In need of a French Riviera Itinerary for 5 days? You are in the right place! Keep reading and pick your favorite itinerary based on what you want to do on the Côte d’Azur!
Looking for a quick sunny vacation in the South of France? Here are three 5 days French Riviera Itinerary to choose from based on your interest.
Growing up, I used to visit the French Riviera every single summer, so let me tell you, I am quite the expert on the matter. And later on, I used to visit for the nightlife and dancing, a cocktail always tastes better by the beach…
So, whether your ideal trip involves vibrant nightlife, leisurely exploration of charming villages, or active outdoor adventures, I promise you will find the perfect itinerary for your trip to the French Riviera in this article!
This blog post highlights three of the best 5 days French Riviera Itinerary for you to pick from! Get ready for a sunny trip by the beach!
PARTYING AND NIGHTLIFE ITINERARY ON THE FRENCH RIVIERA
You are traveling to the South of France to enjoy and discover nightlife on the French Riviera? Here is the perfect 5 days itinerary with the most popular places for partying!
First, you will have to decide between glamorous parties or more “chill” vibes. It all depends on what you are looking for!
If you are into glamour and prestige, the best places for you would be Cannes, Monaco (I know it is not technically France, but well…) and Saint-Tropez.
These places are well-known for their jet-setter vibes, and if that is what you are looking, here is what I would do on my French Riviera 5 days itinerary.
GLAMOROUS AND EXCLUSIVE NIGHT LIFE
DAY 1
If you are flying to the French Riviera, the easiest for you would be to land in Cannes. There you will find everything, from exclusive rooftops to cabarets and nightclubs. What better way to start your trip to the South of France?
DAY 2
Cannes is also a beautiful place to visit by day, and if you have been partying all night long, you might want to stay a day there to sober up and lay on the beach.
DAY 3
On your third day, go and visit Monaco. Even if it’s not part of France, Monaco is a must when visiting the French Riviera. Stay there at night to go to the Casino or find an exclusive party that will make you feel like a celebrity. Less than an hour away from Cannes, you can go back there to spend the night.
IF YOU HAVEN’T DRUNK, OBVIOUSLY!
DAY 4
Now it is time to experience the jet-setter’s life in Saint-Tropez. I believe every one as heard of Saint-Tropez before, so I won’t say much about it. Considered as the place to be on the French Riviera, Saint-Tropez will feel like heaven if you are into stars and glitters!
DAY 5
Enjoy a late brunch by the shore and walk around the city if you still have some time left before the end of your 5 days trip on the French Riviera.
On the other hand, if you are not into glamorous parties and would rather drink pints of artisanal beers at the bar with your friends, here is what you should plan for your French Riviera trip!
CHILL NIGHT OUT WITH FRIENDS
DAY 1
If you are flying to the Côte d’Azur, I suggest you land in Marseille. As the biggest city of the western part of the French Riviera, it will be the easiest for you.
In Marseille, you will find smaller and bigger bars, but if you want a chill night out and having some drinks with your friends, you will definitely find what you are looking for.
DAY 2
I highly recommend you visit the city of Marseille on your second day. There is a lot to do, and strolling around the city will help you get rid of your hangover from the night before.
Later in the evening, you can either stay in Marseille to discover new bars or head to Aix-en-Provence. A smaller city yet still lovely.
DAY 3
Visit Aix-en-Provence if you haven’t had time to do so the day before. Then head to Bandol, approximately an hour away from Aix.
Bandol is known for its red wines made primarily from the Mourvèdre grape. So if you are up for some drinks, you now know what you should order from the bar.
DAY 4
Spend some time in Bandol to explore and discover this charming town, then head to Toulon, a bigger city, for your last night out!
As a bigger city, you will find in Toulon the place you are looking for to have a chill night out with your friends.
DAY 5
Grab some breakfast (or late brunch) in Toulon before going back home and going back to reality!
DISCOVERING THE Côte d’Azur’s MOST CHARMING VILLAGES
You are traveling to the South of France and want to discover the charming villages of the French Riviera? Here is the perfect 5 days itinerary with the most lovely places you could find out there!
Bonus tip: Rent a car or use your own. The places are not far away from each other but having a car to travel the Côte d’Azur will be much easier, and you will be able to visit much more places!
DAY 1
Start your road trip in the lovely town of Gourdon. This picturesque village, located 760 meters high atop a rocky promontory, will kick-start your trip.
There is not much to do there except flan in the narrow streets, so if you get there early you can head to Mougins, located 30 minutes south. If you can, have lunch in Mougins. The small village hides some Michelin Guide restaurants, and the view you will get will make your experience even better.
DAY 2
Visit the charming town of Villefranche-sur-Mer. Colorful and by the shore of the Mediteranean sea, Villefranche-sur-Mer will bring you joy just by seeing it.
While you are there, visit La Grande Cave for a late afternoon wine tasting. If you want to spend the night there, be aware that there isn’t any luxury hotel, and I believe that’s what makes this town so lovely. Instead, book a room in a bed and breakfast.
DAY 3
A few minutes away from Villefranche-sur-Mer, you can visit the charming towns of Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Eze. You can choose if you want to visit them both the same day, or take your time to wander around and keep Eze for the fourth day of your trip along the French Riviera. After all, you are on vacation, you don’t have to hurry!
DAY 4
Either you have already visited Eze or not, you can spend the morning there, grab breakfast, then head to your next village, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin.
Home to the oldest inhabited cave in Europe and a 10th-century medieval castle, this small, rustic town is the perfect place to get lost in the narrow streets. You will be surprised to see, if you spend the night there, that the place gets quite animated at night. So don’t hesitate to go out for a late afternoon drink!
DAY 5
How could your road trip through the charming towns of the French Riviera could be complete without visiting the famous village of Menton.
I believe you have already heard everything about it, and if you haven’t, I will let you discover the beauty of this place by yourself! Believe me, this is the perfect way to end your French Riviera 5 days Itinerary.
SPORTS AND ADVENTURES ITINERARY ON THE Côte d’Azur
You are traveling to the South of France but don’t want to sit on the beach all day? You are into sport and want to go on adventures and explore the French Riviera? Here is the perfect 5 days itinerary with the best places to exercise while exploring one of the most popular French destination!
DAY 1
If you are into sports and adventurous vacation, the best place to start your 5 days trip on the French Riviera is Marseille and its famous Calanques!
The perfect mix between beach and mountain. The Calanques of Marseille regroup a variety of hikes, short and long, that will amaze you with their beauty.
DAY 2
Other famous Calanques in the area, just half an hour from Marseille, the Calanques of Cassis. I don’t know if they are more beautiful, but they are definitely worth another hike!
DAY 3
On your third day, you can either spend a day more in Marseille and Cassis or head to Bandol.
Bandol is located an hour east from Marseille and is a great stop to make to head east afterward. You have three really popular hikes to chose from in Bandol. They are all gorgeous, but are different in terms of difficulty. This way, there is one for everyone!
If you are tired of hiking, you can also go snorkeling or scuba diving in Capelin peninsula or Engraviers beach.
DAY 4
For your fourth, and last full day, let’s go on a crazy adventure!
If you head 2 hours east from Bandol, you will get to the small town of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. There you can experience paragliding over the Blue Golf. I have personally never done it (YET), but it is one of the first item on my French bucket list!
What better way to end your French Riviera trip than seeing it from above?
DAY 5
Unfortunately, your vacation is coming to an end. Enjoy the charming village of Roquebrune before leaving and going back to reality!