Exploring Côte d’Azur is like falling into a painting that smells like fish markets and fancy perfume. I’m sitting in my shoebox Brooklyn apartment, coffee mug stained, radiator hissing like it’s mad at me, still daydreaming about my five-day sprint through the French Riviera last summer. It was magic, mayhem, and me making a fool of myself—like when I ordered a $40 coffee in Monaco because I thought “café” meant “normal”. Ha, nope. This is my messy, honest guide to exploring Côte d’Azur in five days, from a very not-fancy American who’s still finding sand in her shoes. Let’s get into it, okay?

Why Exploring Côte d’Azur Got Me All Heart-Eyes

The French Riviera hit me like a rogue wave. I rolled into Nice, jet-lagged, smelling like stale pretzels, dragging a suitcase with a janky wheel. I thought I’d be all chic, but nah—within hours, I was lost in Vieux Nice’s twisty, pastel alleys, sweating like a pig, and somehow roped into juggling oranges with a street performer. Dropped every single one, obviously. The air was salty, sweet with lavender from nearby stalls, and alive with clinking glasses. Exploring Côte d’Azur isn’t just a trip—it’s a full-on sensory attack. Pro tip: pack sneakers, and maybe don’t trust Google Translate like I did.

Day 1: Nice Broke Me (in the Best Way)

Nice is the French Riviera’s soul, and I dove in like a clueless tourist. The Promenade des Anglais was all glittery sea and fancy vibes, but I got sidetracked watching a seagull swipe a guy’s sandwich—legend. My screw-up? Not planning my Vieux Nice route. Those narrow streets are a maze, and my phone crapped out mid-Google Maps. Ended up at a tiny café, sipping rosé I didn’t mean to order, pretending I was fine. If you’re exploring Côte d’Azur, start in Nice—walk the Promenade, hit Cours Saleya for fresh figs, and for God’s sake, charge your phone.

• Tip: Grab a paper map from Nice’s tourism office (www.nicetourisme.com). Saved my dumb ass.
• D’oh: Skipped Castle Hill. Apparently, the view’s unreal. Don’t be me.

Days 2-3: Cannes and Antibes—My Attempt at Being Cool

Cannes was me trying to act like a movie star and failing hard. Strutted down La Croisette in my cheap sunglasses, then tripped and spilt my iced coffee on a French lady’s purse. She gave me a death stare—fair. Still, exploring Côte d’Azur’s glitzy side in Cannes is dope—yachts, fancy shops, all that jazz. I liked Le Suquet’s quiet, hilly streets better, with tiny bistros that didn’t judge my budget. Antibes, though? My heart. The Picasso Museum (www.antibes-juanlespins.com) had me nerding out, and I spent hours sketching boats at Port Vauban like I’m some artist. Spoiler: I’m not.

Tips for Exploring Côte d’Azur’s Fancy Towns

• Cannes: Ditch the overpriced beach clubs. Public beaches are chill, and you can bring your own snacks.
• Antibes: Walk the Cap d’Antibes trail. The views are insane, but I forgot sunscreen and looked like a tomato.
• Hack: TER trains (www.sncf.com) are dirt cheap and connect Nice, Cannes, and Antibes like a dream.

Day 4: Monaco—Where I Felt Poor but Amazed

Monaco’s like a fever dream of wealth. Exploring Côte d’Azur without it would’ve been a sin, so I went, fully knowing I couldn’t afford a napkin. The Monte Carlo Casino was wild—I felt like a Bond extra, but in flip-flops. The Prince’s Palace had guards strutting like they’re in a Netflix drama. My low point? Haggling for a tacky magnet at a market and getting laughed at. Also, my $20 Target dress screamed “tourist” among the Gucci crowd. Oh well.

Monaco Tips for Exploring Côte d’Azur on a Budget

• Hit the Oceanographic Museum (www.oceano.org). It’s quirky and not as packed.
• Walk everywhere. Monaco’s tiny, and taxis are a rip-off.
• Bring water. I paid €8 for a bottle and nearly cried.

Day 5: Èze and Villefranche-sur-Mer—My French Riviera Crush

By day five, I was sunburnt, broke, and totally obsessed with the French Riviera. Èze is this cliffside village that looks like a Disney set. I hiked the Nietzsche Path and almost died—my lungs are not about that life—but the views were worth the wheezing. Villefranche-sur-Mer’s colourful harbour was my happy place. I sat on the beach, chomping a baguette, dreading my return to Brooklyn’s noise. Exploring Côte d’Azur’s small towns showed me its real magic, not just the bling.

Last Tips for Exploring Côte d’Azur’s Hidden Gems

• Èze: Check the Exotic Garden. Views are fire, and it’s worth the ticket.
• Villefranche: Eat at La Mère Germaine (www.meregermaine.com). Their seafood wrecked me for life.
• Regret: Didn’t budget for souvenirs. Èze’s lavender sachets? Cute but spendy.

Wrapping Up My Côte d’Azur Madness

Yo, exploring Côte d’Azur in five days was a whirlwind—beautiful, stressful, and the best kind of chaos. From Nice’s wild alleys to Monaco’s “I’m too poor for this” energy, I laughed, cried over prices, and learnt I’m not built for luxury. Embrace the mess, y’all—get lost, spill your coffee, and haggle like an idiot. That’s the French Riviera’s charm. I’m back in my loud apartment, dreaming of waves and wine. If you go, tell me how it hits you—DM me on X or something; I’m nosy!