The Nomad Files

Where to Stay

One of the biggest questions when planning a trip to the French Riviera is whether to stay in one location and take day trips or move between destinations. The good news is that Nice, Antibes, Cannes, and Monaco are all well connected by train, making it easy to explore the coastline regardless of which option you choose.

Option 1: Stay in One Place (Best for a Relaxed Trip)

If you prefer unpacking only once, staying in either Nice or Antibes makes the most sense.

Stay in Nice

• Best for first-time visitors, nightlife, restaurants, and easy transportation.
• Direct train connections to Monaco (about 25 minutes), Antibes (about 25 minutes), and Cannes (about 40 minutes).
• A great home base if you enjoy a lively city atmosphere with plenty to do after your day trips.

Where to stay in Nice:

Airbnb – This Airbnb is located right in Old Town and has its own private garden. Really nice for solo travelers, couples, or 2 friends.

Old Town is a nice area located in central Nice, surrounded by lots of shops, restaurants, bars, and is by the beach.  

Stay in Antibes

• Best for travelers looking for a more relaxed, picturesque coastal town.
• Conveniently located between Nice and Cannes.
• Easy train rides to Nice (20–25 minutes), Cannes (10–15 minutes), and Monaco (45–60 minutes).
• Perfect if you want charming streets, beautiful beaches, and a quieter evening atmosphere.

There are a few different areas in Antibes that are good to stay depending on what type of holiday you are looking for. 

Old Town (Vieil Antibes) – Hotel or Airbnb

The best choice for first-time visitors. Stay in a charming boutique hotel or a traditional Airbnb tucked among the cobblestone streets to be within walking distance of cafés, restaurants, local markets, the marina, and beaches. This area offers the perfect balance of convenience and authentic French Riviera charm.

Airbnb – This Airbnb is a traditional yet fully renovated luxurious town house for 6 guests, consisting of 3 floors. Easy check-in, exceptional location, free wifi and AC on each floor. 

Hôtel & Spa La Villa Port d’Antibes – A beautiful boutique hotel located just outside the Old Town walls, featuring modern rooms, a small outdoor pool, spa, and an unbeatable location within a few minutes’ walk of the harbor and Old Town. It’s an ideal choice for couples or anyone looking for a comfortable, upscale stay.

Juan-les-Pins – Hotel or Airbnb

If you’re looking for beach clubs, nightlife, and waterfront restaurants, Juan-les-Pins is the place to stay. Hotels here range from affordable beachfront options to luxury resorts, making it a great choice for travelers who want to spend their days on the beach and their evenings enjoying the lively atmosphere. My friends and I stayed in an Airbnb in this area and enjoyed it based on the convenience we had to beach clubs, restaurants, bars, and shopping. 

Airbnb – Awesome wrap around rooftop with an amazing view of the local marina. It was quite spacious with 2 bedrooms, a full kitchen, AC, and elevator to the top. Up to four guests could comfortably stay here.

Hôtel La Villa Cap d’Antibes – If you’re looking for the perfect balance of relaxation and convenience, this boutique hotel is one of the best places to stay in Juan-les-Pins. Just a short walk from the beach, restaurants, and nightlife, the hotel offers beautifully designed rooms, a heated outdoor pool, lush Mediterranean gardens, and exceptional service. Its peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal choice for couples or travelers wanting a quiet retreat while still being close to everything Juan-les-Pins has to offer.

Hôtel Belles Rives – If you’re looking for a luxury splurge, I’d instead recommend Hotel Belles Rives, an iconic Art Deco waterfront hotel where F. Scott Fitzgerald once stayed. It’s considered one of the most legendary hotels on the French Riviera and is perfect for a once-in-a-lifetime stay.

Cap d’Antibes – Luxury Hotel or Villa

Known for its exclusivity and stunning Mediterranean views, Cap d’Antibes is best suited for luxury hotels and private villas. This peaceful peninsula is perfect for honeymooners, couples, or anyone looking for a quiet, upscale escape with easy access to secluded beaches and scenic coastal walks.

Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc – If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury experience on the French Riviera, this is the most iconic place to stay. Set on the southern tip of Cap d’Antibes, this hotel has welcomed royalty, celebrities, and world travelers for over a century. Surrounded by lush gardens overlooking the Mediterranean, the property is famous for its cliffside seawater infinity pool, exceptional restaurants, world-class spa, and unmatched service. 

If you are seeking privacy, Cap d’Antibes also offers beautiful luxury villas available for weekly rentals, making it an excellent choice for families, groups, or anyone looking for an exclusive Riviera escape. 

Option 2: Split Your Stay (Best for Seeing More)

If you have a week or more, splitting your trip between two locations lets you experience different sides of the Riviera.

Sample 7-Day Itinerary

• 3 nights in Nice
  • Explore Nice
  • Take a day trip to Monaco
• 4 nights in Antibes
  • Explore Antibes
  • Take a day trip to Cannes
  • Enjoy beach clubs, Old Town, and nearby coastal towns

This option gives you the excitement of Nice while allowing plenty of time to experience the slower pace and beaches around Antibes.

Option 3: Work Your Way Along the Coast

For travelers who enjoy changing hotels and experiencing each destination more deeply, consider spending a few nights in each town.

Suggested Itinerary

• 2 nights in Nice – Explore Old Town, the Promenade des Anglais, and local markets.
• 1 night in Monaco – Experience Monte Carlo, the casino, luxury hotels, and the marina.
• 2 nights in Antibes – Wander the Old Town, visit the beaches, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
• 2 nights in Cannes – Explore La Croisette, luxury shopping, beach clubs, and the Old Port.

This itinerary allows you to experience the unique personality of each destination without feeling rushed.

My Recommendation

If it’s your first time visiting the French Riviera, I recommend staying in Antibes or Nice and taking advantage of the excellent train system for day trips. The train is affordable, reliable, and often faster than driving during the busy summer months. You’ll spend less time checking in and out of hotels and more time enjoying everything the Riviera has to offer. You can also uber or taxi from spot to spot but it can add up quickly, and depending how late you are out ubers and taxi become unavailable in some areas.

Transportation

The easiest way to reach the French Riviera is by flying into Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE), the region’s main international airport. Conveniently located just 15–20 minutes from central Nice, the airport also provides easy access to Antibes (about 25 minutes), Cannes (30–40 minutes), and Monaco (40–50 minutes). From the airport, you can reach your destination by train, taxi, Uber, private transfer, or rental car. 

For most travelers planning to explore the Riviera, the train is the easiest and most affordable way to get between coastal towns, with frequent service connecting Nice, Antibes, Cannes, and Monaco throughout the day. If you’re flying from North America, many major cities offer direct seasonal flights to Nice, while year-round connections are available through European hubs such as Paris, London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Zurich.

Where to Eat and Drink

Nice

Le Plongeoir – One of the most iconic restaurants on the French Riviera. There are two sections of the restaurant. Upstairs is the main restaurant, which is fancier and you need reservations. Down below at water level is Le Vivier Lounge Bar which is less formal with a fun vibe and a more casual menu. Food is available downstairs as well.  We ate upstairs but if I were to go back, I would definitely go to Le Vivier Lounge Bar. No reservation is needed for the downstairs section. 

Barts Focaccia – Amazing sandwich shop in Old Town. It has a walk up the window with fresh made sandwiches for takeaway.

Castel Plage – A beach club and restaurant, located at the far end of the Promenade des Anglais beneath Castle Hill. With sunbeds set along the pebble beach, Mediterranean cuisine, and stunning views over the Baie des Anges, it’s the perfect spot for a beach day, long lunch, or sunset dinner by the water. Its location near Old Town makes it easy to visit while exploring Nice, but reservations are recommended during the summer season.

La Plage De L’Opera – A stylish private beach club and restaurant located on the Promenade des Anglais, just steps from Nice’s Old Town. You don’t need a reservation, and there are towels available for rent. More of a relaxing vibe, with the option of lunch beach-side or at a table until 3pm. 

Antibes

La Plage Du Cap – One of my favorite dinners while in France. It is a beachfront restaurant serving fresh Mediterranean cuisine, seafood, and expertly crafted cocktails, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch or sunset dinner by the sea. They have live music and an amazing view. I highly recommend going here. 

Bar Eph – One of Antibes’ newest summer hotspots, located on the historic ramparts of Port Vauban with panoramic views over the Bay of Antibes. Open during the summer season, this open-air pop-up bar offers handcrafted cocktails, charcuterie and cheese boards, barbecues, and themed evenings in a relaxed lounge setting. It’s the perfect place to grab sunset drinks with friends while overlooking the Mediterranean and watching the yachts come and go. 

Absinthe Bar – A unique hidden bar, tucked beneath the cobblestone streets of Old Town in a centuries-old vaulted cellar. Loud music and kinda hectic toward the later part of the night but is definitely a hot spot.

Chez Jules – French bistro in the heart of Old Town Antibes, known for its warm hospitality, cozy atmosphere, and classic French cuisine. The menu features fresh, seasonal ingredients with favorites such as steak frites, seafood, homemade desserts, and an excellent wine selection. Reservations needed. 

Cannes

Zuma – A Japanese izakaya dining experience overlooking the Mediterranean, known for its sushi, robata-grilled dishes, and signature cocktails. The sophisticated atmosphere, waterfront setting, and vibrant energy make it one of the most sought-after dinner destinations in Cannes.

Carlton Beach Club – Elegant beach club serving Mediterranean cuisine and seafood. It has plush sun loungers, very attentive beach service, and panoramic views of the Mediterranean.

Le Roof – Rooftop bar and restaurant on top of The Five Seas Hotel overlooking the historic Suquet district and Cannes’ Vieux-Port.