Can you imagine a more idyllic vacation than a seaside escape to southern Europe? We can’t either, especially if you’re torn between two of the continent’s most exciting destinations. Both the French Riviera and the Italian Riviera offer classic European thrills: delicious food and wine, alluring towns, beautiful coastlines, and seductive Mediterranean culture. And that’s why many of our tours of France and trips to Italy often include a little bit of both the French and Italian Rivieras. But there are telltale differences, too, and depending on where your interests lie, one might be a better fit than the other.
Where is the French Riviera?
While it’s not officially geographically defined, we’re typically talking about the eastern section of the South of France. Its westernmost edge is usually the glamorous village of St. Tropez, but others might move those 45 miles west to the town of Toulon. The easternmost village is Menton, right on the edge of the Italian border. Monaco, a sovereign city-state, is part of the French Riviera.
Head to the French Riviera for glitz and glamor
If you’re looking for a see-and-be-seen locale with plenty of fabulous resorts, exciting beach clubs, and elegant casinos, the French Riviera is the high-octane hotspot for you. Glitzy, celebrity-studded destinations like St. Tropez, Cannes, and Monaco have long defined the French Riviera’s Champagne-popping lifestyle. You may want to pack your finest fashions to show off, but if you’d prefer to travel light, the French Riviera is full of boutiques where you can pick up a designer souvenir or two.
Where is the Italian Riviera?
It’s another name for the region of Liguria, Italy’s crescent-shaped Mediterranean coast. It stretches from the border with France to the provincial border of Tuscany, and includes the famous Cinque Terre as well as celebrity-approved Portofino.
Pick the Italian Riviera if you’re more laid-back
Both locales offer charming places to relax, but in this edition of French Riviera vs. Italian Riviera, the latter has the upper hand. The Italian Riviera is much more laid-back—its villages are gorgeous and historic but are less glamorous than their French counterparts. You can take your time discovering more under-the-radar destinations (and there are plenty). Spend a couple of hours enjoying classic Italian meals in small fishing villages, or just soak in la dolce vita from a cozy cafe in a small piazza.