French Riviera Tours & Trips

What our customers ask about French Riviera Tours & Trips

• How do I get around the French Riviera easily?

  The regional TER trains are your best bet really they run every half hour during busy times and you can zip from Nice to Monaco in just 20 minutes. If you're looking to save money the coastal bus 100 is fantastic at only €1.50 per ride with some amazing views thrown in. Want to explore those charming hilltop villages like Èze or Saint-Paul-de-Vence? You might want to rent a car from Nice Airport but just keep in mind parking can be a real headache and quite expensive in Monaco and Nice's old town. For a really special day trip hop on the Train des Merveilles from Nice to Tende it'll take you through some breathtaking Alpine scenery.

• Which hidden gems should I check out beyond the main tourist spots?

  You've got to visit Villefranche-sur-Mer it's just 10 minutes from Nice and has what locals consider the area's best swimming spot with this gorgeous sandy beach and historic port. Then there's medieval Èze perched way up at 429m with views that'll blow you away plus you can visit the famous Fragonard perfume factory. Saint-Paul-de-Vence is pretty special too with its La Colombe d'Or restaurant where artists used to trade paintings for meals and now you'll find over 60 art galleries. Don't miss Menton they call it the "Pearl of France" and it's got these amazing gardens thanks to its unique microclimate and architecture that feels really Italian.

• What local experiences can I really dive into?

  You can actually create your own perfume at Parfumerie Galimard in Grasse during a 2-hour workshop with expert perfumers guiding you. The Cours Saleya market in Nice's old town is a must before 1pm and if you're there Monday you'll catch the antiques. Want to feel like a local? Join in the pétanque games happening in Antibes' Place Nationale early evenings. The Picasso Museum in Antibes is really special it's in the actual château where Picasso worked in 1946 and they offer these great hands-on art workshops. Summer's amazing for experiencing traditional Provençal festivals with local music and dancing.

• Where can I find those special places that tourists usually miss?

  You'll love the Serre de la Madone garden in Menton it's this incredible place designed by Lawrence Johnston with rare subtropical plants and beautiful Mediterranean terraces. Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild has nine themed gardens that are much quieter than the busy beach spots. There's this amazing island called Île Saint-Honorat just off Cannes where monks still make wine like they've done since medieval times. If you're up for some hiking head to Mercantour National Park it's only an hour from Nice but feels worlds away with ancient rock art and stunning Alpine trails.

• What are the must-try local dishes and where should I eat them?

  You've got to try socca a chickpea pancake that's best at Chez Pipo in Nice's Port area and don't miss the real Pissaladière that onion tart you'll find at Marché de la Libération. For an amazing bouillabaisse head to Restaurant Acchiardo they've been serving it since 1927. La Merenda in old Nice does these incredible Niçoise ravioli filled with Swiss chard. The local olive oil and tapenade are actually protected by AOC status and you'll find the best at Nice's Olivier Baussan shop. Looking for a good deal? Lots of restaurants along the Promenade des Anglais do all-you-can-eat mussels in the evening.