The French Riviera, or Cote d'Azur, has been synonymous with glamour, luxury, and the art of living well since the early 20th century. Driving along this legendary stretch of Mediterranean coastline from Marseille to the Italian border offers a unique combination of stunning scenery, world-class culture, and the irresistible charm of Provencal life.
The three famous corniche roads above Nice are among Europe's most spectacular drives. The Grande Corniche, the highest route, offers sweeping views of the entire coast and was made famous in the Alfred Hitchcock film "To Catch a Thief." The Moyenne Corniche passes through the medieval village of Eze, perched like an eagle's nest above the sea. The Basse Corniche runs closest to the water through the charming towns of Villefranche-sur-Mer and Beaulieu-sur-Mer.
A driving tour of the Riviera should include Nice with its Promenade des Anglais and vibrant old town, the principality of Monaco with its famous casino and Grand Prix circuit, the artistic haven of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, the film festival city of Cannes, the celebrity playground of Saint-Tropez, and the red rocks of the Esterel Massif. Inland, the perfume capital of Grasse and the dramatic Gorges du Verdon — Europe's Grand Canyon — are worth the detour.
For non-EU drivers, an IDP is recommended when driving in France. French toll roads (peages) are expensive but fast and well-maintained. Free alternatives exist along the coast but expect traffic, especially in summer. Parking in Riviera towns is notoriously difficult and expensive — arrive early or use park-and-ride facilities. The best time to drive the Riviera is May-June or September-October, avoiding the peak summer crowds.
