Why the French Riviera is your next destination
When we think of France, Paris usually comes first: the Eiffel Tower, the Seine, museums, flea markets, cafés and, of course, the food. But if you have already been to Paris—or simply want to discover another side of France—head south to the French Riviera.
Stretching along southeastern France’s Mediterranean coast toward Italy, the French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur, is a collection of seaside towns, historic ports, glamorous resorts and hilltop villages. The name comes from the brilliant blue of the Mediterranean, a color that seems to follow you everywhere.
There is history beneath all that blue. Long before the yachts and beach clubs, this coastline was shaped by fishing communities, trading ports, and ancient settlements. By the 19th century, its mild climate began attracting wealthy European visitors, followed by artists, writers, and international jetsetters.
Yet what I found most appealing was that the Riviera is not simply about glamour.
Living at an unhurried pace
Yes, there are grand hotels, designer boutiques, and superyachts. But there are also morning markets, fishing boats, narrow streets, neighborhood cafés, and people simply enjoying the day. Market baskets overflow with seasonal fruit, vegetables, cheese, and fresh fish. Meals are made with good ingredients and little fuss.
In summer, the style feels equally effortless: flowing prints, light linens, and comfortable shoes. People walk their dogs, greet neighbors, and linger over coffee or rosé. You catch a passing whiff of perfume, hear conversation spilling from a café and, almost invariably, a cheerful “Bonjour” when you enter—and a “Bonne journée!” or “Au revoir” when you leave. Even the everyday exchanges feel gracious.
It is this easy, unhurried pace that makes the Riviera feel less like a destination to see and more like a way of life to slip into.
Glimpses of the Riviera life
In Cap-d’Ail, the mood is quiet. Beautiful homes sit above the water, surrounded by gardens and Mediterranean greenery. Along the coast, villas, cliffs, and blue water offer a more private glimpse of Riviera life.
Then there is Èze, a medieval village perched high above the sea. Its narrow stone lanes wind past galleries, shops, and restaurants before opening suddenly to a breathtaking Mediterranean view. It is the kind of view that makes you stop talking and simply take it in.
A short ride away, Monaco changes the mood completely. For anyone who remembers the show “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” by Robin Leach, the scene feels familiar: yachts in the harbor, supercars on the streets—and beautifully dressed people moving between cafés, boutiques, and hotels.
Monte Carlo is made for people-watching. At the iconic Café de Paris beside Casino Square, sitting with a summer spritz and watching the world go by feels almost like part of the experience. Across the square, the Monte-Carlo Casino provides the grand Belle Époque backdrop while outside, the cars provide a spectacle of their own.
Walk down toward the marina and the yachts become part of the landscape, with the Mediterranean stretching beyond them.
Beyond luxury
The Riviera has always understood the appeal of a beautiful setting. It is no surprise that it continues to attract filmmakers, artists, and travelers looking for a little glamour with their sunshine.
But the coast is not only about luxury.
In Antibes, the atmosphere feels more relaxed. Traditional fishing boats still share the harbor with enormous yachts, while in the old quarter, historic ramparts and cafés retain the character of an ancient coastal town. Picasso worked at Château Grimaldi in 1946. Today, the former castle houses the Musée Picasso overlooking the sea.
At Port Vauban, fishing boats and some of the world’s largest yachts sit side by side—a fitting picture of the Riviera itself, where old and new seem perfectly at ease together.
Then there is Cannes—my favorite. Polished yet relaxed, especially in summer, Cannes has a little bit of everything: grand hotels, elegant cars, luxury yachts, designer boutiques, and the easy chic ambiance of a seaside town.
Beyond its famous film festival, the city draws visitors year-round for its beaches, events, and unmistakable Riviera atmosphere. And with the upcoming new season of “The White Lotus”—set in the South of France—the Riviera is about to get even more screen time.
The art of slowing down
The best way to experience it, however, may be to slow down. Walk the Croisette. Watch the boats. Browse Rue d’Antibes. Turn inland toward Le Suquet, where winding streets lead to Marché Forville and its colorful Provençal produce. Stop for coffee or lunch. Or simply sit by the sea, listen to the waves, and watch the birds.
For me, that is what makes Cannes such a lovely base for exploring the Riviera. And for those coming from the Philippines, the Riviera may feel surprisingly familiar. We understand the pleasure of slowing down.
The French Riviera gives that familiar pleasure a different setting. Here, the sea is not simply scenery. It is part of the rhythm of everyday life.
Perhaps that is what I love most about the Riviera. You may arrive for the yachts, beaches, film festival, or beautiful villages—but somewhere between a morning market and an afternoon by the water, you begin to appreciate something beyond the scenery: good food, gracious people, beautiful surroundings, and the luxury of time.
The real allure of the South of France is not simply how beautiful it is, but how beautifully unhurried life can feel. And there are still so many corners left to discover. Bonne journée.
The French Riviera at a glance:
Different moods along the coast
Nice: The gateway
Walk the Promenade des Anglais, explore the Old Town.
Cannes: The glamorous base
Walk the Croisette, browse Rue d’Antibes, and use Cannes as your base for coastal day trips. Learn to make a local dish like lamb provençal.
Antibes: An old world by the sea
Explore the Old Town and Musée Picasso, then wander around Port Vauban and Marché Provençal for oysters, socca, and freshly baked fougasse.
Saint-Tropez: The original jet-set escape
Wander the old port, linger over lunch, or spend an afternoon at a beach club.
Cap-d’Ail: A quieter Riviera
Follow the coastal path past villas, cliffs, and beautiful sea views.
Èze: A village above the sea
Wander medieval lanes, visit the Jardin Exotique for its sweeping views of the Mediterranean, and discover Fragonard’s art of fragrance. Have a niçoise salad.
Monaco: Riviera glamour
People-watch at Casino Square while having a summer spritz, visit the Prince’s Palace, then stroll down toward the marina.
