Late July brings the Riviera to full swing, with the film festival crowds gone from Cannes but the beach clubs and markets still buzzing. This 4-day route covers Nice, Antibes, and Cannes by train, with easy day trips to smaller villages along the coast.
Day 1: Nice Old Town
Wander Vieux Nice's narrow lanes, stop at the Cours Saleya flower market, and walk the Promenade des Anglais at sunset. Grab a socca (chickpea pancake) from a street stall for an authentic first taste of Nicois food.
Day 2: Villefranche-sur-Mer and Eze
Take the short train to Villefranche-sur-Mer for a swim in its calm harbor, then bus up to the clifftop village of Eze for panoramic Mediterranean views and a wander through its medieval streets.
Day 3: Antibes and Juan-les-Pins
Visit the Picasso Museum in Antibes' old town, then walk the ramparts overlooking the sea. Spend the afternoon on the sandy beaches of Juan-les-Pins, a short walk away.
Day 4: Cannes
Stroll La Croisette past the film festival's red carpet steps, browse the Forville market for local produce, and take a boat out to the Lerins Islands for a quieter beach afternoon before heading home.
Practical notes: The regional train (TER) connects all these towns along the coast in under 30 minutes each way and beats driving in summer traffic. Beaches in Nice are pebble, not sand, pack water shoes. Book restaurants ahead in Cannes during peak July weeks.
Where to Stay
Budget: Small guesthouses near Nice's train station run $110-150 a night in July.
Mid-range: Boutique hotels in Antibes' old town cost $250-350 a night in peak season.
Splurge: The Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes is the Riviera's classic grand hotel, from around $1,500 a night in July.
Where to Eat
Chez Pipo in Nice: A local institution for socca since 1923.
Cafe Llorca in Antibes: A relaxed spot for market-driven Provencal dishes.
Marche Forville stalls in Cannes: Fresh oysters and socca straight from the market.
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