Begin at Place Masséna, Nice's grand central square, recognizable for its distinctive red façades, checkerboard paving, and contemporary public art installations. Continue to Cours Saleya, one of the city's most vibrant markets, where vendors sell flowers, produce, local foods, and regional specialties. The flower and food stalls are closed on Mondays while the space is taken over by a large antiques and flea market.

While exploring the market area, sample traditional Niçoise specialties such as:

• socca (crispy chickpea pancake)
• pan bagnat (sandwich inspired by Salade Niçoise)
• pissaladière (savory onion and anchovy tart)
• tourte de blettes (sweet-and-savory Swiss chard pastry)

Continue into Vieux Nice (Old Town), a maze of narrow streets lined with colorful buildings, cafés, and boutiques. Visit the Palais Lascaris, a lavish aristocratic residence known for its ornate interiors and historical musical instruments collection, and the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate de Nice, the city's Baroque cathedral.

Requirements for respectful/modest attire apply at churches, synagogues, and other religious sites. Visitors should avoid disrupting religious observances and remain mindful of posted customs.

Browse artisan shops throughout Vieux Nice for Provençal textiles, hand-painted ceramics, olive-wood crafts, local olive oils, and Riviera perfumes.

Optional add-on: Participate in a perfume workshop at Molinard Nice to create a personalized fragrance while learning about the perfume traditions of the French Riviera.

Walk part or all of the Promenade des Anglais, the iconic seaside boulevard stretching along the Bay of Angels. Relax on one of the city's pebble beaches and enjoy views across the Mediterranean Sea.

Optional add-on: Visit Hôtel Negresco, a celebrated example of Belle Époque architecture.

Explore Colline du Château, or Castle Hill, a park occupying the site of Nice's former citadel. Wander its pathways and viewpoints before enjoying sunset from one of the city's most spectacular panoramas overlooking the Old Town, Promenade des Anglais, Port Lympia, and the Mediterranean coastline.

Spend the evening at Port Lympia, the city's historic harbor. Enjoy waterfront dining and drinks while watching boats come and go beneath the illuminated hillsides. Sample classic Niçoise cuisine such as Salade Niçoise (salad of tuna, egg, tomato, green beans, and olives) and fresh Mediterranean seafood.

Visit Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice, one of the largest Russian Orthodox cathedrals outside Russia. Its colorful onion domes and richly decorated interior reflect the city's historical popularity among Russian aristocrats and winter visitors.

Requirements for respectful/modest attire apply at churches, synagogues, and other religious sites. Visitors should avoid disrupting religious observances and remain mindful of posted customs.

Continue to the Musée national Marc Chagall, home to one of the world's largest collections of works by Chagall, including his celebrated Biblical Message series.

Visit the Musée Matisse, dedicated to the life and work of Henri Matisse, who spent much of his career on the French Riviera. The museum traces the evolution of his artistic style through paintings, drawings, sculptures, and personal artifacts.

Afterward, explore the Cimiez district, historically favored by aristocrats during the winter. Visit Monastère de Cimiez, where peaceful terraces, rose gardens, and olive groves provide panoramic views over Nice.

Optional add-on: Head to the Musée d'Archéologie de Nice / Cimiez to wander through open-air Roman ruins including a bath complex, streets, and an amphitheater.

Return to the city center for dinner and drinks around Place Masséna, where lively cafés, restaurants, and illuminated buildings create a vibrant evening atmosphere.

Optional add-on: Take an evening cruise departing from Port Lympia for views of the Riviera coastline from the water

Take the bus to Èze and explore Vieux Èze, a medieval village perched high above the Mediterranean. Wander its narrow stone lanes, archways, artisan boutiques, and flower-filled courtyards while enjoying sweeping coastal views.

Optional add-on: Take a guided tour of the Parfumerie Fragonard - Usine Laboratoire de Èze to learn about the history and production of perfume in the region.

Enjoy a cliffside lunch overlooking the Côte d'Azur before visiting Jardin Exotique d’Èze, a botanical garden featuring cacti, succulents, sculptures, and some spectacular viewpoints of the Riviera.

Optional add-on: Hike down the Nietzsche Path from Èze Village to the coast. The trail takes approximately 45 minutes downhill (twice that going uphill) and offers beautiful views along the way. Proper footwear and water are recommended. The route is not suitable for visitors with mobility limitations. During summer months, some visitors may prefer hiking uphill in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat.

Head back to spend the evening in Nice.

Travel to Monaco-Ville, the historic heart of the Principality perched dramatically above the Mediterranean. Wander through its narrow streets and charming squares before visiting the Prince's Palace of Monaco, the official residence of Monaco's ruling family. If timing permits, watch the changing of the guard ceremony in Palace Square.

Optional add-on: Visit the historic Monaco Cathedral, or Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas de Monaco, where Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III wed and where the royal couple is now laid to rest. Requirements for respectful/modest attire apply at churches, synagogues, and other religious sites. Visitors should avoid disrupting religious observances and remain mindful of posted customs.

Continue to the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, an architectural landmark situated on the cliffs overlooking the sea. Explore its marine exhibits, aquariums, and panoramic terraces while learning about the principality's connection to ocean exploration.

Make your way to Monte Carlo, Monaco's world-famous district of luxury and glamour. Admire the Belle Époque architecture of the area while strolling among grand hotels, elegant gardens, and prestigious boutiques.

Visit the iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo and the surrounding square, exploring the luxury shopping district and enjoying views of the principality.

After dinner, take an evening stroll through Monte Carlo as the city lights illuminate its grand architecture and then return to Nice.

Travel to Antibes and begin by exploring the historic Old Town, where narrow streets, stone buildings, and lively squares reflect centuries of Mediterranean history.

Visit the colorful market at Marché Provençal, where local vendors offer regional specialties, flowers, and artisanal products. Continue through the old quarter, browsing boutiques and workshops featuring ceramics, soaps, textiles, and other Provençal crafts. Walk along portions of the historic ramparts for views of the Mediterranean and the coastline that inspired generations of artists.

Visit the Musée Picasso, housed within the historic Château Grimaldi, where Pablo Picasso worked in 1946. The museum features paintings, drawings, ceramics, and sculptures, while the building itself combines artistic significance with centuries of architectural history.

Continue to Le Fort Carré, known for its star-shaped bastions and elevated position that provides excellent views of Antibes, the sea, and the surrounding coastline.

Optional add-on: Head to the Cap d'Antibes for luxury estates, stunning coastal walks, and ever-changing Mediterranean light that has inspired generations of artists and writers, including Fitzgerald and Hemingway.

Enjoy an early dinner overlooking either the harbor or Mediterranean coastline before heading back to Nice.

Travel to Cannes and begin by visiting Marché Forville, a covered market made up of stalls filled with seasonal produce, regional cheeses, fresh seafood, olives, herbs, and other Provençal specialties. The market offers a glimpse into the culinary traditions of the Côte d'Azur.

Next, explore the historic quarter of Le Suquet. Wander through its narrow streets, colorful buildings, and charming squares while enjoying views of the harbor and coastline.

Stop in at Église Notre-Dame d'Espérance de Cannes, the town's historic hilltop church, and continue to viewpoints overlooking the city, marina, and Mediterranean Sea. Requirements for respectful/modest attire apply at churches, synagogues, and other religious sites. Visitors should avoid disrupting religious observances and remain mindful of posted customs.

Browse local shops and markets in the old town before making your way toward the waterfront.

Stroll along the La Croisette - Cannes, the palm-lined promenade that has become synonymous with Riviera glamour. Admire the grand hotels, elegant gardens, luxury boutiques, and sandy beaches that define Cannes' international reputation.

Visit the Palace of Festivals and Congresses of Cannes, home of the annual Cannes Film Festival. See the red-carpet staircase and explore the surrounding area dedicated to cinema and entertainment.

Spend time enjoying the waterfront atmosphere, marina views, and seaside cafés.

Optional add-on: Take a ferry to Île Sainte-Marguerite to explore coastal walking trails, pine forests, and the historic Fort Royal, traditionally associated with the legend of the Man in the Iron Mask.

After dinner overlooking the Mediterranean, the marina, or the illuminated La Croisette - Cannes, take a a final stroll along the waterfront before returning to Nice.