Region in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
French Riviera
Beaches, old towns and mountain villages along one coast, based in Nice with trains and buses linking Menton, Cannes and Antibes. Great for walks and sunshine; prices are among France's highest and summer is packed.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$2,810–3,940Comfortable, one person · €2,500–3,500Details
- Value for money19/100Better value than 18% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Aug, 26°CDetails
- Air quality10 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · Fairly cleanDetails
- Internet332 MbpsFixed broadband, France medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe everywhere.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$34–68Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards work almost everywhere.Details
Where to stay in French Riviera
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Nice Vieux-Nice and Carré d'Or | Walkable stays near the beach, trams and nightlife |
| Nice Libération–Gambetta | Cheaper local areas with markets, tram access |
| Antibes | Quieter old town and beaches; trains to Nice and Cannes |
| Menton | Calm, cheaper stays close to the Italian border |
Apps that work in French Riviera
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- SNCF Connect: Train tickets and timetables nationwide
- Bonjour RATP: Paris Métro routes and tickets on phone
- BlaBlaCar: Cheap carpools between cities
- Taxis: Official taxis have a fixed airport rate to Nice; ask the price before getting into unregistered cars.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in France.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards work almost everywhere. Keep some cash for small bakeries, markets and beach clubs that prefer it.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: French bank ATMs rarely add fees; avoid Euronet machines in Paris tourist areas and decline the conversion offer.
- Tipping: Service is included by law. Round up or leave €1–5 for good service; nobody expects 15–20%.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted; card contactless limit €50. Lydia and Wero need a European bank.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen rules: 90 days in any 180 across all Schengen countries; passport issued within 10 years, valid 3 months past departure.
- The EU Entry/Exit System has replaced passport stamps since April 2026: fingerprints and photo at your first entry. Allow extra time.
- ETIAS, the planned €20 online authorisation, isn't required yet (October 2026); check travel-europe.europa.eu for its start date.
Emergency numbers
Police 17 · Ambulance 15 · Fire 18 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, E · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Orange's Holiday SIM or eSIM, or prepaid SIMs from phone shops and tabacs, cost about €20–40 a month; passport needed to activate. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in France
Going to French Riviera solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.