Every year, when the last of the snow melts and it starts getting warm enough to go outside without a heavy coat, I start dreaming of beaches. But not any of the beaches “closest” to me, on the US mainland. Much respect to Florida, but no.
Instead, I think of the rocky beaches of southern Europe, whose waters are so clear and blue that they make virtually every beach in North America look like mud water by comparison.
It’s not in question, you see, that almost every beach along Europe’s Mediterranean Sea is beautiful and amazing. However, I do still think there’s value in comparing the French Riviera vs Italian Riviera.
There Are No “Bad” Mediterranean Beaches
Before I start helping you decide to visit the French or Italian Riviera, please know that there’s no “wrong” answer in this case. No matter which choice you make (or if, more ideally, you can visit both), you’ll enjoy some of the best beaches in the world, as well as delicious drinks and food, amazing architecture and captivating culture, to say nothing of the friendly locals on both sides of the border.
This is also to say nothing of outlying islands in either country, whether you go French and seek out luxury villa rental in Corsica, or instead road trip along the Costa Smeralda of Italy’s Sardinia island. The goal of this post, to be sure, is not so much to help you make the “correct” decision, but instead to help you understand how each potential choice is right in its own way.
Ways to Compare the French Riviera and Italian Rivieras
Getting there and around
Both the French and Italian Rivieras are well-connected to their respective countries, with high-speed rail services available from Paris to Nice and from Milan, Florence and Pisa to Genova and La Spezia. Likewise, it’s easy to navigate each of the Rivieras by local train, which have frequent services and are convenient to use, even for tourists.
Beaches
For this question, I’d say that it depends primarily upon what you’re looking for, in terms of whether you choose Italian Riviera or French. The water and shoreline themselves are objectively more beautiful in France, even in cities like St. Tropez and Cannes. However, the overall experience of the Cinque Terre along the Italian Riviera is a bit more unique than what you find along the admittedly more glamorous Côte d’Azur.
Things to do
If you visit the French Riviera for reasons other than beaches, you won’t be disappointed, whether you visit the Marc Chagall Museum in Nice, explore the hilltop citadel of Èze or even cross the “border” into Monaco. On the Italian side, by contrast, you could spend a day each exploring the towns of Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Monterosso and Riomaggiore, and simply studying the contrasts between them.
Cuisine
Just as you won’t swim at a bad beach along the French Riviera or Italian Riviera, you won’t have a bad meal. And in fact, while the French side is obviously in France, there’s a lot of Italian food on offer there, due to centuries of heavy Italian influence there. In fact—and don’t tell any Italians I told you this—but I actually had the best pizza of my life in a shop along Nice’s Cours Saleya Market.
Hotels
Hotels along the Riviera are a lot like they are in the rest of Europe: Mostly too expensive for what you get, and as a result usually disappointing no matter your price point. Unless you can part ways with €1,000+ per night for a luxury hotel and not miss it, or are comfortable staying in a hostel, this is one of the few parts of the world where I often find Airbnb to be the more sensible option.
How to Incorporate the Riviera Into Your Europe Trip
I usually like to “work” first and then “play” later. As a result, unless I’m visiting Europe purely for adventures along a given coast, I tend to put the beach last. In France, this could means visiting Paris, Brittany and Bourdeaux (as just a few examples), and then road tripping down through Provence to the Côte d’Azur. On the other hand, I usually visit the Riviera after exploring the cities of northern Italy (but before heading south at all).
However, if you’re visiting both countries, doing your own Italian Riviera vs French Riviera comparison between them might make sense. After all, you can travel by train from Nice to Monaco and from there to Genova and La Spezia, which makes the Riviera and ideal connector between your two trips. If you have enough time, you could even head down to the Amalfi Coast to…uh…get more “data,” as I like to justify my own trip extensions.
Other FAQ About the French and Italian Rivieras
Which is nicer, French or Italian Riviera?
Although beaches in both France and Italy are incredible, I tend to prefer the French Riviera as a “beach destination over the Italian one, whose coasts is more impressive in the context of culture, cuisine and architecture. Broadly speaking, I also find the French Riviera more luxe and glamorous.
Is St. Tropez considered French Riviera?
St. Tropez is definitely considered to be part of the French Riviera, and according to some travelers is both the most iconic and impressive destination on the Côte d’Azur. Other must-visit spots along the French Riviera include Nice, Cannes, Èze and Menton.
How many days do you need in Italian Riviera?
Although you can technically see Cinque Terre itself on a day trip from Pisa, Milan or Florence, having 2-3 days is ideal. This will allow you not only to visit coastal destinations, but also—if you wish—to explore the large and underrated city of Genova.
The Bottom Line
Comparing the French Riviera vs Italian Riviera might seem like an exercise in futility. After all, there’s no such thing as a “bad” beach in France or Italy, let alone most other places in the southern part of Europe. At the same time, important distinctions between these two legendary coastlines do exist, albeit not ones that make one the “wrong” choice and the other “right.” It’s simply good to set proper expectations in advance of travel! Expectations and preparations, like the very best choice you can make before your next trip to Europe—namely, the decision to hire me as your Travel Coach.
