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.
Alternatively, spend the morning discovering the Lerins Islands. This archipelago formed with Île Sainte-Marguerite, the monastery island of Saint-Honorat as well as the small, uninhabited islands Île de la Tradelière and Saint-Ferréol. Even during the summer, these islands are never overcrowded, so you can relax in the small hidden bays.
After lunch, you’ll reembark and go to Mala Bay for a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear water. 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 town is built on terraces overlooking Cap Ferrat and the azure blue sea of the Mediterranean below. The village is small enough that exploring is easy and all main attractions can easily be reached from the center. 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
Terre Blanche Hôtel Spa Golf Resort
An exotic and luxurious 5-Star resort hotel, nestled in the heart of the Riviera surrounded by peaceful settings. Away from the monotonous everyday life, the hotel is an ideal place to return to nature.
The luxurious hotel rooms and villas are equipped with all modern amenities and are perfect for relaxation. Children and adults alike can explore the flora and fauna of the area and have fun in the various recreational activities available on-site.
The two tennis courts offer lessons for the interested players and courts for the experienced ones. The extravagant golf course carved out of the lakes, small waterfalls and the surrounding greenery provides training and a place to indulge in the game. The four restaurants offer light and colorful lunches, gourmet cuisines, and kid-friendly meals for all. The wine cellars have the best wines presented in a wide range.
The hotel also boasts an eco-friendly title with their earthworks treated on-site for construction, safe waste management, and reliable energy management. The establishment firmly believes in the concept of reduce, reuse and recycle.
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
Le Saint Paul
This authentic 16th-century bourgeois residence converted into a 5-star hotel is located in the center of Saint-Paul de Vence, one of the most beautiful villages in France. In the heart of Saint-Paul de Vence, this hotel guarantees its guests a peaceful stay.
Each room in this luxury hotel is elegantly and carefully decorated. Under the shade of the ramparts and alleys, indulge in the mouthwatering gourmet cuisine at the hotel’s restaurant. The chef and his team offer exceptional culinary delights along with delicious wines. The hotel’s bar and wine cellar are open all day for the guests to enjoy wine tastings.
A stone’s throw from Nice and Cannes, guest can take advantage of the perfect location for visiting Côte d’Azur and the hinterland offering a host of surprises.
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.