What is the best town to visit on the Côte d'Azur?

There’s no one best town on the Côte d'Azur, because each offers something different worth exploring. Nice is known for its culture and seafront promenade, Cannes for its film festival and dining scene, Saint Tropez for its beaches and resorts, Antibes for its old town and marina, Cap-Ferrat for its elegant coastal setting, and Èze for its historic hilltop views.

When is the best time to visit the French Riviera?

For a harmonious blend of favourable weather and fewer crowds, June and September emerge as optimal months. Still, the best time to visit the French Riviera depends on what activities you are most interested in. July to August is the best time to visit for beach holiday weather in places like Nice, Saint Tropez, and Cap-Ferrat, but can also be a busier season. For fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures, May, September and October are also excellent months to visit.

How many days do you need on the Côte d'Azur?

We generally recommend travellers should allow between seven and 14 days to explore the Côte d'Azur. This gives you enough time to enjoy its coastal towns, beaches, and cultural attractions at a relaxed pace.

Is the Côte d'Azur good for families?

Yes, the Côte d'Azur is great choice for a family holiday. All ages can find something to do on its stunning beaches perfect for watersports or simply relaxing. Take the family on a tour of cultural mediaeval village of Eze, for exciting outings. Nearby Monaco will excite with its wealth of museums and events like the Monaco Grand Prix. Or you can get hands-on with cooking classes and outdoor activities that appeal to a range of ages.

What is the difference between the Côte d'Azur and the French Riviera?

The Côte d'Azur and the French Riviera are both names for the same region, the French Riviera is just the English translation. Both refer to the stretch of Mediterranean coastline in south-eastern France.

Luxury Holidays to the Côte d'Azur

The Côte d'Azur has defined luxury coastal travel for generations, combining Mediterranean beaches, Belle Époque elegance and some of Europe's most sought-after seaside towns. With Scott Dunn, you'll experience the Riviera through carefully chosen hotels, insider access and experiences tailored around the way you like to travel:

Tailor-made Côte d'Azur holidays designed around your interests
Handpicked luxury hotels from Nice and Cap-Ferrat to Cannes and Saint-Tropez
Exclusive experiences from private yacht charters to perfume-making
Expert planning and 24/7 support from Scott Dunn specialists

From Toulon in the west to Monaco in the east, Côte d'Azur has been shaping luxury travel as a living legacy of the Belle Époque. Renowned for its iconic French Riviera beaches, the destination captivates travellers with its azure waters and golden sands. From the galleries and markets of Nice to the beach clubs of Cannes, the elegant peninsula of Cap-Ferrat and the mediaeval streets of Èze, it is a tapestry of contrasts that gets interesting the more you explore.

Whether you're planning a honeymoon, a Côte d’Azur beach holiday or looking to explore the Riviera's cultural side, our specialists know how to bring the region to life. You can expect exclusive experiences and handpicked hotels, all tailored around your interests. With Scott Dunn, we take care of all the planning so you can simply enjoy your time on the Côte d'Azur.

Meet Our Specialists

Meet our France Experts

Our team of specialists are waiting to help you book your next adventure. Contact us today to start planning your tailor-made trip.

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020 8682 5040

Why Visit the Côte d’Azur?

Stretching along France’s coast and down towards Greece, each country that the Mediterranean shores create its own unique atmosphere, and the Côte d’Azur is arguably the finest. Intrinsically tied to artists, creative exploration, and some of the most extravagant hotels in Europe, there’s an untamed buzz here that welcomes all to escape daily life and enjoy the best.

Sun, sea and the coast’s best beaches
Riviera culture and its artistic side
Coastal dining and the glamorous life
Days out and active experiences

Sun, sea and the coast’s best beaches

Spend leisurely days at top beach clubs or set sail on the French Riviera’s sparkling waters.

Relax at beach clubs in Nice – Spend the day beside Nice's famous pebble beaches, where beach clubs line the Baie des Anges.
Charter a private yacht from Saint-Tropez – Cruise the coastline at your own pace, stopping to swim, snorkel and explore secluded bays.
Sail aboard a traditional fishing boat– Discover the Riviera's coastline on a Provençal fishing boat while enjoying local wines and regional produce.

Riviera culture and its artistic side

Get a feel for French Riviera culture and see how it has inspired some of the world's most celebrated artists.

Visit Nice's leading art museums – Explore artistic havens like Musée Matisse and the Marc Chagall National Museum, home to the largest collection of Chagall's work.
Discover the Picasso Museum – Set within Antibes' historic château, the museum showcases works created during Picasso's time on the Côte d'Azur.
Art meets cuisine in Saint-Paul de Vence – Book a reservation at La Colombe d'Or where you can dine next to artwork by Picasso and Matisse.

Coastal dining and the glamorous life

Star-studded events, luxury shopping, and chic restaurants only add to Côte d’Azur’s glamorous allure.

Dine at Michelin-starred restaurants – Discover acclaimed restaurants from Monaco to Cannes where the food is a good as the people watching.
Explore Monaco and Nice after dark – Browse designer boutiques, stroll grand boulevards and get lost in the atmosphere of Monte Carlo.
Star-powered events – The Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix bring an extra sense of energy to the Riviera each May.

Days out and active experiences

  Go beyond the beach with nature-focused and cultural experiences unique to the French Riviera.

Explore Èze – Wander mediaeval streets and take in panoramic Mediterranean views from the Jardin Exotique.
Enjoy outdoor adventures – Choose from kayaking near Cassis or family days out at attractions such as Antibes' Aquasplash water parks.
Create your own fragrance in Grasse – Learn the art of perfume-making in France's historic perfume capital.

Luxury Hotels and Private Tours in the Côte d'Azur

Discover our tailor-made itineraries across the South of France, or further afield, to see how your trip here could look. We also have our collection of hotels, designed to pair seamlessly with our personalised itineraries, which range from boutique retreats surrounded by olive groves to architect-designed hotels overlooking the Mediterranean, each chosen for its character, location and service.

Properties
Itineraries

Lily of the Valley

La Croix Valmer, South of France

Revitalise your weight loss, fitness and wellbeing goals at this luxurious French Riviera retreat, supported by a team of experts offering bespoke health programmes, targeted treatments, nutritional gastronomy and wide range of fitness activities.

Chateau de La Chevre d’Or

Eze, Côte d’Azur, South of France, France

Located in the heart of the mediaeval village of Eze, sits the sublime Chevre d'Or. Set high up on a hillside the hotel has commanding views over the Cote d'Azur, from Antibes to Ventigmilia. The Chevre d'Or also boasts a Michelin starred restaurant.

Hotel du Cap Eden Roc

South of France, France

Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc is an iconic property that has long been celebrated as the grand dame of the French Riviera. Embrace old-world glamour and timeless grandeur at this luxurious Mediterranean retreat.

La Reserve Ramatuelle

Côte d’Azur, South of France, France

Close to St Tropez and the beautiful beaches of the Côte d'Azur, La Réserve Ramatuelle is a luxurious collection of architect designed rooms and suites and Provencal style villas. Relax surrounded by South of France chic and unforgettable views.

12 nights

Classic Paris, Provence & the French Riviera

Paris, Provence, Côte d'Azur

Discover France in style—from Parisian elegance to Provençal charm and Riviera allure. Private tours, stunning hotels, and exclusive experiences create an unforgettable journey through art, flavour, and romance.

From

£13,400 pp

10 nights

Family Adventure in France

Paris, Cassis, Côte d'Azur

Embark on an unforgettable luxury family vacation to France, immersing yourselves in the timeless elegance and cultural wonders of this enchanting country. This meticulously crafted 10-night itinerary combines the iconic city of Paris, the breathtaking coastal beauty of Cassis, and the vibrant beach front city of Nice.

From

£6,700 pp

10 nights

Hilltop Villages of Southern France

Provence, Cannes, Eze

Embark on an enchanting journey through Southern France, from the golden charm of Provence to the glamorous shores of the French Riviera. Discover hilltop villages, fragrant markets, timeless art and coastal allure, all experienced through privately guided tours that blend culture, beauty and effortless elegance.

From

£7,400 pp

Top Places in Côte d'Azur

Cannes

Monaco

Nice

Saint Tropez

What is the best town to visit on the Côte d'Azur?

There’s no one best town on the Côte d'Azur, because each offers something different worth exploring. Nice is known for its culture and seafront promenade, Cannes for its film festival and dining scene, Saint Tropez for its beaches and resorts, Antibes for its old town and marina, Cap-Ferrat for its elegant coastal setting, and Èze for its historic hilltop views.
When is the best time to visit the French Riviera?

For a harmonious blend of favourable weather and fewer crowds, June and September emerge as optimal months. Still, the best time to visit the French Riviera depends on what activities you are most interested in. July to August is the best time to visit for beach holiday weather in places like Nice, Saint Tropez, and Cap-Ferrat, but can also be a busier season. For fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures, May, September and October are also excellent months to visit.
How many days do you need on the Côte d'Azur?

We generally recommend travellers should allow between seven and 14 days to explore the Côte d'Azur. This gives you enough time to enjoy its coastal towns, beaches, and cultural attractions at a relaxed pace.
Is the Côte d'Azur good for families?

Yes, the Côte d'Azur is great choice for a family holiday. All ages can find something to do on its stunning beaches perfect for watersports or simply relaxing. Take the family on a tour of cultural mediaeval village of Eze, for exciting outings. Nearby Monaco will excite with its wealth of museums and events like the Monaco Grand Prix. Or you can get hands-on with cooking classes and outdoor activities that appeal to a range of ages.
What is the difference between the Côte d'Azur and the French Riviera?

The Côte d'Azur and the French Riviera are both names for the same region, the French Riviera is just the English translation. Both refer to the stretch of Mediterranean coastline in south-eastern France.

Call us on 020 8682 5040 to start planning

Why Scott Dunn for Côte d’Azur Holidays?

Unique to You

We listen to your travel goals and craft unique holidays that are bespoke to you.
We’re with you every step of your life’s travel journey, from honeymoons to family trips and beyond.

Seamless Service

Global offices in the UK, US, Singapore, and Hong Kong for 24/7 seamless service.
We offer flexibility if your plans change so you can book with confidence and peace of mind.

Carefully Curated Collection

We’ve curated an elevated collection of accommodation, experiences, and guides.
Committed to fostering close global relationships to continue bringing you unique experiences.