Camping in the French Riviera

Why we love holidays in the French Riviera

In the sizzling southernmost corner of France, the extraordinary parade of the French Riviera (Côte d'Azur) awaits. This sun-drenched coastline has been captivating visitors for centuries - the rich, the famous, the grand, and the regular folks like us have all been drawn to its dazzling light, immaculate hotels and glamorous beach clubs. Here, upscale seaside resorts mingle with charming medieval villages, and the azure Mediterranean waters sparkle against a backdrop of dramatic hills and mountains. Family holidays to the French Riviera offer a bewitching blend of natural beauty, artistic heritage, and sophisticated living that's hard to resist. Whether you're seeking the buzz of vibrant city life in Nice, the glitz of Cannes, or the tranquility of hillside villages like Èze, the Riviera delivers an unforgettable experience in a setting of extraordinary beauty.

The Riviera combines gorgeous beaches, crystalline waters, and a rich cultural landscape with over 300 days of sunshine per year. The French Riviera isn't just a holiday destination. It's a lifestyle. And it’s yours for the taking – well, for a week or two, perhaps!

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The essence of the French Riviera

Glittering coastline

The coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches ranging from golden sands to pebbly coves. The colour of the Mediterranean Sea here inspired the name "Côte d'Azur," with its mesmerising azure-blue waters.

Glamorous resorts

Experience the legendary glamour of Cannes with its palm-lined Boulevard de la Croisette, Monaco's opulent Monte Carlo Casino, or Saint-Tropez's scenic harbour filled with luxurious yachts.

Picturesque villages

Venture into the hills to discover medieval perched villages like Èze, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, and Mougins. These stone hamlets offer breathtaking panoramic views of the coast.

Our favourite French Riviera beaches

The French Riviera has an impressive variety of beaches, each with its own distinct character. For families, head to Plage des Sablettes in Menton where the colourful Old Town provides a stunning backdrop to crystal-clear waters that remain shallow and calm thanks to a protective jetty – ideal if you've got smaller children. In Antibes and Juan-les-Pins, you'll find some of the Riviera's best sandy beaches, a rarity in a region where pebbles and small stones are more common.

For a more secluded experience, the crescent-shaped Plage d'Argent on the tranquil Île de Porquerolles offers sugary sand reached by a path through vineyards and pine woods. Paloma Beach on the Cap-Ferrat peninsula provides a more intimate setting with views of yachts and the Mediterranean, though its pebbly shore means water shoes are advisable. Beach clubs are abundant throughout the coast, offering everything from budget-friendly to exclusive (and pricey) experiences complete with dining.

Our favourite things to do in the French Riviera

dramatic limestone cliffs at Calanques National Park

Fun days out

There are lots of options for family days out in the French Riviera. Explore the stunning Calanques National Park, where dramatic limestone cliffs plunge into turquoise waters, creating a paradise for hikers and kayakers alike. Catch a ferry to the tranquil Îles de Lérins just off the coast of Cannes, where you can wander through fragrant eucalyptus forests on Sainte-Marguerite Island or visit the fortified monastery on Saint-Honorat Island.

For families, Marineland in Antibes offers an exciting day with dolphin and orca shows, while the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco presents a fascinating underwater world with over 6,000 species in its aquariums.

Getting active

Hike along the spectacular coastal path of Cap Ferrat for breathtaking Mediterranean views, or challenge yourself on the more rugged trails of the pre-Alpine foothills. Dive into the clear waters of the Côte d'Azur, with sites suitable for beginners and experienced divers – the underwater reserve of Larvotto in Monaco is particularly impressive.

Take a scenic drive along the legendary Grande Corniche, the highest of three coastal roads offering spectacular panoramas of the coastline, or cycle along the flat coastal paths between Nice and Antibes with the wind in your hair!

The Picasso museum in the Chateau Grimaldi, Antibes

Cultural hotspots

The Picasso Museum in Antibes, housed in the Château Grimaldi, is where the artist worked in 1946, and features paintings, drawings, and ceramics he created during his stay. Explore Nice's charming old town (Vieux Nice) with its narrow streets, colourful buildings, and bustling Cours Saleya market, before heading to the Marc Chagall Museum with its collection of biblical-themed works.

Experience the opulence of the Belle Époque at the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, with its nine magnificent gardens and impressive art collection, or step back in time at the Roman monuments of Cimiez in Nice.

Our favourite things to see in the French Riviera

Historic sites

Marvel at the remarkably preserved Roman ruins in Fréjus, including a well-maintained amphitheatre that once seated 10,000 spectators, along with an aqueduct and theatre dating back to the 1st century. Tour the medieval fortress of Haut-de-Cagnes, a picturesque old town dominated by the imposing Château Grimaldi, which now houses a museum of modern Mediterranean art surrounded by charming narrow streets and artists' studios.

Or visit Monaco's Prince's Palace, the official residence of the Grimaldi family since the 13th century, where you can witness the changing of the guard ceremony and explore the State Apartments with their Renaissance frescoes and 16th-century Genoese gallery. It’s all very over the top, and somewhat excessive.

Cities and towns worth seeing

Nice, the capital of the French Riviera, combines Italian-influenced architecture with French sophistication, offering attractions like the Promenade des Anglais seafront, the colourful Old Town, and Matisse Museum. The glamorous town of Cannes is known worldwide for its international film festival, but year-round visitors can enjoy the palm-lined La Croisette promenade, excellent shopping on Rue d'Antibes (if you’ve a credit card you’re desperate to max out, that is), and the historic Le Suquet district with panoramic views.

Menton, the "Pearl of France" situated on the Italian border, with its subtropical microclimate allowing exotic gardens to flourish, is a gem. Its pastel-coloured buildings and charming old town lead down to sandy beaches.

Red rock formations at the Esterel Massif, Riviera

Natural wonders

The dramatic Gorges du Verdon, Europe's Grand Canyon, features stunning turquoise waters cutting through limestone cliffs up to 700 metres high, offering activities like kayaking, hiking, and rock climbing just a short drive from the coast. The red rock formations of the Esterel Massif create a striking contrast against the blue sea, with hiking trails leading through this volcanic mountain range to hidden coves and spectacular viewpoints.

Discover the unique ecosystem of the Calanques, a series of narrow, steep-walled inlets stretching between Marseille and Cassis, accessible by boat tours or hiking trails that reward with crystal-clear swimming spots surrounded by dramatic white cliffs. They’re quite spectacular places for a wild swim in the late afternoon.