Planning a trip to the south of France and wondering where to stay in the French Riviera? I’ve been there too. When I first visited a few years ago, I was overwhelmed by the options. Every town looked so pretty, and each one promised something different. Do you stay by the beaches in Nice? Do you pick the luxury of Cannes? Or do you head to the quieter corners like Menton or Antibes? The struggle is real.

After exploring the coast, I realized there’s no single “best” spot — it depends on what kind of trip you want. Some towns are lively and central. Others are peaceful and feel almost secret. In this guide, I’ll break down the best places to stay in the French Riviera, share their highlights, a few honest downsides, and hotel tips for every budget.

Nice – Perfect for First-Time Visitors

Nice is the easiest and most affordable place to start your Riviera trip because many European low-cost airlines fly here. Exploring is also such joy because there are many things to do from morning till night! Wondering what to see in Nice? Head straight to Promenade des Anglais! You’ll see joggers, families, tourists, and couples, soaking up the views. Palm trees sway along the coast, and the sea sparkles in every shade of blue. The vibe here is unbeatable!

I also loved wandering the Old Town, where every corner smells like fresh pastries and lavender. Saleya Market with flowers “explosion”, herbs, and warm socca fresh from the pan, was my favorite stop. It’s the kind of place where you feel part of local life, even if you’re just passing by.

The best part about Nice? Trains and buses connections are great, which makes it easy to explore the rest of the Riviera. You can easily hop on a train or bus to places like Èze, Monaco, or Antibes without needing a car.

Downside of staying in Nice

Nice can feel crowded, especially in summer. The beaches are pebbly, so water sandals are essential here! It’s also not the cheapest place on the French Riviera, because prices jump during high season. I still can’t get over the fact that I paid 50 EUR for a sunbed! 😔

Where to stay in Nice?

• Budget: Villa Saint Exupéry Beach Hostel – Social vibe, central location, close to the beach.
• Mid-range: Hôtel Rossetti – Stylish rooms in the heart of the old town.
• Luxury: Hotel Negresco – Iconic property with sea views and Belle Époque charm.

Cannes – Glamour and Hidden Nature

Cannes is best known for its fabulous film festival, but there’s so much more to this charming city! Picture this: luxury boutiques, beautiful sandy beaches, and a laid-back coastal vibe all around you. Walking along La Croisette felt like stepping straight into a movie set, with palm trees swaying along the boulevard and the sun sparkling on the Riviera sea.

One of my favorite surprises was the nearby islands—many travellers to France don’t even know they exist! Just a quick boat ride to Île Sainte-Marguerite and you’ll find yourself surrounded by pure nature. With peaceful pine forests, serene trails, and stunning turquoise coves, it feels like a private escape from the city’s glamour. It truly became one of my top discoveries during the trip!

Cons of staying in Cannes

Now, it’s good to know that Cannes can be a bit pricey, especially during the festival season. The city is smaller than Nice, so you’ll find that nightlife and dining options are a little more limited. Plus, public transport connections to other Riviera towns aren’t as frequent, so plan a bit ahead!

Where to stay in Cannes

• Budget: Hôtel des Congrès et Festivals – Central, simple, and great value for Cannes.
• Mid-range: Hôtel de Provence – Lovely garden, walking distance to La Croisette.
• Luxury: Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic – Iconic five-star hotel right on the boulevard.

Antibes – Quiet Luxury

Antibes has that unique French style you just don’t find everywhere! One of the best parts of Antibes is its sandy beaches, a refreshing change from the pebbled ones in Nice. Plage de la Gravette is just a stone’s throw away from the old town, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely swim.

With its narrow streets, stone walls, and colorful markets, the Old Town in Antibes is also full of charm. Every corner you turn reveals a cozy café, a delicious gelato shop, or a charming little boutique selling handmade soaps and local olive oil.

If you stroll down to Port Vauban, you’ll find a harbor bustling with gorgeous superyachts, but don’t worry, it’s not at all pretentious! It’s such a treat to wander along the docks and let your imagination run wild. And while you’re there, don’t miss the Picasso Museum, which sits in a beautiful old castle with stunning sea views. This delightful mix of history, art, and beach vibes truly makes Antibes a memorable place to visit!

Cons of staying in Antibes

While Antibes has so much to offer during the day, it’s a bit quieter at night. If you’re looking for nightlife buzzing with energy, you might want to head to Nice or Cannes instead. During the summer, the beaches can get pretty busy, especially on weekends, so plan accordingly. Also, if you’re driving, be prepared for some potential parking challenges.

Where to stay in Antibes

• Budget: Hotel Le Collier – Modern rooms near the port and train station.
• Mid-range: La Place Boutique Hôtel – Right in the old town with cozy, stylish rooms.
• Luxury: Hôtel Belles Rives – Legendary Art Deco hotel with a private beach.

Menton – The Colorful, Sunny Town

Menton is like the sunniest, happiest place on the French Riviera! Often called the “Pearl of France,” this town bursts with vibrant colors from its pastel buildings and endless lemon groves.

Strolling through the Old Town is so fun, and you can feel that a lovely mix of French and Italian vibes! The seaside promenade is one of the most magical spots you can visit. You’ll see families enjoying their walks, couples relaxing by the water, and kids happily indulging in gelato.

Menton’s lush gardens (Jardin botanique Val Rahmeh) are fragrant and a perfect retreat for nature lovers. And let’s not forget the food—fresh seafood paired with zesty, citrusy desserts that taste just like sunshine!

Downside of Staying in Menton

Keep in mind that Menton is a bit further away from bigger cities like Nice, so getting around might take a little longer if you want to explore more of the Riviera. The town is smaller, too, which means nightlife and dining options wind down earlier. It’s a fantastic place for relaxation, but not the best spot if you’re craving late-night excitement!

Where to Stay in Menton

• Budget: Hôtel Menton Riviera – offers simple and clean rooms right near the beach and main attractions.
• Mid-range: Best Western Plus Hôtel Prince de Galles combines classic charm with modern comfort and friendly service.
• Luxury: Royal Westminster Hôtel & Spa has stylish rooms, spa facilities, and stunning sea views for a truly pampered stayover.

Èze – A Medieval Village with Stunning Views

Èze feels like a hidden gem high above the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. As you wander its narrow cobblestone streets, you’ll discover cute shops and cozy little cafes just waiting to be explored. The sight of vibrant flowers spilling from window boxes adds to the village’s charm, and the sweet aroma of herbs mixed with salty sea air is simply irresistible. The exotic garden at the top of the village is a must-see stop. It’s bursting with rare plants and cacti, and the views are probably one of the best you can see. You can see the coastline stretching out before you, glistening in the sunshine.

Downside of staying in Èze

Just a heads-up: Eze is perched on a steep hill, so strolling up and down can be a bit of a workout, especially if you’re carrying heavy bags or traveling with kids. Plus, the village is quite small, which means nightlife options are limited. If you’re looking to party or enjoy late-night meals, this might not be the best fit – restaurants and taxi services close early here!

Where to stay in Èze?

• Budget: Auberge de la Croix du Pape – this charming guesthouse is one of the most affordable, cozy spots nestled just outside the village center.
• Mid-range: Hôtel Château Eza is elegant and romantic, and perfect for soaking up all the charm Eze has to offer.
• Luxury: Cap Estel feels like a private villa retreat, complete with stunning sea views and top-notch service.

Getting Around the French Riviera

One of the best things about the French Riviera is how easy it is to get around. The towns are close to each other, and the views along the way are gorgeous. Trains connect almost every coastal town — Nice, Antibes, Cannes, Menton — and tickets are cheap. You can buy them at station machines, on the SNCF app, or online. Buses are even cheaper, though a bit slower, and perfect if you’re not in a rush.

My tip: if you’re planning to see several places in one trip, base yourself somewhere central like Nice or Antibes. From there, day trips are simple, and you won’t waste time moving your luggage from hotel to hotel.

Final Thoughts: Where to Stay in the French Riviera

What I love about the French Riviera is how close everything is. The towns may look far apart on the map, but in reality, you can get from one to another in less than an hour by train or car. This makes it easy to stay in one place and still see so much. You don’t need to switch hotels every night to experience different vibes — just plan a few day trips and you’re set. Once you’ve chosen your base, exploring the rest is almost effortless.

If you already know where you want to stay, the next step is planning your days. My 4-day French Riviera itinerary will help you figure out exactly what to do and when, so you can make the most of your trip.