With so much to do in the varied and exclusive Côte d’Azur, you’d be forgiven for feeling a little overwhelmed, but that’s where we come in. Here at Plum Guide, we go above and beyond to ensure that your holiday is memorable for all the right reasons, so heed our expert advice and you won't have to worry about a thing. We have an abundance of homes scattered across the towns and villages of the French Riviera, peaking over the tops of cliffs and looking out over the sandy beaches. But - as nice as they are - you can’t just stay in your home all day. In this blog post, we'll help you to formulate a French Riviera itinerary that will make for an unforgettable holiday. So whether you're out hitting the slot machines of Monte Carlo, splashing down the slides in Fréjus, or hanging out with the jet setters and movie stars of Cannes, you’ll be the master of your own destiny (the one that we are setting out for you). You’ll pass through castles, head into archaeological ruins and visit fascinating museums on your way through the region.
Day 1: Enjoy visiting Saint-Tropez and Fréjus
Morning: Stroll around the harbour
We’re going to start you off in Saint-Tropez, at the western edge of the French Riviera. Take brunch at the Bar du Port, overlooking the spectacular yachts of the marina. Embark on a leisurely walk around the harbour and catch some rays on the Pampelonne Beach, known as a magnet to the stars. Amble along the cobbled streets of the La Ponche old town district, and dare to browse the elite shops of the Place des Lices (which is more appetising than it sounds, we promise).
Whipped Coffee, Plum Guide home in the French Riviera
Afternoon: Head east and explore a museum
If you’re still hungry after breakfast or brunch, you might enjoy lunch at one of the exclusive restaurants in Saint-Tropez. Try Les Moulins de Ramatuelle or La Vague d’Or among the many top eateries in these parts. Embark on a drive east along the coast, taking in the beautiful vistas of the Mediterranean Sea. Reach nearby Fréjus and visit the fascinating ruins, including an old Roman theatre. Delve into the Museum of Archaeology and the Museum of Local History.
Evening: Take your kids to the Luna Park
Relax with a high-class meal at one of the fancy joints across Fréjus, from La Bastide du Clos des Roses and La Reserve Gayrard to Le Bougainvillier and Les Planches. Bring your little ones for a walk around the Luna Park at night. It has all sorts of fun rides for young kids and teens.
Eurydice, Plum Guide home in the French Riviera
Day 2: Continue east towards Cannes
Morning: Test yourself on a floating obstacle course
Keeping with the kids’ narrative, take the children to the Waterworld Lake of Gaudrade, where they’ll love clambering over the lake’s floating obstacle course (as will you, of course). Rush down the slides of the Aqualand Fréjus. Once you’ve dried off, continue east along the coast to Cannes, which comes alive for its famous film festival in July. Stroll along the coast or visit the designer boutiques of La Croisette.
Venus Requiem, Plum Guide home in the French Riviera
Afternoon: Wander around Antibes
Flanking the eastern side of Cannes is Antibes. Walk through the harbour and buy some of the posh boats. Work on your tan on the sandy bay of the Plage de la Gravette, with views of the elegant sea to truly make you feel like you're on holiday.
Evening: Enjoy eating traditional French cuisine
It’s time for some fine dining. Come on, you deserve it after taking the kids to the water parks. Enjoy French cuisine at Le Vauban and tuck into the seafood at the Cap Riviera. What a great French Riviera Itinerary this is turning out to be.
Day 3: End the holiday with a trip to Monaco
Morning: Head down to Cagnes-sur-Mer
Next up on the French Riviera itinerary is the quaint town of Cagnes-sur-Mer. Arrive early and relax on the beautiful pebbled beach. Sip drinks from the various cafés overlooking the coast and enjoy the utter relaxation.
Citrus Punch, Plum Guide home in the French Riviera
Afternoon: Embark on a tour around a castle
Climb up to the medieval district of Haut de Cagnes, before taking on a tour of its castle. Pay a visit to the Musée Renoir to learn enough to impress and bore - in equal measure - the folks back home later. For something a little different, watch the horse-racing at the Hippodrome de la Côte d’Azur.
Evening: Head to the casinos in Monaco
As evening falls, make your way to Monaco to trace the track of the Grand Prix and try the slot machines of the Casino of Monte-Carlo. Finish with a real treat in the form of an upscale meal at the Blue Bay or the Metropole Monte-Carlo Restaurant.
