Your Ideal 5-day Itinerary To The French Riviera
Some of you may have been following my French road trip on YouTube already, so you’ll know just how much I loved the French Riviera. It truly is the crown jewel of France! I’m not exaggerating when I say it was one of the absolute highlights of my entire trip. I fell head over heels for the Côte d’Azur, and I’ve no doubt you will too. To help you see the very best of what it has to offer, I’ve created this easy-to-follow 5-day itinerary. You can also find this, and many more itineraries in my Road Trip France guidebook!
Now, you might have heard it can be a bit tricky in a motorhome or campervan (and I won’t lie some bits can be), but with a bit of smart planning, it’s absolutely doable. One of my top tips? Base yourself near a train station when you can. That way, you can park up and still reach some of the more crowded towns or tight coastal roads stress-free. You’ll be soaking up sparkling blue seas, winding roads, and glamorous Riviera towns in no time.
This stretch of southern France really bursts with colour, character, and has that dreamy Mediterranean feel. The beaches are also stunning here, along with the stylish towns, it really is an idyllic place to explore.
So, in this blog I’ll go through exactly how I broke the journey down:
Day One: Menton to Èze
Drive time: 2 hours
Base: Camping du Pylône or Campsites French Riviera Menton (Use Train)
Kick off your Côte d’Azur adventure in Menton, right on the Italian border. This pastel-hued town has an almost tropical feel with citrus trees lining the streets and a slower pace than its glitzy neighbours. Wander the old town, dip your toes in the Med, and grab a café crème with a sea view.
From here, head west along the coastal road to Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, where ancient hilltop charm meets panoramic views. Then it’s on to Monaco, whilst it may be tempting there’s no need to splash the cash here. Just enjoy the spectacle of yachts in the harbour, fancy boutiques, and the famous Monte Carlo Casino.
End the day in Èze, honestly, one of my absolute favourite stops on the whole trip! This medieval hilltop village is like something out of a storybook, with cobbled streets, incredible sea views, and even a cactus garden perched way up above it all. Just a heads-up, parking here is a bit of a nightmare, so I’d really recommend leaving your van at the campsite and jumping on the train instead. It makes it so much easier and way less stressful.
Day Two: Èze to Antibes
Drive time: 2 hours
Base: Camping du Pylône (Use Train)
This stretch encapsulates the true beauty of the Riviera. Start with Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, a lush peninsula dotted with private villas and the jaw-dropping Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. It’s worth stopping off to take a wander through the gardens just for the sea views alone.
Villefranche-sur-Mer is next, with its colourful harbour and quaint old town. Grab an ice cream and stroll the seafront promenade before heading into Nice. You could easily spend a whole day here! Take a walk down the buzzing Promenade des Anglais, then spend some time looking around the chic markets and art galleries.
Finally, don’t miss Saint-Paul de Vence, a short detour inland. It’s one of the oldest medieval towns on the Riviera and an artist’s haven. Expect winding lanes, galleries, and hilltop views that’ll take your breath away.
I’d recommend staying at Camping du Pylône as it’s a good hub. Again, I recommend using the train to avoid traffic and tricky parking.
Day Three: Antibes to Fréjus
Drive time: 2 hours 30 mins
Base: Frantheor – Camping de l’Ile d’Or
Start your day with a stroll through Antibes’ old town, visit the famous Picasso Museum, or browse the market for local treats. The marina here is also pretty impressive.
Cannes is next, famed for its film festival glamour, but there’s more to it than red carpets. Walk the Boulevard de la Croisette or relax on the public beach. If you’re wanting something quieter, Théoule-sur-Mer is a real gem that has small, sandy coves and fewer crowds.
Finish the day in Fréjus, a town packed with Roman history, or neighbouring Saint-Raphaël, which has a lovely coastal path perfect for evening strolls. Camping de l’Ile d’Or is a stone’s throw from the beach.
Day Four: Fréjus to Le Lavandou
Drive time: 3 hours
Base: Camping Saint-Pons
Begin your morning in Sainte-Maxime. This easy-going coastal town near Saint-Tropez, has gorgeous beaches like Plage de la Nartelle, and lots of shaded café terraces to grab a morning coffee. From here, take the ferry across the bay to Saint-Tropez. It’s faster than driving and gives you a beautiful views of the coast.
In Saint-Tropez, you’ll feel the glamour the second you step off the ferry. This once-sleepy fishing village was put on the map in the 1950s when icons like Brigitte Bardot turned it into the place to be. Spend your afternoon wandering around the Vieux Port, where mega yachts line the harbour and you might just spot a celeb or two. Even if designer shopping isn’t your thing, just soaking up the atmosphere is an experience in itself!
When you’re ready for a change of pace, head along the coast to Cavalaire-sur-Mer or Le Lavandou. Both of the places offer a more relaxed, beachside feel and are ideal spots to relax after a busy day.
Camping Saint-Pons is a peaceful spot with access to both beaches and hiking trails. Great for stretching your legs after a few days on the road.
Day Five: Le Lavandou to Marseille
Drive time: 2 hours 20 mins
Base: Camping Garlaban or Camping Lou Souleï
For your final leg, head west toward Marseille, but don’t rush it. Stop in Hyères for a wander through its historic centre or drive the Giens Peninsula for sweeping views. Toulon is a working port but has some underrated charm, especially around the old town.
The real showstopper, though, is Cassis and the Calanques National Park. These dramatic limestone cliffs and turquoise inlets are jaw-dropping. You can hike, kayak, or take a boat trip to explore this natural wonder before rolling into Marseille.
Marseille is lively, edgy, and full of personality, the perfect contrast to the Riviera glitz. End your journey with a sunset view from Notre-Dame de la Garde or a seafood feast in the Old Port.
Looking to plan your French Road Trip adventure?
You can find more about my very own French Road Trip in the video below. It’s packed with inspiration, scenic drives, and practical tips for exploring this incredible region by campervan or motorhome.
Plus, if you’re after even more ideas or need some help figuring out what you actually need when travelling to France (because let’s be honest, it can get a bit confusing!), my guidebook has you covered. It’s everything I wish I’d known before setting off all in one place.
