The French Riviera, also known as the Côte-d’Azur, is a string of beach resorts along the Mediterranean coast.
Each has its own character and its own style of nightlife. If you love music then head to Nice, where Le Staccato is a relaxed music venue with a cool 1950s-style interior.
You can see live jazz performances in the basement, and soul and funk bands playing upstairs.
If you prefer classical music, the Opéra de Nice has opera, ballet and classical music concerts. Its ornate building dates back to 1885 and you’ll stare up at lovely paintings, sculptures and a giant 600-bulb chandelier.
Antibes is one of the coastline’s more relaxed towns. If you’re looking for a great sunset cocktail spot, try the Royal Beach in Antibes.
It’s a daytime beach club with its own private beach and jetty. You can sun yourself on a lounger by day then spend the evening sipping cocktails.
Cannes is a bit glitzier, with haunts like Bar L’Amiral, an Art Nouveau-style piano bar and cocktail lounge.
This award-winning bar in the luxurious Hôtel Martinez is the perfect place to order a martini and pretend you’re Humphrey Bogart.
Le Baoli in Cannes is a legendary party spot, a lavish Asian-style wonderland that’s decorated with white canopied tents and tiki lamps. It’s popular with Monaco’s royal family and Hollywood stars.
St Tropez is the place to go if you want to party with the A-list. Les Caves du Roy at the Byblos Hotel has been one of France’s top clubs for almost 40 years.
It still attracts a star-studded guest list, but if you’re not on the list you’ll have to get past the picky doormen. If you do then expect extravagant décor and flowing champagne.
