Glitzy marinas, glorious beaches and star-studded towns: How to plan a road trip along the French Rivieras
- The Côte d’Azur is easy to drive, with scenic views along the way and plenty of stop-off points, which is why it’s an ideal destination for a fly-drive holiday
Ad feature by British Airways Holidays
PUBLISHED: 08:50, 01 August 2023
There are few coastlines as glamorous as France’s Côte d’Azur. A haven of upmarket beach towns, vibrant cities and sweeping promenades, it is fringed by emerald palm trees and glitzy waterfront casinos.
Home to the stunning French Riviera, the glamour of St Tropez and the Belle Époque elegance of Nice, this coast is a haven of style. Stroll the sugary sands, dine out at exclusive eateries, or drop into marinas frequented by A-listers.
Take a fly-drive holiday and you can make your way down the whole coast, popping into beautiful beach towns, or up into the mountains, and bookending your journey with two incredible cities.
British Airways Holidays and its exclusive car hire partner Avis offer a wide range of fly-drive holidays across Europe, so you can plan a road trip with everything you need all wrapped up in one ATOL-protected package.
Your flight will include a 23kg baggage allowance per person, you have the flexibility to pick up and drop off your car in different locations and you’ll enjoy 24-hour roadside assistance.
You can also pre-book extras such as child seats and GPS navigation. And if you’re an Executive Club Member, you’ll enjoy additional benefits such as collecting Avios and enjoying a free additional driver with every rental.
With frequent flights to Nice and Marseille and flexible pick-up and drop-off locations, you’ll be wending your way down this spectacular coast in no time, with no need to double back.
Blending sun-soaked terracotta rooftops with sparkling sea views and a glamorous past, there’s a reason Nice attracts so many to stroll its winding streets
Nice to Cannes
Blending sun-soaked terracotta rooftops with sparkling sea views and a glamorous past, there’s a reason this enchanting city attracts so many to stroll its winding streets. From rolling hills peppered with glamorous villas to city centre sanctuaries, you’ll find the perfect base for exploring this coastal haven. You can also fly here direct with British Airways.
A short stretch of coast freckled with seafront towns and glitzy stop-off points, the beauty of the Côte d’Azur is only emphasised by the ease of weaving the best beauty spots together. For example, a scenic journey to Cannes takes only 50 minutes, meaning it’s easy to add a quick detour to admire the yachts of Antibes along the way.
The largest marina in Mediterranean waters, Antibes has called artists such as Monet, Picasso and F Scott Fitzgerald to its hone-hued facade. Today, you can dig through the vibrant market stalls, walk to Cap d’Antibes, or find relics of the 5th-century Greek settlement in the local museum.
Jump back in the car and continue to Cannes, a sleepy fishing village turned homeland of the world’s most coveted film festival and a haven of film-star glamour and aristocratic style. Or 15 minutes away by ferry, visit Sainte-Marguerite Island and the prison built for the Man in the Iron Mask.
Cannes is a sleepy fishing village turned homeland of the world’s most coveted film festival and a haven of film-star glamour and aristocratic style
Cannes to St Tropez
After a hearty breakfast on Rue Hoche and window shopping on the Croissette, head inland for a gorgeous mountain drive on your way to St Tropez, around 1.5 hours south. Turn back to the shimmering coast to make a pit stop in Saint Raphael, a stylish beachfront resort and the perfect place for lunch.
Shaded coves, beaches and sailing aside, Saint Raphael’s port enjoys a rich history as the arrival point of Napoleon after his triumph in Egypt in 1799, the departure point of his exile to Elba, and the landing point of the Allied Forces in the August 1944 Champagne Campaign.
Follow the lovely coastline south for St Tropez, passing by the sweeping sands, charming centre and elegant promenade of Sainte Maxime resort. The final stage of your journey will take you around almost the entire coastline of the St Tropez Gulf, admiring the deep azure waters, the gentle swaying pines and the clear skies overhead.
Blending the traditional charm of quaint Provencal towns with the all-out glamour of Côte d’Azur, St Tropez is one of the most famed European resort towns for a reason. Spend your days enjoying blissful spas, vibrant markets, and calm afternoons in the squares.
A view of Saint-Tropez
St Tropez to Marseille
Head inland for a two-hour drive passing through the lush countryside of the Alps-Provence, or cling to the coast to add 10 minutes to your journey but no end of scenic sea views. As you begin the final approach to Marseille, take a short detour to visit the Calanques National Park.
The Mediterranean’s take on the dramatic Norwegian fjords, in this park, rugged limestone cliffs give way to twinkling turquoise coves. The 26 calanques - roughly translating to ‘rocky inlets’ - offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy one last hike, a final cooling dip or a traditional lunch in an off-the-beaten-track port.
A city recovering its imperial pride with an influx of staggering art galleries, sophisticated bars and inspirational museums, Marseille is the sunniest city in France. Whether sunbathing on the docks of the Old Port, savouring the famous bouillabaisse seafood dish or picking up some final souvenirs in the Capucin market (after all, you have that 23kg baggage allowance to fill), Marseille is the perfect final stop of your Côte d’Azur adventure.
And with its invigorating blend of cultures and energies, you’ll savour as many North African snacks as you will traditional French delicacies as you while away the last hours before your flight home.
A city recovering its imperial pride with an influx of staggering art galleries, sophisticated bars and inspirational museums, Marseille is the sunniest city in France
The call of the Riviera
Glamorous marinas, glitzy bars and mesmerising beaches make the French Riviera and Côte d’Azur a perfect option for an elegant road trip on Mediterranean shores. Embrace the A-lister lifestyle as you drop into rooftop restaurants and artisanal boutiques on your scenic journey from Nice to Marseille.
You’ll enjoy peace of mind when you travel with British Airways Holidays and Avis. Book your trip with a deposit of just £75 per person, enjoy ATOL protection, a 24-hour customer helpline and roadside assistance at any hour. And with priority check-in and boarding, as well as lounge access, as an Executive Club Member, you’ll enjoy a truly seamless journey.
Plan and book your French road trip at ba.com/flydrives
