Bridger and I had an unforgettable time exploring the south of France. Although he had visited Paris before and we’d briefly stopped in Strasbourg on a Rhine River cruise in 2018, this trip marked our first time on the French Riviera. Neither of us spoke French, but getting around was easy since many people spoke English in the towns we visited. I had six nights to spend in France and divided them so we could experience a mix of coastal towns and city life. We spent two nights in Saint-Tropez (I would gladly have stayed one or two nights more), one night at Les Roches Rouges to soak up the views and break up the journey to Nice, and three nights in Nice. It was a perfect balance and we made wonderful memories. Next time we hope to add Cannes and Antibes to the itinerary.
Click here to watch my Instagram highlights of France.
(*) = places we ate and activities we enjoyed
Arrival & Transportation
Fly into Nice Côte d’Azur Airport. We arranged a hotel car pickup which took about 2 hours and 15 minutes to reach Saint-Tropez when traffic was moderate. Private transfers in the south of France can be expensive, while public transportation offers a much more affordable option. A combination of trains and short taxis is a practical, budget-friendly way to travel between towns. From Saint-Tropez we booked a hotel transfer to Saint-Raphaël (about 1 hour 15 minutes) and then took a taxi to Nice. I recommend using trains whenever possible — they’re fast, efficient, and provide great coastal views.
Where to Stay
Saint-Tropez: I highly recommend Lou Pinet. This charming 5-star boutique hotel sits about five minutes from town in an idyllic French setting. Amenities include a pool, a Tata Harper spa (a favorite for non-toxic skincare), a small gym, a terrific breakfast, and an excellent Beef Bar restaurant. It’s a peaceful, picturesque choice for a Saint-Tropez stay.
Other recommended Saint-Tropez hotels: Hotel La Ponche, Hotel Byblos, Château de la Messardière.
Saint-Raphaël: Les Roches Rouges. Perched on the water with two beautiful pools (one saltwater), this property felt dreamy and is perfect for a single-night stop. Opt for a room with a sea view. While breakfast was average, the lunch and dinner menus were enjoyable.
Nice: Le Méridien. We stayed on the eighth floor with a lovely view of the city and sea. It’s centrally located near many restaurants and convenient for exploring Nice. If you prefer boutique hotels you might look elsewhere, but Le Méridien is a solid option if you’ll be out sightseeing most days. Skip the hotel breakfast buffet and enjoy a local café instead.
Dining Recommendations
My suggestions combine recommendations from locals, reader tips, and our own discoveries.
Saint-Tropez:
* Le Café
* Marcellino — try the ceviche
* Dior Café
* Homer Lobster — the lobster roll is a must (Bridge approved)
* L’Olive
* La Cucina
Nice and nearby:
* Le Grand Café de France — we went twice; excellent for both dinner and breakfast
* Oakberry Açaí — the açaí bowl is a perfect breakfast choice
* Piccola Goletta — standout bruschetta; grilled sea bass and pizza were great choices
* Le Plongeoir — unique setting
* La Cave du Fromager — food and wine pairings
* Les Pêcheurs (Nice port) — seafood-focused menu
* Olive & Artichaut
Places to Visit
* Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat — Take the train to town and walk the coastal pathway to Paloma Beach (about two miles). Enjoy a Mediterranean lunch at Paloma Beach, bring towels for sunbathing, and relax at Plage de la Fosse on the other side of the point. Comfortable shoes are recommended for the walk.
* Villefranche-sur-Mer — a colorful seaside town close to Nice; a great stop for lunch or dinner. We ate at Dry and enjoyed the hummus.
* Monaco — one of our favorite stops. Even on a Sunday when some shops were closed, the city’s grandeur and coastal walkways were impressive. Shopping and beach clubs are highlights here.
* Menton — perched near the French-Italian border north of Nice, Menton is charming and perfect for a leisurely stroll. Local lemon products like lemon olive oil and honey make excellent souvenirs.
* Èze — a medieval hilltop village with narrow streets and dramatic views. It’s worth a few hours if you have time. Access options include a steep hike, a packed bus, or a taxi/Uber.
* Old Town Antibes — a classic Provençal town worthy of exploration.
* Îles de Lérins (Sainte-Marguerite) — a short boat ride from Cannes for a peaceful escape.
* Mirazur — acclaimed dining destination (reserve ahead).
* Nice highlights — visit Castel Plage, Babel Babel, Lavomatique, and Castle Hill for panoramic views of the bay and city.
* Collioure and Carcassonne — picturesque towns for extended trips.
* Plage de Mala — a hidden beach cove ideal for swimming with fewer crowds and a small café/bar.
Things to Do
Saint-Tropez:
* Walk the town and harbor, browse boutiques and galleries
* Enjoy a Tata Harper facial at Lou Pinet’s spa
* Pick up macarons from Maison Ladurée
* Spend a relaxing beach day at a local plage
Nice and surrounding day trips:
* One efficient day trip is to take the train and visit Èze, Monaco, and Menton in a single day — great for shopping in Monaco and sampling Menton’s lemon specialties.
* On another day, take the train to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat for a full beach day and scenic coastal walks.
* Beach clubs to consider: Anao Plage near Nice and Le Galet.
