Ultimate 10-Day Affordable and Unique French Riviera Itinerary: Nice, Cannes, Antibes, and Monaco

Day 1: Arrival and Relax

Nice, France on August 21, 2025

10:00am

Arrival and Check-in

Arrive in Nice and check in to your accommodation. Since you travel three people, arrange comfortable transport or shared taxi to your accommodation, perhaps near Nice train station for convenience.
CURRENCY0, 1h

11:30am

Promenade des Anglais

Stroll along Nice’s famous seafront promenade to enjoy the Mediterranean views and relaxed atmosphere. This is the best way to start experiencing the Riviera's charm without being overwhelmed.
CURRENCY0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Fenocchio Glacier

Taste some of the best artisanal ice cream in Nice, a local legend with over 90 flavours. Try unique ones like lavender or violet, alongside classic flavours that keep tourists and locals coming back.
CURRENCY5, 45m

2:00pm

Old Town (Vieux Nice)

Wander through narrow streets full of colourful markets, baroque churches, and quaint shops. Don’t miss the local flower market and the hidden spots like Place Rossetti.
CURRENCY0, 2h

5:00pm

Castle Hill (Colline du Château)

Climb or take the lift up Castle Hill for panoramic views over Nice and the coast, a less touristy spot later in the afternoon, perfect to relax and watch the sunset.
CURRENCY0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at La Rossettisserie

Enjoy affordable yet delicious rotisserie chicken and traditional vegetables, located in a hidden alley in Old Town. This restaurant is loved by locals for great value meals.
CURRENCY20, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Nice Exploration

Nice, France on August 22, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Le Coin Quotidien

A cosy café offering fresh pastries and great coffee to start your day like a local, open daily from 7am.
CURRENCY10, 1h

10:30am

Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMAC)

Explore incredible modern art collections in a spacious building near Old Town, open 10am-6pm, closed Tuesdays.
CURRENCY10, 2h

12:45pm

Lunch at Olive & Artichaut

A charming eatery specialising in Mediterranean cuisine with fresh local ingredients and great vegetarian options.
CURRENCY18, 1h

2:00pm

Day Trip to Villefranche-sur-Mer Beach

Catch a short train (approx 15 minutes) from Nice to this stunning and less touristy public beach known for crystal-clear water and peaceful ambience.
CURRENCY3 (train), 3h

6:00pm

Return to Nice and relax

Rest back at your accommodation or leisurely stroll along the Promenade.
CURRENCY0, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Chez Pipo

Try the local speciality ‘Socca’, a chickpea flatbread, at this authentic, budget-friendly spot loved by locals, open until 10pm.
CURRENCY12, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Travel to Cannes

Cannes, France on August 23, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Nice Train Station Café

Grab a quick coffee and croissant before boarding the train to Cannes, to maximise sightseeing time.
CURRENCY7, 30m

10:00am

Train to Cannes

Take the TER train from Nice Ville station to Cannes; the journey takes about 30-40 minutes and costs around €7. Booking tickets on SNCF Connect is recommended.
CURRENCY7, 40m

11:00am

Check-in at Hotel Bellevue, Cannes

Settle into your hotel located near Cannes centre and beaches, perfect for exploring over the coming days.
CURRENCY0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Astoux et Brun

Famous for fresh seafood and oysters, this affordable gem near the port offers authentic Riviera flavours that won’t break the bank.
CURRENCY25, 1h

2:00pm

La Croisette and Beaches

Walk along the famous Boulevard de la Croisette and relax on one of the public beaches for free or rent a sun bed at an affordable rate.
CURRENCY0-15, 3h

5:30pm

Le Suquet Old Town

Explore the medieval part of Cannes, offering stunning views and charming narrow streets without the usual crowds of the Croisette.
CURRENCY0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at La Bodega

Popular tapas bar offering great value Spanish and French small plates; lively atmosphere and perfect for groups, open until 11pm.
CURRENCY20, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Cannes Local Gems

Cannes, France on August 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Boulangerie Pâtisserie Mounier

Enjoy delicious fresh pastries and bread, a bakery favourites among locals, open from 6:30am.
CURRENCY8, 45m

9:30am

Marché Forville Market

Visit this bustling local market full of fresh produce, cheeses, regional products and flowers. Great for souvenirs and authentic Riviera snacks.
CURRENCY0, 1h

11:00am

Île Sainte-Marguerite

Take a 15-minute ferry from Cannes port to this beautiful island with hidden coves, walking trails, and Fort Royal museum featuring the legend of the Man in the Iron Mask. Ferries run every 30 minutes.
CURRENCY15 (return ferry), 3h

2:30pm

Lunch Picnic on the Island

Buy local treats from Marché Forville before the ferry and enjoy a picnic lunch at the peaceful island beaches.
CURRENCY15, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Cannes and Visit La Malmaison Art Centre

Explore this small contemporary art gallery on La Croisette with free admission and exciting rotating exhibitions.
CURRENCY0, 1h

6:00pm

Relax at Hotel or Beach

Freshen up and relax before dinner.
CURRENCY0, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Troquet à Soupes

A hidden gem offering daily home-made dishes in a cosy setting, focused on seasonal produce and French classics without hefty prices.
CURRENCY22, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Day Trip Antibes

Antibes, France on August 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Bellevue

Quick and convenient breakfast before heading out to Antibes.
CURRENCY0 (included), 30m

8:45am

Train to Antibes

Short TER train journey from Cannes to Antibes, approx 15 minutes and about €5 per person, check SNCF Connect for schedules.
CURRENCY5, 15m

9:15am

Explore Old Town Antibes and Picasso Museum

Visit the charming medieval streets and the Picasso Museum housed in the Château Grimaldi, showcasing original artwork and Mediterranean views, open 10am-6pm.
CURRENCY10, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Marché Provençal

Eat at the local market stalls offering fresh snacks and traditional dishes like socca or pissaladière for a genuine taste of Provence.
CURRENCY15, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Plage de la Salis

Relax on this vast sandy beach favored by locals, offering a more authentic beach experience than crowded tourist spots; free access.
CURRENCY0, 3h

4:45pm

Cap d’Antibes Coastal Walk

Take a scenic walk along the coastal path through lush gardens and stunning views at this less visited part of Antibes.
CURRENCY0, 1h

7:00pm

Train back to Cannes

Return by train for dinner and rest.
CURRENCY5, 15m

8:00pm

Dinner at Le Caveau 30

Enjoy a cosy atmosphere with local wines and traditional Provencal cuisine just a short walk from your hotel.
CURRENCY23, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Relax in Cannes

Cannes, France on August 26, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Cafés Richard

Try expertly prepared coffees and fresh pastries in Cannes’ famous café, open from 7am.
CURRENCY10, 45m

10:00am

La Bocca Beach

Spend a relaxing morning at La Bocca, a hidden gem beach east of Cannes town, less crowded and known for crystal clear waters and pebble/sandy combination.
CURRENCY0, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Mason Caffe

Affordable, large portions of Italian-inspired dishes with focus on fresh ingredients, close to La Bocca Beach.
CURRENCY16, 1h

2:30pm

Shopping at Rue d'Antibes

Walk along Cannes’ famous shopping street featuring affordable boutiques and designer outlets to find unique souvenirs and Riviera fashion.
CURRENCY0, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Eglise Notre-Dame d'Espérance

Explore this beautiful Gothic church perched on a hill within Le Suquet, often overlooked but with fantastic views and rich history.
CURRENCY0, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Bistrot Saint Sauveur

Local bistro serving traditional French dishes with friendly service and great prices, open until 10pm.
CURRENCY22, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Cannes to Monaco

Monaco on August 27, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a quick and convenient breakfast before travelling.
CURRENCY0 (included), 30m

9:30am

Train to Monaco

Board the TER train from Cannes to Monaco, approximate 1.5-2 hour journey with a transfer at Nice, cost approx €15-20 per person. Book tickets in advance for best prices.
CURRENCY20, 2h

11:45am

Check-in and Drop Bags

Settle into your Monaco accommodation, centrally located near Casino Square recommended for easy access to attractions.
CURRENCY0, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Café de Paris

An iconic Café near the Casino, offering excellent Mediterranean menus with affordable lunch specials, a great way to experience Monaco culture affordably.
CURRENCY30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Prince's Palace and Old Town

Visit the Prince's Palace to see the changing of the guard and explore Monaco’s Old Town, full of secret alleys and panoramic views, open 10am-6pm.
CURRENCY10, 2h

6:00pm

Walk in Exotic Gardens (Jardin Exotique)

Enjoy one of the most beautiful botanical gardens with spectacular views and rare plants, open until 7pm in August.
CURRENCY7, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Le Pinocchio

Affordable Italian dining near the port, popular with locals for fresh pasta and pizza, open until 11pm.
CURRENCY25, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Monaco Hidden Spots

Monaco on August 28, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at La Voglia

Casual bakery-style breakfast in Monaco offering great coffee and pastries.
CURRENCY10, 45m

9:30am

Oceanographic Museum

Visit the renowned museum featuring marine life exhibits and an aquarium, open 10am-6pm.
CURRENCY16, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Stars’n’Bars

Casual American-style diner close to the port, offering burgers and salads with affordable prices and great ambience.
CURRENCY20, 1h

1:30pm

Jardin Japonais

Explore the tranquil Japanese Garden, a peaceful and lesser known spot in Monaco offering beautiful landscaping and koi ponds.
CURRENCYFree, 1h

3:00pm

Port Hercules and Luxury Yachts Walk

Enjoy a stroll around the marina to admire the luxury yachts and view the less crowded parts of Monaco’s waterfront.
CURRENCY0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Visit Larvotto Beach

Monaco’s main public beach known for its beautiful pebbly shoreline and clear turquoise waters; ideal for swimming and relaxing.
CURRENCY0, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Bouchon

A well-reviewed local restaurant serving traditional French dishes at reasonable prices, famed for its warm atmosphere.
CURRENCY28, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Monaco to Cannes Return

Cannes, France on August 29, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café de la Mer

Enjoy a light breakfast with sea views near Larvotto Beach before your departure.
CURRENCY12, 45m

9:30am

Train to Cannes

Board the train back to Cannes for your last day, approx 2 hours with a transfer at Nice, ticket around €20.
CURRENCY20, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at La Cuisine - Aixois Cuisine

Taste traditional Provençal dishes in a cozy setting close to your hotel, known for affordable yet authentic cuisine.
CURRENCY20, 1h30m

2:00pm

Relax at Palm Beach

Spend your afternoon at Palm Beach, a private but affordable entry beach with beautiful calm waters and beachside bars.
CURRENCY15, 3h

6:30pm

Stroll along Rue Meynadier

Explore this lively street offering affordable shopping and local eateries, less touristy than La Croisette.
CURRENCY0, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at L'Affable

Enjoy a memorable last dinner at this local favourite, with excellent set menus showcasing regional French cuisine, open until 10:30pm.
CURRENCY30, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Departure

Cannes, France on August 30, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Light breakfast at Hotel Bellevue before check out.
CURRENCY0 (included), 30m

8:30am

Check-out and Transfer

Prepare for your onward journey or airport transfer with ample time for arrival.
CURRENCY0, 1h
View Hotel Availability