Experience the luxury of the European Riviera affordably. The European Riviera, often referred to as the "Côte d'Azur" in French, is a stunning coastal region along the Mediterranean Sea known for its glamorous resorts, beautiful beaches, and luxurious lifestyle. It spans parts of southeastern France and northwestern Italy. The exact boundaries of the European Riviera can be a bit fluid, but generally, it includes:
The European Riviera typically begins in the city of Cassis, located southeast of Marseille in France. The Riviera extends along the French coast, encompassing popular cities such as Nice, Cannes, and Monaco. It then crosses into northwestern Italy, including places like San Remo, and continues along the Ligurian coastline up to Genoa.
The European Riviera is renowned for its mild climate, stunning landscapes, upscale resorts, and cultural attractions. It's a popular destination for travelers seeking relaxation as well as those interested in exploring the region's rich history and art. Check out this list to experience the Riviera affordably without sacrificing beauty or sophistication.
- 36 min SE of Marseille, 5-hour train from Paris
- La Ciotat is a picturesque coastal town on the French Riviera known for its beautiful beaches, historic charm, and maritime heritage.
Luxury dining hack:
- Have a more budget-friendly Michelin meal at this restaurant: L'Arôme
Charming stay and experience hack:
- Check out these hand-selected places and things to do in La Ciotat by clicking on the photos.
L to R: Ruth Mathias' The oldest museum in the world, Rose The, Airbnb La Ciotat - MAISON ACACIA, Calanques Cassis hike with swimming, Segway tour and wine tasting, Airbnb Casbah Ciotadenne
- 1.5 hours NE of La Ciotat, 5.5-hour train from Paris
- Saint-Raphaël is a vibrant coastal town nestled on the French Riviera, offering sandy beaches, resorts, a lively atmosphere, and stunning Mediterranean views.
Luxury dining hack:
- Have a more budget-friendly Michelin meal at this restaurant: L'Amandier
Charming stay and experience hack:
- Check out these hand-selected places and things to do in Saint-Raphael by clicking on the photos.
L to R: F2 refait a neuf balcon centre-ville proche plage, Kayak Apéro, Airbnb studio cap Estérel, Airbnb Charmant appartement "cosy", Taste the Massif de l 'Estérel at the end of the day
3. Antibes, France:
- 1 hour train from Saint-Raphael, 6 hours 14 min train from Paris
- Antibes is a picturesque coastal town on the French Riviera known for its stunning Mediterranean views, charming old town, and vibrant cultural scene.
Luxury dining hack:
- Have a more budget-friendly Michelin meal at this restaurant: Les Dilettants
Charming stay and experience hack:
- Check out these hand-selected places and things to do in Antibes by clicking on the photos.
L to R: Airbnb 2 rooms in a beautiful residence, Croissant & Pain au chocolat Riviera baking club in Antibes, Airbnb Le Grand Large, Airbnb 031 - Magnificent studio sea view aircon parking, Scenic Old Antibes tour with drawing breaks, Private solar catamaran cruise in Antibes Juan les Pins
4. Nice, France:
- 28 min NE of Antibes, 6 hour 40 min train from Paris, 1.5-hour flight from Paris
- While Nice is a UNESCO world heritage site and popular destination, it's possible to find budget-friendly accommodations, especially if you stay a bit away from the main Promenade des Anglais area.
- Cost of living comparison: Nairobi, Kenya $, Sofia, Bulgaria $$, Edinburgh, UK $$$, Nice, France $$$$
Luxury dining hack:
- Have a more budget-friendly Michelin meal at these restaurants: L’Alchimie, Les Bar des Oiseaux, Rouge
Charming stay and experience hack:
- Check out these hand-selected places and things to do in Nice by clicking on the photos.
L to R: Airbnb Belle Nuage, Airbnb Studio with mezzanine located close to the sea, Vineyard tour with wine tasting in Nice, Viator Mediterranean coastal sightseeing cruise from Nice, Hôtel Albert 1er, Joe Pritchard's Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nice
- 26 min east of Nice, France, a 7.5-hour train from Paris, France, and a 1.5-hour flight from Paris.
- While Monaco is known for luxury, some budget-friendly options are available if you're willing to stay a bit further from the heart of Monte Carlo.
Charming stay and experience hack:
- Check out these hand-selected places and things to do in Monte Carlo by clicking on the photos.
L to R: Private photoshoot in Monaco, Airbnb Comfy 1-bdr. flat with terrace, Viator Monaco/Monte Carlo/Eze/La Turbie half-day, Hotel Indigo Cagnes-sur-mer, Airbnb Fully new studio next to casino square with AC
6. Savona, Italy:
- 1 hour 42 min NE of Monte Carlo, 2 hours 12 min train from Monte Carlo, 3 hours 5 min train from Milan, 1.5-hour flight from Paris
- Savona, Italy, is a historic port city graced with a blend of medieval architecture, beautiful beaches, and maritime heritage located along the Italian Riviera.
Luxury dining hack:
- Have a more budget-friendly Michelin meal at this restaurant: Bino Ricchebueno
Charming stay and experience hack:
- Check out these hand-selected places and things to do in Savona by clicking on the photos.
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L to R: Airbnb Downtown home, Airbnb Ca'd Furio - Dépendance with sea view, Small group street food tour in Savona, Airbnb Rosella's House - A terrace overlooking the sea, Mare Hotel, Luna Rooms, Airbnb A brand new studio by the sea
7. Genoa, Italy:
- 1 hour 7 min train from Savona, 1.5-hour flight from Paris, 2-hour train from Milan
- Genoa offers a mix of historic charm and coastal beauty. You can find more affordable hotels and guesthouses here compared to some other Italian Riviera towns.
- Cost of living comparison: Tangier, Morocco $, Porto, Portugal $$, Genoa, Italy $$$, San Juan, Puerto Rico $$$$
Luxury dining hack:
- Have a more budget-friendly Michelin meal at this restaurant: Trattoria Rosmarino
Charming stay and experience hack:
- Check out these hand-selected places and things to do in Genoa by clicking on the photos.
L to R: Portofino boat tour with aperitif & sunset party, Airbnb Casa Ambra, B&B hotel Genova city center, @walter_7.3's Palazzo Doria-Tursi, Airbnb Flat in the ancient port, Viator Discover Genoa old town walking tour with aperitivo, Janna Brummel's Genova–Casella Railway
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