Affordable travel on the French Riviera is possible even though the region is not known as a cheap destination. You can save money on your Riviera holiday by following these simple tips:
Hotel Amour
The accommodation scene is incredibly competitive in Nice which helps keep prices within reason. The further you get from central Nice and the sea, the cheaper accommodation gets. And the public transport system is excellent! Choose an outlying neighborhood from this overview of the 10 accommodation neighborhoods in Nice.
It's great for families and small groups but anyone can appreciate the savings. You need to rent by the week but the rates are much cheaper than hotels. Plus, you can cook your own food thus saving on meals. As with hotels, you'll get a better deal staying outside of central Nice and taking a short tram ride into town.
If your heart is set on sampling one of the Riviera's best restaurants but you shudder at the prices, indulge your passion at lunch. Nearly all of the region's great chefs give a break to frugal gourmets at lunch, offering fixed-price menus at a third of their dinnertime counterparts.
Use Public Transport
Nice's fast, efficient tramway
Rent a car for a day or two for the scenic drives into the hills if you must but to visit towns along the Riviera coast, nothing is cheaper or easier than a train or bus. See more on getting around the Riviera.
Museé des Beaux Arts Nice
Nice offers a multi-visit pass for €15 which gives access to all Nice museums and galleries (except the Chagall museum) for 72 hours. You can buy the pass in any museum, tourist office or online by clicking here. The French Riviera Pass also offers savings on selected sights, bars, restaurants and activities. Prices start at €28 for a 24-hour pass. More here.
Although great for a splurge, beach restaurants on the French Riviera charge breathtaking prices for a full meal. And no, there are no special lunch deals! Do as the local do when we want to socialize by the sea: have a morning coffee on the beach or an evening aperitif with snacks. See more about Riviera beaches and beach restaurants
The beauty of the Cote d'Azur is astounding and most of it can be appreciated for free. Although some of the coast is dotted with private beach clubs there's always a large stretch in each town that's free and open to the public. Free things to do in Nice are abundant and each town has a park or garden for relaxing. Strolling the streets of Eze Village is free; visiting the Atrium of the Monte Carlo Casino is free; visiting the Citadelle of Villefranche-sur-Mer is free; the coastal walk of St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is free and there's never a charge to visit one of the many baroque churches that dot the coast.
Hi! I'm Jeanne and I've been living on the Riviera for years. With my local insights your trip will be easy and fun. And, do check out my book Nice Uncovered: Walks Through the Secret Heart of a Historic City. More about me here.
