Fun Things to Do on the French Riviera

The French Riviera has a reputation for being glitzy and expensive, but there are plenty of fun things to do that are free or cost very little. Not everyone who lives in or visits the French Riviera goes to the Cannes Film Festival or to the casino at Monte Carlo. You can have a good time without being the man who broke the bank at Monte Carlo.

Eat a Mouthwatering Local Delicacy

Chez René Socca

1 rue Pairoliere, 06300 Nice

One local delicacy on the French Riviera is socca, a pancake made from chickpea flour which originated in Genoa but is now considered very much a dish of Nice and the surrounding area. It’s simple but very very more-ish, and this hole-in-the-wall place in the old town (literally, you order through a hatch) makes wonderful socca. If you’re short on cash, or time, this quick lunch or anytime snack is ideal. Perch on one of the outdoor tables and grab a slice or two. We promise you it’s totally delicious.

Venture into a Hidden Street beneath your Feet

Rue Obscure

Stroll along the waterfront of Villefranche-sur-Mer and you have no idea there is a street hidden beneath your feet, Walk back a little, though, and you discover the steps down to the Rue Obscure (Hidden Street). It was constructed in 1260 for the military, but over the years has been built over, turning the cobbled street into a short tunnel. By the way, if you’re planning to visit it, switch your phone’s flashlight on as there’s no light down there.

Discover an Art Gallery in a Hotel

Hotel Negresco

Statue outside the Hotel Negresco in Nice on the Cote d'Azur in FranceWalk past the Hotel Negresco on Nice’s Promenade des Anglais and you’ll see a colourful sculpture of a jazz musician by Niki de Saint Phalle near the entrance. Walk inside, though, and you’ll see more work by this French artist, and by other artists, collected over the years by the hotel’s former owner, Jeanne Augier, who died in January 2019 at the age of 96. There are more works in public areas on all floors of the hotel, so take the elevator and start exploring. The hotel is used to it, though you might want to ask at reception for directions.

Taste the Riviera in its Grapes

Château de Bellet

The Chateau de Bellet on the French RivieraA 20-minute drive north of Nice is the area’s closest wine-growing region, where they have three unusual grape varieties: braquet noir, folle noire, and rolle. Look for them on restaurant menus or, better still, go to the source and taste them where they grow.

See a Tomb with a View

Cemetery of the Old Château

Montée du Souvenir, 06500 Menton

The grave of the inventor of rugby, William Webb Ellis, at Mention on the French Riviera.The climb up to the cemetery is worth making, not only for the peace and quiet away from the town, but also for the wonderful views over Menton and along the coast. It also has the grave of William Webb Ellis, the man credited with inventing the game of rugby, at Rugby school in England. He died in the South of France in 1872 and for many years his grave was neglected. It was rediscovered in 1958, when it was renovated and is now looked after, fittingly, by the French Rugby Federation.

Find a Mediterranean Forest near the Coast

Serre de la Madone

74 Route du Val de Gorbio, 06500 Menton

A 5-minute drive from Menton is the Serre de la Madone gardens, famous for its collection of rare sub-tropical plants, its pool, and graceful statues. It also has a stretch of Mediterranean Forest, unusual to see so close to the coast. Note that it’s closed on Mondays. It doesn’t have a website but if you want to check opening times or directions then the phone number is +33 4 93 57 73 90.