French Riviera holidays

How to reach the French Riviera

• Flight time: Flying from Ireland to the French Riviera takes around 2.5 hours, with direct flights available from Dublin and sometimes from Cork or Shannon to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport.

• Transfer time: Nice Airport is just 7km from the city centre, and you can reach it in about 20 minutes by bus, tram or taxi. If you’re heading further along the coast, like Cannes or Monaco, the journey takes around 30 to 45 minutes by train or car.

• Price: The tram into Nice centre costs just €1.70. Taxis into town cost around €25–€32. For trips along the coast, trains to Cannes or Monaco cost roughly €5–€10 each way.

Best time to visit the French Riviera

The Riviera is a year-round destination, but some months will suit your plans better than others.

• April to June: This is one of the loveliest times to go – warm but not too hot, with temperatures from 15°C to 25°C and lots of sunshine. May gets busy with events like the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix.

• July to August: Summer is peak season. Expect hot weather (often 30°C+), packed beaches, and a lively buzz. Book early if you’re visiting in these months.

• September to November: Things quieten down but it’s still warm enough to swim in the sea. With temperatures between 15°C and 25°C and fewer tourists, it’s a relaxed time to go.

• December to March: Winters are mild, with 10°C to 15°C and 5–7 hours of sunshine. It’s a peaceful time to explore, though Nice Carnival in February brings a festive buzz.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: French is the main language, though many people also speak English in tourist spots. You’ll also hear some Italian, especially closer to the border.

• Local habits and customs: A tip isn’t required in restaurants unless the service was especially good – service is usually included in the price. A euro or two for exceptional service is always appreciated.

• Health and safety: The French Riviera is generally very safe, but take care with bags and valuables in busy places like Old Nice or on crowded beaches. Call 112 for emergencies.

• Currency: France uses the euro (€). ATMs are easy to find and most places accept cards.

• Getting around: Trains and buses make it easy to travel along the coast – including stops at Nice, Cannes, Monaco and smaller towns. The TGV connects to further-flung destinations, and there’s also a scenic regional train from Nice to the Italian border.

• Electricity and plugs: France uses 230V power with two-pin plugs, so you’ll need a European adaptor for Irish plugs.

• Time zone: The French Riviera is 1 hour ahead of Ireland, on Central European Time (CET), with daylight saving in place from late March to late October.

• Travel documents: Irish passport holders don’t need a visa for France. Just bring a valid passport for entry.

Best things to do on the French Riviera

The French Riviera – otherwise known as the Cote d'Azur – consists of the fabled coast that runs from Marseille to the frontier with Italy, studded with glamorous and glitzy resorts.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• √àze Village: √àze is unmistakable long before you arrive, its streets wound around a cone of rock below the corniche, whose summit is 470m above the sea - and thus affording resplendent views.

• Grasse: Soak up stunning uninterrupted views over the Cote d'Azur from this hillside location 16km inland from Cannes.

• Corniches: Soak up the grand coastal views along one of the world's most scintillating drives.

The best districts

• Nice: The epicentre of the Riviera, Nice – a vibrant and intriguing blend of Italianate influence, faded belle époque splendour and first-class art – makes a perfect base.

• Frejus: Founded by Julius Caesar as a naval base, Fréjus has some of the best-preserved Roman remains along this coast, including a theatre, an amphitheatre and a ruined aqueduct.

Museums

• Musée Picasso: In homage to the great artist, this terrific museum offers a chance to see lesser-known works in beautiful surroundings.

• Fondation Maeght: Art and architecture fuse with landscape and the dazzling Provensal light to create this astonishing museum of contemporary art and sculpture.

• Musée Matisse: Fine collection with work from every period, including an almost complete set of his bronze sculptures and sketches for one of the Dance murals.

Parks and gardens

• Phoenix Parc Floral de Nice: Situated near the airport, the centrepiece here is one of the largest greenhouses in Europe, with six different tropical zones.

• Jardin Thuret: Dominating the middle of the Cap, and established in the 19th century by botanist Gustav Thuret, this garden tests and acclimatises subtropical trees and shrubs in order to diversify the Mediterranean plants of France.

Historical monuments

• Chapelle du Rosaire: Matisse's final masterpiece – the modern master oversaw every stunning detail of this profoundly moving convent chapel in Vence.

• Fort Carré: The headland at the northern end of Antibes is topped by the splendidly situated Fort Carré, which was transformed by Vauban in the 17th century into an impregnable fortress.

Things to do in different parts of the region

• Nisois villages: Explore craggy Peillon and unspoiled Lucéram, the villages perchés of Nice's wild and underpopulated hinterland, where locals still live off the land, producing olives, goat's cheese, herbs and vegetables.

• The Corniches: Three fantastic corniche roads run east from Nice to the independent principality of Monaco. Buses serve all three routes; the train follows the lower corniche; and all three are superb means of seeing the most mountainous stretch of the Cote d'Azur.

Activities for families on the French Riviera

Families, and kids of all age ranges, are amply catered for along the Riviera, with oodles of fun to be had, be it splashing around in waterparks or chugging through valleys on scenic train rides.

• Aquariums and zoos: Marineland in Antibes is one of Europe's largest marine parks, offering dolphin shows, aquariums and a water park; while the zoo in Le Capitou has everything from big cats, marsupials and apes to small reptiles and exotic birds.

• Theme parks and adventure: Several large-scale attractions for children line up along the main coast road between Antibes and Biot – everything from performing dolphins at Marineland to water slides at Aquasplash.

• Train rides: The Chemins de Fer de Provence runs one of France's most scenic and fun railway routes, the line running up the Var Valley into the hinterland of Nice to Digne-les-Bains, climbing through spectacular scenery as it goes.

• Historical monuments and sites: Kids love clambering over ruins, so make a beeline for the ancient ruins of Cimiez in Nice, where kids can run around and learn about Roman history. More formally, the Prince's Palace in Monaco offers guided tours and a chance to see the changing of the guard.

Free things to do on the French Riviera

Despite being one of the priciest regions in Europe, there's no shortage of ways in which you can save money on your French Riviera holidays.

• Beaches: Head for the beaches for a budget-friendly day. You're completely spoiled for choice (Nice, Antibes, Cannes) but among the best are the St-Tropez peninsula, and Le Lavandou, the most beautiful part of the Cote d'Azur, boasting silvery beaches and sections of unspoiled tree-backed coastline.

• Cinema: In May each year, Cannes hosts the world's most famous movie festival, and while it's strictly for professionals, the open-air Cinéma de la Plage – a series of free screenings of current and classic selections – is open to all.

• Village markets: The markets of the Riviera are a sensual treat as well as a lively social event, and you can spend as much or as little as you like - or nothing at all; the best of these are the Marché du Cours Saleya in Nice and Marchés des Halles in Menton.

• Historical sites: You could spend days simply exploring the old town districts of the coast's towns and villages: Nice, Antibes and Menton are three that immediately spring to mind.

Nature and outdoor activities

The French Riviera and outdoor fun go hand in hand, with a whole host of water sports complemented by a plethora of inland activities.

• Hiking: The Parc National du Mercantour is a true hiking mecca, the park crossed by numerous paths and equipped with refuge huts that provide basic food and bedding for trekkers. Elsewhere, the Sentier du Littoral in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and the GR51 trail offer tremendously scenic hikes.

• Diving: There are more than 30 diving sites between the bay of St-Raphael and Agay, and the area is well known for its numerous wrecks, ranging from Gallo-Roman ships to the minesweepers, barges and landing ships lost during the 1944 Allied landings.

• Fishing: As you'd expect, the waters here are rich in all kinds of fish species, so why not have a go at a catch yourself; plenty of local fishermen offer their services, with all equipment provided.

• Water sports: The sea here is warm and placid and there are plenty of places where you can rent equipment, be it for scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. The western suburb of Saint-Laurent-du-Var is where kitesurfers gather.

Discover the Beaches of the French Riviera

The French Riviera is renowned for its stunning coastline, offering a variety of beaches that cater to every kind of traveller. Whether you're looking for family-friendly sandy shores, glamorous beach clubs, or secluded coves, the French Riviera has something to suit every holidaymaker.

Glamorous Beaches in Cannes

Cannes is synonymous with luxury, and its beaches are no exception. The famous La Croisette offers a stretch of sandy shoreline lined with exclusive beach clubs where you can rent sunbeds, sip cocktails, and enjoy gourmet dining by the sea. For those on a budget, Plage du Midi offers a more relaxed vibe with public access.

Family-Friendly Beaches in Nice

Nice boasts some of the most accessible and family-friendly beaches on the Riviera. The pebbled shores of Promenade des Anglais stretch for several kilometres, offering plenty of space to relax and swim in the crystal-clear waters. Facilities like restaurants and snack bars make it convenient for families, while shallow waters are ideal for children to paddle safely.

Hidden Gems in Saint-Tropez

While Saint-Tropez is famous for its celebrity-studded beaches like Pampelonne, you'll also find quieter spots perfect for a peaceful day by the sea. Plage des Salins is a lesser-known gem, offering a more tranquil setting surrounded by nature. It's the perfect spot for those seeking a more authentic beach experience without the crowds.

Secluded Coves in Èze-sur-Mer

If you're after a more intimate setting, the beaches of Èze-sur-Mer offer beautiful hidden coves with a backdrop of rugged cliffs. Plage d'Èze is a small pebbled beach that's perfect for a quiet escape, ideal for snorkelling or simply relaxing in a picturesque setting. The calm, clear waters make it a haven for those seeking tranquillity away from the busier spots.

Watersports in Antibes

For adventure seekers, the beaches of Antibes provide ample opportunities for watersports. Plage de la Gravette is ideal for families and those looking to try out activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, or jet skiing. With a relaxed atmosphere and a mix of both sandy and pebbled beaches, Antibes offers the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation.

From the glamour of Cannes to the peaceful coves of Èze, the French Riviera's beaches offer something for everyone, making it one of the most diverse coastal destinations in Europe. Whether you're seeking family fun, water sports, or a luxurious day at a private beach club, the French Riviera's coastline won't disappoint.

Local dishes on the French Riviera

Holidays to the French Riviera are likely to involve lots of fabulous food. Wholesome and healthy, the cooking of Provence displays all the benefits of the Mediterranean diet, with superb fish on the coast and fresh fruit and vegetables everywhere.

Some typical dishes

• Salade Nisoise: Ubiquitous salad comprising tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, Nisoise olives, anchovies and tuna, all perfectly dressed in olive oil.

• Ravioles: Ravioli is a classic Nisois dish, often stuffed with blette – Swiss chard – and daube, served with a splash of meaty daube sauce.

• Pissaladière: This flat tart was developed in Nice, and consists of bread dough topped with caramelised onions, sometimes with olives and anchovies too.

Meat dishes

• Daube de boeuf: A real winter warmer, this is a beef stew enriched with red wine and seasoned with juniper, orange peel and chopped bacon.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Bouillabaisse: This fishermen's stew from Marseille is the most famous of the coast's seafood dishes – at its best it's utterly delicious.

• Loup de Mer: Sea bass, simply grilled and served with fresh herbs and lemon.

Street food

• Socca: Best eaten hot and fresh from the pan, this Nisois chickpea pancake is perfect street food – simple, wholesome and tasty.

• Pain fougasse: A finger-shaped bread that may contain olives, anchovies, sausage, cheese or bacon.

• Pan bagnat: This sandwich of choice is a delicious mix of tuna, hard-boiled egg and bitter mesclun salad leaves drizzled with oil.

Sweets and desserts

Calissons are lozenge-shaped sweets made from almonds and candied lemon and are perfect with a strong espresso; while a tarte tropézienne is a cream-filled brioche that originated in Saint-Tropez.

Local drinks

• Pastis: The south of France is the homeland of pastis, an aniseed-flavoured spirit traditionally served with a bowl of olives before meals.