Roadmap to the Riviera – a drive from Nice to Monte Carlo

Today’s article takes us on a driving tour of the French Riviera starting with the food specialities of Nice. Through the town of Eze, home of the perfume industry with winding paths overlooking the sea. Ending your journey overlooking the night time harbour lights of Monto Carlo.

The south of France is known for its ability to overwhelm the senses. If Europe were the brain, then Provence and the French Riviera would be the pleasure center. It assaults the senses with dazzling beauty, sweet lavender breezes, sumptuous cuisine, and a hot terra cotta sun.

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Cruise the coast by car

An ideal way to take in the region is to cruise the coastal roads by car making your way from Nice to Monte Carlo. The area is a playground for the rich and famous. You will catch glimpses of awe inspiring villas and yachts along the way.

Nice

Nice is the most famous city in the area and there is an abundance to do here. Activities range from hitting the beaches to sampling Niçoise food. For me the food is truly the highlight.

The small pastry shops offer delectable morsels at prices that won’t break the bank. If you’re lucky enough to travel to Nice at Carnival time (18 Feb – 8 Mar) the local food vendors bring their shops out into the streets and sell their specialties amongst the parades and celebrations.

Onward to Monte Carlo

Once you’ve had your fill of Nice and all it has to offer, hit the road and take the coastal road (motorway D6098) to Monte Carlo. There is plenty to see and do along this route.

The road will take you through the gorgeous village of Villefranche-Sur-Mer. Enjoy views of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat – a peninsula that juts out into the Mediterranean. It is littered with estates owned by both celebrities and royalty alike. It’s often referred to as the “Crown Jewel” of the Riviera.

You may also enjoy: A guide to Monet’s Garden at Giverny – Normandy, France

Fragrant Eze

One of my favorite detours is the village of Eze. This town of winding walkways cascades from a scenic overlook down to the coast. Eze is primarily known for the thriving fragrance industry.

You can tour many of the facilities and sample the perfumes and colognes. There are also museums that document the genesis of the perfumeries in the area for those that are interested.

Eze is only a 15 minute drive from Monte Carlo and there you can explore the Grimaldi Palace and of course place some wagers at the infamous Monte Carlo Casino. People watching along the harbor in Monaco is the perfect way to wind down the day. Watch as the lights from the yachts light up the harbor as the sun dips below the horizon. What a way to spend a day!

Wes Davidson has been working in the travel industry for ten years and is a travel writer for Auto Europe, one of the leading providers of car rental in Europe. He encourages you to use Auto Europe for your car rentals in France and car rentals in Paris.

More things to enjoy in France

The Eiffel Tower – icon of Paris or tourist trap?
Inside the glacier – at the Mer de Glace above Chamonix
Gone fishing for crabs on the Ile de Houat – in Brittany, France

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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