Blog: The French Riviera

This summer I ventured across the well renowned French Riviera over the course of just over a week, I followed the coast from Marseille to Menton with a detour inland to the mountains and found a rhythm of good food, beautiful towns and Scenic views that i wish i never had to leave, capturing all the best bits along the way.

First Eyes On The French Riviera: Arriving in Marseille

I began my journey in Marseille, When I first arrived I found myself questioning why so many people had warned me about the dangers of visiting Marseille alone, especially since I was arriving quite late at around 10 pm local time. Despite the concerns I felt reassured when I discovered that there was a 30-minute bus ride straight from the airport into the old town. The bus seemed to run fairly regularly and was conveniently located just right outside the airport terminal.

I spent my first few days in Marseille simply wandering the charming streets, and one of my favorite places I stumbled across was the beautiful Panier neighborhood. With its vibrant street art, narrow winding pathways and historic buildings, it was full of character and offered plenty of spots to pause and soak in the atmosphere. Another highly recommended destination was the Calanques, a stunning national park located just south of Marseille. It boasts unique and breathtaking scenery including sandy beaches, miniature fjords and glistening turquoise waters. To experience as much of this natural beauty as possible I took a five-hour guided boat tour around the area, capturing the incredible landscape from every angle.

I wrapped up my time in Marseille in the best possible way, enjoying an exquisite bowl of bouillabaisse the traditional French fish soup that proudly originates from this very city.

Into The Quiet: Hiking The Hills of Puget-Théniers

After a few busy days in Marseille I boarded a train heading east toward Nice, from there continued inland to the small mountain town of Puget-Théniers. The contrast was immediate the pace slowed, the air felt cleaner and the crowds were gone. It was exactly the reset I didn’t know I needed.

I stayed in Puget-Théniers for two nights. The town itself is quiet and modest surrounded by green hills and steep valleys. I set out on a long hike not far from where I was staying, following a trail that climbed gently through forested slopes and opened up to wide views across the valley. There weren’t any major landmarks, just steady silence and the occasional sound of birds or distant cowbells. It was the kind of hike that lets your mind wander.

With fewer distractions and no real schedule I found myself taking fewer photos and simply enjoying the space around me. It was a short visit, but one that left a strong impression, a pause in the middle of a fast moving trip.

With it only being an hour from Nice its a great base for any hiking or simply just to get away from the noise, the town itself is small so plan ahead if you want to eat out, options are limited.

Evenings in Motion: Highlights of Nice

After two days in the hills I returned to the coast and settled into Nice where I based myself for the next few days. Coming back to the city felt like flicking the switch back on the streets were busier and the atmosphere was much more vibrant.

I stayed near the old town which made it easy to get lost in narrow alleyways and stumble into courtyards filled with cafes and markets. One of my favourite things about staying in Nice was how easy it is to walk around and find stunning places, it almost flet like anywhere you go you will find something to take your breath away. One of the most memorable places i visited was at a small wine bar called Rouge located just off from Port Lympia, What made it special wasn’t just the wine (which was great) but the way the food was thoughtfully paired with each glass. Nothing fancy just done right. It felt local and deliberate.

While in Nice, I took a day trip to Èze, a hilltop village just a short train and bus ride away. Perched high above the sea, the village winds upward through narrow stone alleyways, each turn offering a new view or shaded corner. It’s small — you can explore it all in an hour or two — but the sense of place is strong. At the top, a botanical garden looks out over the coast, with sweeping views that feel almost unreal.

While in Nice, I took a day trip to Èze a hilltop village just a short train and bus ride away. Perched high above the sea, the village winds upward through narrow stone alleyways each turn offering a new view or shaded corner. It’s small you can explore it all in an hour or two but the sense of place is strong and you’ll hear me say this alot but again it was one of my favourite places on this trip. At the top, a botanical garden looks out over the coast with sweeping views that feel almost unreal.

Another day was spent exploring Antibes. The town has it all, a charming old quarter, a busy port and quiet beaches, i could’ve stayed here for days it felt like there was so much to do, it was almost a mix of all the places i had visited so far from quite parts too all night parties.I ended up following the coastal path out to Billionaires Bay, a long walk but wow! was it worth it, a tucked away beach at the tip of the peninsula. It was peaceful and clear, with just a few people swimming and sunbathing, one of those places that makes you wish you’d brought a book and stayed longer (luckly i did bring a book).

Last Stop: Vibrant Town of Menton

The final stop of the trip was Menton by far the most Vibrant and colourful town, reminding me off coastal villages along the not to far Italian coast. Arriving here felt like stepping into a quieter frame, pastel buildings, gently winding streets and a softer kind of pace. Even after the charm of Nice and Antibes Menton stood out. It didn’t try too hard and that made it memorable.

I spent my time here simply walking. The old town is built into the hillside with alleyways that twist and turn between faded shutters. Every corner felt like a photograph waiting to be taken. It was easy to find a bench sit in the sun and watch the light change on the buildings as the afternoon passed.

As with the rest of the trip, food was a big part of the experience. There seemed to be no shortage of great little spots to eat relaxed, local, and full of flavour. By this point I’d stopped planning where I would go and just followed whatever street or smell seemed inviting just appreciating this small picturesque town was enough to make anyone happy.

One day I took the short train ride to Monaco, mostly out of curiosity. The timing wasn’t ideal as preparations for the Formula 1 Grand Prix were well underway, so much of the city was covered in scaffolding or blocked by barriers. It was strange seeing such a famously polished place in a half constructed state. I didn’t stay long but it was still interesting to see it stripped of its usual gloss.

Conclusion

This trip through the French Riviera moved with its own kind of rhythm, from rugged coastlines and city streets to quiet trails and sunlit beaches. Each stop brought something different and unexpectingly so. Marseille gave me movement, Puget-Théniers offered stillness, and the Riviera towns in between carried a warmth that stayed long after I left. What stood out most wasn’t any single place, but the contrast between them. I feel anyone could spend an iternity here no matter what kind of person, there’s a place for everybody, with countless places to explore. It really reminded me that sometimes the best trips aren’t defined by big sights, but by small moments strung together.