20 things you must do on the French Riviera

If you've heard anything about the French Riviera, you've probably heard about Nice. It's the perfect mix of quaint and bustle, fashionable and accessible--the kind of city that has something for everyone, whether you want to lounge on the beach while turquoise waters lap against the shore, check out masterpieces from Matisse, Chagall, and Renoir, party the night away or shop until you drop. Nice has it all. We recommend you head to Castle Hill for stunning views of the city and then post up at the iconic stretch of beach tucked just under the Promenade de Anglais.

Nice, Cannes. We aren't talking about the topless women lounging on the beach, which are a tourist attraction unto themselves. We're talking about the most iconic cities on the French Riviera, adorned with celebrities, beaches, and double-take shopping. 2,000 dollars for sunglasses? Nah, I'm good. While most people know this spot for the Cannes Film Festival, there are countless things to see year-round. Stroll the Promenade de la Croisette, where celebrities take photos against azure backdrops, or take a ferry to the island of Saint Marguerite, where you can find remote coves all to yourself.

This looks like Italy! You'll hear that a lot while strolling through the bubblegum-colored homes of Menton, which look like the villages of Cinque Terre. That's because this wonderful village is on the border between France and Italy, and it has some of the attributes of both cultures. Rude French people? Sumptuous pasta? Water so clear you can see the bottom from a mile out? It's all here and it's all magnificent. 

Get out your wallets! The tiny country of Monaco is begging for your money. An alluring coastal village with glitzy casinos, fancy restaurants and way too many tourists, Monaco is a great way to spend the day but not all your money. Sure, the Monte Carlo is a fun way to roll the dice with your savings, but maybe it's best to save for more oceanic adventures--like the incredible aquarium perched on the bluffs of Monaco's old town. 

The best way to get a taste of Nice's local cuisine is to head to the market. And Marche Aux Flues is the best on the Riviera. Tucked into Nice's old town, the market is dotted with flowers and perfumes and overflowing with food, the smell of fresh produce wafting through the cobblestone streets. Try the local favorite Socca, thin slices of chickpea served from a circular pan, or simply buy lunch to make at home. There are no wrong food choices at Marche Aux Fleurs. 

Pastel-colored homes, crystal clear waters, and long stretches of golden sand. This is what vacation is all about. Relaxing in the sun with nothing to do but swim and enjoy life with your travel companions, Villefrance-Sur-Mer is a dream that only becomes a reality with the lapping tides of memory. Those blue waters don't seem real while you're in them, but then they seem remarkably real once you reflect on where you are. 

A great way to maximize your trip to Villefrannche-sur-Mer is to visit the Rothschild Villa, a pink mansion overlooking the ocean. The villa was once home to Beatrice Rothchild, an aristocrat who collected things from all around the world, now on display amidst the villa's many rooms. The standout? The gardens feature an array of different styles, from French to Japanese to Italian. 

There's something different about taking a stroll in Europe. It's almost as if you're on a catwalk walking to dinner. There's a sense of showmanship that goes into the simple act of walking, with so many people dressed up and all the seats facing the sidewalk. It's no wonder people like Alain Delon were discovered walking these very streets. So get dressed up and stroll the Promenade de Anglais, the main strip of Nice that overlooks the ocean.

You don't have to be a billionaire to enjoy billionaire's cove, but having a few bucks helps. At least have enough to pay for the Picasso museum, located in a castle with panoramic views of the ocean and countless paintings from the artist, and enough to pay for whatever else you might want to do in this medieval village. From strolling the fortified bluffs, built to protect the townspeople from seaside attackers to the many vintage cafes that haven't been updated since they were built, this is a town that's protected from the onslaught of industrialism. 

Vincent Van Gough once said that the future of art is on the French Riviera. And looking at the Painting with the Stars lineup, you can tell that he was right. The Riviera was once home to Matisse, Picasso, Chagall, and Renoir, and you can find their paintings across the many beachside towns. Our favorite museum is the Renoir Museum, located in his villa overlooking the beach. Start by admiring the Impressionist paintings, then stroll through the very same gardens where he painted them. The term "walking through a painting" has never seemed so tangible.

Few travel destinations boast this level of alcohol craftsmanship.  The Rose' is the best in the universe, shipped from where the wine was invented in the nearby region of Provence. Aperol spritzes are often made with the right mix of liquor and prosecco. Enjoy a glass before dinner when the locals fill the street's promenade seating. 

Located in the hills of the Rivera, way above the sparkling shores of Jean-Cap-Ferrat, is a medieval village straight out of a postcard. It's a windy bus ride from Eze's train station, but it's remarkably worth it. This is a remote village with cobblestone alleys, flowers trickling down homes like mini-waterfalls, and panoramic views that are going to make your jaw drop, especially from the Jardin Exotique Gardens, which smile down on the coastline blow.

The French Riviera can seem like a theme park with the amount of tourists that come here, especially in the months of July and August. Since when are there lines for the beach? And don't get me started on the line for public restrooms, which somehow cost money. For a more local vibe, head to the beaches of Biot, where long stretches of beach greet sunbathers with space to lay out. 

Located at the end of old town Nice, Castle Hill boasts the kind of view that takes your breath away. Perched up in the clouds, looking down on the azure waters of Nice and the maze of apartments that make up the city, this has a photoshoot written all over it. Yes, the climb to get there is steep, but it's a great excuse to burn off all those pastries, am I right?

Oh, yeah, you can smell those pastries from a block away. With their fresh scent lingering in the morning air, the pastries of Nice are more than just a savory snack. They are a piece of art. Beautiful to look at and delectable to eat, these pastries are a great way to start the morning.

Famous for its sparkling waters and remote coastal pathway, Palomoa Beach is yet another gem of the Riviera. To get there, you must take the train to Beaulieu-sur-Mer and then catch a bus, which is why the beach is more photographed than visited. A decade ago, you could only access it by boat. But those who make the venture are treated to a picturesque cove that leads to perhaps an even more picturesque pathway around the peninsula.

A peninsula with some of the Rivera's most idyllic spots, Seant-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is home to cute ports, nice restaurants, and some of the least touristy beaches in the area. The water, in particular, is a great draw as well.

Stroll the very same promenade frequented by Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, George Clooney and Margot Robbie, and once frequented by the likes of Bridget Bardot, Jeane Morreu, Catherine Deneuve and Alain Delon. Many people come here to spot celebrities --most people don't--but you can still stroll the beachside path and act cool. 

Um, it's a castle on a mountaintop. Of course, we're going to recommend Jardine Exotique Gardens! Located at the top of Eze, the castle is surrounded by lush foliage and vast gardens and boasts views of the French Riviera unlike any other. Gaze out from the castle ruins and be reminded of just how mesmerizing the ocean can be.

This is a vacation within your vacation. Escape the noise of Cannes with a short ferry ride to the island of St. Marguerite, a quiet oasis overlooking the city from a mile away. You should walk to the other side of the island, however, to find your own little slice of paradise. Amidst hidden coves, azure waters and fresh-scented nature, you can find your own cove for a wonderful beach day.