Planning a road trip along the French Riviera from Barcelona? Check out my recent 7-day itinerary, which highlights some of the best destinations along Spain’s stunning Costa Brava and the beautiful South of France.

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French Riviera Road Trip from Barcelona

Is French Riviera worth visiting?

The French Riviera (also called Cote D’Azur) often appears on the list of the most romantic travel destinations worldwide for a reason. The South of France globally ranks for its beautiful Mediterranean coastline with azure-blue waters, charming Provence lifestyle, cute villages with cobblestone streets, and delicious French cuisine. So, it is absolutely worth experiencing at least once.

No wonder I had been dreaming about this French Riviera road trip for quite some time! I have to admit, though, that I was mostly excited about exploring the charming little French villages. However, it’s hard to plan an itinerary in the South of France without including some of its iconic spots, like Cannes and Monaco. As a result, this road trip ended up being quite packed with must-see places. Still, I really wanted to experience the region firsthand, driving through its breathtaking landscapes and getting a true feel for its beauty and charm.

How to get to French Riviera

The Aéroport Nice Côte d’Azur is France’s second-busiest airport, after Paris, making it a popular starting point for any French Riviera road trip. However, one of my favorite journeys has been driving from Barcelona, exploring the Mediterranean coast of both Spain and France in a single trip.

For a more extensive itinerary, you can combine this French Riviera road trip with my 5-day Costa Brava road trip, a 7-day adventure through the Pyrenees starting from Barcelona, and even a weekend getaway to Andorra. This extended route offers a perfect mix of coastal beauty, rugged mountain landscapes, and charming Mediterranean towns.

Where to Stay in the French Riviera

For this French Riviera Road Trip, I was specifically looking for a budget-friendly hotel with a charming Provence appeal: we ended up booking La Bastide de Valbonne. Nevertheless, on the map below, you can find something for every taste.

French Riviera Road Trip from Barcelona

Embarking on a French Riviera road trip from Barcelona offers a fantastic opportunity to spend a few days in the vibrant Catalan capital. Despite having visited Barcelona multiple times, I always enjoy starting my road trips from here, particularly when heading to the Pyrenees or Southern France. The city’s unique blend of art, architecture, and culture makes it the perfect launching point for an unforgettable journey.

Driving through Southern France

If it’s your first time driving through the South of France, you may want to get this Tripiamo Guide for Driving in France. Overall, driving through the French Riviera was an enjoyable experience, with scenic views and smooth roads. However, the moment we entered Marseille, the traffic became chaotic, which was a bit overwhelming. One thing to note is the frequent tolls along the highways in France; I don’t recall encountering a similar non-stop toll system in other European countries, which can add up over time. Be prepared for this as it might affect your travel budget.

Unique Experiences not to miss at the French Riviera

• French Riviera Provencal Wine Tours (check availability)
• From Nice: Train Experience Through the Alps & Baroque Route (check availability)
• From Nice: Culture, Wine & Food – Old Town Guided Walking Tour (check availability)
• From Nice: 3-Hour Panoramic E-Bike Tour (check availability)
• From Cannes: Private Boat Trip to Lerins Islands & Cap d’Antibes (check availability)
• From Cannes: Discover the Calanques of the Esterel (check availability)
• From Cannes: Round-Trip Ferry to Ste. Marguerite Island (check availability)

Our 7-day French Riviera Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Barcelona – Girona – Carcassone

On the first day of this French Riviera Road Trip, we drove from Barcelona (Spain) to Carcassone (France) with a stop in Girona.

Girona

Girona is a must-see on any Costa Brava road trip and a popular Game of Thrones Filming Location in Spain. This town is full of traces of different civilizations and cultures (especially, the Romans, the Moors, and the Jews). The iconic Cathedral of Girona has elements of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles.

Girona´s most popular area is its Old Town, especially Rambla de la Libertad – a pedestrian street full of shops and cafes. A great way to make the most of your stop in Girona is to book one of the tours with a local guide to show you around:

• The 11 Tastings of Girona small-group tour and dinner (check availability)
• Jewish Heritage Guided City Tour and Museum Visit (check availability)
• Game of Thrones Small Group Tour (check availability)
• Guided 2-Hour Walking Tour with Food Tasting (check availability)
• History and Gastronomy Small Group with Tastings (check availability)
• Discover the City – Audio Walking Guide App-Based (check availability)

Carcassonne

The most unique landmark in the French town of Carcassonne is its medieval Old Town. I recommend you check out the official website for current events (your travel dates might overlap with a temporary exposition or a local farmers market). The top famous restaurants in Carcassonne are Restaurant Comte Roger, L’Escargot, and La Barbacane. A few great experiences you can book in Carcassonne in advance:

• Carcassonne Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket (check availability)
• Wine Discovery Tasting In Carcassonne (check availability)
• Carcassonne Private Guided Tour (check availability)
• Carcassonne During World War 2 (check availability)
• Unusual Guided Tour of the Medieval City of Carcassonne (check availability)
• Complete Private Tour City and Castle of Carcassonne (check availability)

The Book Village of Montolieu

Back home, I came across information about the charming book village of Montolieu, located near Carcassonne. I absolutely would have made sure to visit this picturesque spot – if only I had known about it during my French Riviera road trip. Montolieu is renowned for its collection of bookshops, galleries, and literary history, making it a must-see for any book lover.

Day 2 Carcassone – Marseille – Valbonne

On the road from Carcassone to the French Riviera you can make stops at Abbaye de Fontfroide, Narbo Via Museum in Narbonne, and Jardin de Plantes or Planet Ocean in Montpellier.

Marseille

My original plan for was to make a lunch stop in Marseille (to try the famous local dish bouillabaisse at Chez Fonfon). However, the city has left with mixed feelings… Being the second largest capital in France, Marseille is known for its rich history and vibrant culture but also has higher crime rates than the rest of the country (together with Nice). That safety feeling apparently varies from neighborhood to neighborhood. Many claim that the appeal of Marseille is similar to other European port cities, but I did not feel this way (especially since I have already visited most of the European ports via Mediterranean Cruises). Also, Marseille is probably the dirtiest city I’ve ever seen in France.

We spent quite a while driving around looking for parking near the restaurant but eventually decided not to leave our car on the street (because the area we were driving around didn’t feel entirely safe, and I always trust my gut on the road). Instead, we headed straight to our hotel in Valbonne.

My mistake with Marseille was thinking it would be a quick and easy stop, but that was definitely not the case. Marseille isn’t a place you want to visit in a rush, and I wish I had booked a walking tour with a local guide to show me around. Since my childhood, I have always wanted to visit Marseille to see the famous Chateau dIf (from the book The Count of Monte-Cristo by Alexandre Dumas). So, I plan to return to Marseille again (probably, without a car).

Top Experiences in Marseille

• Walking Food Tour with Tastings (check availability)
• Calanques National Park Sailing Cruise with Lunch (check availability)
• Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Drinks (check availability)
• Marseille Walking Tour (check availability)
• Marseille Musée de l’Illusion Entry Ticket (check availability)
• Marseille Evening Food Tour with Tastings (check availability)

Day 3 Cannes – Grasse

Cannes

The 3rd day of our French Riviera Road Trip started with coffee & croissants at the iconic waterfront promenade Boulevard de Croisette in Cannes. The first thing Cannes is known for internationally is, probably, the Film Festival. However, the city is full of glam all year round – with all the designer shops, yachts, and luxury hotels.

A popular stop along the promenade is Le Palais des Festivals et des Congres, where you can pose on the Red Carpet and explore the bronze handprints of French celebrities.The most iconic hotels of Cannes that you can also spot along the way are Carlton, Hotel Martinez, and Barriere Le Majestic. Since it was my first time visiting Cannes, we spent the whole morning window shopping and exploring the city. Nevertheless, next time, I would love to visit the nearest Lerins Islands. Other popular things to do in Cannes:

• From Cannes: Discover the Calanques of the Esterel (check availability)
• From Cannes: Round-Trip Ferry to Ste. Marguerite Island (check availability)
• From Cannes: Half-Day Catamaran Cruise with Lunch (check availability)
• From Cannes: Private Boat Tour to the Lérins Islands (check availability)

Grasse

In the afternoon, we headed to Grasse – the perfume capital of France. As any fan of French perfumes with history, I couldn’t this small town. Some of my favorite scents were created in France – Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris Baccarat Rouge 540, Helene by Rance 1795, and Pale Blue Eyes by Roos & Roos.

I also remember reading about Grasse in Parfume by Patrik Suskind. While the town itself did not impress me, visiting a French perfume factory was interesting and educative. The most iconic perfume factories in Grasse are Fragonard, Galimard, and Molinard. Since Vanille Fruitee Eau de Parfum by Molinard is often on the summer list of my travel beauty essentials, and I have already seen Fragonard in Paris, we decided to visit Galimard for a tour and French new scents to bring home.

• Grasse Design Your Own Fragrance at a Perfume Factory /by Molinard (check availability)
• Grasse Perfume Workshop / by Molinard (check availability)
• Perfume Making Class and Guided Visit /by Fragonard (check availability)

Day 4 St. Paul de Vence – Eze

St. Paul de Vence

St. Paul de Vence was one of the French Riviera villages I was most looking forward to visiting. Beyond its charming cobblestone streets and medieval architecture, St. Paul de Vence has long been the ultimate artists’ hub of the Côte d’Azur. This small town was frequented by artists like Matisse, Picasso, Dufy, and Marc Chagall, some of whom would even pay their bills with paintings at the famous Colombe d’Or restaurant (where we also had lunch). St. Paul de Vence ended up being one of the highlights of this French Riviera road trip.

Eze

The small hilltop town of Eze is located between Nice and Monaco. The village is famous for its spectacular views and impressive medieval architecture. Walking the narrow streets of Eze makes one time travel back to the Middle Ages. We really enjoyed the panoramic views at Jardin Exotique.

Day 5 Villefranche-sur-Mer – Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild – Monaco

Villefranche-sur-Mer

We started the 5th day of this French Riviera Road Trip with a visit to the small village of Villefranche-sur-Mer. After wandering its Old town streets and colorful medieval houses, we had lunch at La Mere Germaine (known for great cuisine and seaside views).

Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

After Villefranche-sur-Mer, we headed to the small peninsula of St Jean Cap Ferrat to visit Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. This beautiful property used to belong to Baroness Beatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild and was inspired by her numerous travels around the world. The villa is set in one of the most beautiful locations of Cote d’Azur and houses a unique collection of artworks & porcelain. The 16-euro entrance included audioguide – it was such a pleasure to wander around the gorgeous interiors of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Like St Paul de Vence, this property ended up as one of my favorite stops on this French Riviera Road Trip.

Monaco

After an afternoon visit to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, we decided to head to Monaco and see the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo. While Monaco is globally renowned for its glamour, yachts, and luxury boutiques, I didn’t find anything particularly special about it. The parking lot near the casino was filled with luxury cars, but from an architectural or sightseeing perspective, Monaco didn’t strike me as very attractive. Overall, it was an interesting experience to visit Monaco once, but I wouldn’t go back.

Day 6 Corniche D´Or – Saint-Tropez – Figueres

Corniche D´Or

On the 6th day of our French Riviera road trip, we headed back to Spain, with a stop in Saint-Tropez. I was excited to drive along the famous Corniche d’Or (also called Corniche de l’Esterel), known as one of the most beautiful roads on the French Riviera. This scenic route connects Cannes to Fréjus, near Saint-Tropez, and is renowned for its spectacular reddish rocks and stunning views of the Mediterranean coast.

Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez is known as a glamorous stop for yachts along the French Riviera. But essentially, it is an old fisherman’s village full of luxury shops. In one of the local cafes, we got coffee with the popular local cake tarte tropezienne. After Saint-Tropez, we drove all the way to Figueres – the famous home of the Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dali.

Day 7 Figueres – Cadaques – Barcelona

On the last day of this French Riviera Road Trip, we visited Cadaques, often called one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. We went early in the morning to avoid the crowds and parking problems (the parking of Cadaques often gets full during the summer peak season). Afterward, we headed to Figures to visit the famous Salvador Dali Theatre Museum, both places belong to the famous Dali Triangle in Spain.

After Figueres, it was time to return to Barcelona, where we started this jam-packed road trip only a week ago. But since we had lived so many different experiences during these past 7 days – it actually felt like months. If you consider staying a few days in Barcelona, check out this 4 days in Barcelona Itinerary.

What to buy in French Riviera

The French Riviera is a wonderful destination to find exquisite souvenirs that encapsulate its Mediterranean allure (and can find items that you’ll actually use back at home). Personally, I find myself captivated by the aesthetics of Provence, often revisiting the region through coffee table books and local art.

Additionally, local perfumes and natural cosmetic brands, such as Florame, have been staples in my travel beauty essentials for years. By the way, Florame has a charming boutique in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, which you can include in any French Riviera itinerary from Barcelona. They also offer international shipping to most destinations worldwide, except those where they have representatives and do not sell directly. 

Below, you can find all of my favorite things to bring home from the French Riviera and Provence:

• Natural Cosmetics (including creams, soaps, and lotions, with lavender being the most iconic plant of Provence).
• Food Souvenirs – Artisan chocolates, sweets like lavender or orange blossom cookies and biscuits, calissons (traditional almond and candied fruit confections), local wines, and Provençal herbs (a popular blend of thyme, rosemary, and basil).
• Art & Oil Paintings – The South of France is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, which have inspired countless artists. Art lovers visiting the French Riviera have a great opportunity to acquire original artworks or prints that capture the region’s charm.
• Perfumes – As I have mentioned earlier, Grasse is one of the perfume capitals of the world, with classic perfumeries like Fragonard, Galimard, and Molinard.
• Postcards, Wall Art, and Posters – The French Riviera is visually stunning, and you’ll find unique prints in various forms, from wall art to postcards, making for beautiful and artistic keepsakes (for ex. PrintymaniaFrance, Watercolor Postcards, or Map of Provence)
• Straw Hats, Linen Clothing, Fans, and Antique Fabrics (for ex. ChiffonnierdePauline, Soleian, and AtelierdeClau)
• Jewelry – Many small towns along the Riviera are home to jewelry boutiques that offer handcrafted, elegant designs, making it easy to find unique, locally made pieces.
• Guidebooks and Coffee Table Books – Beautifully illustrated books can be found throughout the region, serving as both informative reads and decorative accents for your home (like Provence and the Cote d’Azur, Provence Style, Le Sud, An Insider’s Guide to Provence, Markets of Provence, The French Riviera: A Literary Guide or Travels Through the French Riviera)
• Ceramic Tableware – While Spanish and Portuguese pottery may be my favorites, the French Riviera also boasts exquisite ceramics, often adorned with Mediterranean motifs
• Olive Oil  – Olive groves are abundant along the French Riviera, making olive oil and olive oil-based cosmetics a popular choice for those looking to bring home a taste of the region.
• Books and novels set in the French Riviera and Provence offer a great way to revisit the region’s charm from home, I loved A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle.

Inspiring books & movies about French Riviera and Provence

Don’t miss these books to fuel your wanderlust in anticipation of your upcoming French Riviera road trip:

• A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle (my favorite)
• Living in Provence by Taschen
• Travels Through the French Riviera: An Artist’s Guide
• The French Riviera: A Literary Guide
• Light on the Riviera: Photography of the Côte d’Azur
• The Count of Monte-Cristo by Alexandre Dumas (with some scenes set in Marseille)

Among the movies set on the French Riviera, I particularly enjoyed A Good Year (2006), directed by Ridley Scott. This charming film stars Russell Crowe as a London banker who inherits a vineyard in Provence, where he discovers the beauty of the region and his own life’s possibilities. To Catch a Thief (1955), directed by Alfred Hitchcock, is another classic, starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. The film beautifully captures the glamour and intrigue of the Riviera, as a retired cat burglar is framed for a series of robberies. And God Created Woman (1956), directed by Roger Vadim, was a breakthrough film for Brigitte Bardot, set in the sun-drenched town of St. Tropez, showcasing the irresistible allure and freedom of the French coastline. Lastly, Magic in the Moonlight (2014), directed by Woody Allen, is a light-hearted romantic comedy featuring Colin Firth and Emma Stone, set in the 1920s on the glamorous Riviera, where a magician seeks to expose a spiritual medium while falling in love.

Map of Top Stops on This French Riviera Road Trip

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