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:

  1. Nice (2 days)
  2. Cannes (1 day)
  3. Saint-Tropez (2 days)


Saint-Tropez, 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 Cannes, Nice, 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 Cannes, Saint-Tropez, and Nice.


The Port of Cannes, 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 Saint-Tropez, Cannes, 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.


The Port of Cannes, 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 $181 2 $363
Cannes $185 1 $185
Saint-Tropez $191 2 $383
Total per person $931
for 2 People $1,863

The anticipated expenses for this five-day journey in the French Riviera tallies up to $931 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
*Before taxes and fees, and varies by season
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 $25
Cannes $40
*Before taxes and fees, and varies by season

The French Riviera Itinerary

1. Nice

Photo of 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.


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