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A five-hour train ride from Paris and an even shorter jaunt from Northern Italy, the Côte d’Azur is a perennial summer hot spot, from the first snaps of the Cannes Film Festival in May right through the final beach chairs being packed up in September. An under-the-radar travel destination it is not. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth exploring: New hotel openings bring life to old-fashioned luxury stays, and the off-season traveler will still find plenty to do in the winter. And for a true local experience, consider a stay in one of the best Airbnbs in the French Riviera.
Vogue’s Favorite Airbnbs in the French Riviera:
- For an Old-town Stay: Atypical Duplex in Antibes, from $290 a night
- For a Charming City Gem: Fisherman’s House in Cannes, from $288 a night
- For a Mediterranean Villa: Luxury Townhouse in St. Paul de Vence, from $910 a night
- For Unbeatable Rooftop Views: Elegant Loft in Saint-Tropez, from $681 a night
- For Large Group Holidays: Modern New Stone Villa in Grimaud, from $1,232 a night
- For a Modern Treehouse: My Cabanon in Èze, from $307 a night
Having trouble deciding which idyllic coastal town to make your base? One of the best parts about holidaying in the French Riviera is that you don’t really have to pick. Even if you don’t have a car, nearly every town is accessible by the speedy TER train, with most tickets ringing in at under 10 euros—and most trips a mere half an hour away—making it it easy to hop around. If the yacht-studded beaches and glitzy boutiques of Monaco and Cannes aren’t for you, try a more laid-back town with plenty to do like Nice or Antibes. If, still, that’s too noisy for what you had in mind, the Riviera offers a smattering of quiet seaside villages and medieval enclaves to explore.
So instead, let your accommodation make the choice for you. The best Airbnbs in the French Riviera offer something for every kind of traveler, from quaint city getaways to sprawling Provençal villas. Colorful local markets and bustling cafés are within reach for all—add on sea views and heaps of South of France charm, and you really can’t go wrong with any of them.
Atypical Duplex
This sun-soaked apartment overlooks the terracotta rooftops of the old town of Antibes, complete with a terrace on the second floor that serves as the ideal backdrop for a morning coffee. The inside is just as nice. Between the rustic wood and stonework and airy linens, the decor is shabby-chic in all the right ways. It’s also close to the beaches—the famous Plage de la Salis is only 15 minutes away on foot, so pack your raffia tote accordingly.
Location: Antibes
Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Amenities: Balcony, pull-out sofa, AC, washer, kitchen
Elegant House with Garden
For a cozy hideaway that’s conveniently located yet still feels tucked away from the world, book this Saint-Tropez stay. It’s in the center of town, but thanks to a large private terrace that’s fully shrouded in snaking vines and 100-year-old wisteria, you’ll feel like you’re staying in your very own secret garden. With a long list of child-friendly amenities (you can request a crib, a pack ‘n play, and even babysitter recommendations), the villa is a great option for a family holiday.
Location: Saint-Tropez
Rooms: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
Amenities: Washer/dryer, crib available upon request, high chair, AC, babysitter recommendations, kitchen, parking, terrace, outdoor dining, EV car charger, sofa bed
Fisherman’s House
With bright, oversized windows, terracotta floors, and exposed beams, this charming place is a tranquil reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the main strip in Cannes. Once a fisherman’s house, the simple decor is restrained to highlight the Mediterranean architecture. There’s a balcony that’s just big enough for two, with a bistro table you can set up for an apéritif with an array of farmers’ market snacks (the well-known Marché Forville is a ten minute walk)—though given that the beach is only a few streets away, you could also take your picnic to go.
Location: Cannes
Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Amenities: Sofa bed, kitchen, balcony, washer/dryer, AC, fireplace, luggage dropoff allowed
Luxury Townhouse
This refurbished 16th-century home in medieval Saint Paul de Vence is every bit the Mediterranean dream, right down to the French bed linens and the abundance of miscellaneous antique vessels (make sure you leave space in your suitcase for souvenirs from the local brocante). Each of the rooms has its own en-suite bathroom, making this an ideal place for a larger group trip—it has both indoor and outdoor dining spaces, so you’ll never have to leave if you don’t want to. (Although the beach is only a 20 minute drive away and well worth the journey.)
Location: Saint Paul de Vence
Rooms: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
Amenities: washer/dryer, laundry service, bathtub, sound system, crib available upon request, AC, fireplace, kitchen, terrace, parking
Contesso Duplex
The first thing that draws you in with this tiny apartment is the balcony—which, honestly, is reason enough to make the booking. Centrally located in the candy-colored beach town of Villefranche-sur-Mer, this new spot is ideal for the traveler looking for a stay in a slower part of the French Riviera. Inside, a kitchen equipped with Nespresso coffee and a full dining area gives you space to spread out and feel at home, while a mezzanine bedroom offers privacy.
Location: Villefranche-sur-Mer
Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Amenities: Bathtub, washer, AC, balcony, kitchen, stroller/car seat available upon request
Beautifully Decorated Flat
A few twists and turns away from the center of Nice, this sunny apartment is bursting with bohemian-inspired character. Exposed beams and stonework run throughout the apartment, which has enough woven decor and earth-colored accents to help you fully embrace the aesthetic. It’s on a pedestrian-only street, so you can expect quiet hours free from car traffic, and conveniently located just around the corner from Le Bistrot des Serruriers—a tiny spot with a seasonal menu and ties to the recently opened Hôtel du Couvent.
Location: Nice
Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Amenities: Washer/dryer, sound system, kitchen, luggage dropoff allowed
Chic and Authentic Apartment
This bright, recently renovated gem is located in the heart of the old town, with several old-world features that amplify the surroundings. From plaster walls to terracotta tiling to windows that go right up to the ceiling, each detail has been thoughtfully considered to ensure your stay is aesthetically pleasing as well as comfortable—you may just come away from the trip convinced your kitchen needs a mirror backsplash. (Don’t say we didn’t warn you.)
Location: Saint-Tropez
Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Amenities: Washer/dryer, AC, fireplace, kitchen, cleaning service
Il Dolce Far Niente
Journey a bit further inland to Le Tignet, a sleepy hillside village between the sea and the mountains. Ideal for a group (in a pinch, the sofa in the living room can work as a fifth bed), this villa has a shared swimming pool and a shaded terrace in the garden that’s a dream spot for winding down with a glass of crisp rosé in the evening. For day trips to the sea, Cannes is around a half-hour drive away.
Location: Le Tignet
Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Amenities: Pool, garden, terrace, kitchen, on-site parking, AC, grill, luggage dropoff allowed
My Cabanon
Think of this as the upgraded version of your childhood treehouse. Located in the hilltops of the medieval village of Èze, this upgraded cabin may look rustic, but it’s fully equipped with luxuries like a walk-in marble shower and modern appliances, all set against the backdrop of Farrow Ball paint. The real star? The stunning terrace, which wraps around most of the property and offers unobstructed views of the sea below. It’s fully covered for shade, and comes with an outdoor dining set so you can enjoy meals al fresco if you don’t want to walk to the village for dinner.
Location: Èze
Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Amenities: Washer, kitchen, sound system, terrace, outdoor dining table, AC, luggage dropoff allowed, free parking
Spacious Old Town Apartment
This apartment’s location will be hard to beat. Ideally placed on a cobblestone street in the center of Antibes, the spacious apartment has room for two couples or a family—plus a fully equipped kitchen so you can take advantage of all the fresh local products. (The Marché Provençal is a close five minute walk, and the famous Boulangerie Veziano is only a little further.)
Location: Antibes
Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Amenities: Balcony, bathtub, kitchen, washer, crib/high chair, AC, beach essentials
Modern New Stone Provencal Villa
Situated near Saint-Tropez, the little town of Grimaud offers an off-the-beaten-path taste of the French Riviera; if it’s full seclusion you’re seeking, this villa is exactly that. The sprawling outdoor space has a pool and plenty of seating for group dinners, game nights, or just curling up with a book. Indoors, clean lines and natural materials reign for a truly elevated minimalist retreat.
Location: Grimaud
Rooms: 5 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms
Amenities: Bathtub, kitchen, terrace, pool, washer/dryer, exercise equipment, crib/high chair, AC, fireplace, grill, loungers
Charming Studio Near the Sea
Inspired by the spirit of a fisherman’s hut (read: lots of rope accents and some framed pictures of trout), this studio is ideal for a solo traveler looking to disconnect. We mean this literally—there’s no WiFi or television on the property, giving you the perfect opportunity to go analog for a few days and enjoy the seaside village of Villefranche-sur-Mer (the tangerine-colored walls of which you can see from the little balcony). Behind a beaded curtain, you’ll find a small but well-outfitted kitchen to suit your needs; but given the number of fresh seafood restaurants located just outside the doorstep, we’re betting you won’t want to spend your nights cooking.
Location: Villefranche-sur-Mer
Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Amenities: Balcony, beach essentials, kitchen, washer
Elegant Loft
The inside of this home has plenty of stand-outs, like Aesop products in the bathroom and a sofa bed for extra guests—but there’s really one reason to book this accommodation, and that is the rooftop terrace. Offering 360-degree views of Saint-Tropez, it’s an unbeatable feature. There’s even an outdoor shower and dining area set up for the ultimate in outdoor living… all in the middle of the city, so you can venture out whenever you want sans rental car.
Location: Saint-Tropez
Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Amenities: Sofa bed, outdoor shower, rooftop terrace, outdoor dining, washer, crib, AC, fireplace, parking
Old Town Flat
Appointed with both a large terrace and a small balcony, this apartment is located on a quiet street in Antibes’s old town so you can enjoy your breakfast outdoors with minimal interruption. It’s near the train station—10 minutes on foot, to be exact—for convenience if you’re using the town as a base from which to explore other towns in the Côte d’Azur; although if you wanted to stay put to take advantage of the loungers on the grape leaf-shaded patio, that’s understandable, too.
Location: Antibes
Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Amenities: Washer, bathtub, crib/high chair available upon request, kitchen, outdoor dining, balcony, terrace
Charming Guest House
Admittedly, this option is ever so slightly outside the technical confines of the Riviera, in the town of Ceyreste. But if you have a car and don’t mind a few extra minutes spent driving to the beach, it’s worth the extra space: the property is surrounded by a forest and many nature paths, which is a plus for any outdoorsy travelers. The villa itself is an 18th-century home built from local stone and recently restored. As for the outdoor space, which includes a fully furnished outdoor kitchen, it’s the kind of place that lends itself perfectly to lazy summer afternoons spent lounging poolside.
Location: Ceyreste
Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Amenities: Outdoor shower, pool, kitchen, exercise equipment, AC, outdoor kitchen, loungers, parking
