How to Spend 48 Hours on the French Riviera: Top Attractions and Tips

Sunshine and the South of France always sounds like a good idea... For this cute little weekend trip, my friends and I flew from London into Nice International Airport. We stayed at a nearby town called Antibes, about 15-20 min drive away from the airport as the accommodation options there were more reasonably priced for the summer season. Car hire is widely available and easily found after landing.‍

Where?

France

48 Hours on the French Riviera

The French Riviera – a name synonymous with glamour, sunshine, and undeniable charm. And for good reason! We recently spent a whirlwind 48 hours exploring this captivating coastline, and here's a peek at our adventure (I definitely could have spent more time there but alas, will have to save it for next time!).

Day 1: Nice & Cannes - a whistle stop tour

We kicked things off in Nice, refuelling with flaky croissants from a cute bakery (because pastries are basically mandatory in France). The city was buzzing with summer energy, and we dived straight into the vibrant atmosphere. Pro tip: don't miss the "socca" at Chez Theresa – it's a chickpea pancake that sounds weird but had a long queue of people waiting, so obviously we couldn't skip joining in. Turns out, it was indeed a delicious and needed snack ahead of our afternoon adventures.

After a quick pit stop of drinks and snacks, we tackled the climb to Nice's castle. The reward? Breathtaking panoramic views of the town and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. The viewpoint was a little busy but the shade at the top was very much welcomed after the way up.

Refreshed and exhilarated, we continued our coastal drive to Cannes. Pristine beaches dotted the shoreline, teeming with sunbathers enjoying the balmy weather. We strolled along the famed Cannes boulevard, soaking in the luxurious ambience before indulging in refreshing drinks at a beach bar. The vibes were immaculate!

Cannes' reputation for high-end shopping was testing though, and I almost splurged on a new handbag. I did reign it in and resisted though - saving my monies for future travels hehe.

As the sun started to dip, we headed back to Antibes for a delicious dinner, drinks, and a wander through the charming old town.

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Day 2: Exploring more cute little Provençal towns

The day once again started with some fresh croissants (becoming a theme, and for good reason!). We packed up and checked out of our Airbnb and made out way from Antibes to Valbonne, another gorgeous Provençal town. We savoured a lazy lunch in the main square before exploring the cute streets lined with colourful houses and quirky shops. It was really Instagrammable and I loved exploring the cute alleys dotted with pretty flowers and quaint wine bars.

Our next stop was Mougins, a town brimming with artistic vibes. Apparently, Pablo Picasso used to hang out here, so there are art galleries and sculptures everywhere. Plus, the hilltop location meant stunning views bathed in sunshine – perfect for a summer afternoon. We grabbed a quick ice cream and wandered around, taking in more of those French aesthetics and architecture.

Before heading back to the airport, we relaxed on the beach in St. Laurent-du-Var, soaking up the remaining bits of sun and the chilled atmosphere before catching our flight back at 10 pm.

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Top Tips:

Grab a French Riviera Pass for discounts on attractions and public transport if you're planning on doing lots of sightseeing.
Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, especially if you're short on time.
Don't forget the sunscreen, hat, and comfy walking shoes – essentials for any French adventure!

So, there you have it! Hopefully, this little glimpse into my trip has inspired you to explore the magic of the French Riviera for yourselves. Get planning that beach break or a romantic weekend getaway in the sun.

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