Cote D'Azur Holidays 2026 / 2027 | Cheap Holidays to Cote D'Azur

The Côte d’Azur is where glamour sunbathes. With its yacht-filled harbours, chic beaches and pastel-perfect towns, this French Riviera beauty is pure holiday gold.

Good to Know

🌞 Fun fact: The name Côte d’Azur literally means "Azure Coast" – one look at the sea and you'll see why.
🏖️ Best beach: Plage de la Garoupe – crystal-clear water, creamy sands, and a pinch of old-school Riviera glam.
🍺 Pint price: Around €6 (about £5.15) – but sipping wine is way more on-brand here.

Highlights

Nice’s Promenade des Anglais: Palm trees, sea breeze, and the perfect place to strut in your sunnies.
Cannes Film Festival: Held every May – expect tuxes, flashbulbs and the odd megastar.
Eze Village: A clifftop stunner with medieval lanes and knockout views over the Med.
Boat trips to Îles de Lérins: Tiny paradise islands just off the coast of Cannes.

Local Lingo

Brush up on a few phrases to impress the locals – or at least charm your waiter.

Bonjour! – Hello!
Merci beaucoup – Thank you very much
Une glace, s’il vous plaît – An ice cream, please
Où est la plage? – Where’s the beach?
C’est magnifique! – It’s magnificent!

Where is the best area to stay in Côte d’Azur?

The French Riviera’s got something for every holiday vibe – from family-friendly sands to boujee beach clubs and romantic hilltop villages.

Families – Antibes: Safe, sandy beaches and a fab waterpark (Marineland is a must with the kids).
Groups – Nice: Lively bars, buzzing beaches, and central for easy train trips along the coast.
Couples – Èze or Villefranche-sur-Mer: Dreamy, peaceful, and almost too romantic to handle.

What are the best beaches to visit on your Côte d’Azur holidays

The French Riviera beaches are a mix of pebbly city strips and soft-sand coves – just bring beach shoes if you’re a tenderfoot.

Plage de la Garoupe – Classy and quiet, perfect for sun-lounging with a book (or a glass of rosé).
Paloma Beach, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat – Ultra-private, celeb-fave, and jaw-droppingly beautiful.
Plage Publique de Beau Rivage, Nice – Pebbled but central, with loungers and cocktail service.
Plage du Midi, Cannes – Soft sand and movie-star vibes – ideal for Insta-ready sunbathing.
La Mala Beach, Cap d’Ail – Tucked-away gem with turquoise water and dramatic cliffs.

What are the best hotels in – Côte d’Azur

Hotels here range from Belle Époque beauties to boutique beach hideaways – all with a dash of Riviera chic.

Hotel Negresco, Nice – An icon. Historic, lavish and right on the Promenade.
Hotel Martinez, Cannes – Old-school glamour, private beach, Michelin-starred dining.
Hôtel La Pérouse, Nice – Cliffside hideaway with unreal views and a quiet, romantic vibe.
Hotel Belles Rives, Juan-les-Pins – Art Deco dream on the sea, once home to F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Côte d’Azur Holidays Travel Guide 2026 / 2027

Things to do for families in Côte d’Azur

Meet dolphins and ride rollercoasters at Marineland Antibes.
Chill on Juan-les-Pins’ sandy beaches – ideal for little paddlers.
Wander the flower markets and gelato stalls of Nice’s Old Town.

Things to do for couples in Côte d’Azur

Watch the sunset from the exotic gardens of Eze Village.
Take a private boat trip to Île Saint-Honorat with a cheeky champagne picnic.
Dine al fresco in Menton, the Riviera’s pastel-painted sweetheart.

Things to do for groups in Côte d’Azur

Hop on the coastal train for a DIY beach crawl from Nice to Monaco.
Dance the night away in Cannes’ beach clubs and rooftop bars.
Rent a villa with a pool in Grasse or Mougins – pool parties, sorted.

Things to do for foodies in Côte d’Azur

Try socca, a crispy chickpea pancake – best from a market stall in Nice.
Go wine tasting in the Bellet vineyards on the hills behind Nice.
Feast on bouillabaisse (Provencal fish stew) in a sea-view bistro in Villefranche.

🌍 More destinations in France

Toulouse - A vibrant pink-hued city just an hour away.
Bordeaux - Wine capital of France and a dream for foodies.
Nice - Riviera glamour and beach days rolled into one.
Montpellier - Youthful, sunny and packed with character.
Avignon - Historic charm and Provençal flair.
Antibes - A chic Côte d’Azur favourite with sandy beaches.
Menton - Known for its lemon festival, lush gardens and laid-back Riviera feel.
Marseille - A buzzing harbour, knockout seafood and easy access to the coastline.

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Weather in Cote D'Azur

JAN

13^°C

FEB

14^°C

MAR

16^°C

APR

19^°C

MAY

22^°C

JUN

26^°C

JUL

28^°C

AUG

28^°C

SEP

25^°C

OCT

21^°C

NOV

17^°C

DEC

14^°C

With the idyllic climate offering warm, dry summers and mild winters, it’s a never a bad time to visit this coastal jewel. Rain is rare and sunny days are abound, while a Mediterranean breeze sweeps the shores. It is hottest and busiest in July and August, and is the best time to enjoy the beaches and nightlife. Meanwhile, spring and autumn offer relief from the crowds and a more peaceful atmosphere for coastal exploration and beach days.

Monaco and Èze

Take a day trip to explore the quaint commune of Èze followed by crossing the border into glamorous Monaco. Historical churches and alleyways can be found perched on the mountain, with rural hilltop views giving way to the panoramic azure view of the Mediterranean. From this tranquil slice of nature, you can dive into the urban world of Monaco. Bask in the upscale casinos in Monte Carlo, stroll along the yacht-lined marina and revel in the stunning Romanesque architecture.

Feel like a film star in Cannes

Find a hint of Hollywood within the cinematic atmosphere of Cannes. With its renowned annual Film Festival and Walk of Fame on the Boulevard de la Croisette, this city’s glamour is bound to make a special imprint on your holiday. Relax by the beaches with a cocktail in hand, marvel at the Palais des Festivals and browse the boutique shops and restaurants along the harbour. The wealth of glamour will not fail to impress.

Nice Old Town

You can’t go to the Côte d'Azur and not visit its unofficial capital, right? Nice’s Old Town combines historical ambience with bustling open markets and narrow cobbled streets. As you amble about, ice cream in hand, simply soak up the authentic village-feel charm. This is the place to go to see real traditional southern France with a Mediterranean flair.

Îles d'Hyères

These four islands make for the ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of the French Riviera. They can be seen from the coastal drive on the mainland, boasting their shimmering golden beaches. The islands feature Port-Cros National Park, which is a natural protected area and offers spectacular snorkelling. For those seeking true beach life at the heart of their glamorous holiday on the Côte d'Azur, make sure to stop off here for some island adventures!

Cote D'Azur Holidays

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