A weekend getaway to the French Riviera is a lovely addition to any vacation. The stunning turquoise waters along the Côte d’Azur glitter and dazzle year long. It’s the perfect destination to enjoy a combination of relaxing and sightseeing. Take in the magnificent surroundings including fabulous architecture, picturesque beaches, remarkable gardens and more.
A Weekend Getaway to the French Riviera
How to Get to the French Riviera
Reaching the French Riviera is simple. Many major cities offer direct flights into Nice. If you are flying into or connecting through Paris, the flight to Nice is just under 90 minutes. From other parts of France, it is possible to reach Nice and the French Riviera by train. From Paris, the high speed TGV train takes about six hours. For a weekend getaway, staying in or around Nice is a very central option.
Day One: Discover Monaco and the Côte d’Azur with a Full Day Luxury Charter
There’s no better way to begin your weekend getaway to the French Riviera than with a day on the water. The luxurious boat will have everything you need including a cabin, bedroom, bathroom, refrigerator, music equipment and drinks.
You’ll board in Cannes and then head towards Monaco, which takes approximately 90 minutes. Disembark and head into the legendary Monte-Carlo for some shopping and to see the highlights of the city. For lunch, stop at a restaurant in the famous Port Hercule to enjoy the views of the impressive yachts.
After lunch, you’ll reembark and go to Mala Bay for a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters. You’ll find plenty of snorkeling equipment stocked on board. Following your swim, you’ll cruise at a leisurely pace towards Villefranche-sur-Mer. Enjoy the beautiful view over the port and the colorful village. The day will end as the sun goes down. You’ll take in the spectacular view of the sunset over Cannes before disembarking.
Where to Stay in the French Riviera
Le Negresco
This famous 5-star property has overlooked one of the French Riviera’s most beautiful bays for a century. Unique and timeless, it is one of the most elegant hotels in Europe. Facing the Mediterranean Sea on the famous Promenade des Anglais, the hotel has a perfect location.
The hotel has attracted the “who’s who” of international clientele including Salvador Dalí, Grace Kelly, the Beatles, Louis Armstrong, and Elton John. Staying at this hotel is truly stepping into French history and culture.
The perfect combination of historic and contemporary is the property’s trademark. Each one of the 128 rooms and 26 suites draws inspiration from the most remarkable French art periods. From Louis XIII style to modern art, five centuries of history are represented. Every room and suite is equipped with a television and wifi.
Have your breakfast under the copolla designed by Gustave Eiffel. Lunch can be in the Rotonde, the restaurant surrounded by white horses. Have dinner at the Chantecler, the Michelin-starred restaurant. And in-between, why not having a drink at the warm and welcoming bar.
When booking an exclusive suite, enjoy a private guided visit of the hotel.
Day Two: Private French Riviera Architectural Tour with a Licensed Guide
Allow your expert guide to transport you through time as you enjoy a full-day tour of architecture, art and culture. From the middle of the 19th century until World War II, the French Riviera was the pinnacle of elegance in terms of architecture and lifestyle. The various styles of architecture include Victorian, Belle Époque, Roaring Twenties, Art Nouveau, and Modernism. There is truly something for everyone.
This storied and legendary version of the Riviera still exists, although it is hidden away and well-preserved. Highlights of the day include seeing the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, the Cap d’Ail and Cap-Martin Seaside Trail, Villa Kerylos and Villa E-1027.
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, also known as Villa Île-de-France, is one of the most beautiful Renaissance-style palaces on the Côte d’Azur. Baroness Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild built it on a summit of the Cap Ferrat peninsula between 1905 and 1912. Villa Kerylos, an original reconstruction of an ancient Greek residence, was imagined by Theodore Reinach, who was fascinated by Greek civilization. A true icon of modern architecture, Villa E-1027, Eileen Gray’s first architectural creation, is a testament to her careful thought in the design of every detail. Tour these villas and more as you soak up the unimaginable beauty of the Côte d’Azur.
Where to Stay in the French Riviera
Hôtel Lily of the Valley
Set on the Mediterranean coastline in La Croix Valmer, this 5-star hotel welcomes guests to a year-round wellness sanctuary. The stunning property is a short 20 minutes from Saint-Tropez and features breathtaking views of the sea. From its position atop a hill surrounded by protected nature reserves, guests are only a few steps away from the sandy, five-kilometer Gigaro Beach.
The guest rooms and suites were designed by renowned architect Phillipe Starck. All buildings blend seamlessly with their natural surroundings, and no building is taller than the trees.
For a culinary delight, guests can choose from two restaurants: one located in the health-focused Wellness Village haven which specializes in a plant-based menu. There is also fabulous French fare in the other restaurant, which has a star sommelier to encourage decadence.
At the heart of the hotel is the 2,000-square-meter wellness center complete with seven cabins, two steam rooms, a snow-shower, sauna and 25-meter swimming pool. The wellness offerings range from detox programs to energy treatments and immersive sport and yoga retreats.
A weekend getaway to the French Riviera is always a good idea, any time of year, but especially in the warmer, less-crowded months. French Side Travel would love to help you plan a dream trip to France with a custom, completely tailor-made itinerary. Some of our favorite destinations in France include Paris, the South of France, Normandy, and Paris. Get in touch with a travel designer today to start the planning process.