Top 3 French Riviera hidden gems
The French Riviera has plenty to boast about beyond the famous cities on the coast. We’ll show you the secret seaside stunners and inland villages that bring you deeper into the region.
The French Riviera is more than Cannes’ red carpets and Monaco’s casino floors. Cap Ferrat’s pine-lined coastal trails, Saint-Paul-de-Vence’s gallery-filled medieval streets, and Cassis’s calanques-framed harbor all show a side of the Cote d’Azur that feels fresh and laid-back.
Our France tours take you to all of them—with a local Tour Director who knows where to go. “Reaching the French Riviera, [our Tour Director] Stefania transported us to another world,” said traveler David. “Her stories brought the region’s history and culture to life whether touring Cap Ferrat… or recommending the perfect bistro. Her passion was contagious.” Read this French Riviera travel guide to discover the hidden gems we take you to on our French Riviera tours.
Visit Cap Ferrat for coastal trails and villa gardens
Why it’s a hidden gem
Nice has the promenade. Monaco has the glamour. Cap Ferrat has something harder to find: peace and quiet. While the big name cities draw the crowds, this quiet peninsula is home to some of the most beautiful scenery and estate gardens on the Villefranche-sur-Mer coastline.
On our Barcelona, Southern France & the Italian Riviera tour, you’ll explore the peninsula in good company. Our 48 hours on the French Riviera guide has even more inspiration to get you excited to go.
What to do on and around Cap Ferrat
- Tour Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild: Come for the opulent mansion commissioned by the Rothschild family. Stay for the landscaped grounds, from the fragrant rose garden to the lush Spanish garden.
- Hike to Phare du Cap Ferrat: Go with us, and your Tour Director will lead you along a coastal path to this nationally protected 19th-century lighthouse. It was rebuilt after World War II and still stands watch over the Mediterranean.
- Spend time on the beach: Wondering when the best time to visit France is? Come in the summer to swim at beaches like Fosse, Fossettes, and Paloma.
- Visit Eze: Head to this medieval village and drink in the beauty of its cobblestone streets, all in view of the shimmering Mediterranean. Pop into cafes, explore shops, and roam freely within its ancient walls.
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Head to Saint‑Paul‑de‑Vence for art, history, and hilltop views
Why it’s a hidden gem
The Riviera is one of the places in France you need to visit beyond Paris, and Saint-Paul-de-Vence shows you why. This medieval hilltop village has drawn artists for centuries. Chagall lived here, Picasso passed through, and the gallery-lined lanes still carry that creative energy today.
Add the Medieval Saint-Paul-de-Vence excursion on our France for Solo Travelers: Paris, Provence & the Riviera tour to see why coming here is one of the best things to do on the French Riviera.
What to do in Saint‑Paul‑de‑Vence
- Stroll Place du Jeu de Boules: This square is the social heart of the village. Grab a coffee, watch locals play petanque, and settle into the perfect slow travel moment.
- Walk through the Porte de Vence: This stone arch is the gateway to the town’s medieval quarter.
- Visit the Collegiate Church: Built in the 12th century and filled with Baroque artwork and historic relics, this is one of the Riviera’s most quietly impressive sacred spaces.
- Sample treats at Maison Bremond 1830: This family-run institution has been serving Provencal specialties since 1830. Think: truffle products, olive oils, and regional jams that that make for tasty souvenirs.
Go to Cassis for calm coves and a quieter Riviera harbor
Why it’s a hidden gem
Weighing the French Riviera vs. the Italian Riviera? Let Cassis sway you toward the South of France. Bobbing sailboats fill the harbor, the coastline is dramatic, and the whole scene feels like a secret the rest of the Riviera hasn’t let out yet.
“Cassis was my absolute favorite harbor town,” said traveler Wendy. “We took a boat ride out to see the Mediterranean fjords up close and personal.” On our A Week in France: The Riviera, Provence & Paris tour, you’ll experience it for yourself.
What to do in Cassis
- Cruise on the Bay of Cassis: Board a boat and motor into the bay with your Tour Director, taking in the coastline from the water.
- Spot the calanques: Towering white-limestone cliffs drop straight into vivid turquoise water, and the view of the fjord-like inlets is best appreciated from the sea.
- Explore the harbor: Write your own South of France travel story by wandering along the pastel waterfront, browsing local shops, and pulling up a chair at a harborside cafe.
FAQs
Emily loves the simple travel moments—like watching hours pass by in minutes while sharing a meal and a laugh (or many) with her friends and family. Outside the office, you'll find Emily listening to anything and everything John Mayer, attempting to cook a New York Times recipe, or dreaming up her next trip.
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