Budgeting for the French Riviera: Our Exact Travel Costs
The French Riviera travel guide you’ve been searching for is here. We break down exactly how much a trip to the French Riviera costs. From our personal French Riviera itinerary, we explored everything from Nice to Monaco in just a few days. Whether you’re dreaming of summer in Southern France or just curious about the cost of traveling on the French Riviera, this guide has it all. Keep reading to find out what to do in the French Riviera, the best towns to visit, and the best time to go. This blog post covers everything about our trip, especially the questions you sent us on Instagram while following our travels. As usual, we gathered all the questions and break it down so you know what to expect when exploring this iconic stretch of the Mediterranean coast. Read on to plan your trip, and don’t be surprised.
The French Riviera, also known as the Côte d’Azur, is one of the most iconic coastal regions in Europe, renowned for its sunny climate, sparkling blue waters, and glamorous lifestyle. It stretches along the southeastern coast of France and includes popular destinations like Nice, with its famous Promenade des Anglais; Cannes, home to the international film festival; Monaco, a luxury hotspot with casinos and yachts; Antibes, known for its historic charm and beaches; Saint-Tropez, a favorite for celebrities; and Menton, near the Italian border with beautiful gardens and pastel buildings. The region offers a perfect mix of culture, seaside relaxation, and picturesque views.
FAQ about traveling to the French Riviera
What is the best month to go to the French Riviera?
With the weather, it depends on your preference with most travel destinations, but the best month to visit the French Riviera is typically June. It offers warm, sunny days (around 24–28°C / 75–82°F) without the extreme heat of July and August. Tourist numbers are starting to rise, but it’s still less crowded than during the high season (July–August), making popular spots more enjoyable. Extended daylight hours let you make the most of sightseeing, beach time, and al fresco dining. Local markets, festivals, and beach clubs are open but not yet packed or overpriced.
May and September are also great alternatives, with pleasant weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds, but avoid July and August if you want to skip high prices, intense heat, and heavy tourist crowds.
How many days in French Riviera is enough?
A solid week (7 days) is considered ideal for exploring the French Riviera, allowing you to see its iconic coastal cities —Nice, Cannes, Monaco, Antibes, Saint-Tropez, Menton, Èze, and more — at a relaxed pace. At the same time, short trips (3–4 days) can focus on highlights like Nice, Èze, Monaco, Cannes, and Antibes. We spent five days here, and it was more than enough time to explore the major hubs. Spending a whole week lets you truly soak in the region’s elegance, culture, and relaxed Mediterranean rhythm.
Is the French Riviera worth visiting?
The French Riviera is worth visiting, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, culture, and charm. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, the region is ideal for enjoying its stunning coastline, turquoise waters, and picturesque towns. Cities like Nice, Cannes, Monaco, and Antibes each have their unique appeal, from historic old cities and luxury resorts to world-famous events like the Cannes Film Festival. The area is rich in art and culture, having inspired artists like Picasso and Matisse, and it’s also a paradise for food lovers, thanks to its fresh Mediterranean cuisine and local wines. Plus, with an efficient train and bus network, it’s easy to explore the entire region without needing a car. Whether you’re into beaches, museums, markets, or just soaking up the relaxed coastal atmosphere, the French Riviera has something for everyone.
Is Côte d’Azur expensive?
Yes, the Côte d’Azur is generally considered more expensive than many other travel destinations. The region attracts luxury travelers, celebrities, and international visitors, which drives up prices, especially in popular cities like Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, and Monaco. Accommodation ranges from high-end hotels and private villas to boutique guesthouses, often at premium rates, particularly during the peak summer season and major events like the Cannes Film Festival. Dining can also be pricey, with gourmet restaurants and seaside cafés commanding higher prices than in other parts of France. Transportation costs, luxury shopping, and entertainment expenses contribute to the overall cost. However, there are ways to enjoy the Côte d’Azur on a budget, such as visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall), opting for smaller towns, exploring local markets, and using public transportation instead of taxis.
What is the best way to travel around the French Riviera?
The most convenient and eco-friendly way to explore the French Riviera is by train. From Nice Ville, you can hop aboard frequent TER regional trains that connect to Cannes, Antibes, Monaco, and Menton — typically running every 30 minutes until around 10 pm. To visit Saint-Tropez, ride to Saint-Raphaël, then transfer via bus or taxi for the final stretch. Want to dive deeper into train travel? Be sure to read our complete “How to Travel the French Riviera by Train” guide for tips, schedules, and rail pass options.
What is considered the French Riviera?
The French Riviera, also known as the Côte d’Azur, is a glamorous stretch of Mediterranean coastline in southeastern France, running from the Italian border in the east to around Toulon or sometimes Cassis in the west. It includes some of the most iconic and scenic destinations in Europe, such as Nice, Cannes, Monaco, Antibes, Saint-Tropez, Menton, and the hilltop village of Èze. This region blends stunning coastal views, Mediterranean climate, Provençal charm, and a touch of luxury.
How did you travel to the French Riviera?
We traveled to the French Riviera by flying from Vienna to Nice, which served as our main base for exploring the region. Our round-trip flight with Ryanair costs €260.22 for two people (both ways, making it €130.11 for two one way, meaning about €65.95 per person one way) , making it a convenient and affordable option. The flight duration from Vienna to Nice was approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. It’s a short and comfortable journey, making it an easy gateway to start exploring the French Riviera without losing much travel time. Nice is well-connected and centrally located along the coast, so it was the perfect city to stay in while taking day trips to nearby destinations like Monaco, Antibes, Menton, and Èze.
How do you get from Nice Airport to the city center?
When arriving at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, we followed the tips from our blog post How to Get from Nice Airport to the City Centre: A Penguin’s Guide, and took the efficient Tram Line 2 straight from either Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 to the Jean Médecin stop in about 25–30 minutes. This affordable option costs around €1.70 each way (or €10 for a round-trip ticket) and operates every 7–8 minutes during weekdays. Once in Nice, you’re just steps away from city-center attractions, making it a quick and budget-friendly start to your Riviera adventure.
What expenses to expect in the French Riviera?
When visiting the French Riviera, expect a range of expenses depending on your travel style. Here’s a breakdown of the main costs to plan for:
Accommodation
- Budget: €50–€90/night (hostels, guesthouses, budget hotels)
- Mid-range: €100–€200/night (3-star hotels, boutique stays)
- Luxury: €250+/night (4-5 star hotels, sea-view resorts, especially in Cannes or Monaco)
Food & Dining
- Budget meals: €10–€15 (bakeries, street food, casual cafés)
- Mid-range meals: €20–€40 per person (bistros, beachside restaurants)
- Fine dining: €60+ per person (Michelin-star or high-end spots)
Transportation
- Train tickets: €3–€8 per one-way trip between towns (Nice to Monaco, Cannes, etc.)
- Public transport in Nice: €1.70 per tram/bus ticket
- Car rental (optional): €40–€70/day, plus parking
Attractions & Activities
- Most beaches are free, but some private beach clubs charge between €20 and €40 for a day bed.
- Museums: €5–€15 depending on the site
- Day trips or tours: €30–€100 depending on destination and service
Other costs
- Souvenirs & shopping: Varies, especially if visiting markets or boutiques
- Travel insurance: ~€10–€20 per week depending on coverage
- Tips & service charges: Not mandatory, but rounding up is appreciated
Pro Penguin Tip: While the French Riviera can be expensive, using trains, enjoying public beaches, and staying in Nice as a base can help you keep costs reasonable without sacrificing the experience.
We stayed in the French Riviera from May 4th to May 8th, which gave us a total of 4 nights and 5 days to explore the region. It was the perfect amount of time to enjoy a mix of sightseeing, beach relaxation, and some day trips to nearby towns. Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of our expenses, from flights and accommodations to food, transportation, and activities, to help you plan your trip more easily.
| Item | Total Price | Price/Person |
| Food & Drinks | €404.56 | €202.28 |
| Grocery | €63.29 | €31.65 |
| Souvenirs | €79.74 | €39.87 |
| Transportation | €23.40 | €11.70 |
| Attractions | €21.00 | €10.50 |
We spent a total of €404.56 on food and drinks, which includes restaurant meals, snacks, and coffee breaks, averaging about €202.28 per person. To save a bit, we also shopped for groceries twice at Carrefour and once at Lidl, spending a total of €63.29. We purchased a few souvenirs for €79.74, including local goods, small gifts, and a new penguin brother. Transportation costs were just €23.40, thanks to the affordable and efficient train and tram system. For attractions, we paid a total of €21.00 for entry to the Exotic Garden in Èze; everything else we explored across the French Riviera, including beaches, markets, and towns, was completely free.
Tips for Saving Money on the French Riviera
Traveling the French Riviera doesn’t have to break the bank, here are some simple ways to cut costs:
- Stay in Nice. It’s more affordable than Monaco or Saint-Tropez and well-connected by train.
- Use public transport. Trains and trams are cheap, reliable, and scenic.
- Eat like a local. Grab food from bakeries and markets or set lunch menus (formula midi).
- Visit free attractions. Enjoy public beaches, old towns, coastal walks, and markets.
- Book in advance. Flights, accommodations, and train tickets are often cheaper when booked in advance.
- Travel in the shoulder season. May, early June, or September offer lower prices and fewer crowds.
Where did you stay in Nice?
We stayed in a Nice Studio Terrace, located in Nice’s Musicians District, just a few minutes waddle from the Promenade des Anglais and the central train station. We paid €418.29 for our 4-night stay, which we felt offered excellent value given its prime location and quality. The studio was bright, fully refurbished, and featured a lovely terrace with lush greenery, a rare find in the city center.
From our perspective, the price was well worth the comfort and convenience we experienced. We appreciated being within easy reach of cafés, supermarkets, beaches, and public transport, which made daily outings effortless.
Is Nice, France, a walkable city?
Yes, Nice is a very walkable city, making it easy and enjoyable to explore on foot. The city’s layout is flat and compact, with most major attractions, such as the Old Town (Vieux Nice), the Promenade des Anglais, Place Masséna, and the beachfront, all within short walking distance of each other. Pedestrian-friendly zones, especially in the Old Town and along Avenue Jean Médecin, make waddling safe and pleasant. The beautiful seaside promenade is perfect for long, scenic strolls. When you want a break from waddling, Nice has an excellent tram and bus system that’s affordable and easy to navigate. Overall, the city’s size and layout make it ideal for discovering its charm at a relaxed pace.
Is Nice safe for tourists?
Yes, Nice is generally a safe city for tourists, especially in popular areas like the city center, Old Town, and along the Promenade des Anglais. It’s a well-visited destination with a visible police presence and reliable public transport. As with any major city, it’s wise to stay alert to petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, particularly in crowded areas like markets, trams, and train stations. Most places are safe to walk around, even at night, though it’s best to avoid poorly lit or unfamiliar neighborhoods after dark. Overall, as long as you take standard precautions and stay aware of your surroundings, Nice is a safe and welcoming place to explore.
How much does five days in the French Riviera cost?
Our 5-day trip to the French Riviera cost a total of approximately €1,270.50 for two people, covering all expenses, from flights to daily costs. This included €260.22 for round-trip flights from Vienna to Nice, €418.29 for our 4-night stay in a centrally located Airbnb, and €404.56 spent on food and drinks while dining out. We also spent €63.29 on groceries for light meals and snacks, €79.74 on souvenirs, and just €23.40 on transportation thanks to Nice’s affordable tram and regional train system. For attractions, we only paid €21.00, as we focused on enjoying free sights and experiences, such as beaches, scenic walks, and charming towns. All in all, the trip was well-balanced in cost and comfort, making it a memorable and surprisingly affordable Riviera getaway.
For two people spending five days in the French Riviera, primarily in Nice, we spent €1,270.50, which comes to €635.25 per person.
We hope this helped out with your planning and that you will enjoy the French Rivera as much as we did. It is more expensive but still worth the visit. And you can always cut some expenses.
Pack your bag, put on your exploration shoes, and waddle more!
