Nowadays, the proximity of European countries and cities combined with the large offer of low-cost flights allows travelers to treat themselves to a weekend abroad. Flights are so inexpensive that even on a limited budget, you can afford to visit a region/city over a long weekend.

All you have to do is take advantage of a holiday at work to leave on a Thursday evening or Friday morning and return on Sunday evening. 3 Day break is now official; you are going on a vacation. A sunny destination at all costs, far from the gray and cold weather. And that’s when you think of the French Riviera.

Definitely a destination of choice, it will please you for several reasons, particularly during a short stay. Indeed, there are so many choices once there, that it is easy to be overwhelmed. So, let us guide you through our playground, the Côte d’Azur with our 3 Day Break options.

When to go?

Before we start, you need to know a few important things. The French Riviera has 300 days of sun per year. Yes, you read it correctly! So whenever you’d like to come, you can be sure you’ll have enjoyable weather. Now, it all depends on the type of activities you want to do.

Yet, all the cities on the French Riviera can be discovered, either you are coming during winter, fall, spring or summer. On this topic, you must know that winter (november – march) is the low season period. However, it is not a reason to boycott the French Riviera because of that. It has many major attractive points that can convince you to visit it during the winter season. We explore more of that matter with 5 reasons why to visit the French Riviera during the winter season. 

Other than that, summer, spring and even more fall are good periods to come. And here are 4 suggestions on what you can do around for your 3 Day break.

Day 1 – Antibes & Cannes

This combination of cities will definitely be the highlight of your 3 Day break. 

Antibes

Antibes has one of the most beautiful histories of the whole coast. With its castle, churches, remparts, provencal market and old-town, you’ll definitely fall in love with it. So much, that you’ll make plans to move abroad and live in that city. You’ll have been warned!

Cannes

Adding Cannes to your day, after Antibes, is the perfect way to visit the west side of Nice. Known as the city of glitz and glamor, you can start with a walk in Le Suquet, the oldest neighborhood. You can also enjoy shopping on the Promenade de la Croisette, while daydreaming of staying in one of the most luxurious hotels of the Côte d’Azur. Or even better, having dinner in one of the 17 restaurants we personally recommend, either directly on the beach or in town. 

Only 10-12 minutes of train separates those two amazing cities, which makes it so easy to move from one another. Actually, we can make it even easier by offering you a tour combo of those two cities, while taking care of the train tickets and even your lunch break with a provencal picnic if you want to experience a bit of our local gastronomy. That way, you’d be spending the day totally carefree from A to Z. 

Day 2 – Èze & Menton &/or Monaco

For this day, it is possible to pick one of the 2 cities, or do the 3 of them with good organization. It also all depends on the period you are going to. If you plan to do the 3 of them, start with Menton, then do Monaco and Èze on your way back.

Option #1: Menton

Menton is the farest city at the extreme east side of Nice. Menton is the last city at the borders of France and Italy. From Nice, you need around 36 minutes by train to reach Menton. This former Italian city is worth visiting during summer, spring and fall.

During winter, thethe best time to visit Menton is around the Lemon Festival in February. Outside this time, the city is running on locals only and some restaurants and shops can be closed over this period, which makes it very authentic but maybe a bit slower than during the high season.

That’s why you can alternate with the visit of Monaco.

Option #2: Monaco

This famous principality finds itself entirely bordered by France and the Mediterranean sea. You can easily access it by train, which takes around 22 minutes from Nice. It will drop you directly in the center of this tiny country, from where you can visit its few different neighborhoods. 

Monaco is probably one of the cities where we recommend the most to have a local guide by your side. At first we only see expensive cars, big buildings and a lot of bling bling. However, Monaco has a deep history that can only be shown through the eyes of a local. We know spots for a good pizza at reasonable price and the most beautiful view of the area.

Day 3 – Nice & Villefranche-sur-mer

Nice and Villefranche-sur-mer are two neighbors that we recommend for you to visit either by walking, e-bikes , train or buses. Train is efficient and fast with only 1-2 stations and a cheap ride. For the most adventurous and fit visitors, we then suggest to walk from one to another through the littoral path starting from Nice port, it’s a 5.3kms walk on the coast, it’s just stunning!

Villefranche-sur-mer

Villefranche is a little town, yet a village, that you can visit in a few hours. Either starting or ending the day with this one is a good idea. Starting your visit with the port and its authentic restaurant, continuing with the visit of Fort Alban, going down by walking in every single one little street in the old-town, having a coffee with a view, Villefranche is definitely a slow vibe kinda town. 

Nice

Nissa la Bella as locals call it, is worth a good part of your day. By its museums, its point of view, its historical center, its little local shops, its market, Nice has so much to offer. Nice also has an active night life that you don’t want to miss. From live bands to opera, you can definitely find something that suits your vibe. 

Being the 2nd most visited city in France, it made a name for itself in terms of tourism. And we are also here to help to find your way into all of the things you can do during your stay in Nice.

EXTRA : 1 Day ski trip

If you love to enjoy a good french breakfast with a sea view, going down some slopes in the afternoon in the Alps, and having a picnic by the beach at the end of your day, treat yourself. Indeed, in less than 2 hours drive from Nice, you can be skiing or snowboarding. How incredible is that! Just make sure to check the snow conditions before planning your trip to the mountains.

You can access those mountains by car or shuttles. Some resorts have a direct bus line linking Nice to their village. Here’s an example to reach Isola 2000, which is one of the most beautiful and accessible ski resort to go to from Nice.

The French Riviera is overflowing with places to visit and activities to do. The offer can be dizzying and 3 days on the French Riviera may seem like very little. However, this article allows you to target the highlights to see and do for a short vacation with us, especially for a first visit.

Don’t hesitate to get off the beaten track too, vacations are made for that! And don’t hesitate to have a local guide to show you around the secrets and hidden places that no one knows about.
At WhatToDoRiviera, we are also providing a service of itinerary design from one day to multiple days, we will assist you with an optimized and custom made itinerary to suit your needs and desire, advising you on each part of it and how to combine activities in the best possible way to make the most of your stay or making sure your trip isn’t too rushed either and you can really enjoy the places you will be visiting.
This service is becoming more and more popular for individuals, families or groups as we can accommodate with transports, exclusive or fun activities, restaurants reservations, etc…

See you soon on the French Riviera.