This past summer, I finally fulfilled a long-held dream: driving the French Riviera from Nice to Marseille in a luxury convertible. The blend of sea breeze, sun-soaked villages, and cliff-hugging roads made for a journey I won’t forget. From the moment I stepped out of Nice Airport and slid behind the wheel of a sleek Porsche 911 Cabrio, I knew I was in for something special.
Choosing the Right Car for the Journey
I spent hours researching the right car. After all, I wasn’t just driving from point A to B—this was about style, comfort, and merging with the Mediterranean backdrop. Coastal roads and mountain switchbacks demand a car that’s agile and expressive. Convertibles are a must, in my opinion.
Top Premium Car Options I Considered
BMW 4 Series Cabrio
- Sporty and very responsive, with enough comfort for day-long drives.
Porsche 911 Cabrio (My Choice)
- It offered the perfect mix of speed, stability, and stunning design.
Bentley Continental GTC
- This was tempting—all about elegance and a plush ride.
Ferrari Portofino
- A showstopper. But not ideal if you’re carrying anything more than a soft bag.
I rented through this site: rent/ing a luxury car in French riviera, which had a clean booking process and even arranged delivery at the airport.
Starting Point: Nice Airport and City Highlights
Arrival and Pick-Up
The Porsche was waiting just outside the arrivals zone. Within minutes I was cruising along the Promenade des Anglais, the Mediterranean to my right and city life unfolding on my left.
Quick Tour of Nice
I made time for:
- Castle Hill (Colline du Château): Stunning views to start the trip.
- Old Town (Vieux Nice): A quick espresso and fresh croissant before hitting the road.
Stop 1: Èze
A short 25-minute drive brought me to Èze. The road climbed fast, winding along cliffs with wide blue sea below.
- I explored Jardin Exotique and smelled handmade scents at the Fragonard Perfume Factory.
Stop 2: Monaco
Parking in Monaco is easier than you’d expect—I used valet service near the casino.
- Walked around the Yacht Club
- Had lunch at Le Louis XV (yes, it’s worth it)
- Drove a segment of the Formula 1 Grand Prix route
Stop 3: Menton
Next was Menton, almost at the Italian border. I stopped for fresh citrus juice and a quiet walk through the Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden.
Stop 4: Cannes
The drive to Cannes had beautiful open stretches. I cruised La Croisette, parked near the Palais des Festivals, and browsed boutique shops.
Stop 5: Antibes & Cap d’Antibes
I spent the night here. At sunset, I took a stroll along the coast near Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, where the Bentley might’ve been the only car to rival my Porsche.
Stop 6: Saint-Tropez
Took a slight inland detour the next morning.
- Swam at Pampelonne Beach
- Stopped at Hotel Byblos for a drink
- Explored the harbor lined with yachts larger than the restaurants next to them
Stop 7: Cassis & the Calanques
Before Marseille, I had to stop in Cassis. The Route des Crêtes offers one of the most cinematic drives in the region.
- I hiked a short trail into Calanques National Park and took a boat ride along the rocky coast.
Final Destination: Marseille
What I Explored
- Vieux-Port: Bustling and full of great local food.
- Le Panier: Colorful street art and artisan shops.
- MUCEM: Modern design meets old port charm.
- Notre-Dame de la Garde: You can see the whole city from here.
Drop-Off
The car was picked up at Marseille Provence Airport. Quick, simple, and I was through security in no time.
Optional Detours
Aix-en-Provence
On a previous trip I visited Aix. Great markets, fountains, and Cézanne’s studio.
Bandol Wine Region
If you love wine, this route is a must. I visited the Domaine Tempier estate—excellent rosés.
Packing Tips for a Stylish Drive
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Light suitcase | Limited trunk space in most convertibles |
| Sunglasses & scarf | Wind protection when the top is down |
| Phone charger & mount | Navigation and music |
| Paper map | Useful when GPS fails in rural zones |
| Insurance papers | Required at some rental checkpoints |
Conclusion – The Riviera Reimagined
This drive changed how I think about road trips. It’s not about speed or distance—it’s about savoring every stretch of coastline, every espresso stop, and every sunset. Whether you’re in a Ferrari or a Bentley, the road from Nice to Marseille is a memory in the making.
FAQ
How long did the trip take?
I spread it over 3 days to really enjoy the stops. Without breaks, it’s just 2.5–3 hours.
Were there tolls?
Yes—about €25 total.
Is one-way rental easy?
Yes, but book it in advance. Most companies will pick up the car in Marseille.
What about parking?
Use valet parking or underground lots. Avoid surface street parking in high season.
Do I need a special license?
I used my EU license, but check if you need an IDP based on your home country.