Return to main article13 Affordable Trips to Europe
Côte d’Azur
The French Riviera is a premier resort destination for good reason: It has clear water bordered by stretches of white-sand beaches, rocky cliffs, and hidden coves—and it’s only a 90-minute flight from Paris. The bustling city of Nice, the legendary waterfront town of Cannes, and the once-sleepy village of St.-Tropez are the main attractions. From Nice to St.-Tropez Days 1–2 Nice is the gateway to the Riviera, home to the
coast’s main airport and a hub for many car-rental companies (Avis and Hertz
are both located at the terminal). Start in Nice’s Old Town and check into the
16-room Hôtel Villa la Tour, set in a converted convent. While there, public
transportation is also an option; the No. 22 bus runs from Place Masséna to the
Musée Matisse, a museum in the neighborhood of Cimiez, where the artist spent his
later years. Back in town, a local favorite is Chez Thérésa, a stand in a bustling
marketplace, known for its socca (chickpea pancakes). Or stop by Nissa Socca,
which serves ratatouille and a version of socca late into the evening.
For dessert, order homemade rosemary and vanilla pink-pepper ice cream at Fenocchio to eat
during a walk along the five-mile Promenade des Anglais, the road fronting the
Baie des Anges. Looking for a historic side trip? Drive six miles east to
St.-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild a
20th-century manor with grand gardens and bay views. Day 3 Take the seaside route west (it begins at the
Promenade des Anglais) to the sands of Cap d’Antibes. Check into the Val
des Roses, an Art Deco villa turned hotel run by two
Flemish brothers who welcome guests like old friends. Its pool and gardens are
just 130 feet from Salis beach. In the evening, follow Antibes’s fortified
walls to Le Comptoir, a bistro serving updated
Mediterranean fare such as cod ravioli in a light butter sauce. Day 4 Cannes, an eight-mile drive from Antibes, is renowned
for its film festival in May (when prices soar and hotel rooms are scarce), and
for the popular beaches that line the coast. Picnic treats (olive breads and pizza
with sautéed onions) are for sale at the colorful Forville Market, and a 20-minute passenger-ferry ride will
take you to the protected shores of Île St.-Honorat. The island’s 30-room,
11th-century Abbaye de Lérins is a remote Riviera getaway—if you don’t mind communal
meals and friendly monks. Day 5 Continue west into the heart
of St.-Tropez and settle in at the three-story Les Palmiers. Morning coffee is served under palm trees on the
hotel’s garden terrace. Stop at La Table du Marché for a three-course lunch (including an excellent endive
and lardon salad, roasted chicken, and a glass of wine). At dusk, the jet set
enjoys pre-dinner cocktails aboard yachts docked in St.-Tropez, but you can get
the same view while sipping pastis at port-side café Le Gorille. The colorful
olive-oil soaps at the Place des Lices market make fragrant
souvenirs.—Claire Downey
