The Riviera Journal · By travel interest
French Riviera in 3 days: suggested itinerary
Nice, Èze, Monaco, Antibes, Cannes and Saint-Paul-de-Vence: a balanced three-day route with options for different travel styles.
All Riviera Guide adviceAt a glance
- Suggested time
- 3 full days
- Best for
- First visits, couples, families and small groups
- Access and getting around
- Group places by area to avoid backtracking: Nice on its own, the east with Èze and Monaco, then the west with Antibes or Cannes.
Local selection
Stops worth keeping
The essential
Old Nice & the Baie des Anges
Nice · 3 hours to 1 day
Cours Saleya, colourful lanes, Castle Hill and the Promenade des Anglais: the classic first visit.
Iconic view
Èze, the village in the sky
Èze Village · Half day
A spectacular medieval village, stone lanes and a panorama that plunges towards the Mediterranean.
Grand spectacle
The Rock & Monte-Carlo
Monaco · Half day to 1 day
The Palace, Port Hercule, Casino and gardens: a spectacular day blending heritage, yachts and exceptional addresses.
Art & slow travel
Galleries & ramparts
Saint-Paul-de-Vence · Half day
One of the region’s loveliest art villages, filled with studios, shaded squares and ancient ramparts.
Mediterranean mood
Provençal market & ramparts
Old Antibes · Half day
A lively old town, a tempting market and a walk along the ramparts facing the blue Mediterranean.
Two sides of Cannes
Le Suquet & the Croisette
Cannes · Half day
Start in Le Suquet and Forville market, then walk down towards the palaces and the sea.
Free access
Itinerary advice
How to organise your visit
Day 1: Nice. Day 2: Èze and Monaco. Day 3: choose Antibes–Cannes for the coast or Saint-Paul-de-Vence for art and villages.
Practical questions
Plan this outing well
How much time should you allow?
3 full days
What is the best way to get there?
Group places by area to avoid backtracking: Nice on its own, the east with Èze and Monaco, then the west with Antibes or Cannes.
What order works best once there?
Day 1: Nice. Day 2: Èze and Monaco. Day 3: choose Antibes–Cannes for the coast or Saint-Paul-de-Vence for art and villages.