The Cote d’Azur (or French Riviera) is one of the world’s most glam locations.
From the stellar heritage of Cannes and its international film festival to the high-end hotels of Cap d’Antibes and an interior studded with chic and charming villages like Eze and Saint Paul de Vence, there’s stardust sprinkled everywhere.
This laid-back and louche coastline has a unique light quality that attracted world-famous artists like Picasso and Matisse and stunning scenery that proved magnetic to authors like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway.
But it’s also a pretty expensive place to visit if you don’t plan ahead ̶ which is exactly why you should read these five tips for a chic and cost-effective Cote d’Azur vacay!
- Book Accommodation Carefully
If you’ve got your heart set on staying in the Carlton or Martinez hotel in Cannes, better get ready to burn a hole in your credit card. However, Booking.com has budget hotels in Golfe Juan and this charming fishing village is the perfect base for exploring the entire area and has a glam marina of its own where you’ll see superyachts to rival anything in Monaco.
- Grab Cheap Flights
Skyscanner.net is one of the older flight comparison sites online but its powerful network means it remains amongst the best.
If you want to save cash on your flight to France (Nice – Cote D’Azur is the nearest airport) then give it a whirl!
- Embrace the Culture
Experiencing the unique cultural heritage of the South of France doesn’t have to be expensive. For instance, the Picasso Museum in Antibes costs only a few Euros to enter and you can see many of the master’s amazing ceramic works here.
Alternatively, pop into Hotel Belles Rives at the waterfront in Juan-Les-Pins to sip a cocktail on the terrace of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s former home and you’re instantly immersed in the plot of Tender Is the Night.
- Eat In
France is the home of haute cuisine, so you might want to treat yourself to some lip-smacking restaurant meals while you’re here, but to economize you can also shop in local delis and supermarkets and enjoy delicious meals in your apartment.
Pop out in the morning to your local boulangerie for a fresh baguette, prepare a quick Caesar salad and wash it all down with some local rose ̶ magnifique!
- Explore By Car
This is a super part of the world to explore by car and the scenic coastal roads can take you all the way along to Monaco and beyond. Enjoy Travel offers French car hire at affordable prices and you can book online in a couple of minutes.
Remember to drive on the right and defensively too ̶ local drivers tend to have a slightly cavalier attitude to the road rules.
Follow these five tips and you’ll have a terrific time in the Cote d’Azur without blowing your life savings ̶ you’re welcome!
