As a tourist, you can visit the French Riviera for two distinct experiences. You can experience the glamorous lifestyle of celebrities in bustling towns like Monaco, Cannes and Nice. On the flip side, quieter towns like Antibes and Vence allow you to enjoy the scenic beauty and romantic side of the Riviera. Here are some of the best holiday destinations in the French Riviera from both sides of the spectrum.

Antibes

Located between Cannes and Nice, Antibes is a delightful town with an old world charm. Lined by glorious golden beaches like Plage de la Salis and Plage de la Gravette, Antibes is most known for its extensive Picasso collection. Housing a wide collection of sketches, ceramics and paintings by the Cubist revolutionary, Antibes is the perfect destination to enjoy a lazy vacation.

Cannes

Possibly the most popular city in the French Riviera, Cannes is known for its celebrity spotting, refreshing Mediterranean weather and large number of sunny golden beaches. Plage de la Croisette is a popular sunbathing spot and is divided into multiple sections of public and private beaches. Apart from plush suites and resorts, luxury villa rentals are a popular form of holiday accommodation in Cannes.

 Eze Village

This medieval town is the high roller’s dream. Home to exotic perfume outlets, high fashion boutiques and luxurious hotels, Eze Village boasts a spectacular view of the Mediterranean that few other towns can match. The hills surrounding the village are ideal picnic spots and on a clear day, you can see as far as Corsica.

Monaco

 An epitome of fashion and glamour, Monaco is a favourite among the rich and the famous. The Monte Carlo Beach enjoys an iconic status as tourists often spot the biggest movie stars, models, and other celebrities. Home to lavish hotels, luxury villa rentals and exciting experiences, Monaco offers unique holidays, combining glamour with a dash of flawless natural beauty.

 Nice

 Nice is one of the most popular stops on a typical French Riviera tour as it is home to several attractions and offers a rich cultural experience. Nice is home to scores of public and private beaches. From affordable public beaches and hotels to private suites and luxury villa rentals, vacations in Nice are always, well – nice.

 St. Tropez

 Considered an equivalent of Mexico’s Tijuana, St. Tropez is the veritable party destination of the otherwise peaceful French Riviera. With a spectrum of accommodation options, party destinations and attractions, St. Tropez is a favourite among honeymooning celebrities as well as regular tourists. Aside from nightclubs and luxurious hotels, St. Tropez is also famous for its many beaches. Visit the Plage de Tahiti, Plage de Pampellone or Plage Port Grimaud beaches to enjoy an exhilarating experience in St. Tropez.

 Villefranche-sur-Mer

Counted among the most romantic spots in the French Riviera, Villefranche is a small Mediterranean town offering a rich and intimate holiday experience. Villefranche is known for charming narrow cobbled streets, pebbly beaches and lively sights that keep tourists entertained. With a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean, the harbour in Villefranche is lined with fancy sailboats and yachts.

 Author: Andy Butler works for Burger Davis International Realty, a leading luxury villa rental specialist on the French Riviera. He enjoys photography, travel, blogging and spending time with his family. Follow Burger Davis on twitter @BurgerDavis