Quiet pace on the Riviera Corniche

Published on July 16, 2024 at 4:00 pm

The Corniche de la Riviera is a remarkable stretch of the Côte d'Azur. Situated between Nice and Menton, the scenery becomes fantastic over these enchanting kilometres.

The cliffs tumble down into the intense blue of the Mediterranean Sea, and the panoramas revealed are often breathtaking, among the most spectacular in France...

Served by three main roads, the Corniche de le Riviera, also known as the French Riviera, is a stretch of the Alpes-Maritimes that deserves a trip at a leisurely pace.

With this in mind, we invite you to discover some of its riches with our two-day itinerary. It follows the route of the Moyenne Corniche and makes a loop ending on the Grande Corniche.

We begin our itinerary to the east of the city of Nice in the direction of the col d'Èze.

Then the road winds its way along, still offering fantastic views, before we arrive in Beausoleil on the outskirts of Monaco.

On the return journey, this time we'll be following the Grande Corniche, the most extraordinary stretch, so be sure to make plenty of photo stops!

There will be two overnight stops. The first will be in Beausoleil, the second in Nice.

View from the Corniche de la Riviera over the village of Eze and the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula

Summary

Day 1 Nice to Beausoleil via the Moyenne Corniche road
Where to stay in Beausoleil?
Day 2 from Beausoleil to Nice along the Grande Corniche road
Where to stay on the Grande Corniche road near Nice?

Day 1 Nice to Beausoleil via the Moyenne Corniche road

Our route along the fantastic coastline of this part of the Côte d'Azur begins in the eastern suburbs of Nice. Just follow the M 6007.

Right from the start, the road begins a gentle climb towards the Col d'Eze.

As well as offering plenty of photo stops, the Moyenne Corniche is home to a major tourist attraction: the eagle's nest village of Eze.

The village of Èze is famous for its location overlooking the sea, its narrow streets, its 18th-century church and its ruined castle...

Many restaurants are available for a welcome break!

As well as the village and its incredible views, Èze is also known for its fantastic garden, the exotic garden of Èze.

This veritable Garden of Eden is fantastic, both for its plant collections and for the views it offers as you stroll through.

Your gaze will be caught by this expanse that stretches as far as the Estérel massif, and the Riviera will be on show for you!

Admission to the garden is charged, but the site is open all year round.

After these marvellous moments, you'll head back to Beausoleil, where you'll spend the night.

Panorama from the Èze Botanical Garden

Where to stay in Beausoleil?

The Odalys City Beausoleil les Hauts de la Principauté holiday residence welcomes you in the centre of Beausoleil, on the outskirts of Monaco.

The comfortable and well-equipped flats can accommodate up to 4 adults.

They feature a separate bedroom and a living room with a large double bed and a sofa bed.

In addition, all the accommodation at the Odalys City Beausoleil les Hauts de la Principauté has air conditioning and a fully-equipped kitchenette to prepare your meals.

You will also benefit from a balcony, some with a view of the Mediterranean Sea!

Breakfast is served every morning.

The residence also has a covered car park for a fee.

Odalys City Beausoleil les Hauts de la Principauté

From

£120

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Day 2 from Beausoleil to Nice along the Grande Corniche road

The Grande Corniche, with an average altitude of 400 metres, promises some of the most breathtaking views on our route!

After breakfast in Beausoleil, head for the M 2564 road, also known as the Grande Corniche.

The views are breathtaking, the landscape seems unreal in this profusion of blue!

The sea and sky seem to meet...

For the more sporty among you, the route is famous for attracting cyclists, so be well prepared as the gradient is considerable!

Don't forget to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the natural surroundings in the Grande Corniche departmental forest park.

On the way to Nice, plan a visit to discover the Observatoire de la Côte d' Azur with its remarkable architecture (guided tour compulsory).

When you arrive on the outskirts of Nice, it's time to head for your hotel!

The wild nature of the Grande Corniche

Where to stay on the Grande Corniche road near Nice?

The Panoramic Boutique Hôtel is located at the start of the Haute Corniche road, at the foot of the observatory to the east of Nice. This 2-star hotel boasts a superb view over the rooftops of Nice.

The comfortable rooms are simple and offer flat-screen TV and en suite facilities.

The hotel also features a bar-restaurant. Every morning a hearty breakfast is served to guests.

In addition, some rooms offer a pleasant sea view.

The hotel also has a private car park.

Le Panoramic Boutique Hotel

Set in a 19th-century villa, Le Panoramic Boutique Hôtel offers en suite accommodation with free Wi-Fi in Nice, a 10-minute drive from the Promenade des Anglais.

From

£91

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Practical information

When should you come and enjoy the Corniche roads of the French Riviera?

You can take to the roads of the Corniche all year round!

However, traffic is much heavier in summer.

How do I get to the French Riviera?

By road, all you have to do is leave from the eastern districts of the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes. The access roads to the Moyenne and Grande Corniche start from Nice.

If you choose to travel by train, there are several SNCF connections from Paris. From Paris, the journey takes around 6 hours to Nice.

The city is also connected to Paris and the rest of the world by air. Nice Côte d'Azur airport is just a few kilometres from the city centre.

Panoramic view from the Èze Botanical Garden

Where can I park near the places of interest on the Corniche de la Riviera?

Car parks in Èze and the tourist sites described here are often overcrowded and have to be paid for.

Try to get here early to find a parking space, especially from May until September!

by Faustine PEREZ

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Côte d'Azur