Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region of France
The French Riviera, also known as the Côte d’Azur, is a glamorous and picturesque region along the southeastern coast of France, bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Known for its stunning beaches, luxurious resorts, charming villages, and vibrant cultural scene, the French Riviera is a top destination for travelers from around the world.
Provence, renowned for its rolling vineyards, olive groves, and lavender fields, evokes a quintessential French countryside experience. Picturesque towns such as Avignon, Arles, and Aix-en-Provence showcase Roman ruins, medieval architecture, and vibrant markets offering local delicacies. In contrast, the glamorous Côte d’Azur captivates with its azure waters, sandy beaches, and chic resorts. Cities like Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez exude luxury, hosting international events such as the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the pristine natural parks of Mercantour and Verdon Gorge, while art enthusiasts can discover the works of Cézanne and Van Gogh in their former haunts.
With its blend of breathtaking landscapes, cultural treasures, and Mediterranean lifestyle, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region offers an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking both relaxation and exploration in the south of France.
The Same
Monaco
Monaco, while not technically part of France, is intricately linked to the French Riviera and embodies its essence of luxury, glamour, and Mediterranean allure. Nestled along the southeastern coast, Monaco is renowned for Monte Carlo’s opulent casinos, upscale boutiques, and Formula 1 Grand Prix. The principality’s Old Town, perched atop a rocky promontory, offers historic charm with landmarks like the Prince’s Palace and Monaco Cathedral. With its stunning coastline, vibrant cultural scene, and prestigious events, Monaco epitomizes the French Riviera’s exclusive lifestyle, making it a magnet for visitors seeking both extravagance and Mediterranean beauty.
See our different takes on Monaco
The DINKs
We visited the French Riveria on two different trips but really only spent about a day in any specific city.
Toulon
Toulon, situated on the French Riviera in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of southeastern France, is a vibrant coastal city known for its rich maritime history and strategic naval port. Surrounded by hills and overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Toulon boasts a picturesque harbor where visitors can explore a blend of historic architecture, lively markets, and modern amenities. The city’s cultural scene thrives with museums like the Musée National de la Marine, showcasing its naval heritage, and the Musée d’Art, highlighting regional art and history. With its pleasant climate, beautiful beaches, and proximity to the Provencal countryside, Toulon offers both a bustling urban experience and opportunities for outdoor adventures, making it a dynamic destination on the French Riviera.
- Cours Lafayette Market: Start your day by exploring the bustling Cours Lafayette Market, one of Toulon’s most famous markets. Open daily, this vibrant market offers a variety of fresh produce, local delicacies, flowers, and artisan goods. It’s a perfect spot to experience the local culture, sample regional specialties like olives, cheeses, and pastries, and perhaps pick up some souvenirs. We enjoyed brunch at a local bakery including an amazing quiche. Then headed to the marina to walk around.
- Toulon Marina (Port de Toulon): After the market, take a leisurely stroll around Toulon Marina. This picturesque harbor is lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, offering a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy the Mediterranean views. Walk along the promenade to see the mix of modern yachts and traditional fishing boats. The marina area is also a great place to book a boat tour or ferry ride to explore the nearby islands and coastline. We were looking to relax before we headed out on a 14-day cruise so we chose to just relax and enjoy the views from the marina.
- Celenya Hôtel: Centrally located in Toulon, Celenya Hôtel offers comfortable accommodations with easy access to the city’s attractions. The hotel is known for its friendly service and convenient location near the train station, making it a great base for exploring Toulon. Enjoy amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a cozy lounge area, and a continental breakfast to start your day for only €4 (At the time this was written). We found this hotel to be an amazing value. Super low cost; the room was small but clean. We took the train in and it was a short walk from the train station and a short walk to the market and marina.
- Port La Seyne-sur-Mer, located in the Var department on the French Riviera, is a vibrant port town known for its rich maritime heritage and picturesque setting. Historically significant as a major shipbuilding center, the port has evolved into a modern marina while retaining its industrial roots. Visitors can explore the charming waterfront, lined with cafes and restaurants offering fresh seafood and local cuisine. The area is also known for its beautiful beaches, such as Plage des Sablettes, and cultural landmarks like the historic Fort Balaguier. With its blend of nautical activities, historical sites, and scenic coastal views, Port La Seyne-sur-Mer is a captivating destination on the Mediterranean coast. We were taking a cruise out of here so we took a short Uber ride from Toulon over to the port and enjoyed breathtaking views as our ship departed.
Marseille
Marseille, France’s second-largest city and a prominent Mediterranean port, blends ancient history with vibrant modernity. Located on the French Riviera, Marseille boasts a rich cultural tapestry influenced by its Greek and Roman roots, evident in landmarks like the historic Vieux-Port (Old Port) and the hilltop Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, offering panoramic views. The city’s bustling markets, such as the fish market at Vieux-Port and the diverse flavors of its renowned cuisine, reflect its multicultural identity. Marseille’s dynamic arts scene includes the striking MuCEM museum, which explores Mediterranean civilizations, and the vibrant Le Panier district, known for its narrow streets and artistic community. With its lively atmosphere, coastal beauty, and deep-rooted maritime heritage, Marseille offers visitors a captivating blend of history, culture, and modern Mediterranean charm.
We visited Marseille twice but only briefly each time. Unfortunately we were not in town for a Soccer (Futbol) Match but had we been, we surely would have attended. Our favorite experiences include:
The Old Port of Marseille, known locally as “Vieux-Port,” is the historic heart of Marseille and a vibrant focal point of the city’s maritime heritage. The Vieux-Port is one of the oldest ports in Europe, dating back to 600 BC when Greek sailors founded Massalia, the ancient name for Marseille. It has served as a hub for trade, fishing, and maritime activities throughout its history, shaping Marseille’s identity as a major Mediterranean port city. The port is lined with bustling quaysides where visitors can stroll along the waterfront, watch fishermen unload their catches, and enjoy views of boats bobbing in the harbor.
The Calanques National Park (Parc National des Calanques) is a stunning natural reserve located along the Mediterranean coast near Marseille, France. The Calanques National Park is renowned for its rugged limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and picturesque fjords (calanques in French), which are unique to this region. The park stretches from Marseille to Cassis, covering approximately 520 square kilometers of land and sea, making it one of Europe’s newest national parks. The park is famous for its narrow, deep inlets (calanques) with steep limestone cliffs plunging into clear blue waters. Each calanque has its own distinct character, offering opportunities for hiking, swimming, rock climbing, and boating.
The Family
The Port of Villefranche-sur-Mer
The Port of Villefranche-sur-Mer, nestled on the French Riviera between Nice and Monaco, is a picturesque and historically rich harbor. This charming port town offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and Mediterranean allure, making it a favorite destination for visitors to the Côte d’Azur.
ThePort of Villefranche-sur-Mer was a stop on our Mediterean Cruise. The town was an easy walk from port but we didn’t actually stay. We hopped the train and went to Monaco. The other easy option is Nice.
Check out how we made this trip affordable:
Summary
Exploring the French Riviera offers a spectrum of experiences, as witnessed by two distinct perspectives. The DINKs immersed themselves in the region’s charm, basing themselves in Toulon and Marseille, which allowed for a deeper exploration of local culture and cuisine beyond the iconic Monaco. Their extended stay enabled them to savor the Mediterranean lifestyle fully. Meanwhile, the Family, arriving on a cruise, enjoyed a day trip to Monaco from the picturesque Port of Villefranche-sur-Mer. Despite a shorter visit, they savored the Riviera’s allure with its stunning coastal vistas and historic charm. Both perspectives highlight the French Riviera’s timeless appeal, blending luxury, history, and natural beauty into a memorable Mediterranean escape for travelers of all kinds.
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