A local guide to unforgettable roads from Nice to Monaco and beyond.
Where the Road Becomes Part of the Journey
The French Riviera is one of those rare places where the drive itself becomes an experience. Winding roads hugging the coastline, panoramic viewpoints over turquoise waters, and hilltop villages frozen in time—this is a destination best discovered slowly, with the windows down and the Mediterranean breeze in your hair.
Locals know that some of the Riviera’s most magical moments happen between destinations. This guide will take you through the most scenic drives on the French Riviera, from iconic coastal roads to quieter inland routes that reveal a more intimate side of the Côte d’Azur.
1. The Basse Corniche: The Drive Closest to the Sea
Route: Nice → Villefranche-sur-Mer → Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat → Beaulieu-sur-Mer → Cap d’Ail → Monaco
The Basse Corniche follows the coastline at sea level, offering uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean. This is the most relaxed and accessible of the three Corniche roads.
Why locals love it:
- Calm, scenic, and ideal for a slow drive
- Perfect for spontaneous beach stops
- Beautiful light in the morning and late afternoon
Local tip: Stop in Villefranche-sur-Mer for a coffee by the harbor before continuing. Lunch at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat’s Port. Swim stop at Mala Beach & Cap—toward Monaco.
2. The Moyenne Corniche: The Perfect Balance of Sea and Height
Route: Nice → Èze-sur-Mer → Èze Village → La Turbie → Monaco
The Moyenne Corniche is often considered the most scenic drive on the French Riviera. Elevated above the sea, it offers breathtaking panoramic views while remaining comfortable to drive.
Highlights:
- Spectacular viewpoints over Cap Ferrat
- Easy access to Èze Village
- Smooth curves and wide views
Local tip: Drive this route late in the afternoon for golden-hour views over the Mediterranean going in the direction of Nice coming back from Monaco (east direction).
3. The Grande Corniche: For the Wild and Dramatic Riviera
Route: Nice → La Turbie → La Tête de Chien
The Grande Corniche sits high above the coast and feels raw, quiet, and timeless. This road reveals a more rugged and peaceful Riviera—one that few visitors experience.
Why it’s special:
- Fewer cars and tourists
- Vast, dramatic landscapes
- Incredible views over Monaco from La Tête de Chien
Local tip: Bring a light jacket—even in summer, the air is cooler at this altitude. Also bring good walking/hiking shoes to access the most beautiful point of La Tête de Chien viewpoint.
4. The Cap d’Antibes Coastal Drive: Riviera Elegance
Route: Nice → Cagnes-sur-mer → Antibes → Juan-les-Pins → Cap d’Antibes loop
This elegant drive offers a glimpse into the refined Riviera lifestyle, with luxurious villas, hidden coves, and crystal-clear water.
What you’ll see:
• Discreet beach access points
• Scenic walking paths
• A calm, exclusive atmosphere
Local tip: Park and walk part of the Sentier du Littoral for one of the most beautiful coastal walks on the Riviera. On the way to this path, make sure you stop at Cagnes-sur-Mer medieval village to visit the Grimaldi castle with its fabulous view over the Alps.
5. Into the Backcountry: The Riviera’s Best-Kept Secret
Route ideas: Nice → Peillon → Gorbio → Menton
Just a short drive inland, the scenery changes completely. Olive trees, stone villages, and quiet mountain roads reveal the Riviera’s hidden soul.
Why locals love it:
- Authentic villages untouched by mass tourism
- Cooler temperatures in summer
- A peaceful contrast to the coast
Local tip: Plan lunch in a village restaurant (Provençal and Niçois food)—simple, seasonal, and unforgettable.
Tips for Enjoying Scenic Drives Like a Local
- Drive early morning or late afternoon to avoid traffic
- Take your time—this isn’t about distance, but experience
- Pull over often: viewpoints are meant to be enjoyed
- Avoid tight schedules; spontaneity is part of the charm
- Choose smaller roads whenever possible
Make sure you read our other blog article about how to discover like a local!
Why Scenic Drives Are the Best Way to Discover the French Riviera
The French Riviera isn’t just a destination—it’s a collection of moments, landscapes, and sensations. Scenic drives allow you to connect them all naturally, without rushing.
Whether you’re following the coastline or winding through the hills, these roads reveal the Riviera’s true personality: elegant, wild, warm, and deeply human.
For those who want to experience these routes in a truly authentic way, exploring them in a classic French car—at a slower pace—turns a beautiful drive into a lasting memory.
Final Thoughts: Let the Road Guide You
Some of the Riviera’s most unforgettable moments aren’t planned—they’re discovered along the way. Take the scenic route, slow down, and let the French Riviera unfold before you, one curve at a time.
French Riviera With Ysa 