Top tips for your summer vacation on the French Riviera

A vacation to the French Riviera, also known as the Côte d’Azur, has been the symbol of the ultimate summer dream for decades. Whether you’re thinking of the azure blue sea, the scent of pine trees and lavender, or the glitz and glam of the jet set in Saint-Tropez: this region never gets old.

For the 2026 summer season, we’re seeing a clear trend: travelers are increasingly swapping crowded hotels for the peace and privacy of a private vacation rental. In this blog, you’ll read all about why the South of France should be your next destination, which spots you can’t miss, and how to find the perfect place to stay.

The French Riviera is constantly reinventing itself. Sustainable tourism and "slow travel" are front and center these days. Instead of racing down the entire coast in one week, vacationers are choosing a home base—a maison de vacances—to truly experience the region.

With its warm climate (averaging 82°F in July and August) and crystal-clear coves, it’s the perfect spot for families, groups of friends, or a romantic getaway for two. Plus, local events like the legendary Nice Jazz Festival and the many summer nights featuring fireworks in Cannes and Antibes are once again absolute highlights on the calendar.

Renting a villa or vacation home offers an experience that a hotel simply can’t match.

1. Privacy and Space: Nothing beats having breakfast with a fresh baguette on your own terrace while overlooking the Mediterranean in total peace.

2. Private Pool: Many vacation rentals in the Var or the Alpes-Maritimes feature a private pool. This is ideal for those warm afternoons when the beaches get crowded.

3. Local Gastronomy: With your own kitchen, you can visit local markets (like the famous market in Lorgues or Cours Saleya in Nice) and cook for yourself using fresh truffles, olive oil, and Provençal herbs.

4. Cost-Effective for Groups: Traveling with multiple families or a large group of friends? A large country house is often cheaper per person than booking several hotel rooms.

1. Glamorous Saint-Tropez and Sainte-Maxime While Saint-Tropez is famous for its luxury yachts and exclusive clubs at Pampelonne Beach, the countryside offers beautiful, quiet villas. Want to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the harbor but sleep in peace at night? Look for a house in Sainte-Maxime or the charming Plan de la Tour. Here, you’ll find authentic village squares and vineyards right around the corner.

2. Antibes and Juan-les-Pins: Culture and Beach Antibes is perhaps the most versatile town on the coast. With its old city walls, the Picasso Museum, and the lively sandy beaches of Juan-les-Pins, it’s a top location for families. In the surrounding hills of Valbonne or Biot, you’ll find stunning vacation homes offering panoramic views of the coastline.

3. The Tranquility of the Esterel and Fréjus For nature lovers, the region around the Esterel Mountains is a must-see. The red rocks plunging into the blue sea create a spectacular contrast. Vacation homes in Saint-Raphaël or Agay are often perfectly located for both beach days and vigorous hikes or mountain bike tours in the wild.

Demand for vacation rentals with pools on the Côte d’Azur is incredibly high. For the summer, our advice is: book early.

• Watch for the Extras: Check if things like final cleaning, bed linens, and tourist tax are included. In France, the tourist tax (taxe de séjour) can vary by municipality.

• Check for A/C: While the thick walls of old Provençal houses keep things cool, air conditioning in modern bedrooms is not a luxury you want to skip during a French canicule (heatwave).

• When is the best time to visit the Côte d’Azur?

  July and August are the most popular months and offer the most consistent summer weather. If you want to avoid the biggest crowds but still enjoy summer temperatures, June and September are fantastic alternatives.

• Are vacation rentals in the South of France kid-friendly?

  Absolutely. Many villas come equipped with fenced-in pools (mandatory in France), high chairs, and play areas. Furthermore, cities like Fréjus and Cannes are very accessible for families, featuring attractions like water parks and safe sandy beaches.

• What is the best way to get to the French Riviera?

  • Car: Driving gives you the most flexibility, though you should keep an eye out for "Black Saturdays" (peak traffic days) in the summer.

  • Plane: Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) is the main gateway to the region, with daily flights from major international hubs.

  • Train: The TGV (high-speed train) will get you from Paris to Nice, Antibes, or Cannes in record time.

• Do I need a car at a vacation rental?

  Unless you are staying right in the center of Nice or Cannes, a (rental) car is highly recommended. Many vacation homes are tucked away in the hills for the views. A car gives you the freedom to visit hidden beaches and remote wineries.

A vacation on the Côte d’Azur promises to be an unforgettable mix of French joie de vivre, luxury, and natural beauty. By renting a vacation home, you create your own home base in the most glamorous part of Europe. Whether you choose a modern villa with a pool or a rustic mas among the olive trees: the French sun is waiting for you.

Start dreaming today and book your ideal vacation home in France through Leisure Time!