The French Riviera Through Our Eyes

The French Riviera isn’t just a postcard-perfect stretch of coastline — it’s a mosaic of experiences, flavours, and moments that stay with you long after your tan fades. Beyond the glittering harbours and sun-kissed beaches lies the insider Riviera, the one we know from living, hosting, and exploring here year after year.

This guide brings you our must-do French Riviera experiences, handpicked from our favourite destinations — from the cinematic charm of Cannes to the rustic elegance of Valbonne, the sun-drenched glamour of Saint-Tropez, the artistic soul of Mougins, the coastal allure of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, and the wild, windswept beauty of Ramatuelle.

Each recommendation is rooted in our own explorations — the tucked-away spots, the unforgettable meals, and the kind of moments you can’t find in generic travel lists. Whether it’s a seaside escape, a cultural deep dive, or a sunset you’ll never forget, our insider travel tips will help you craft an unforgettable Riviera holiday that feels entirely your own.

Before you start packing, explore our full portfolio of French Riviera villas to find the perfect base for your journey.

1. Cannes – Morning Coffee with a View on Rue Saint-Antoine

Trade the glitz of La Croisette for the charm of Cannes’ oldest quarter by wandering uphill into Cannes old town. In Le Suquet, narrow cobbled streets curve past pastel shutters, intimate art galleries, and bakeries where the scent of fresh baguettes drifts into the morning air. For an authentic start to your day, choose one of the cosy Le Suquet cafes along Rue Saint-Antoine — a historic street that has been a gathering place for locals for centuries — and enjoy a simple espresso or café crème as the city wakes up around you.

Here, time slows. Fishermen exchange stories with shopkeepers, the nearby Marché Forville buzzes with early shoppers, and sunlight warms the terracotta rooftops. Once your cup is empty, stroll up to Mont Chevalier for a panoramic view over the harbour — a view so few visitors find, it remains one of those Cannes hidden gems you’ll be glad you discovered.

If your French Riviera stay is based in one of our centrally located Cannes villas, Le Suquet is just a short, pleasant walk from your door. For more ideas on exploring the city’s romantic and lesser-known corners, take a look at our blog on Romantic Things to Do in Cannes.

2. Saint-Tropez – Sunset Aperitif on a Private Boat by the Old Port

There’s something magical about watching the pastel façades of Saint-Tropez’s Old Port glow under the fading sun, glass of chilled rosé in hand. Instead of squeezing into a busy waterfront bar, step aboard a private boat in Saint-Tropez for an intimate golden-hour escape. As the boat gently glides past the lively quayside and under the gaze of the historic Citadel, you’ll have the best seat in the house for one of the French Riviera’s most breathtaking scenes.

This isn’t just about the view — it’s about the feeling. The water shimmers gold, the distant hills fade into violet, and the warm evening air is scented with sea breeze and bougainvillea. Your skipper can anchor in a quiet bay for a swim, or take you further out for a panoramic sunset cruise on the French Riviera, where the coastline stretches endlessly in both directions.

Guests staying in our hand-picked Saint-Tropez villas can easily pair this experience with our boat charter service for a completely tailored outing. Whether you want a romantic evening for two or a small gathering with friends, this is the Saint-Tropez sunset you’ll remember long after the holiday ends.

3. Mougins – A Private Art Tour with a Local Curator

Step away from the crowded museums and discover the true artistic soul of Mougins through a private, tailor-made Mougins art tour. Imagine being welcomed into the quiet ateliers of local painters, sculptors, and photographers — places usually closed to the public — where you can speak directly with the artists about their inspiration, techniques, and creative journeys.

With the guidance of a knowledgeable art historian, you’ll explore hidden galleries on the French Riviera that even frequent visitors often miss. These curated tours might lead you through centuries-old stone lanes scented with jasmine, past sun-dappled terraces where artists work in open air, and into studios brimming with original works you can acquire as a truly personal souvenir.

Our team can arrange private access to the region’s most exclusive art spaces, along with recommendations for nearby cafés and bistros where local creatives gather. For a deeper dive into the cultural side of this hilltop village, you can explore our full Mougins Travel Guide and find your perfect base among our handpicked Mougins villas, each within easy reach of the village’s artistic heart.

4. Valbonne – Friday Morning Market & Vineyard Lunch

Arrive early in Valbonne on a Friday to experience the Valbonne market at its most charming, before the mid-morning bustle begins. The cobblestoned village square transforms into a vibrant tapestry of colour and scent — stalls brimming with fresh flowers, handmade soaps, Provençal textiles, and baskets of olives glistening in the sun. It’s the kind of sensory immersion that instantly connects you to the slow, authentic rhythm of Riviera life.

After gathering a few artisanal treats for later, make your way to a nearby family-owned estate for a leisurely vineyard lunch on the French Riviera. Here, shaded terraces overlook rolling rows of vines, and lunch becomes a relaxed celebration of seasonal ingredients paired with crisp Provence wines. Your host may even invite you into the cellar to learn about the centuries-old winemaking traditions that give the region its unique flavour profile.

Our concierge can arrange private transport so you can enjoy the day without worrying about logistics — and even organise wine delivery straight to your villa. For a serene and scenic base, explore our collection of Valbonne villas, perfectly positioned for both market mornings and vineyard afternoons.

5. Roquebrune-Cap-Martin – Cliffside Picnic Overlooking Monaco

For travellers seeking a moment of pure Riviera serenity, a scenic hike in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin reveals one of the most breathtaking picnic spots on the coast. The Sentier des Douaniers coastal path hides a grassy cliffside perch with uninterrupted Monaco views — a panorama that feels like your own private postcard.

Pack a basket with local cheeses, fresh baguettes, and chilled rosé from nearby markets, or request our concierge to arrange a full French Riviera picnic experience, complete with blankets and glassware. Time your visit for late afternoon to enjoy golden sunlight glinting off Monaco’s harbour before the soft pastel hues of sunset take over.

 Insider Tip: Start your walk early from Cap Martin to avoid the midday heat, and bring swimwear — along the trail, you’ll find secluded rocky coves perfect for a refreshing dip before your picnic.

 Discover our handpicked Roquebrune-Cap-Martin villas for a stay close to this secret Riviera gem.

6. Ramatuelle – Private Morning Swim at an Untouched Cove

While Pampelonne Beach is celebrated worldwide, there’s a more intimate side to Ramatuelle that locals treasure — its secluded beaches hidden between rocky outcrops and pine-fringed hillsides. These hidden coves on the French Riviera are often missed by casual visitors but offer an unmatched sense of privacy and tranquillity.

Set out just after dawn when the village streets are still quiet, and make your way to the shore along winding coastal trails. The early morning light turns the water into a sheet of gold and sapphire, and the gentle hush of the waves creates an almost meditative atmosphere. Here, you can take a private swim on the French Riviera, feeling as though the sea belongs entirely to you.

Once you’ve cooled off, find a flat sun-warmed rock to enjoy fresh pastries and fruit you picked up the day before in the village. The combination of salt air, warm stone, and the faint scent of wild herbs makes for a memory that will stay with you long after you leave.

 Insider Tip: Some of the most beautiful coves in Ramatuelle are accessible only at low tide — locals time their visits accordingly to reveal hidden sandy patches and natural rock pools perfect for a post-swim lounge. If you chat with a friendly stallholder at the village market, they might quietly point you toward their favourite plage secrète.

 If you’re planning to combine your beach escape with a glamorous coastal itinerary, explore our guide to Saint-Tropez in 7 Days for more inspiration on making the most of your time in the region.

7. The Wildcard – A Helicopter Hop Between Riviera Towns

For the ultimate helicopter French Riviera experience, trade the winding coastal roads for a bird’s-eye view of the glittering Mediterranean. In just 15 minutes, a Cannes to Saint-Tropez flight transforms what’s usually a multi-hour drive into a thrilling scenic journey. As you lift off, the Cannes shoreline slips away beneath you, replaced by a panorama of turquoise bays, terracotta rooftops, and lush pine-covered hills.

This is more than just transportation — it’s a chance to see the Riviera from an entirely new perspective. The route takes you over some of the most exclusive stretches of coastline, giving you a rare view of hidden estates, cliffside villages, and mega-yachts anchored in crystalline waters. Touch down in Saint-Tropez ready for a day of beach club lounging, boutique shopping, or sunset dining before heading back to Cannes the same evening.

Insider Tip: Book your flight in the late afternoon to catch the coastline bathed in golden hour light — it’s a photographer’s dream and the perfect way to arrive in style. Seating is limited, so early booking is essential, especially during the summer season.

For guests looking to arrange this once-in-a-lifetime experience, our concierge services can assist with private bookings and pair the flight with a tailored day itinerary in either destination.

From Dreaming to Doing: Your Next Riviera Escape

Every destination in our Riviera must-do list offers more than just beautiful scenery — it’s an invitation to step into the rhythm of life here, soaking up the culture, flavours, and scenery like someone who calls it home. By mixing iconic highlights with under-the-radar gems, you’ll create an itinerary that feels both indulgent and refreshingly authentic.

Our carefully selected experiences are shaped by insider French Riviera travel tips gathered from years of exploring these coastal towns and hilltop villages. They’ll help you bypass the crowded spots, discover local favourites, and embrace the subtle luxuries that make each day unforgettable.

If you’re ready to turn inspiration into reality, let Stavila Holidays match you with the perfect villa in Cannes, Valbonne, Saint-Tropez, Mougins, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, or Ramatuelle — each offering easy access to these unforgettable moments. After all, the French Riviera isn’t just a place to visit; it’s a destination to experience, savour, and remember.

This is your chance to create an unforgettable holiday that feels truly yours — one where every detail, from sunrise swims to golden-hour aperitifs, fits perfectly into your own Riviera story.