figure excludes the cost of moving between destinations, as that will depend on the transportation option you use.
Accommodation Costs
Trying to figure out how much you'll pay for hotels on this trip? Below is the expected cost for accommodations for this trip through the French Riviera based on calculated averages.
Hotel Prices
The average price for a hotel room in each destination is outlined below. Calculated from Kayak's hotel data, please note that taxes and fees are not factored into these figures. Consider these prices as a gauge for mid-range hotel experiences. Yet, keep in mind that it's easy to spend more or less, especially if you opt for budget-friendly stays or treat yourself to high-end luxury hotels. During peak travel season, these prices will also be higher.
| City | Average Hotel Room Price | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nice | $97 | 2 | $194 |
| Cannes | $152 | 1 | $152 |
| Saint-Tropez | $469 | 2 | $938 |
| Total Expected Hotel Cost | $1,284 | ||
Hostel Prices
If you're looking to save some money on your trip, hostels are a great option for younger travelers or solo travelers. The prices below represent the average cost for a dorm bed in a hostel for each place. While you give up privacy in a hostel dorm, the atmosphere is usually very social and offers a great opportunity to make new friends along the way. Many hostels also offer private rooms for higher prices than dorms. Many also offer kitchens, social activities, and prime locations. These average prices are calculated from available hostel data provided by HostelWorld.
| City | Average Hostel Dorm Price (per person) |
|---|---|
| Nice | $29 |
| Cannes | $39 |
The French Riviera Itinerary
1. Nice
2 Days
Nice is a world famous destination along the French Riviera. It's lined with pebbly beaches and iconic shopping areas. The city is famous for its popularity amongst celebrities, but casual vacationers will also enjoy visiting the many cafes and and coastal views around town. Visitors can walk down the famous and historic promenade or pop in a local eatery to try some French cuisine.
Nice brings plenty of visitors because it has snorkeling and scuba diving, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great destination for couples, families, and backpackers because of everything available.
For foodies, Nice is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world.
After a day of exploring, you'll want to head out in the evening for a lively nightlife experience. After all, this is one of the most popular nightlife spots in the world.
Luxury resorts in the area are especially popular. If you can swing it, stay at one while you're here for relaxation, pampering, and fun.
What to See in Nice
How to Spend 2 Days in Nice
Day 1:
Don't miss the Promenade des Anglais during your trip to Nice, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
The culinary scene in Nice is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this seaside destination's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.
Nice is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the seaside destination, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.
Day 2:
The beautiful beaches await you in Nice, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.
The public transit in Nice is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the seaside destination quite easily and affordably. There are both buses and trams.
More Activities
Nice offers a large selection of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do. Take a look at some of the better options, compare prices, and make your reservations ahead of time to ensure a fantastic adventure.
If you're looking for even more ideas of things to do in Nice, see The Best Cheap Airport Transfers in Nice, The Best French Riviera Tours from Nice, The Best Eze Tours from Nice, and The Best Cheap Walking Tours in Nice.
Nice Costs
Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Nice hovers around a reasonable $142 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Nice here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $10 | $27 | $78 |
| Food2 | $21 | $53 | $128 |
| Entertainment1 | $6 | $13 | $24 |
| Alcohol2 | $8 | $18 | $38 |
Accommodation
Hotels
Hotels in Nice have an average price of $97 based on the average from 349 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Nice here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're embracing the backpacker's lifestyle in Nice, hostels are your go-to for both savings and social experiences. A dorm bed comes at an average cost of $29. Take a deeper look at hostel options with our informative overview of hostel costs in Nice here.
Transportation
If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Nice to Cannes.
2. Cannes
1 Day
Cannes is a famous resort town in the French Riviera that is popular with celebrities. It's a glamourous and ritzy destination that hosts the world famous international film festival. The city has many nice beaches, particularly along the Boulevard de la Croisette. This is also where you'll find many luxury hotels.
Cannes brings plenty of visitors because it has snorkeling and scuba diving, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great destination for couples and families because of everything available.
For foodies, Cannes is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world.
The music scene here is popular and famous around the world. Make sure to take some time to see a show.
Luxury resorts in the area are especially popular. If you can swing it, stay at one while you're here for relaxation, pampering, and fun.
Shopping here is always fun and a very popular activity, so set aside some time to browse the local shops.
What to See in Cannes
How to Spend 1 Day in Cannes
Shopping in Cannes is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. With its many affluent visitors, the shopping scene in town is filled with luxury brands and posh boutiques. Perfume and porcelain are both popular things to buy in the area.
The culinary scene in Cannes is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this resort city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. The city is known for its fresh seafood and produce, local markets, and innovative chefs. There are also a number of traditional dishes that you should try in town including bouillabaisse, daube, and farcis niçois.
Cannes is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the resort city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. Many areas are easily explored on foot including the historic areas and the coastline.
More Activities
Cannes offers a large selection of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do. Take a look at some of the better options, compare prices, and make your reservations ahead of time to ensure a fantastic adventure.
If you're looking for even more ideas of things to do in Cannes, see The Best Cruise Shore Excursions in Cannes, The Best Airport Transfers in Cannes, The Best Boat Tours and Cruises in Cannes, and The Beaches.
Cannes Costs
Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Cannes hovers around a reasonable $149 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Cannes here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $8 | $18 | $34 |
| Food2 | $22 | $49 | $94 |
| Entertainment1 | $14 | $33 | $63 |
| Alcohol2 | $8 | $19 | $37 |
Accommodation
Hotels
Hotels in Cannes have an average price of $152 based on the average from 324 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Cannes here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're embracing the backpacker's lifestyle in Cannes, hostels are your go-to for both savings and social experiences. A dorm bed comes at an average cost of $39. Take a deeper look at hostel options with our informative overview of hostel costs in Cannes here.
Transportation
If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Cannes to Saint-Tropez.
3. Saint-Tropez
2 Days
Saint Tropez is synonymous with celebrity vacationers and luxury villas. Particularly during the summer months you'll find many Hollywood A listers hanging out at exclusive beach clubs and soaking up the Mediterranean sun. The resort town is filled with extravagant yachts and designer brands, but there are also world class beaches and some of the best scuba diving along the French Riviera.
Saint-Tropez brings plenty of visitors because it has snorkeling and scuba diving, nightlife, and beautiful locations. It's also a great destination for couples, families, and backpackers because of everything available.
After a day of exploring, you'll want to head out in the evening for a lively nightlife experience. After all, this is one of the most popular nightlife spots in the world.
Luxury resorts in the area are especially popular. If you can swing it, stay at one while you're here for relaxation, pampering, and fun.
Scuba diving and snorkeling in the waters around Saint-Tropez are some of main activities for visitors. This is one of the top scuba diving locations in the world.
Shopping here is always fun and a very popular activity, so set aside some time to browse the local shops.
What to See in Saint-Tropez
How to Spend 2 Days in Saint-Tropez
Day 1:
Scuba diving and snorkeling around Saint-Tropez is world-class, and is one of the main reasons why so many visitors come here. Spend a day exploring the beauty of the surrounding underwater world. The Gulf of Saint Tropez is one of the best places to snorkel and scuba dive along the French Riviera. There are wreck dives including the most famous, The Rubis, a submarine that is surrounded by marine life. Although you're not allowed to enter the vessel, there is still plenty to see. There are also plenty of dive spots that feature rock formations, schools of fish, and lobsters.
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. It is a place to see and be seen, so if you're looking for A-list celebrities, glamourous yacht parties, and ritzy dance clubs, then this is your place. While the nightlife scene is filled with extravagance, there are still laid back clubs where you can sip a cocktail in style. The best season to come and party is during the summer months, but you'll still find plenty to do throughout the year.
Saint-Tropez is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the resort town, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. It's easy to explore many places on foot, passing by beautiful beaches, stunning views, impressive yachts, and glamourous villas.
Day 2:
Shopping in Saint-Tropez is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. Surrounded by luxury, shopping is a must in this glamourous resort town. There are international luxury brands as well as local designer boutiques. Whether you're looking for yachting clothes, cigars, jewelry, or perfume, this is one of the best shopping destinations along the Cote d'Azur. Art is a particularly popular item to purchase while you're in town.
Saint-Tropez is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. If you're looking for glamour and beauty, then this resort city along the French Riviera has it all.
The public transit in Saint-Tropez is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the resort town quite easily and affordably. There is a bus system that connects many parts of the area.
More Activities
Saint-Tropez offers a large selection of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do. Take a look at some of the better options, compare prices, and make your reservations ahead of time to ensure a fantastic adventure.
If you're looking for even more ideas of things to do in Saint-Tropez, see The Best Boat Tours in Saint-Tropez, The Best Food Tours in Saint-Tropez, The Citadel of Saint-Tropez, and The Port of Saint-Tropez.
Saint-Tropez Costs
Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Saint-Tropez hovers around a reasonable $159 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Saint-Tropez here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $16 | $37 | $70 |
| Food2 | $18 | $41 | $78 |
| Entertainment1 | $12 | $28 | $54 |
| Alcohol2 | $9 | $21 | $39 |
Accommodation
Hotels
Hotels in Saint-Tropez have an average price of $469 based on the average from 43 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Saint-Tropez here.
Suggested Hotels
Final Transportation
As the last destination in this itinerary, you'll want to find the best price home from here. Check flight prices here.
Next Steps
So now that you have all of the information you need to plan your five-day trip in the French Riviera, it's time to get started. Make your bookings ahead of time not just to find the cheapest prices, but also before the best hotels and tours fill up. We also have plenty of other resources to help you plan you trip, or another trip, too. Happy travels!
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