• Home
  • Travel
    • Africa
    • Asia
    • Caribbean Islands
    • Europe
    • North America
    • South America
  • DFW
  • About Me
  • Find Me On IG
Bon-Bon Voyage
Make travel a fun learning experience for the whole family!!!
  • Home
  • Travel
    • Africa
    • Asia
    • Caribbean Islands
    • Europe
    • North America
    • South America
  • DFW
  • About Me
  • Find Me On IG
Home » Europe » Scenic Drive on the French Riviera
EuropeHome

Scenic Drive on the French Riviera

BonBon June 14, 2016 27 Comments

One of the most scenic drives in the world is in the South of France. I knew my husband would love this drive but I wasn’t so sure if it was a good idea since I know what it can be like to drive in a foreign country without knowing the local roads and traffic. So, I didn’t bother to book a car nor book any tours in advance. This recent trip we took was with just me and my husband; the first time we’ve spend time away from the kids in their lives. My idea was to be spontaneous; aside from being busy the past months before the trip, I was also thinking to take this vacation slow – no schedules, no planned itinerary, and no tours.

We spent the first 3 days of our trip in Cannes for the Film Festival and see a little bit of Nice. We then decided to take a drive through the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region. It has a lot of similarity with the scenery in Madeira, Portugal and Cape Town, South Africa where my husband is from. He enjoyed cruising around in a convertible with the top down 🙂 Indeed, a must-do if you visit this corner of the world.

Here are few of the photos we took along the way. Hope this will inspire you to visit the French Riviera. Buzz me to help you plan your adventure. xoxo

The Cote d’Azur’s Corniches are some of the most driven and beloved roads in the world. Most especially to those who love the thrill of driving in narrow and crooked paths.  There are three roads carved into the mountainside running between Nice and Monaco and on to Menton which is the city near the border with Italy. These are Grande Corniche at the top, the Moyenne Corniche in the middle and the Basse Corniche (or Corniche Inferieure) along the coast. Each has their own charm that brings you to wonderland.

FYI: A ‘corniche’ means a cliff road or “road on a ledge”

Corniche Road Map

Corniche Road Map

We decided to drive the middle road which is Moyenne corniche. There are not many overlooks that we can stop by for pictures but here are some of the few that I managed to snap. To see the real beauty of it all is to go and visit this beautiful place.

Tip:  Corniche Moyenne is best driven in the direction from Nice to Menton and not the other way around. This is because the overlooks are always on the seaside and it is hard to cross the opposing traffic in order to park. Cote d Azur Tourism

A view of the bay at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
A view of the bay at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat from one of the overlooks on the Moyenne Corniche
The world is your oyster!!!
The world is your oyster!!!

From Moyenne Corniche, we drove down to the Basse corniche which runs along the water, 50 meters above the Mediterranean. The seaside drive is so refreshing and it wasn’t during rush-hour so, we had a really quiet drive (aside from hearing loud Ferrari engines once in awhile) and saw breathtaking vistas. I took few snapshots while driving.

Monaco. I love this dramatic coastal view... beautiful!!!

Monaco. I love this dramatic coastal view… beautiful!!!

I’ve always dreamt of Monaco!!! It has always been one of my dream destinations. Being here with my husband is happiness and we are already thinking of going back with the kids.

We had lunch with this gorgeous view. You can see the Prince's of Monaco Palace on top of the hill:)
We had lunch with this gorgeous view. You can see the Prince’s of Monaco Palace on top of the hill:)
My driver:) He had a blast driving around the Monaco F1 circuit.
My driver:) He had a blast driving around the Monaco F1 circuit.

Fact: Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly died on Sep 14, 1982 after a tragic car crash on the windy roads of Moyenne corniche on her way home to Monaco.

 

Winding road from Moyenne corniche to Basse corniche
Winding road from Moyenne corniche to Basse corniche
Beautiful Castle over the hills as seen from the road.
Beautiful Castle over the hill as seen from the road.
Love this little seaside town of Villefranche Sur Mer
Love this little seaside town of Villefranche Sur Mer

Menton seaside... love the flowers and the tables and chairs- perfect place to relax and have a good chat and a drink:)

Menton seaside… love the flowers, tables and chairs setting right along the blue sea; it’s perfect for chatting over drinks 🙂

People enjoying the sun and the breeze on a pebble beach
People enjoying the sun and the breeze on a pebble beach

Fact: The Basse corniche was laid out in the 18th century by the Prince of Monaco

 

In cloud 9 and glad we didn't bring the kids... HA...
On cloud 9 and glad we didn’t bring the kids… HA…

Trying to take it all in:)

Trying to take it all in:)

To good life!!!
To an Awesome Ride!!! #lifetimeadventure

The French Riviera is definitely bucket list worthy. Hope you can get to visit this place one day and enjoy it as much as we did.

What scenic drives have you experienced? Share with us and give us some inspiration…

xoxo

Previous Article Terrorism and Travel
Next Article A romantic Spell – Chateau de Saint Martin

About Author

BonBon

Call me BonBon!!! I am here to help you with your family travel plans and to inspire you to get out of your comfort zone. GO and explore the world. Travel. Learn. Evolve.

Related Posts

  • 2023 Travel – Are You Ready?

    January 20, 2023
  • Mexican Independence Route

    September 16, 2022
  • Celebration Staycation – The Westin Dallas Stonebriar Golf Resort & Spa

    May 23, 2022

27 Comments

  1. Rinki Reply
    August 22, 2018 at 11:10 am

    Hi!
    Could you pls share the details on this tour.rinki

    • BonBon Reply
      August 28, 2018 at 11:57 am

      Hello there, the link is on my blog. It’s with Dive.is

  2. Momma Jones Reply
    April 30, 2017 at 6:11 am

    That looks a fantastic drive. Feel my burning envy! 🙂 Motoring along the Amalfi coast was a real treat and I want to take the kids there one day, though some of the streets are not too buggy-friendly, so I suppose I’ll have to add the Riviera to the list.

    • BonBon Reply
      May 24, 2017 at 3:34 pm

      Bucket list worthy, indeed:) Planning to bring kids there too, when they’are a bit older hehehe It’s a different world out there:)

  3. Eemma Reply
    February 16, 2017 at 1:37 pm

    I am a huge fan of road trips! How beautiful! How long was your trip for? It reminded me of highway one in California, but with a lot more castles and history!

    • BonBon Reply
      February 18, 2017 at 10:55 am

      Road trips can be fun especially driving with the view:) We stayed for 2 weeks… went for 5days cruise and attended the GrandPrix Monaco race. Have to write a blog about it:) hehe Thanks for dropping by… xoxo

  4. Jacky Reply
    February 16, 2017 at 1:35 pm

    Aww I haven’t been to france in nearly 10 years. I love the map you have provided! i think it’s definitely time for mihir and me to go and follow in your footsteps. your pictures make it look so romantic <3

    • BonBon Reply
      February 18, 2017 at 10:58 am

      Oooooh… it’s time to go back. Buzz me if you some help for accommodation and some other suggestions. Neighboring towns are sooooo gorgeous:) MAde some contacts as well to get “local inputs”. Happy travels… xoxo

  5. JONA| BACKPACKING WITH A BOOK Reply
    February 16, 2017 at 11:18 am

    YOUR scenic drive reminded me of the four-week campervanning trip my boyfriend and i did in east coast, australia. French riviera is one of the many european places i want to visit someday.

    • BonBon Reply
      February 18, 2017 at 11:00 am

      Oh wow… I’m sure that was beautiful. Did you do Melbourne to Cairns? Such a great Australian adventure… Happy travels and thanks for dropping by. xoxo

  6. Joanna Reply
    February 16, 2017 at 7:04 am

    Your roadtrip looks like a perfect scenic trip and I absolutely love the car you’ve done it in. A perfect car to explore the beauty of France. it’s great that you even had a chance to drive on the road used at the monaco grand prix!

  7. Angelica Reply
    February 15, 2017 at 8:59 pm

    This looks like a dream! I would love to burn rubber on those roads. Thanks for including a map of the routes, that was very helpful and gave depth to this post. Hope you had a great time!

  8. Kyntra Strickland Reply
    February 15, 2017 at 2:50 pm

    So beautiful. Monaco is on my list of what I plan to see one day, you gave great advice!! Thank you for sharing.

  9. Jamie Reply
    February 15, 2017 at 2:06 pm

    My husband would drool to drive those roads. The scenery is spectacular. I guess i better add this to our list of amazing places to visit!

  10. Aneesha Rai Reply
    February 15, 2017 at 12:51 pm

    That drive is just simply scenic! I loved Monaco when I visited as well; it reeks of luxury at every turn.

  11. Sheila Reply
    February 15, 2017 at 11:37 am

    This is how I dream about experiencing the french riviera. Thank you for the beautiful pictures, they definitely capture the essence of the area.

    • BonBon Reply
      February 15, 2017 at 12:11 pm

      Thank you!!! Hope you get to visit this place one day:) We can’t wait to go back with our kids… hopefully soon:)

  12. Kris Reply
    February 15, 2017 at 10:18 am

    Spectacular! i was planning almost this exact trip last fall before I found a super cheap flight to Paris and changed my plans. I’ll have to find a way to make this itinerary happen in the future.

    • BonBon Reply
      February 15, 2017 at 12:09 pm

      Yup, it’s such a beautiful place to visit. Yu can easily fly to Nice and make your way to Monaco and all the neighboring towns:) One of the best views in the world…

  13. Priya Reply
    August 30, 2016 at 11:44 am

    Wow what a Beautiful drive, we were there last summer and drove from AIX-En-Provence to Nice but didnt drive on the Corniche, we took the trains instead. we might have to go back to do the drive!

    • BonBon Reply
      September 1, 2016 at 3:55 pm

      YES, a great reason to go back:) Thansk for dropping by… xoxo

  14. Cathy Reply
    August 29, 2016 at 8:20 am

    I love the tip of not trying to cross the traffic to get to the view points- that would be frustrating! I’d love to drive the coastal road but I’d be nervous driving there! Sounds like you had a great well deserved break from the kids- a must now and then:)

    • BonBon Reply
      September 1, 2016 at 3:58 pm

      Thank you Cathy:) YES, we had a blast and the route is not for timid drivers… especially there are Ferraris and Mclaren around hahaha…

  15. mark and kate Reply
    August 29, 2016 at 2:08 am

    i agree about being a scenic drive. I’m quite envious actually, those sights are incredible! your photos of the sights were impressive!

    • BonBon Reply
      September 1, 2016 at 3:59 pm

      Thank you:) Scenery is beautiful… time to plan for the next adventure:)

  16. charles mccool Reply
    June 14, 2016 at 10:00 am

    that car, though. Beautiful destination but that car really enhanced the road trip, i bet.

    • BonBon Reply
      June 14, 2016 at 1:33 pm

      Yeah… it was a good choice:) We had fun!!! Thanks for dropping by…

Leave a Reply

Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

FOLLOW ME

Orbitz

Orbitz Worldwide Inc

Popular Posts

  • Celebration Staycation – The Westin Dallas Stonebriar Golf Resort & Spa May 23, 2022
  • Mexican Independence Route September 16, 2022
  • 2023 Travel – Are You Ready? January 20, 2023
  • Handwrytten Notes? Yes please… January 24, 2023

DFW Local Finds

  • Celebration Staycation – The Westin Dallas Stonebriar Golf Resort & Spa May 23, 2022
  • Plano Premiere Picks for You and Me November 4, 2020
  • Day trip to RB Golf Club & Resort September 4, 2019
  • Wine & Magic…Yes please… August 15, 2019
  • MAMMA MIA! Here We Go Again… October 27, 2018

Google Ads




Orbitz Worldwide Inc

Login

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org
Facebook Twitter Instagram

ABOUT ME

Call me BonBon... I am a mom of 2 beautiful toddlers. My family loves to discover new things near and far... So, I am here to inspire your whole family to travel, to get out of your comfort zone and to explore this wonderful world. And, I am here to help you get started:) Stay in touch!!!

Travel Tips

  • Travel for Americans October 15, 2020
  • Coronavirus Outbreak: Should I stay or Should I go? February 11, 2020
  • Terrorism and Travel March 27, 2016
  • Fall in Arkansas October 7, 2015

Destinations

  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Caribbean Islands
  • Europe
  • North America
  • South America

Recent Instagram Posts

Have you been to Philly? Well... if not, perfect b Have you been to Philly? Well... if not, perfect because I have great news for you, which might persuade you to visit this beautiful city, the birthplace of the United States! @visitphilly is running  fantastic packages for your stay! 

They've got two offers: 

*** Visit Philly Overnight Stay for one or two nights stay - Special discounted hotel rates to participating hotels, free hotel parking and choose-your-own-adventure perks (worth $150 to $222, available while supplies last).

- two tickets to the world premiere of Disney100: The Exhibition at The Franklin Institute (available from February 18 to August 20, 2023)

- two tickets to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Rodin Museum, or

- two tickets to the National Constitution Center and the Museum of the American Revolution.

*** Visit Philly 3-Day Stay - Pay for two nights hotel stay and get the third night FREE! It doesn't go any better than that.

The promotion runs until December 31, 2023 (Black-out dates and other restrictions may apply.), so please check the Visit Philly website for updated packages. 

Enjoy your visit❤️
Who's the copycat now?😂 My daughter has been we Who's the copycat now?😂 My daughter has been wearing these wide leg jeans the past months and oh well... I remember my younger self wearing them and it brings back so much memories in the 90s☺️🫣 So... I thought I'll wear it again and well well well.. I did and I like it😉😃 #minime #feelingyoung #youngatheart
Happy #NationalCheesesteakDay We were in Philly re Happy #NationalCheesesteakDay
We were in Philly recently and grabbed some classic cheese steaks at Carmen's Famous Cheesesteaks  @carmens_famous inside the historic farmers market, Reading Terminal Market @rdgterminalmkt ❤️ Kids loved it, so it was a win💯

#VisitPhilly #ExplorePhilly #loveRTM #cheesesteak #eatphillysbest

Note: OBama got some cheese steaks here while in Philly few years ago.
No cherry blossoms but got carnations😃🌸🌸🌸 Can't say no to a $20 flowers from @samsclub 🙌 
Happy Spring y'all🌞🌻🌸🌿🌷🌹
© Copyright 2022 Bon-Bon Voyage