📍Monte Carlo, Monaco 🇲🇨

To wrap up our journey along the French Riviera, we saved a visit to Monaco and Monte Carlo for last.

If you’re arriving by train, the station is the same for both places since Monaco and Monte Carlo are just about a ten-minute walk apart. Buses run frequently, but you can forget about using Uber. If you find yourself here after midnight without access to public transportation (trains and buses run until a certain time), you’ll need to walk to the town of Beausoleil (which is about a ten-minute walk from the Monte Carlo casino) and order one there. There’s no Uber or "regular" taxis likely to avoid cluttering up the streets with vehicles that don’t match the high-end car scene this area is known for. Here, you'll see some of the most expensive cars in the world.

For the best view in Monaco, head up to Monaco-Ville, ideally at sunset. As for the Monte Carlo casino, you need to dress elegantly, and entry costs €19 (with €10 to spend on the slot machines). Filming and photography inside the casino are strictly prohibited 🖤🍀🎰

📍Saint Laurent du Var, France 🇫🇷

What an exotic find just a few kilometers from Nice!

In our quest for sand and to spare our feet from the pain caused by the pebbles on Nice’s beaches, we discovered a spot about ten kilometers from the city center, Saint Laurent du Var. We took the train there (tickets cost €2.3), and it takes about ten minutes, but then you have at least a 15-minute walk to the beach, so Uber was the better option for the return (Saint Laurent du Var to Nice costs around €25).

This small village is peaceful and not crowded. The most appealing local spot to us was @restaurantbeachclub(ig). Everything has a jungle vibe, completely different from the beach clubs we had seen before. As for renting sunbeds, the prices are lower than in Cannes or Nice (€25 and €30, depending on the row).

There were also many children on the beach, and they even have a water playground, making it a great choice for a family vacation. Another fun fact: you can watch planes land from this beach.

If you’ve been to this place, share your impressions 🏖️☀️🏝️

📍Nice, France 🇫🇷

A visit to the French Riviera wouldn't be complete without a stay in Nice, but to truly appreciate its beauty, I recommend going outside of peak season.

Primarily because of the beach—it’s almost impossible to find a free spot, and with the number of people in the water, it’s as if the sea has lost its turquoise color. The beach in Nice is quite unique, covered with large round pebbles, so I actually prefer the one in Cannes. A large part of the beach is public, but if you want a bit of privacy, the closest beach club to the center of Nice is Plage Beau Rivage.

My favorite part of Nice is the Old Town, but during the summer months, it loses some of its charm, so I didn’t spend much time there this visit. If you want a spot in a good restaurant, it's hard to get one without reserving a few days in advance. The service also isn’t at its best; expect long waits due to the crowds.

For the best view of the city, especially the long promenade ("Promenade des Anglais"), climb up to the castle, but make sure you do so before 8 PM, as that’s when it closes.

Although I was a bigger fan of Nice than Cannes before this trip, I find myself slightly favoring Cannes during the summer. I'm glad we chose to stay more days in the smaller town. 🌅🌴💛

📍Cannes, France 🇫🇷

Cannes by Night 🎆

Although I’ve visited the French Riviera multiple times, this is my first time spending the night in Cannes and experiencing its vibrant nightlife. The city is lively, filled with cafes, restaurants, and clubs. The streets are bustling with people, including a lot of young adults as well as families with children. Initially, I wouldn’t have recommended Cannes as a family vacation spot, but seeing this side of it makes me believe it might not be a bad choice after all.

We were quite exhausted from the Olympic events, so we weren’t up for a full night out, and I don’t have any nightclub recommendations. However, I can suggest a fantastic beach bar/restaurant, Annex Beach. It’s open until 1 AM, with a DJ, a relaxed atmosphere, and delicious cocktails.

For dinner, I found "Rue Florian" to be the most interesting street, lined with one restaurant after another. We chose the oriental cuisine restaurant Salama Cannes and managed to get a table without a reservation. As midnight approached, the inside of the restaurant filled up, and an actual party in Arabic style began (check out video 8). It was a complete surprise to see how many people from the Middle East spend their summers on the French Riviera—Kuwaitis, Emiratis, Bahrainis… The prices match their standard, so expect to spend at least 100 € for dinner with drinks.

Perhaps the most magical moments in Cannes can be experienced if you’re here during the Fireworks Festival. For six nights every summer, the whole city lights up as it hosts a competition for the most creative fireworks display, visible from every part of Cannes. If anyone is currently there, the last shows for this season are on August 24th. 🍸🌚🌊

📍 French Riviera, France 🇫🇷

When it comes to glamorous seaside resorts, the French Riviera is often the first thing that comes to mind, and Cannes certainly stands out among the cities.

The sandy beaches stretch for about 2 kilometers, mostly occupied by luxury hotels and restaurants with sunbeds and each place has its unique charm. Expect to pay a premium for a spot here, with sunbeds costing 50+ euros and meals nearly the same. I also liked that we received a small beach kit with our sunbed rental, including a swimsuit bag, fan, and various creams. Considering that prices are often similar in neighboring countries, you’ll need to decide for yourself if it’s worth it.

Cannes is said to have the most beautiful beaches on the French Riviera, but the large crowds make it hard to confirm this at the moment. If you've been to Cannes, how did you find the beaches and do you have any recommendations for a beach club that made a special impression? 🐠🧜♀️🦑

📍 Antibes, France 🇫🇷

This town is an absolute gem!

I knew that the next time I visited the French Riviera, I had to see Antibes, and I have no regrets. The town is located roughly halfway between Cannes and Nice. We took an Uber from Cannes to Antibes for about €30, but a more affordable option is the train, which costs around €5 per person.

The main attraction of Antibes is the Old Town, dating back to the 16th century. What's unique is that its walls are surrounded by the sea, so no matter where you look, your eyes will be in for a treat. Antibes is also known as the city of artists, having inspired creative minds for centuries, including Picasso, who lived here for a while. The building he called home is now the Picasso Museum. In addition to his works, the museum and its surroundings feature pieces by other famous artists.

Antibes also has beautiful sandy beaches, but due to the crowds, they don’t quite stand out, so we skipped swimming that day. In my experience, Antibes is slightly more affordable than Nice and Cannes, making it a great base for a Riviera holiday, especially if you prefer a quieter atmosphere.

I’m not exaggerating when I say that every corner in Antibes is photogenic, but my favorite photo spot is an area called “Commune libre du Safranier,” where the streets are almost overgrown with greenery and flowers.

If you’ve been to Antibes, what were your impressions? 🌸🌞💕