Côte d’Azur sights, y’all—where do I even start? Picture me, sprawled on my couch in my tiny Chicago apartment, wine glass wobbling precariously on a stack of books, daydreaming about the French Riviera. I went there last summer, and let me tell ya, it was a hot mess of beauty and me making a fool of myself. The Mediterranean sparkled like it was trying to flirt, the towns were all chic and bougie, and I was just… well, me, tripping over cobblestones and mispronouncing “croissant” like a total American. Anyway, here’s my take on the 12 must-see Côte d’Azur sights, straight from my sunburned heart.

Why Côte d’Azur Sights Got Me Hooked

The French Riviera attractions? They’re like a fever dream of glamour and chill vibes. I landed in Nice, jet-lagged, wearing mismatched socks because I packed at 3 a.m. The Promenade des Anglais hit me first—miles of coastline, palm trees swaying, and me, nearly wiping out on a rollerblade I didn’t see coming. It’s the kind of place where you feel like you’re in a movie, but also like you might accidentally photobomb a supermodel’s Instagram. Seriously, the Côte d’Azur’s vibe is unreal—glitzy but somehow laid-back, like it knows it’s gorgeous but doesn’t need to brag.

My Top 12 Côte d’Azur Sights (And My Misadventures)

Here’s the deal: I’m spilling my fave French Riviera destinations, complete with my dumb mistakes and what I learned. Buckle up.

1. Nice’s Old Town (Vieux Nice)

Wandering Vieux Nice was like stepping into a pastel painting—narrow streets, flower markets, and gelato shops screaming my name. I got lost for, like, two hours, and accidentally ordered three scoops of pistachio gelato because my French is trash. Pro tip: Learn “un” versus “trois” before you go. The Cours Saleya market is a must for Côte d’Azur sights—grab some lavender soap and pretend you’re a local. Check out Nice Tourism for market deets.

2. Monaco’s Monte Carlo Casino

Okay, Monte Carlo? Straight-up extra. I showed up in flip-flops, thinking I’d channel James Bond, but got turned away because—duh—dress code. The casino’s all gold and glitz, surrounded by yachts bigger than my apartment. Peek at it from the outside if you’re broke like me. More on Monaco’s vibe at Visit Monaco.

3. Èze Village

This hilltop village is stupid pretty, like a fairy tale but with better views. I hiked up in flip-flops (again, bad choice), sweating like a pig, but the medieval streets and Mediterranean views? Worth it. The Nietzsche Path is a killer workout—don’t be me, wear sneakers. Èze’s one of those French Riviera attractions that feels like a secret, even if it’s not.

4. Antibes’ Cap d’Antibes

Cap d’Antibes is where I pretended I was fancy, strolling past mansions and sniffing pine trees. I tripped into a bush trying to get a pic of the sea—classic me. The coastal trail is a Côte d’Azur must-see spot; it’s peaceful but wild, with waves crashing like they’re mad at you. Visit Antibes Juan-les-Pins for trail maps.

5. Cannes’ La Croisette

Cannes is where I felt like a peasant next to all the designer bags. La Croisette’s a glitzy promenade with beaches and cafés. I spilled espresso on my shirt trying to look cool sipping it—yep, still me. It’s a prime Côte d’Azur sight for people-watching. Scope out Cannes Tourism for festival info.

6. Saint-Tropez’s Port

Saint-Tropez is bougie overload—yachts, champagne, and me, eating a $20 sandwich because I didn’t check the menu. The port’s a Côte d’Azur sight you can’t miss; it’s like a fashion show on water. I tried to take a selfie and dropped my phone in a puddle. Classic. More at Saint-Tropez Tourism.

7. Menton’s Lemon Festival

Menton’s colorful and obsessed with lemons, which I didn’t expect. I went during the Lemon Festival, and let me tell you, seeing a giant lemon sculpture while slightly hungover is… surreal. It’s a quirky French Riviera destination—check Menton Tourism for festival dates.

8. Villefranche-sur-Mer

This fishing village is all pastel houses and calm bays. I tried paddleboarding here and fell off immediately—water up my nose, the works. Still, it’s one of the prettiest Côte d’Azur sights. The beach is chill, perfect for recovering from your own dumb moves.

9. Grasse’s Perfume Factories

Grasse smells like heaven, no lie. I toured a perfume factory and sneezed my way through because I’m apparently allergic to jasmine. Making my own scent was cool, though—mine smelled like “ocean and regret.” A must for French Riviera attractions. See Grasse Tourism.

10. Saint-Paul-de-Vence

This artsy village is like stepping into a gallery. I bought a tiny painting I couldn’t afford because I got caught up in the vibe. The cobblestone streets are a Côte d’Azur must-see spot—don’t wear heels like I did. More at Saint-Paul-de-Vence Tourism.

11. The Lerins Islands

These islands off Cannes are pure peace. I took a ferry to Île Sainte-Marguerite and tried to “commune with nature,” but mostly got bitten by mosquitoes. Still, the clear waters and quiet trails make it a top Côte d’Azur sight. Check ferry schedules at Cannes Tourism.

12. Juan-les-Pins’ Jazz Festival

Juan-les-Pins is where I pretended I was cultured at the jazz festival. Spoiler: I fell asleep during a set because jet lag is real. The beachside vibes and music make it a French Riviera destination you gotta hit. More at Antibes Juan-les-Pins.

Tips for Surviving Côte d’Azur Sights

• Pack smart: Sneakers, not flip-flops, unless you want my blisters.
• Learn basic French: Trust me, it saves you from ordering three gelatos.
• Budget for food: Sandwiches are pricey, y’all. Bring snacks.
• Sunscreen is your BFF: I’m still peeling from that sunburn.

Wrapping Up My Côte d’Azur Sights Obsession

So, there you go—my messy, sun-soaked take on Côte d’Azur sights. I’m back in Chicago now, staring at my fridge, wishing I was still lost in Vieux Nice or tripping in Èze. The French Riviera’s got this magic that makes even my dumb moments feel epic. Got a fave Côte d’Azur spot? Drop it in the comments—I’m already planning my next trip, and I need ideas to not screw it up again.