The French Riviera has a reputation for being a playground for the rich and famous — Monaco supercars, Cannes film stars, and Nice’s stylish promenade. But here’s the surprise: you don’t need a celebrity bank balance to enjoy it.
Our family of four spent ten days exploring the Riviera on a budget — using local trains and buses, staying in an Airbnb instead of a hotel, and making smart choices about where to eat. In fact, the whole trip cost about the same as a week in Spain during the school holidays.
This blog shares our day-by-day adventures, from spotting a £23 million Rolls-Royce in Monaco to recreating childhood photos in Biot. Along the way, you’ll also see how we kept costs down while still enjoying some of the world’s most glamorous destinations.
Here’s a quick video where I break down how we managed the Riviera on a budget — comparing it directly to Spain:
Day 1: Arrival in Villeneuve-Loubet
We settled into our apartment overlooking the sea in Villeneuve-Loubet, ready to start exploring. The location was perfect – trains and buses within walking distance, and Nice and Antibes just minutes away.
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Day 2: Antibes and First Adventures
Our first proper outing was to Antibes, a place I remembered fondly from childhood. We strolled the old town, admired the yachts in Port Vauban, and soaked in the relaxed Riviera vibe.
Day 3: Chasing the Elusive Travel Passes
We spent most of this day trying (and failing) to get hold of the 7-day Azur Explorer travel passes. Each tourist office, ticket counter, and machine had a different story. Eventually, we ended up with one single pass and a headache.
It wasn’t wasted though – the boys had their first experience on French trams, and we clocked up thousands of steps exploring Nice’s stations and streets.
Day 4: Finally Nice – and Finally the Passes
Persistence paid off. At Nice Ville station we finally managed to buy four passes. With tickets in hand, we explored Nice properly – the Old Town, the promenade, and a meal in a buzzing square with church bells ringing in the background.
Day 5: Cagnes-sur-Mer (and the Wrong Villeneuve-Loubet)
What was meant to be a quiet seaside stroll turned into an adventure. After Elaine took a wave head-on at the beach (to the boys’ delight), we tried to catch a bus home. Unfortunately, we ended up in the other Villeneuve-Loubet – the one in the mountains.
After a long walk, countless moans from Thomas, and 200 unexpected steps uphill, we made it back to our apartment – just in time to bump into our slightly grumpy cleaner.
Day 6: Eze and the World’s Best Bus Ride
We aimed for Monaco but, realising we’d forgotten passports, hopped off at Cap d’Ail. Instead, we discovered the hilltop village of Eze. The exotic gardens at the top offered the most breathtaking views of the Riviera.
Getting back, we ended up on the Moyenne Corniche bus – a road clinging to cliffs with views that rival anything in the world. An unplanned day, but unforgettable.
Day 7: Juan-les-Pins and a Family Tribute
This day was personal. We visited Juan-les-Pins to see the spot where my parents’ ashes had been scattered. We brought red roses, but instead of quiet reflection, a festival with a booming DJ was in full swing. Typical – I could almost hear my mum and dad laughing at the timing.
We still paid our respects and walked the promenade, remembering old family trips. A bittersweet but meaningful day.
Day 8: Monaco and a Dip into Italy
This time with passports in hand, we finally did Monaco. From marble-lined stations to £23m Rolls Royce Boat Tails, the place dripped with luxury. We lunched overlooking superyachts and wandered Casino Square, dodging signs telling us not to photograph celebrities.
We then hopped over the border to Ventimiglia, Italy. It was scruffier but cheaper – pizza and drinks at half Riviera prices. Our train back was stopped by police demanding passports. It felt like a wartime film, and we were glad we hadn’t risked Monaco without ID earlier in the week.
Day 9: Cannes – Red Carpets and Crowds
No Riviera trip is complete without Cannes. We took the bus (and instantly regretted it – packed and slow). Still, seeing the boys run up the Cannes Film Festival red carpet was a proud moment, even if we accidentally skipped the queue.
We strolled the promenade past private beaches charging €250 for lunch, and supercars lined up outside the Carlton. A bucket list stop – though next time, I’ll take the train.
Day 10: Biot and Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Our last day was spent in Biot, a village full of childhood memories for me. I recreated an old photo of me with my mum – this time with my twin boys. We visited the little church, lit candles, and paused in the square I once sat with my parents.
From Biot we took an Uber to Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Commercialised, yes, but still charming. Another recreated photo – this time of my dad by a fountain. Surreal, standing in the same spot decades later, now older than he was in that picture. A day of treasured memories.
Final Thoughts: Riviera on a Budget with Kids
Ten days, countless buses and trains, and thousands of steps. We managed to see Nice, Antibes, Cagnes, Eze, Monaco, Cannes, Biot, Saint-Paul and even Italy – all without a hire car.
The Riviera is famous for glamour, but it’s also family-friendly and surprisingly affordable if you know how to use public transport. For us, the real treasures weren’t just the yachts and casinos, but the family moments, the laughs, and the memories tied to my parents.
How We Kept Riviera Costs Down
People often ask: “Isn’t the French Riviera expensive?” It can be — but here’s how we made it affordable:
- Airbnb instead of hotels – we stayed in Villeneuve-Loubet with sea views for less than the price of a mid-range hotel.
- Public transport – trains and buses were cheap, frequent, and often quicker than hiring a car.
- Mixing France and Italy – a pizza in Ventimiglia, Italy, cost a fraction of a snack in Monaco.
- Public beaches & free sights – from walking Cannes’ Croisette to exploring old towns like Biot and St Paul de Vence.
- Keeping “treats” selective – instead of €250 lunches at beach clubs, we saved splurges for the occasional café or gelato.
So yes, the Riviera can drain your wallet fast — but with some planning, it can also be a surprisingly affordable family adventure.
Would we go back? Absolutely – but next time, we’ll buy those passes on day one!
Related posts you might enjoy:
- Parkdean Sandford Review – our family trip to Dorset with plenty of activities for all ages.
- Tank Museum Dorset Family Day – because mums can enjoy tanks too!
- Butlins Bognor at 60 – another surprisingly affordable family holiday.
- State Pension Age Change Delay – back to reality after the Riviera!
- Raising Twin Boys in My Sixties – how parenting later in life adds to the adventure.
Useful resources:
- Lignes d’Azur (Nice transport) – for bus and tram info, including the Azur Explorer pass.
- Cannes Film Festival – official site with events and history.
- Twins Trust – a brilliant support charity for twin parents.
- Airbnb – where we booked our Villeneuve-Loubet apartment.
