Summer Plans: South of France to Italian Riviera Road Trip with Beaches, Food, & Family Moments
Some trips are planned, others just unfold into unforgettable stories. It was the kind of summer that makes you forget what day it is, that turns strangers into neighbors, and that reminds you why slow travel with your family is one of life's greatest luxuries. A memory that will stay with us all.
Home Base: Golfe-Juan & the Airbnb that Set the Tone
We arrived in Golfe-Juan and checked into our charming Airbnb, Casalina. Nestled away from the usual tourist crowds, it was the perfect base for our South of France road trip itinerary — quiet, family-friendly, and central to everywhere we wanted to go.
Our first night felt magical: dinner by the water at La Petite Plage, complete with live music and dancing, setting the tone for a perfect summer in the Côte d’Azur.
Antibes: Local Charm & Mediterranean Life
Only 10 minutes away, Antibes became one of our favorite stops. We chose to stay nearby because it’s less touristy, more local, and central to the Riviera.
We wandered through the colorful stalls of Marché Provençal, picking up fresh produce and local specialties. Lunch at Les Filles du Micocoulier was simple, authentic, and unforgettable.
The afternoon called for the calm waters of Plage de la Garoupe. And no trip to Antibes would be complete without ice cream at Artisan Boulanger Pâtissier, arguably the best in town.
Les Filles du Micocoulier for lunch
The beautiful streets of Antibes
Artisan Boulanger Pâtissier
Saint-Tropez: Iconic Beaches & Culinary Delights
Next stop was Saint-Tropez, a place where style and sunshine meet.
We started the day with a light breakfast at La Tarte Tropézienne for the world-famous pastries and sandwiches.
After wandering around and taking in all the views, it was time for lunch. Sénéquier was the perfect spot, with classic people watching, over a long lunch, and then window shopping.
We made a stop at Gigi Ramatuelle with a sunny afternoon at Pampelonne Beach, one of the most iconic beaches on the French Riviera. Every bit as gorgeous as photos suggest.
We finished the evening with dinner inland at Ô Plan — fresh fish, vibrant flavors, and one of the most memorable meals of the trip.
Breakfast at La Tarte Tropézienne
The walk to Pampelone Beach
The fresh and most memorable dinner at ô Plan
Picasso, Crepes, and Sunset at Cap d’Antibes
Back in Antibes, we explored the Musée Picasso and returned to Les Filles du Micocoulier for their perfect crêpes.
We finished the day with a golden hour sunset at Plage des Ondes which was magical. Calm waters, soft light, and a beach that’s perfect for families.
Melis exploring the Musée Picasso in the pants from the Chloe Crop Set
Melis at Plage des Ondes wrapped up in the Grid Towel in Sage
Nice & Saint-Paul-de-Vence: City Life and Medieval Charm
We spent a lively half-day walking along the waterfront in Nice, soaking in the energy of this iconic Riviera city. On the way back, a rainy day turned into a beautiful memory as we explored the medieval streets of Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Artisan stores here are the perfect place for gifts: local jams, fruit pastes, olive oil, and honey. Making sure to bring a taste of the South of France home.
That evening, dressed up, we experienced the legendary glamour of Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc for a dinner we’ll never forget.
Dinner at Grill Eden-Roc
Driving South: From the French Riviera to Italy
Leaving Golfe-Juan was bittersweet, but the drive to Italy along the Mediterranean coast made it much easier.
We enjoyed lunch with a view at Le Plongeoir — perched dramatically over the water. We made a couple stops along the way in Monte Carlo, which included cocktails and pastries at Café de Paris Monte-Carlo plus a quick peek at the iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo.
The drive along the scenic roads of the French and Italian Riviera were breathtaking, making every stop feel effortless.
The view at Le Plongeoir
The Casino de Monte-Carlo
Menton & Portofino: Italian Riviera Dreams
We unexpectedly fell in love with Menton. A short stop turned into hours of wandering and a late dinner at Côte Bistrot.
Our arrival in Portofino was dreamlike. Lunch at Hotel Splendido and an afternoon swimming in crystal-clear waters made it impossible not to fall in love.
Evening brought live jazz in the main piazza — the perfect soundtrack to a summer night in Portofino.
The gorgeous streets of Menton
The view from Hotel Splendido
Melis wrapped up in a House No. 23 Turkish towel taking in the scene at Portofino
Cinque Terre & Santa Margherita Ligure
In Vernazza, we grabbed famous focaccia at Focacceria before renting a small local boat. A boat tour of Cinque Terre is truly unforgettable, with hidden coves, dramatic cliffs, and sparkling waters.
Monterosso al Mare gave us a beach club afternoon, pure and simple. We spent a full day in Santa Margherita Ligure which felt like living in a dream, a place we’d happily call home for a summer.
The famous Focacceria
Cinque Terre
Roaming the streets of Santa Margherita Ligure with pizza in arms
Rainy Adventures: Pisa & Lucca
Not every day goes as planned, when traveling. After a minor accident our son had, we pivoted to Pisa on a rainy day, then wandered through the dreamy streets of Lucca. Rain or shine, Tuscany has a way of making memories last forever.
The Grand Finale: Cannes
We ended in Cannes, a city that is buzzing, glamorous, and utterly itself. Lunch at Nammos Cannes came with music, magicians, and a view that felt like a love letter to the whole summer. The perfect final stop.
Final Thoughts
This journey wasn’t about ticking boxes. It was about slowing down, savoring every meal, wandering through alleys, swimming in pristine waters, and letting the French and Italian Riviera reveal itself at its own pace.
The takeaway? Rent a car. Take your time. Explore every corner. And leave room for magic. Because in the South of France and Italy, the unexpected moments often become the most cherished.
