Most Scenic Drives on the French Riviera
The most scenic drives on the French Riviera — the three Corniches, the Gorges du Loup and the Route des Crêtes — best enjoyed with a chauffeur.
Some of the French Riviera's greatest sights are seen through the windscreen. Its corniche roads and mountain passes offer views that rival any museum, and being driven — rather than driving — is the only way to truly enjoy them. Here are the most scenic drives on the French Riviera.
The three Corniches, Nice to Monaco
Between Nice and Monaco, three roads climb at different heights. The Basse Corniche hugs the coast through Villefranche and Beaulieu; the Moyenne Corniche leads to Èze; and the Grande Corniche soars highest of all, past La Turbie, with breathtaking views over the whole coast.
Driven end to end at golden hour, they are one of the great scenic experiences of Europe.
- Basse Corniche along the coast
- Moyenne Corniche to Èze
- Grande Corniche and La Turbie
- Best at golden hour
The Gorges du Loup and the backcountry
Inland, the Gorges du Loup carves a dramatic route up to the clifftop village of Gourdon, past waterfalls and sheer rock. The roads through the hills behind Grasse and Vence link perched villages and open country far from the coast's bustle.
These are quieter drives, all winding curves and changing views, ideal with a driver who knows the way.
- The Gorges du Loup up to Gourdon
- Waterfalls and dramatic rock
- The hills behind Grasse and Vence
- Quiet, winding backcountry roads
The Route des Crêtes and the coast to Italy
West, above the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, the Route des Crêtes runs along a ridge with sweeping views over the bay and the peninsula. East, the coast road toward Menton and the Italian border strings together village after village by the sea.
A chauffeur turns any of these into a relaxed highlight of a Riviera stay, stopping wherever the view is best.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most scenic drives on the French Riviera?
The three Corniches between Nice and Monaco, the Gorges du Loup to Gourdon, the Route des Crêtes above Saint-Tropez, and the coast road to Italy.
What is the difference between the three Corniches?
They run at three heights: the Basse hugs the coast, the Moyenne leads to Èze, and the Grande soars highest with the widest views over the coast.
Is it better to drive or be driven on the Corniches?
Being driven lets you enjoy the views and the hairpins without the concentration of driving unfamiliar mountain roads, and stop wherever you like.
Can a chauffeur build a scenic drive into a day?
Yes. A private driver can weave the corniches and viewpoints into a day that also takes in Èze, Monaco or the villages.
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Continue planning your Riviera journey
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