The South of France (Côte d’Azur) is one of Europe’s most glamorous destinations, yet it’s also surprisingly approachable. With stunning beaches, colorful old towns, and a world-class food scene, this South of France itinerary belongs at the top of your travel bucket list.

The best part? You don’t need to be a billionaire or own a yacht to enjoy it (though that wouldn’t hurt, right?).

This curated 4-day South of France itinerary blends iconic Riviera glamor with charming villages and beach days, all while keeping things budget-friendly. Whether it’s your first trip or a return visit, this guide helps you make the most of your four days on the Côte d’Azur.

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Table of Contents

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Where to Stay on the Côte d’Azur

Most travelers pick Nice as a home base, but for this South of France itinerary, I recommend staying in Villefranche-sur-Mer. Nestled between Nice and Monaco, it offers small-town charm with easy train access to the region’s highlights.

Here’s why Villefranche is ideal for your South of France trip:

• Centrally located between Nice, Monaco, and Èze.
• Charming village feel with colorful streets, harborside cafés, and incredible views.
• Convenient train connections to Nice, Menton, Cannes, and even Italy.

Recommended stays in Villefranche-sur-Mer:

• Le Provençal — This hotel is like staying in Barbie’s dream house! The rooms are nice, they have a beautiful bar and terrace, and the staff are very friendly. All for a fair and more budget-friendly price.
• This boho Airbnb is where we stayed during our trip and it was great for two people. Budget-friendly, perfectly located right by the old town, and next door to the best creperie in the city!
• Welcome Hotel — A charming boutique hotel right on the ocean. While this hotel is slightly pricier, they have a perfect location and great accommodations.

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Day 1: Villefranche-sur-Mer & Monaco

Morning

Start your adventure with a slow breakfast in Villefranche-sur-Mer. Wander through the pastel streets of the old town, then stroll the waterfront promenade as boats bob in the harbor. A café like Bakaro makes a perfect stop for coffee and pastries.

Afternoon

Take the train along the coast to Monaco (only 15–20 minutes, €3.50). While this isn’t part of France, Monaco is a must-visit on your trip to the French Riviera. This tiny principality sparkles with luxury, but it’s also fascinating for a day trip.

Top highlights include:

• The world-famous Monte Carlo Casino
• The ornate Prince’s Palace and vintage car collection
• Hiking up Le Rocher for sweeping city views
• Admiring the rows of superyachts in Port Hercules

Evening

Return to Villefranche for a relaxed dinner by the water. Monaco has incredible fine dining, but Villefranche is easier on the wallet and equally atmospheric. Try Lou Bantry or La Mère Germaine for fresh seafood. End the night at La Grande Cave de Villefranche, a unique wine bar with stunning views of the harbor.

Leslie, the owner, is a one-woman show and runs this incredible spot that became a staple for us during our trip!

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Day 2: Nice & Beach Day in Villefranche

Morning

Hop on the train to Nice and start in the old town. Stroll through Place Masséna, the Cours Saleya Market (closed Mondays), and the famous Promenade des Anglais.

The market is a great place to get souvenirs including soaps, lavender products, jewelry, and more. Don’t leave without tasting socca, a chickpea pancake that’s a local specialty.

Afternoon

Either stay in Nice and enjoy their rocky beaches or return to Villefranche for a relaxing beach day at Plage des Marinières. I prefer Plage des Marinières since it’s calmer and has sandier beaches than other parts of the coast.

You can bring a towel and lay out on the beach, or book a sun bed at a beach club. When booking at a beach club, you typically pay for your bed by the hour (around €25-40 per hour) and have access to their restaurant for food and drinks throughout the day.

If you don’t book a beach club that includes food, hop across the street to Espuma for the best caesar salad.

Evening

For dinner, hop one train stop to Beaulieu-sur-Mer. Grab an outdoor table at Ambrosia for incredible Italian food and a massive crème brûlée. Watching the sunset by the harbor is the perfect way to end the day!

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Day 3: Èze & Menton (Optional Ventimiglia, Italy)

Morning

Get an early start to explore Èze Village, perched high on the cliffs. Arrive by 9 a.m. to beat the crowds, and head straight to the botanical gardens for breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. Afterwards, wander the cobblestone lanes and stop for lunch at Château de la Chèvre d’Or, where the terrace overlooks the sea.

Pro Tip: Unless you want a long hike, skip the train station at Èze-sur-Mer. It’s at sea level and requires a steep hour-long trek up the mountain. Instead, take a bus, taxi, or Uber directly to the village.

Afternoon

After a quiet morning in Èze, take an Uber or train to Menton. In the citrus captial of the Côte d’Azur, you’ll find beautiful pastel houses, lemon ice cream, stunning architecture and more.

I would recommend grabbing a citronade (lemonade) and walking through Rue Saint-Michel on the way to the iconic Escaliers known as Les Rampes Saint-Michel. Not only is this a great photo spot, but it leads you to the beautiful Basilica Saint-Michel at the top of the stairs. From here you can wander around the old town and get lost in it’s beautiful narrow streets.

Optional Stop

If you have any energy left, you can take the train another 10 minutes into Ventimiglia, Italy. Just across the border, this Italian village is known for it’s great food and Friday market!

To be honest, this town is considerably more run-down than the other towns along the Côte d’Azur. If you want to say you visited Italy on your trip then it’s an easy train ride over, but if you choose to skip this stop, you’re not missing out on too much.

Evening

Keep it simple tonight! Grab takeout pizza and beer, then enjoy dinner on the beach. In Nice, Pizzeria Piperno is a solid choice. Afterward, browse the Cours Saleya night market, open until midnight in the same location as the daytime market. Shop for leather goods, clothing, jewelry, postcards, and artwork at this vibrant night market!

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Day 4: Beach Day at St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Morning

Grab a coffee and croissant at Bakaro then take an Uber/taxi to Paloma Beach. One of the most famous beaches in St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat for a reason, this beach has stunning views and feels like an oasis tucked away on the cape.

Once you arrive, you can also hike the coastal trail around Cap Ferrat starting at Paloma Beach and looping around all the way to Plage les Fosses.

Pro Tip: Bring your water shoes! The beaches here are rocky.

Afternoon

Take a break from the sun and grab lunch at Léo Lea. Here they’re known for their steak frites, and offer unlimited fries! How could you say no to that?

Their special paradise sauce is to die for, and it’s a great spot to relax in the shaded terrace before heading back to the beach.

Evening

For your final night, go out in style. Head into Nice for a special dinner at Le Plongeoir, a restaurant perched dramatically on the rocks above the sea. Or keep things relaxed with dinner in Villefranche if you have an early departure.

Other memorable spots in Nice include Castel Plage, Restaurant Renée, and Le Panier.

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Travel Tips for Your South of France Itinerary

• The region is well connected by trains, buses, ferries, and even water taxis. No car needed!
• Taxis are pricey — Uber is usually cheaper if you’re traveling on a budget.
• The best time to visit is late spring or early fall during the shoulder seasons (May–June, September–October).
• Pack comfortable shoes, layers, swimsuits, and don’t forget your water shoes. Plus, don’t forget your carry-on essentials that make for a smoother flight.
• I wouldn’t recommend hotel hopping between towns — choose one base and do day trips instead!

Other Activities to Add to Your South of France Itinerary

This itinerary just scratches the surface of what the Côte d’Azur has to offer. Make the itinerary your own by swapping out one of the activities with a guided adventure.

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FAQs: South of France Itinerary

How many days do you need in the South of France? I would recommend at least 4 days, but you could easily fill a week here between beach hopping and siteseeing!

Is it better to stay in Nice or Villefranche-sur-Mer? I would recommend staying in Villefranche-sur-Mer since it’s only 15 minutes from Nice (and 25mins from the airport), offering a unique charm that you won’t find anywhere else.

What’s the best time of year to visit Côte d’Azur? Shoulder seasons (May-June and September-October) are best to get great weather without the crowds. Specifically, I think the first few weeks of September are the best sweet spot!

Do you need a car for this itinerary? Nope! The Côte d’Azur is very well connected and has reliable, safe, and clean public transportation options. Taxis, Uber, and even water taxis are abundant!

Is 4 days enough for the South of France? Absolutely! Pair this 4 day itinerary with a trip to Paris, the Loire valley, or even the Alsace region to round out your French getaway.

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Final Thoughts: 4 Days in the South of France

Four days in the South of France is just enough to fall in love with the Côte d’Azur. This South of France itinerary gives you a little bit of everything — colorful villages, historic cities, sandy beaches, and Riviera luxury.

I’ll certainly be back, and on my next trip, I’d linger longer in Menton and Beaulieu-sur-Mer—the two towns that surprised me most. If you have more time, you could easily stretch this into a weeklong adventure and explore places like Antibes, Cannes, or even St. Tropez.

Whether you’re sipping a spritz in Villefranche, strolling Nice’s promenade, or hiking the coast of Cap Ferrat, this itinerary shows why the French Riviera is one of Europe’s most iconic destinations.

Have you visited the South of France? Drop your recommendations in the comments!

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