Things to do in French Riviera

The Promenade Des Anglais is a lively walkway that runs along Nice’s azure coastline. The three-mile (five-kilometer) stretch of pavement is lined with blue and white umbrellas, pebbled beaches and blue sea on one side. Cafés, restaurants and up-market hotels line the other side, separated by a busy road.

La Croisette is a gorgeous seaside boulevard lined with palm trees, luxurious hotels and the most fashionable restaurants and bars in the city. This 1.2-mile (2-kilometer) boardwalk is where the big names of the movie industry come to be seen during the Cannes Film Festival.

Watch from the sidelines as professional drivers race around the Monte Carlo Formula One Track, the route that some call the world’s most difficult grand prix. The twisting streets of Monaco are tricky for the drivers, but undeniably thrilling for the viewers. Visit when the Grand Prix is not running and follow the course through town to see some of the principality’s most recognizable sights.

The Palace of Festivals and Congress Hall is the home of the Cannes Film Festival. This is where many movies are screened and prizes are awarded during the annual spectacular. For the rest of the year, the landmark building hosts a variety of exhibitions and events, including boat shows, ballet performances, concerts and conferences.

Place Massena is the main square in Nice. The large plaza lies between the Old and New Towns, and is lined with shops and restaurants. It sits at a crossroads of several main boulevards, including the grand Avenue Jean Médecin. Locals flock here on their way to school and work. Stop for a coffee at one of the cafés dotted around the edge of the square and take in the action. The tramway runs through the center of the plaza, but otherwise it’s pedestrian only.

Admire the Belle Époque grandeur of Casino Monte-Carlo during a morning tour through its marbled halls. Spend an evening playing at one of its many gambling tables. The elegant venue and smartly dressed patrons make this a popular destination for people looking for a gambling experience of the highest class. The famous casino attracts more than gamblers; it’s also popular among lovers of the arts who come to see ballet, opera and classical music in the Salle Garnier concert hall.

Cannes Harbour, or Old Port, sits in the heart of the glamorous city, below the historic old town. Filling its berths are a mixture of sailboats, yachts and super yachts, creating one of the most iconic sights of this part of the French Riviera.