Think backpacking is just for roughing it? Think again. I’m going to show you how to explore the glamorous side of budget travel in the French Riviera.

Because did you know that despite the glam and glitz, the French Riviera is more than just a playground for the rich and famous?

That’s right. Picture this: crystal-clear waters, vibrant ports & coastal towns, and mouthwatering cuisine—all waiting to be explored on a spending plan that won't leave your wallet crying for mercy.

But hold on to your fanny pack, because here's the kicker: while many think the Riviera is reserved for big spenders, I’m about to shatter that myth faster than you can say "croissant" (or any other French word that you might want to insert there)!

So, ever dreamed of sipping rosé by the Mediterranean without breaking the bank? Or checking out some of those multi-million dollar yachts owned by A-list actors / celebrities, movie producers, and some of the wealthiest people on the planet at the Port of Cannes?

Stick around, because I’ve got the insider scoop on how to turn that dream into your reality.

Ready to trade your crummy apartment or office cubicle for cobblestone streets, luscious coastal views, and some of the beautiful cliffs you’ll ever witness in your whole life? Let's dive in and unlock the secrets of solo budget backpacking in the French Riviera!

On Track and On Point: Navigating Southern France by Train
Taking The Stairway to Heaven: Hiking Highs in the French Riviera
Masterpiece Marauders: Dominating the Art Scene of Southern France
Harbour Hooligans: Making Waves in the Ports of the French Riviera
Wine Mavericks: Savouring the Spirit of Adventure in Southern France
Red Carpet Raiders: Conquering Cannes Film Festival Like a Boss

1. On Track and On Point: Navigating Southern France by Train

The first thing I’ve got to get across to you is how fantastic the train ride is from Barcelona, across the Southern coast of France, down to Italy.

This is where you can experience the French Riviera in its entirety.

And yes, I highly recommend you get off the train and visit certain parts of the coastline, like Marseilles, Nice, Monaco, and Cannes. But the train ride is SO f*****g worth it.

First of all, you’re probably going to have a Eurail pass regardless - like I did - because if you’re traveling from city to city and country to country, then the train is the most feasible, and consistent form of intercity and intercountry travel that exists - you’re not going to take a plane everywhere you go as it’s too expensive, and non-practical for close travel proximity.

Since you’re going to have a Eurail pass, and if you’re traveling Western Europe counter clockwise like I did, you’ll want to use the pass to take a train ride from Spain to the Southern Coast of France, and eventually down into Italy.

But before you reach Italy, you will have a blast at Cannes, Monaco, and Nice. You’ll feel like a king visiting these places… almost as if you need millions of dollars to be there, and yet you’re going to be there for very cheap after the advice I give you in this article - so keep reading because I’m going to give you insights on how to experience Southern France like a millionaire while living frugally, just like any other city you’d visit on your backpacking journey.

Cannes especially is a cool place to visit during May, when the annual Cannes Film Festival takes place, meaning if you head down there, you’ll get to see celebrities walking the red carpet.

And if you don’t care, then go down to the port and look at the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea as well as the beautiful city coastline and multimillion dollar yachts lined up on the harbor - these are a sight to behold.

Yachts lined up on the port of Cannes in May, 2019.

So bottom line guys, experience Southern France by train. You will love yourself for doing so.

Another great way to experience the beautiful coasts of the French Riviera is by…

2. Taking the Stairway to Heaven: Hiking Highs in the French Riviera

Hiking is one of the best ways to go traveling anywhere.

I always recommend people hike in whatever city they visit.

And hiking the French Riviera is insanely beautiful.

Imagine walking on the coastline of the most wealthy resorts, casinos, and beaches in Europe. You look down, and you realize you’re standing atop a 50 - 100 meter tall cliff, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

That’s what I want for you, gentlemen. I want you to experience the thrill of trekking up hills, cliffs, and mountains, the wind rushing through your hair, and the warm, summer ocean air making its way through your nostrils as you look up towards the sunrise, or sunset, and feel like you're encountering the adventure of a lifetime.

One of the best places to visit on the French Riviera is Nice, a city so lovely that painters have used its soft sunlight and clear air as inspiration for their paintings.

You know how I said that the Cannes Film Festival is one of the ultimate places you need to visit if you’re traveling to this part of France in May? So Nice is within a 30 minute train ride of Cannes, and it’s where most of the hostels are. Cannes has a few, and if those get booked up, you’re kind of f****d.

That’s why I recommend that anyone stay in Nice, and then trek down to Cannes by train.

It’s also just a great town, in and of itself. The crown jewel of the French Riviera, Nice boasts an array of hiking trails that not only cater to all skill levels, but also offer some of the most incredible experiences and views in all of Europe.

From leisurely coastal strolls to challenging mountain ascents, there's something for all of you, and when you’re done hiking, you can literally jump straight into the ocean to feel the refreshing, cool-off breeze of the Mediterranean Sea.

You can also hike along the iconic Promenade des Anglais, which is the promenade along the sea coast. You can soak in panoramic views of the sea, all the way to Castle Hill, a former military citadel that has insane ruins of past defensive walls - if you’re into historic ruins. You can also check out the stunning waterfall located in a park that an art-deco styled elevator takes you up to, for a rewarding ascent that offers breathtaking vistas of Nice and its surrounding coastline.

For those of you seeking a more moderate and still beautiful challenge, the Mont Boron Loop Trail not only offers a great hike; it also delivers stunning views of the Nice coastline, Villefranche-sur-Mer - a resort town in the Alpes-Maritimes, and beyond.

You can traverse through lush, Mediterranean vegetation and ancient fortification ruins as you explore this picturesque route.

While this isn’t on the French Riviera, it’s also not too far from it, and that’s why I recommend visiting the French Alps with a day trip to Mercantour National Park, which is about one hour car ride, or two hour train ride from Nice. Again, it’s not something you have to do while visiting the French Riviera, and it’s a beautiful place to visit at some point or another as you can hike along pristine alpine lakes, cascading waterfalls, and rugged mountain peaks in what is essentially a natural paradise.

Meanwhile, a 30 minute train ride away at Cannes, which is renowned for its glitz and glamor, gives you a chance to escape into the nature surrounding the film festival. There are tons of hidden paths and coves to discover the lesser-known side of this attraction.

You can also take a ferry ride to Îles de Lérins, which is a series of four Mediterranean islands off the French Riviera. There you’ll find the Îles de Lérins Hiking Trail, as well as a network of other trails. You can trek through fragrant forests, monasteries, and private beaches, while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and Cannes from afar.

Also, if you can make your way over to Esterel Massif, a Mediterranean coastal mountain range on the French Riviera, you’re in for a really beautiful adventure because this is a natural reserve characterized by its distinctive red volcanic rocks, as well as rugged cliffs, paths, and hidden gorges. You’ll also encounter lots of diverse flora and fauna along the way.

And speaking of diverse flora, La Croix des Gardes, an upscale - to put it lightly - neighborhood near Cannes that’s lined with luxurious villas - lets you escape the city and film festival noise with a hike to La Croix des Gardes, a tranquil oasis nestled inside a sprawling forest. Again, lots of shady groves, ponds, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the city, which is below.

And finally, Monaco. Much like Cannes, Monaco - despite its upscale appeal - also offers surprisingly laid back and scenic hiking opportunities. Lots of coastal paths, and hidden gems to discover here.

One of these is the Monaco Coastal Trail, where you can begin your hiking adventure along Monaco's coastline with a walk along the Principality's coastal trail. Enjoy panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea, pass by iconic landmarks such as the Prince's Palace and the Monte Carlo Casino - you name it, this place has pretty much got it.

You can escape the urban hustle and bustle with a hike up to the heights of Monte-Carlo. Sweeping vistas of Monaco's skyline and the azure waters below await!

And finally, you MUST explore the exotic landscapes of the Jardin Exotique de Monaco, the Westernmost area that is a literal outdoor, botanical garden perched high above the city. Here you’ll wander through terraced gardens, past rare succulents and cacti, and along scenic pathways that offer glimpses of Monaco's natural splendor.

Whether you're admiring the coastal beauty of Nice and Cannes, or exploring the hidden treasures of Monaco's hillsides, one thing is certain – the spirit of adventure and discovery awaits around every corner of the French Riviera. So, lace up your boots and embrace the call of the wilderness. The great outdoors is waiting to be explored – are you ready to answer? Let’s move on to…

3. Masterpiece Marauders: Dominating the Art Scene of Southern France

While I personally never got a chance to explore the art scene in Southern France, I don’t think it’s worse than anywhere else in Europe. In other words, it’s probably really f*****g good.

When exploring the French Riviera, if you like museums, there are tons to check out. These include:

Monaco:

The Nouveau Musée National de Monaco (NMNM), which is located in the historic Villa Paloma and Villa Sauber. This gallery showcases contemporary art exhibitions and installations that feature contemporary works from local and international artists, including George Condo, Christian Bérard, Ali Kazma, and many others. Tickets are regularly €6 for adults - roughly $8.82 CAD and $6.51 USD -, and you can visit for free on Sundays.
Musée Océanographique de Monaco: While primarily a museum dedicated to marine science, this gallery also houses a collection of maritime-themed artworks and artifacts, so you can enjoy stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea from the museum's cliff-top location whilst admiring exhibits on a budget-friendly entry fee - tickets are €19 or $20.62 USD / $27.94 CAD.

Cannes:

Musée de la Castre: Housed in a medieval castle atop the historic quarter of Le Suquet, Musée de la Castre - which features an eclectic collection of art and artifacts - lets you explore ancient Mediterranean antiquities, traditional Provencal art, and contemporary works in a cultural space without breaking your wallet. Tickets are only €3 or $5.15 CAD / $3.26 USD.
Centre d'art La Malmaison: Situated near the Palais des Festivals - a convention center where all the Hollywood celebrities and filmmakers gather annually to exhibit their films during The Cannes Film Festival -, La Malmaison hosts temporary art exhibitions featuring works by renowned artists from around the world, meaning you can immerse yourself in the vibrant contemporary art scene of Cannes. It’s hard to say what the exact ticket prices will be once La Malmaison reopens since it’s currently undergoing a reinvention, and I don’t think there’s any reason to worry about it being overly expensive.

Nice:

Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain (MAMAC): MAMAC showcases an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by artists such as Andy Warhol, Yves Klein, and Niki de Saint Phalle. Not only can you check out contemporary exhibits at this place; you can also enjoy panoramic views of Nice from the museum's rooftop terrace at a reasonable price. While it too has recently closed for a renovation project, rest assured you’ll want to check this one out when it reopens.
Musée Marc Chagall: Dedicated to the works of the renowned Russian-French artist Marc Chagall, this museum houses the largest public collection of his paintings, where you can admire Chagall's vibrant, spiritual artistry and explore the museum's peaceful garden for a modest entry fee. Heads up! You can enter for free on the first Sunday of each month, and if you’re under 26 years of age and under the European Union.

Some general rules for you guys to consider if you want to save even more money and spend it on what matters most to you:

Always look for student discounts or free admission days at museums and galleries.
Consider purchasing a city pass or museum pass for discounted entry to multiple attractions.
Opt for self-guided tours or audio guides to save on guided tour fees.
Check for special exhibitions or events with reduced or free admission.
Pack snacks and water to avoid overpriced food and drink options inside the museums.

And now we move on to…

4. Harbour Hooligans: Making Waves in the Ports of the French Riviera

Gentlemen, the French Riviera being a coastal area, it doesn’t make sense to forego talking about the wonderful ports and beaches you can check out while you’re visiting each of the cities we discussed above.

Here’s a list, broken down by city, of some of the best beaches and harbors you can visit and experience the luxuriousness of when visiting the French Riviera - remember, all of these beaches are closed during the fall & winter months, so if you want to access them, you’ll want to go to the French Riviera between May and early September:

Nice:

Promenade des Anglais Beach: Probably the most famous beach in all of Nice, Promenade des Anglais is a gigantic stretch of sandy shores along the Mediterranean Sea. Best of all? It’s completely free to visit. So pack those swim trunks - or buy some when you’re visiting the area - and make sure to dip into the cool waters of the Mediterranean, as well as take in the sun, and get some exercise walking along the strip while showing off your shirtless bod (assuming you’ve been staying in shape, which you want to be when you’re going to the beach… even if you are coming off of a bunch of croissants from Paris, pasta & pizza in Italy, or tapas in Spain).
Castel Plage: Located near the park of Castle Hill, Castel Plage is a luxurious beach club, bar, and restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere and stunning views of the Bay of Angels. While it does cost quite a bit for renting deck chairs and umbrellas - €30 to be exact - , and the restaurant itself is incredibly expensive, you can still enjoy the public beach area for free if you find that you don’t want to pay that much, which I totally get.
Port Lympia: This is not a beach. It’s a port with a luxurious waterfront promenade to stroll along and admire views of the harbor, which is filled with colorful boats and yachts. There are no entrance fees to visit Port Lympia, so you’re good - it’s free.

Cannes:

Plage de la Croisette: Situated along the famous Boulevard de la Croisette - a two km road that stretches along the Mediterranean Sea -, this public beach consists of soft sand and emerald waters, making it a favorite vacation spot for any who wants to sunbathe and swim. Access to the beach is - once again - FREE, as long as you don’t get picky / spoiled and start renting chairs and umbrellas.
Plage du Midi: Located to the West of and slightly away from the bustling Croisette, Plage du Midi is a quieter beach with a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s free to visit, and because it’s a smaller, less touristy beach, you can find more affordable chair and umbrella rentals here.
Port de Cannes: This one’s a harbor for luxury yachts, and trust me, it’s a f*****g REALLY cool place to visit. This is where you go to check out the expensive, multi million dollar yachts that you might want to own yourself one day. It’s especially cool to visit during the Cannes Film Festival (which is held annually in May), when all the Hollywood celebrities show up to demonstrate their new films for the upcoming summer season, meaning there’ll be TONS of affluent yachts and boats to check out. You can take your leisurely walks here to get some exercise, and the sumptuous sights of the boats and Mediterranean Sea will ensure you get ALL your steps in as you won’t want to stop walking. Best of all? It’s FREE.

Monaco:

Larvotto Beach: Monaco's only public beach, Larvotto Beach features the soft sand and euphoric, light blue waters you’ve come to expect from luxurious destinations. It’s an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, lounging around, having a few drinks, eating seafood, getting exercise, and hanging out with fellow backpackers. Access to the beach is free, and you can find affordable options for chair and umbrella rentals - about €20-25 each.
Port Hercule: This is the main port of Monaco. Port Hercule is a bustling hub of activity with luxury yachts and sailboats all over, so there’s tons of cool, luxurious sights to check out. Strolling along the waterfront promenade and admiring views of the harbor is FREE. No entrance fees.
Fontvieille Port: Situated in the Fontvieille district, Fontvieille Port offers a quieter, less touristy alternative to Port Hercule, allowing you to explore the harbor area and enjoy views of the Mediterranean Sea as well as luxurious yachts at no cost, and with little noise / crowdedness.

And now that we’ve covered the beaches and ports you must visit, let’s jump into..

5. Wine Mavericks: Savoring the Spirit of Adventure in Southern France

We’ll keep this one short, and if you’re into wine tasting, the French Riviera is one of the best places in the world to do so.

Home to Provence, the region of Southeastern France bordering Italy and the Mediterranean Sea, this area of the French Riviera is not only known for its diverse topography, which consists of the Southern Alps, rolling vineyards, olive groves, forests, and lavender fields, but also for its wines and wineries - particularly rosé wines, which are said to be some of the finest in the world over there.

Here is a list of some of the best wineries in Southern France:

Château d'Esclans: Nestled in the heart of Provence, about a one hour car ride from Cannes, Château d'Esclans is famous for its luxurious rosé wines, including the iconic Whispering Angel. In addition to tasting the wines, you can take a guided tour of the estate's vineyards and cellars, followed by stunning views of the countryside. Prices aren’t cheap, and if this is something that interests you, it’s up to you whether or not you want to put more money into it.
Domaine de la Sanglière: Situated near the medieval village of Le Castellet - halfway between Cannes and Marseilles - Domaine de la Sanglière is a family-owned winery dedicated to organic and sustainable viticulture. You can sign up for a guided tour of the estate to learn about their winemaking process, from vine to bottle, and sample their award-winning rosés in a beautiful, peaceful countryside setting.
Château de Pibarnon: Perched atop a hillside just East of Marseilles, and overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Château de Pibarnon produces exceptional red and rosé wines from its terraced vineyards. You can take a tour of the estate's historic cellars and vineyards, followed by a tasting of their acclaimed wines with panoramic views of the coast.

While France is known for wines all across the country, these are some of the best wineries to visit on or near the Mediterranean coast.

6. Red Carpet Raiders: Conquering Cannes Film Festival Like a Boss

A photo I took while visiting the Cannes Film Festival in May 2019.

And finally, the last part. This will make a lot of sense if you’re a film buff. If not, Cannes is still a beautiful place to visit during the spring / summer months, and the Cannes Film Festival in May is the most exciting time to be here.

When I was visiting Nice in May 2019, I made sure to time my visit so that I could stop by the Cannes Film Festival right around the time that Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon A Time In Hollywood was premiering. So I got to see Leonardo Dicaprio, Brad Pitt, Quentin, Margot Robbie, etc. walk the red carpet.

I’m a film guy, so this made sense to me; perhaps for you it won’t.

If you are going to stop by the Cannes Film Festival though, make sure you know the dates of what films and red carpets you want to see. Admittedly, getting a movie ticket here is super difficult - I’m from Toronto, and standing in line for hours at a TIFF premiere pretty much guarantees you entry to the movie; that’s not the case here -, and seeing a red carpet with celebrities isn’t.

Keep in mind that if you’re serious about attending a premiere you also need to dress up in a suit because Cannes is considered incredibly prestigious and they’re kind of up their own butts. And still, if it’s something that you want, then make sure to check out this link when their online ticket office opens in May, 2024!

In terms of what there is to do, you can dive into the heart of the festival by attending screenings for films selected for Official Competition, as well as Out of Competition categories. While tickets can vary in price - don’t even get me started on how expensive some of the festival passes can be -, and are often difficult to obtain, they shouldn’t break your wallet if you buy tickets individually - which I’m told can cost as little as €8 for public screenings.

Again, this is really for people that are into foreign films as well as auteur cinema. On occasion, a blockbuster will premiere here before its big summer release - i.e. how Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny premiered here last May in 2023 -, and that’s a bit more rare. But you will 100% catch mainstream, Hollywood celebrities on the red carpet here like I did. That’s guaranteed.

For whoever’s into movies, you can also attend screenings of classic films and restored masterpieces as part of the Cannes Classics program. The best part about these sorts of screenings is the discounted rates, as well as insights into the evolution and history of filmmaking.

And if you want to experience the magic of open-air / outdoor cinema at Macé beach off of the The Promenade de la Croisette, then Cinéma de la Plage, an event where free screenings of classic and contemporary films are held nightly on the beach at nightfall, allows you to grab a blanket and join fellow film buffs for some classics under the stars - as well as awesome views of those multimillion dollar yachts and the Mediterranean coast.

Other than that, just walking along the Boulevard de la Croisette, and experiencing the festive, A-list celebrity atmosphere can be super luxurious and exciting, almost making you feel the glitz and glamor of being a movie star. Walking along the promenade allows you to see awesome street performances, celebrity sightings as I mentioned earlier, and paparazzi-lined sidewalks, all completely FREE.

Cars along the The Promenade de la Croisette for the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood premiere in 2019.

The hustle and bustle of the Croisette during the Cannes Film Festival.

You can also visit the Festival de Cannes Village for free - it’s a series of outdoor tents which act as a central hub - kind of like at Tennis tournaments - of live music, food stalls, and interactive installations. Here, you can enjoy free concerts, cultural events, and immersive experiences all throughout the festival.

Alright, gentlemen, that about wraps it up for this one. As you can see, there are so many things to do along the French Riviera, and if nothing else, then you at least want to take a train across here to experience its beautiful coastal sights. And I HIGHLY recommend you stop by Nice, Cannes, and Monaco.

Because if there’s any place that feels super luxurious yet doesn’t require you to spend a lot of money - if you plan and visit smartly that is, which you will do after reading this blog post -, it’s the French Riviera.

So come on down here and enjoy yourselves!

Until next time, and if you get value from this post, then like or comment on our Facebook, Twitter / X, and Instagram channels, where you’ll get content like this delivered straight to you on a weekly basis. We’re here to guide you along your backpacking journey so that you never feel alone, despite traveling solo, and so that if you ever get or feel lost, you can always count on us to support you.

Till next time, leave a comment down below with advice on what you want us to post next about, and have a great week!

Sun, Sea, and Savings: Backpacking the Southern Coast of France

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