French and Italian Rivieras
France
In short: French and Italian Rivieras is a about 310 km by road scenic road trip in France, typically driven over 6 days, best in Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Highlights: Nice and Èze, Monaco and Menton, Hanbury and Sanremo.
A six-day Nice-to-Cinque Terre route with Hanbury before Sanremo, separate Genoa, Portofino/Tigullio and train-based Cinque Terre days.
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Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Nice and Èze
Vieux Nice · Jardin Exotique d’Èze · Bistrot d’Èze
Day 2Monaco and Menton
Oceanographic Museum of Monaco · Menton old town · L’Orangerie
Day 3Hanbury Gardens to Sanremo
Hanbury Botanical Gardens · Sanremo old town · Paolo e Barbara
Day 4Sanremo to Genoa
Genoa palaces and old port · Il Genovese
Day 5Santa Margherita and Portofino
Portofino harbor and Castello Brown · Da Ö Batti
Day 6Cinque Terre by train
Cinque Terre village train circuit · Monterosso–Vernazza trail or reserved Via dell’Amore · Trattoria dal Billy
Stops along the route
Things to Do
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Where to Eat
Nearby and similar drives
Frequently asked questions
How long is the French and Italian Rivieras drive?
The French and Italian Rivieras covers about 310 km by road from start to finish.
How long does the French and Italian Rivieras take to drive?
Most travellers spend 6 days on the French and Italian Rivieras, depending on stops and pace.
When is the best time to drive the French and Italian Rivieras?
The recommended season for the French and Italian Rivieras is Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct.
Where does the French and Italian Rivieras start and end?
The French and Italian Rivieras runs from Nice and Èze to Cinque Terre.
What are the main stops on the French and Italian Rivieras?
The French and Italian Rivieras passes through Nice and Èze, Monaco and Menton, Hanbury and Sanremo.
How difficult is the French and Italian Rivieras to drive?
The French and Italian Rivieras is rated easy and is best handled with any vehicle.
Can I drive the French and Italian Rivieras in a regular car?
Yes — the French and Italian Rivieras is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.
Do I need a permit or border paperwork for the French and Italian Rivieras?
Yes — the French and Italian Rivieras requires permits, fees, or border paperwork. Plan ahead: Limit each French day to one major ticketed attraction plus one town walk. Visit Hanbury before Sanremo in geographic order. Park once in Santa Margherita Ligure and reach Portofino by bus, ferry or foot; do not hunt for village parking. Base the Cinque Terre day in Levanto or La Spezia and use trains. Check live paths at https://www.parconazionale5terre.it/Farr.php, buy the correct Cinque Terre Card, and hike only the named Monterosso–Vernazza segment if open; Via dell’Amore is included only with its separate official reservation. The route crosses from France into Italy: carry the required passport or national ID, confirm rental cross-border authorization/insurance and any roadside-assistance limits, and check temporary border controls before departure.
How many fuel stops are needed on the French and Italian Rivieras?
Plan around 0 refuels (or about 1 EV charges) along the French and Italian Rivieras, based on its about 310 km by road length.
Is the French and Italian Rivieras EV friendly?
Yes — the French and Italian Rivieras has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.
Is the French and Italian Rivieras safe to drive?
Limit each French day to one major ticketed attraction plus one town walk. Visit Hanbury before Sanremo in geographic order. Park once in Santa Margherita Ligure and reach Portofino by bus, ferry or foot; do not hunt for village parking. Base the Cinque Terre day in Levanto or La Spezia and use trains. Check live paths at https://www.parconazionale5terre.it/Farr.php, buy the correct Cinque Terre Card, and hike only the named Monterosso–Vernazza segment if open; Via dell’Amore is included only with its separate official reservation. The route crosses from France into Italy: carry the required passport or national ID, confirm rental cross-border authorization/insurance and any roadside-assistance limits, and check temporary border controls before departure.
What scenic tier is the French and Italian Rivieras?
The French and Italian Rivieras is a legendary drive — The world's most extraordinary drives — once-in-a-lifetime road trips with cinematic scenery, legendary roads, and unmatched cultural depth.