A Weekend on the French Riviera: A Short Guide

When it comes to logistics, Nice is the strategic heart of your trip. Choosing it as your home base isn’t just about the vibe—it’s a total power move. Because you’re positioned right in the middle of the coastline, you can head east to the glitz of Monaco or west to the ramparts of Antibes in under 30 minutes.

If you’re feeling adventurous, renting a car gives you the freedom to chase hidden viewpoints in the hillside villages.

Additionally, the TER train is the unsung hero of the Riviera. It’s affordable, avoids the nightmare of Mediterranean parking, and lets you stare at the sparkling turquoise water instead of a GPS.

Whether you’re a “driver’s seat” explorer or a “stare-out-the-window” dreamer, Nice keeps the entire coast within arm’s reach.

Start your journey in Menton, the “Pearl of France.” Famous for its lemon groves and sundrenched facades, spend your morning wandering through the Vieux Menton. Here are must-see attractions in Menton for a first-time visitor:

Basilique Saint-Michel Archange: A masterpiece of Baroque architecture. Climb the majestic Rampes Saint-Michel (the grand yellow staircases) to reach the basilica’s square for a classic view of the town’s pastel facades and the Mediterranean.

Plage des Sablettes: The town’s most iconic beach, featuring calm, shallow waters and a sandy shore. It sits directly beneath the colorful Old Town, providing a perfect spot to relax after exploring the narrow alleys.

Marché des Halles: A vibrant Belle Époque covered market built in 1898. It is the heart of local life and the best place to sample regional treats like Barbajuan (savory pastries) and products made from the world-famous Menton lemons.

By afternoon, take a short train ride to Monaco. This tiny principality is the epitome of glamour. Here are the five must-see attractions for a first-time visitor:

Prince’s Palace of Monaco (Palais Princier): The official residence of the Grimaldi family since the 13th century. Be sure to arrive at exactly 11:55 AM to witness the traditional Changing of the Guard ceremony. Inside, you can tour the State Apartments, which recently revealed stunning 16th-century Italian Renaissance frescoes.

Casino de Monte-Carlo: A world-famous landmark of Belle Époque architecture and opulence. While it’s a working casino, you can visit the Atrium and public areas for free during the day. If you want to see the legendary gold-leaf gaming rooms (where many James Bond films were shot), you can take a guided tour every morning before gambling begins.

The Rock (Monaco-Ville): The oldest district in the principality, consisting of a maze of medieval narrow alleys. Walking through this area allows you to escape the modern high-rises and find charming local shops, the Palace of Justice, and several stunning viewpoints overlooking Port Hercules (where the world’s most expensive yachts are docked).

Dedicate your second day to Nice, the vibrant hub of the South. Here are 5 must-see attractions for your first trip to Nice:

Place Masséna & Promenade du Paillon: The city’s grand main square, featuring striking red Italian-style architecture and a black-and-white checkered floor. Walk through the adjacent Promenade du Paillon, an urban park featuring the “Mirror of Water” (a massive fountain that reflects the city). Look up at the seven statues perched on poles—they glow in different colors at night to represent the seven continents.

Vieux Nice (Old Town): A sensory explosion of narrow cobblestone streets, pastel buildings, and local life. Visit the Cathedrale Saint-Reparate and try a scoop of lavender or rosemary ice cream at Fenocchio. Look for vendors selling Socca, a savory chickpea pancake that is the soul of Niçois street food.

Cours Saleya Market: A world-famous open-air market in the heart of the Old Town. Browse the Marché Aux Fleurs (Flower Market) for vibrant blooms and local artisanal soaps. On Mondays, the food stalls are replaced by a massive antique and flea market, perfect for finding vintage treasures.

Promenade des Anglais: The quintessential French Riviera experience—a 7km paved walkway along the turquoise Mediterranean. Sit in one of the famous “blue chairs” to people-watch or catch a sunset. Walk the section between the historic Hotel Negresco and the Old Town for the best views.

Wrap up your weekend in Antibes, a town that balances old-world charm with luxury living. For a first-time visitor, these five attractions capture the essential spirit of Antibes:

Musée Picasso: Housed in the stunning Château Grimaldi where Picasso lived and worked in 1946, this museum features an extensive collection of his paintings, ceramics, and sketches. The outdoor terrace offers some of the most famous views of the turquoise Mediterranean.

Marché Provençal: A vibrant covered market in the heart of the Old Town. In the mornings, you can browse local delicacies like socca (chickpea crepes), olives, and lavender honey; in the afternoons, it transforms into a showcase for local craftspeople and painters.

Port Vauban & Port Quay: One of the largest marinas in Europe, famous for its “Billionaire’s Quay” where some of the world’s most massive superyachts dock. Be sure to walk to the end of the quay to see Jaume Plensa’s iconic Nomade sculpture, a giant silhouette of a man looking out at the sea.

Traveling along the French Riviera is a breeze with Globex agencies strategically placed to support your financial needs. Our expert teams are available to help you send, receive, or exchange money.

• Nice Ville

Address: 31 Rue d’Angleterre, 06000 Nice

• Nice Riquier

Address: 22 Boulevard Pierre Sola, 06300 Nice

• Beausoleil, on the border of Monaco

Address: 13 Boulevard de la République, 06240 Beausoleil

• Menton

Address: 12 Avenue Boyer, 06500 Menton

• Antibes

Address: 22 Avenue Robert Soleau, 06600 Antibes

With multiple convenient locations across the Côte d’Azur, Globex ensures that managing your travel funds is seamless and professional, allowing you more time to enjoy the breathtaking Mediterranean scenery.