How to visit the French Riviera like a local | Insider Tips & Hidden Gems

Your insider guide to experiencing the Côte d’Azur authentically.

Experience the French Riviera the Way Locals Do

The French Riviera isn’t just about glamorous beaches, iconic film festivals, Formula 1 Race, and sparkling turquoise bays. Beyond the postcard images lies a slower, more intimate Côte d’Azur—one that locals cherish every day.

If you want a deeper, more authentic experience, this guide will help you embrace the Riviera’s rhythm, explore its secret corners, and enjoy moments that most tourists never get to see.

Whether you’re wandering through flower-scented markets in Nice, sharing a glass of rosé in a village perched above the sea, or coasting along sun-drenched roads in a classic French car, the magic of the Riviera reveals itself when you travel like a local.

1. Visit Outside Peak Tourist Periods & Hours

The Riviera is loved worldwide—which means popular spots get busy quickly. Locals know exactly when to explore.

Best times to visit popular places:

• Old Town Nice: early morning (Niçois love their stay-in-bed mornings!)
• Èze Village: weekdays after 16:00 (but make sure to be there before closing time of the Exotic Garden!)
• Cap d’Antibes coastal path: sunrise (absolutely breathtaking!)
• Monaco’s viewpoints: early mornings before cruise passengers arrive and/or during weekends

Best months to visit:

• April to June: the temperature is just perfect, flowers are blooming, Jasmin spreads its smell all over the streets, Bougainvilliers are all pink, purple and white, and the sun is warming your skin just enough to give you that sun-kissed vibe without burning. ***But just a little WARNING: the Cannes film festival AND the Formula 1 Race in Monaco happen in MAY at the same time so be ready to encounter a lot of people, luxurious cars, traffic, gigantic yatchs, private jets, celebrities and paparazzis during that period.***
• September to October: for warm weather, lighter crowds, clear swim in the Mediterranean sea and the most authentic Riviera vibe. Kids are back to school, people are back at work, no more huge festivals, cheaper so better prices on food and accommodation. It’s definitely the ultimate best time to come, like a cheat code in the tourism game.

2. Choose Local Neighborhoods Over Tourist Zones

If you want to understand the Riviera’s soul, explore where locals actually live and spend time.

Local favorite areas:

• Nice – Libération: home to one of the best open-air markets and authentic cafés
• Villefranche-sur-Mer – Old Port: charming, colorful, and peaceful
• Cannes – Le Suquet: historical alleys and local eateries
• Antibes – Safranier District: a unique, picturesque enclave protected by tradition

These neighborhoods give you a closer look at the Riviera’s daily life—beyond the glamour.

3. Eat Where the Niçois Eat

Food is the heart of Riviera culture. Skip the tourist menus and try dishes that locals grew up with.

Must-try Riviera specialties:

• Socca: crispy chickpea pancake, typically enjoyed with a glass of rosé
• Pissaladière: caramelized onion tart with anchovies
• Pan Bagnat: tuna sandwich but 100× better
• Petits farcis: stuffed vegetables baked to perfection

Local tips:

• In Nice, look for places with lines of locals, not tourists.
• Avoid restaurants with photos of dishes outside.
• Markets are fantastic for fresh produce and ready-to-eat specialties.

Find all of our recommandations right here!

In Antibes, cannes and nice!

4. Embrace the Slow Riviera Rhythm

Living like a local means slowing down.

Here’s the real secret: The French Riviera isn’t meant to be rushed.

Locals, as much as the whole French population, enjoy long lunches, late-afternoon strolls, and spontaneous stops at scenic viewpoints.

Try:

• A morning espresso on a shaded terrace while reading a book
• A barefoot walk on a pebble beach (a bit painful but quite meditative!)
• A lazy sunset moment on the Promenade des Anglais
• A siesta after a long lunch (very local! and that’s why many shops close for so long during lunch, they are actually taking a nap!)

This slower rhythm helps you truly feel the Riviera.

5. Explore the Riviera’s Villages and Backcountry

Most visitors stay along the coast—but locals know that magic often lies just inland.

Must-visit local favorites:

• Saint-Paul-de-Vence: medieval charm and art galleries
• Tourettes-sur-Loup: the “violet village”
• Haut-de-Cagnes: unknown medieval village 15 minutes away from the sea and the train station (Cagnes-sur-mer) & part of our « Medieval Villages Tour » in a 2CV Vintage Car
• Sospel: on the Train des Merveilles, you’ll stop at this niche little village amongst the mountains
• Gourdon: perfect for a peaceful walk and scenic photos

These villages offer intimate, quiet moments that balance the Riviera’s coastal glamour.

6. Get Around Like a Local (Hint: Not by Tour Bus)

Public transport along the Riviera is surprisingly good—but locals also have their own favorite ways to move around.

Local ways to travel:

• Tram and bus in Nice: easy, fast, inexpensive
• Trains between coastal towns: reliable and scenic
• Walking: especially in old towns and coastal paths
• Vintage car experiences: for those who want a stylish, slow, unforgettable way to explore

(If you want a unique experience, exploring the Riviera in a classic 2CV is as local—and as French—as it gets.)

7. Discover Secret Spots Locals Love

Here are a few local gems you won’t find in many travel guides:

• Coco Beach, Nice: rocky coves perfect for swimming
• Parc du Mont Boron: panoramic views over Villefranche
• Le Cros-de-Cagnes: a fishing district with local charm
• La Tête de Chien (La Turbie): incredible views over Monaco
• The coastal path between Cap Ferrat beaches: nature, silence, and turquoise water

These are places where locals relax, read, swim, and unwind.

8. Join an Authentic Local Experience

To truly understand the Riviera, connect with its people and traditions.

Try:

• A wine tasting in Bellet, Nice’s rare local wine region (even better when a guide drives you there in a 2CV Vintage French Car!)
• A morning market tour
• A cooking workshop
• A classic car ride through iconic Riviera scenery
• A sunset aperitif on the beach

Unique experiences stay in your memory long after your trip ends.

The Riviera Reveals Its Magic When You Slow Down and Explore Locally

Visiting the French Riviera like a local is all about embracing its gentle rhythm, discovering its quieter corners, and experiencing its culture from the inside.

Whether you’re savoring a warm socca, wandering a medieval village, or exploring scenic roads in a vintage French car, the authentic Côte d’Azur is waiting to be enjoyed—one lovely moment at a time.

If you want a personalized, local experience, feel free to explore the tours available on our website. We would be happy to show you the Riviera we love.