Where to stay on the French Riviera without a car

A car on the Riviera looks excellent in advertising. In an underground car park in July, considerably less so.

For a car-free trip, Nice is the simplest base. The main station, tram and coastal trains make much of the Riviera accessible without hunting for parking between two SUVs.

Central Nice

The most practical choice for a first trip. Walk to the sea, station and tram. Not every corner is romantic. That is exactly why it works.

Old Nice

More charm, more activity, less silence. Excellent if you want to go out on foot. Less excellent if your sleep requires an entire city to go to bed at 10 pm.

The Port

A good compromise for eastern Nice, the Cap de Nice swimming spots and easy access back to the centre.

Villefranche-sur-Mer

Smaller, very beautiful and connected by coastal train. A strong choice if you accept fewer services in exchange for a setting Nice itself can envy.