Overview:
– Eze Village – Perfume factory and hike
-Nice: Musee des arts Asiatiques, Castle Hill, Cathedral
– Antibes: Park Exflora, Billionaires Bay, Markets
The South of France often carries a reputation for luxury and opulence, which can understandably make budget-conscious travellers hesitant to explore this beautiful region. From glamorous yachts in Cannes to exclusive beach clubs in Saint-Tropez, the allure of the French Riviera can seem financially out of reach. However, beneath this glitzy facade lies a treasure trove of affordable and even free experiences waiting to be discovered.
Imagine strolling through cobblestone streets lined with colourful markets, savouring the aromas of freshly baked baguettes and local cheeses. Picture yourself hiking along scenic coastal trails that lead to hidden coves and panoramic viewpoints. Envision exploring centuries-old fortresses and medieval castles, each steeped in history and open to the public at no cost.
Whether you’re seeking relaxation on a sun-drenched beach or craving adventure in the great outdoors, the South of France invites you to experience its magic without the hefty price tag. With a bit of insider knowledge and a willingness to explore off the beaten path, you’ll soon discover that this region is not just for the elite—it’s a playground for savvy travellers who know how to do it right. So, get ready to unlock the secrets of the South of France on a budget and create memories that will last a lifetime.
- Browse The Markets
The towns in the South of France are full of quaint farmers markets to explore. Some sell just food and potentially also souvenirs and artwork, whilst others will have new/vintage clothes available.
Antibes: The 3rd Sunday of every month hosts a market which sells local produce, this runs from 10am-4pm.
Nice: The ‘Cours Saleya’ market is hosted every morning (except Monday), selling cheeses, olives, flowers and other authentic french goods. The flower section is open all day to explore.
- On Mondays, this market becomes an antique market, you can find fascinating, unique collectibles and can bargains to your hearts content!
2. Hike Up to Eze Village
I must say that this is an activity that truly challenged me. Although the journey is long and hard (much longer than google maps implies in reality), the hike from Eze station to Eze village is a once in a lifetime opportunity that’s totally worth it. On the way up there are many information points that give you some guidance as to the history of the place and the viewpoint is absolutely unparalleled. Just make sure that you wear comfortable shoes and bring some snacks and drinks with you because there are no shops/cafes on the way!
3. Guided Tour of Eze Perfume Factory
If you have decided to embark on the hike up to Eze Village (or, as I would advise, get the bus!), then once you have explored the cafes, shops and the tropical garden, be sure to visit the perfume factory. Free tours are offered at regular 30-minute intervals throughout the day, these are conducted in two separate groups which are either French or English speaking. Here, you can learn about the history and processes of this famous french perfume, you will also be given the opportunity to snag some great deals on perfume at the end of the tour in the gift shop (this is completely optional and absolutely not an expectation).
4. Castle Hill, Nice
This is an absolute must-visit if you are in Nice. You can either hike 300 steps to the top or get the (totally free) elevator if you’re looking for an easier option. However, apparently this isn’t always working so be sure that you are prepared to be flexible about your plans, which is definitely something you should practice before becoming enthralled in relaxed French culture! This experience is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about Nice’s history and provides fantastic views of the coastline and sunset (if you visit at the right time of day). A canon is shot every day at noon!
Castle Hill features a meaningful memorial site for those who provided assistance to Jews during WW2 and also to those who were killed. You can also visit a cemetery which contains truly hard-hitting enscribings of tributes to those who lost their lives.
As you walk further along into Castle Hill, their is a beatific (but artificial) waterfall to enjoy. This is a great vibe for a sunny day.
5. Nice Cathedral (Basilique Notre-Dame)
This attraction is a vital part of Nice’s infrastructure and is located directly nearby the train station. Admission is completely free to visit the iconic stained glass windows of this idyllic attraction. The amount of time you spend here is completely up to you, it could be a quick visit between other activities or you could take some real time to contemplate and reflect on your trip so far.
6. Explore ‘Park Exflora’ – Antibes
This is a 12-acre public park with absolutely an beautiful setting at the heart of the French Riviera. It features a 500-metre stream and a Provencal maze to explore with all the family. Open between 9:30am and 9:30pm from June-September, take a picnic and escape the sun under a palm tree.
7. Take Part in a Walking Tour
Available all over the South of France and beyond, book one of the many free walking guides online prior to your visit and explore the main attractions with the benefit of insider knowledge. Lots of the tours will show you around the Old Town and Castle Hill so perhaps combine this with a previous suggestion if simply walking around yourself gets tiresome/confusing.
Ask questions, meet new people and deepen your historical and cultural knowledge with a tour, although not technically a requirement, do be sure to tip your guide between €5-10 for their hard work.
8. Musee Des Arts Asiatiques, Nice
This is one of the most expansive and interesting museums in the south of France. As you may be able to identify based on its name, the museum is filled with modern artwork, statues and photography from and about Asia. Although situated a slight distance away from the centre of the city, walk along the beach and be sure to make a stop here to experience the serenity of the setting. – – The museum is open from 10am until 5pm (but closed on a Tuesday), tickets are completely free.
9. Old Press Souvenir
If you happen to strolling through ‘Place Massena’ in Nice, be sure to take the opportunity to grab a free souvenir to remember your time with. You can get a photo of you and your companion printed on an old newspaper press. They accept any kind of donations but this is completely free!
10. Explore Billionaires Bay – Antibes
This small beach can get quite crowded and is likely not somewhere you’d sunbathe for the whole day, but Billionaires Bay is a fantastic spot to take a dip in the crystal-clear water and take a look at the awe-inspiring yachts that give this spot its name.
– spending the afternoon swimming at any of the beaches along the French Riviera is a great idea that will never get old, some of the best are: Juan-les-Pins, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Plage de la Mala (Cap d’Ail).