French Riviera: Tips

Room with a view Seeking a room with a Mediterranean view? It’s certainly possible – just be sure to book at least three months in advance, especially during the busy summer months.

Four wheels Unless you’re planning on staying in one city, having a car is by far the easiest way to get around the region. Just factor in plenty of extra travel time during the high season as coastal thoroughfares are prone to extensive congestion in summer.

Nice deals Look to Nice for accommodation deals – the city lays claim to more than a third of the total hotel capacity in the region, translating to relative bargains over other Riviera resort towns.

Bargain hunters Serious shoppers might want to coordinate their visit with the soldes – major biannual sales in January and July which feature savings of 20–50 percent.

Tax break U.S. citizens are entitled to a sales-tax refund (a substantial 19.6%) on purchases of more than 175€ ($256) – be sure to request a "détaxe" form from the store and claim your refund through customs before leaving France.

Parlez-vous français? Most shop, hotel, and restaurant owners speak at least some English, but if you’re planning on venturing off the beaten path or exploring smaller establishments, a phrasebook could be useful.

Festival frenzy Be prepared for crowds and peak rates if your visit coincides with Carnival (the "Mardi Gras of the Riviera”) in February or the Nice Jazz Festival in July.

Beach etiquette Leave your inhibitions behind – topless sunbathing is the norm in the south of France.

On the rocks Keep in mind that Riviera beaches east of Antibes (including those in Nice) tend to be pebbly – something that certain beachgoers get around by wearing water sandals. Those seeking sandy strands should head to Cannes.

Local cuisine The region, like the rest of France, takes food seriously, with a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil, seafood, and fresh vegetables. Dishes tend to be seasoned with herbs like basil, rosemary, thyme, coriander, and garlic.

Monaco Keep in mind that, although landlocked by French borders, Monaco is an independent, self-governing principality; as such, visitors are subject to local law and authority.