French Riviera 7-Day Itinerary: Nice to Marseille
The South of France
Are you trying to plan a fantastic trip around the French Riviera? If you're not sure where to start, where to go, how much it will cost, or how much time you need, then we've got the answers. This route will let you experience the nightlife, delicious food, beautiful locations, and couples of the region. This itinerary can be used as a guide and an outline for your next trip, because here you'll find all of the information you need to put together an amazing seven-day trip.
Along the way, you'll discover beautiful beaches, colorful towns, historical cities, and delicious food. We'll start with some of the many reasons to visit this fantastic region. Then, we'll cover travel details such as the route, the estimated costs, things to do along the way, where to stay, and more.
This itinerary will take you through the following destinations:
- Nice (2 days)
- Cannes (2 days)
- Saint-Tropez (1 day)
- Marseille (2 days)
Vegetable Market in Marseille, France
Itinerary Highlights
- Great for couples
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Beaches
- Delicious Food
- Beautiful Locations
- Small Town Charm
- Historic Sites
- Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
- Nightlife
One of the main reasons to visit the area is to see the gorgeous beaches and relax in the water. When it comes to Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez, the beaches are fantastic.
It's no secret that amazing food is a major draw for travelers, and the French Riviera holds its own with fantastic cuisine. Your journey promises an abundance of remarkable restaurants and local dishes that deserve your attention. The food in Nice, Cannes, and Marseille is especially delicious.
The mesmerizing landscapes of the French Riviera are a major draw for visitors, defining the essence of the region. Grab your camera because the real-life view is far superior to anything you've seen in photos. You don't want to miss Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez for the beautiful scenery.
Don't miss out on exploring the lovely and quaint small towns scattered throughout the region. You'll have a wonderful opportunity to engage with the local culture while tasting delicious food and soaking in the history.
So much history is to be found in the French Riviera. Don't miss the historic architecture, museums, and charming vibe of the area.
If you're in the French Riviera, mark scuba diving and snorkeling as must-do activities. The waters here are known for their clarity and abundant marine life. It's truly an experience you can't pass up. Take a break and hit the water for some unforgettable moments. If you're into diving, you're in for a treat around Saint-Tropez – the opportunities are simply terrific.
Brace yourself for a vibrant nightlife experience in the French Riviera, complete with numerous hotspots that are totally worth checking out. Specifically, don't miss the nightlife in Saint-Tropez, Cannes, and Nice.
Nice, France
When is the best time to visit?
When summer rolls around, the French Riviera becomes a hotspot, buzzing with activity. Anticipate a lively atmosphere with plenty of visitors; however, the silver lining is that during this time, everything is accessible and ready for exploration.
Who is this itinerary for?
Traveling as a couple? Let's dig into the romance in the French Riviera. It's renowned for being an ideal destination for couples, offering an enchanting atmosphere. If you're journeying with your significant other, get ready for a treat. Especially visit Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez for the enchanting atmosphere.
The region is a gem for families, offering plenty of kid-friendly activities that promise to turn your trip into an unforgettable and joy-filled experience. We'll get into some of the details later. In particular, make a point to visit Saint-Tropez.
Traveling on a shoestring budget or backpacking in the area? No worries, as there are abundant options for you. From budget-friendly hostels and economical hotels to cost-free activities, affordable dining, and an inviting social environment, your trip is sure to be fabulous without burning a hole in your pocket.
Saint-Tropez, France
Transportation
Traveling between these destinations in the French Riviera should be fairly easy for you, considering that most are around 2 hours apart on average.
We've planned this as a one-way journey from Nice to Marseille 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 Marseille instead of Nice. To get to Nice, you can see flight prices and schedules here.
If you're following this itinerary, a car is a good way to do it. Don't stress if you didn't bring yours; renting a car is easy. Having your own car in the French Riviera means you're the boss of your schedule, and you can stop wherever and whenever you please.
Traveling by train through the French Riviera is not only easy, but also affordable and efficient. While trains connect major cities very quickly, getting to smaller destinations can sometimes take a little more time. Some smaller towns may even require connecting to local buses. But generally, it's easy to get around if you stick to the main routes, and you'll be able to sit back and admire the views out the window. Check out the ticket prices and schedules ahead of time, too.
As a general rule, buses present a highly effective way to navigate the area. Known for their affordability, efficiency, and comfort, it's an easy way to get around on a tight budget. Check out the prices and compare for yourself.
Is seven days enough time in the French Riviera?
To see all of the highlights, seven days will give you a comfortable amount of time to explore the highlights in the French Riviera. This detailed itinerary will make sure that you see the best parts of each place. You'll be able to plan a trip that's fun, relaxing, and efficient. If you find yourself wanting to see more, you can always extend your stay or schedule more time in a specific place, as it's entirely up to you. With an array of day trip possibilities, flexibility is key. However, if you're short on time, consider adjusting this schedule for a shorter yet fulfilling experience. While cutting out a few stops is feasible, we recommend aiming for around seven days to truly take it all in.
The Port of Cannes, France
How much does a seven-day trip to the French Riviera cost?
The estimated budget breakdown for this seven-day trip through the French Riviera is shown below. This budget is based on our daily average travel costs which come from the spending habits of actual travelers along with cost data from major companies. The daily average costs are per person and do not include the transportation between destinations. These estimated costs are meant to be a guide. You can stay close to thse costs by staying at mid-level hotels, eating at normal restaurants, and paying for some of the main attractions in each location. It's possible to stay on a cheaper budget if you stay in hostels or budget hotels and eat at less expensive restaurants. It's also very easy to go over this budget by staying at high-end luxury hotels, eating at fancy restaurants, and taking private tours.
| City | Daily Average | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nice | $142 | 2 | $284 |
| Cannes | $149 | 2 | $298 |
| Saint-Tropez | $159 | 1 | $159 |
| Marseille | $161 | 2 | $322 |
| Total per Person | $1,063 | ||
| for 2 People | $2,127 | ||
From these calculations, the estimated cost for this seven-day itinerary of the French Riviera costs $1,063 per person. This does not include the transportation between destinations, as that cost will vary depending on your chosen option.
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
For your accommodation costs, the average hotel room price for each destination is shown below. This hotel cost data is calculated from the prices of hotels provided by Kayak, and do not include taxes and fees. The average prices represent typical mid-range hotel rooms, but it's always possible to spend more or less than this average if you stay in budget-friendly or high-end luxury hotels, respectively. Also, during peak travel season, these prices will usually be higher.
| City | Average Hotel Room Price | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nice | $97 | 2 | $194 |
| Cannes | $152 | 2 | $304 |
| Saint-Tropez | $469 | 1 | $469 |
| Marseille | $95 | 2 | $190 |
| Total Expected Hotel Cost | $1,157 | ||
Hostel Prices
Looking to be budget-savvy on your journey? Hostels are an excellent choice, especially for the younger crowd or solo adventurers. The prices provided below outline the average costs for a dorm bed in a hostel in each destination. Yes, you might sacrifice a bit of privacy in a hostel dorm, but the lively atmosphere often turns these shared spaces into social hubs, offering fantastic opportunities to forge new connections. Keep in mind that many hostels also provide private rooms, albeit at a higher cost than dorms, coupled with additional amenities such as kitchens, social activities, and strategic locations. These average prices are calculated from available hostel data thoughtfully provided by HostelWorld.
| City | Average Hostel Dorm Price (per person) |
|---|---|
| Nice | $29 |
| Cannes | $39 |
| Marseille | $29 |
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.
With snorkeling and scuba diving, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations, Nice offers so much to visitors. It's also a great destination for couples, families, and backpackers because of everything available.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Nice is always at the top of any foodie's travel list.
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
Dive in to all of the activities, attractions, tours, and things to do available in Nice. Here are a few of the best options for you to consider, compare prices, and secure your bookings in advance for a seamless and enjoyable visit.
If you're looking for more information and 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
Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Nice is $142 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the 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
The average hotel room price in Nice is $97 based on the average from 349 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Nice here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're traveling on a backpacker's budget, hostels are a great way to save some money and meet other travelers, too. In Nice, the average price for a bed in a dorm at a hostel is $29. For more information on hostels, you can see our 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
2 Days
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.
With snorkeling and scuba diving, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations, Cannes offers so much to visitors. It's also a great destination for couples and families because of everything available.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Cannes is always at the top of any foodie's travel list.
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 2 Days in Cannes
Day 1:
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.
Day 2:
Don't miss Boulevard de la Croisette during your trip to Cannes, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
Live music is very popular in Cannes, so make sure you spend the evening exploring some of the more popular venues. The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.
The public transit in Cannes is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the resort city quite easily and affordably. There are buses that travel around the city.
More Activities
Dive in to all of the activities, attractions, tours, and things to do available in Cannes. Here are a few of the best options for you to consider, compare prices, and secure your bookings in advance for a seamless and enjoyable visit.
If you're looking for more information and 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
Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Cannes is $149 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the 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
The average hotel room price in Cannes is $152 based on the average from 324 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Cannes here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're traveling on a backpacker's budget, hostels are a great way to save some money and meet other travelers, too. In Cannes, the average price for a bed in a dorm at a hostel is $39. For more information on hostels, you can see our 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
1 Day
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.
With snorkeling and scuba diving, nightlife, and beautiful locations, Saint-Tropez offers so much to visitors. 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 1 Day in Saint-Tropez
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.
More Activities
Dive in to all of the activities, attractions, tours, and things to do available in Saint-Tropez. Here are a few of the best options for you to consider, compare prices, and secure your bookings in advance for a seamless and enjoyable visit.
If you're looking for more information and 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
Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Saint-Tropez is $159 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the 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
The average hotel room price in Saint-Tropez is $469 based on the average from 43 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Saint-Tropez here.
Suggested Hotels
Transportation
If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Saint-Tropez to Marseille.
Trains are a great way to get from Saint-Tropez to Marseille, and you can see the train schedules and prices here.
Buses from Saint-Tropez to Marseille are affordable and efficient. Prices can vary by date and time, so make sure to see the bus prices and schedules here.
4. Marseille
2 Days
Marseille is a well known port city in southern France along the French Riviera. It has a fascinating old town and a long running history. There are many historic attractions and a lot to explore as a touristy.
With nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations, Marseille offers so much to visitors. It's also a great destination for couples and backpackers because of everything available.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Marseille is always at the top of any foodie's travel list.
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.
Marseille has one of the best historic old towns in the country, so you should absolutely spend some time exploring the streets and shops.
What to See in Marseille
How to Spend 2 Days in Marseille
Day 1:
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The Old Port is filled with shops and boutiques, and is the most scenic part of the city. It dates back to the Middle Ages and is filled with history and character.
The delicious food of Marseille is one of the main highlights of a trip to the region. Dining out is one of the highlights of a trip. Make sure you take the time to taste as much of it as possible during breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour or cooking class. You can easily fit one into your schedule since many are just a few hours or half a day. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.
Marseille is a very walkable city. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. The Old Port (Vieux Port) is particularly walkable and is one of the best areas to explore on foot.
Day 2:
Marseille offers a charming atmosphere that's hard to find anywhere else. Spend part of the day exploring the scenery. The Old Port area is one of the most scenic parts of the city. It dates back to the Middle Ages and it remains quite busy today.
This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. Much of the city's nightlife is centered around being outdoors. Whether you're on the beach or hanging out at a rooftop bar, Marseille is a magical place.
Public transit in Marseille is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the city quite easily. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.
More Activities
Dive in to all of the activities, attractions, tours, and things to do available in Marseille. Here are a few of the best options for you to consider, compare prices, and secure your bookings in advance for a seamless and enjoyable visit.
If you're looking for more information and things to do in Marseille, see The Best Calanques National Park Tours from Marseille, The Best Cassis Tours in Marseille, The Best Affordable Wine Tours Around Marseille, and The Best Cheap Airport Transfers in Marseille.
Marseille Costs
Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Marseille is $161 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Marseille here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $13 | $31 | $61 |
| Food2 | $19 | $46 | $106 |
| Entertainment1 | $18 | $41 | $82 |
| Alcohol2 | $12 | $29 | $66 |
Accommodation
Hotels
The average hotel room price in Marseille is $95 based on the average from 161 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Marseille here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're traveling on a backpacker's budget, hostels are a great way to save some money and meet other travelers, too. In Marseille, the average price for a bed in a dorm at a hostel is $29. For more information on hostels, you can see our overview of hostel costs in Marseille here.
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 seven-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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