Think of the French Riviera and you’ll think of partying, glamour and nightlife. There are plenty of beach bars to choose from, and some of the oldest are still the most popular and glamorous, even if libations don’t come cheap.
Along the coast, especially in bigger cities, there’s also a burgeoning nightlife scene that’s younger, with more of a relaxed feel: think DJs and cocktails, or sharing plates and natural wine. Naturally the strip is at its most buzzy during July and August and it’s well worth experiencing if you can stand the heat (and prices). Discover the top spots to spend your evenings with our expert local guide.
For further inspiration, see our guides to the best hotels, restaurants and things to do on the French Riviera. Then plan your trip in detail with our insider guides to Nice, St Tropez and Cannes.
Monaco
Monte Carlo Casino
Located in the centre of the pristinely luxurious Carré d’Or (golden square), Monte Carlo’s iconic Second Empire casino should be visited at least once in your life. As you enter you’ll be dazzled by the 28 onyx columns and grand frescoes. Entry is surprisingly affordable (€17 with one game token). Inside, ornamental game rooms contrast surreally with music and pumped-up revellers. Make sure you visit the palm-tree-lined terrace with sea views.
Contact: montecarlosbm.com
Prices: £-££
Getting in: You can pre-book your tickets but walk-ins should be fine. Smart dress is expected in the evening. You must bring a passport as ID to get into the gambling rooms; driving licences are not accepted.
Nice
Le Plongeoir
Many bars will boost a unique view, but this one really is. The main restaurant is on a high rock, while the bar itself, accessible by a wooden walkway, is actually in the sea on a rock, crowned by the elegant vintage diving board from which the venue takes its name. It’s a great place to share a bottle of wine on your last night and plot your next trip back. To note: the location makes this heaven for TikTokers and Instagrammers.
Contact: leplongeoir.com
Prices: ££
Getting in: Reservation highly recommended.
La Pêche à la Vigne Nice
Get to know Nice’s exciting food scene in this French tapas bar with over 100 natural wines on offer. This cave à manger is a favourite meeting point for locals in the centre of Nice. In the summer season, the team organises a generous roster of tastings of local fish, cheeses, and charcuterie, accompanied by an exciting selection of natural wines. The specials change every day but the fish is always excellent. Let the team guide you for the wine.
Contact: facebook.com/lapechealavigne
Opening hours: Wednesday to Thursday, 6.30pm-11.30pm; Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 6.30pm-12.30am
Reservations: Walk-ins
Prices: £
Find more of the best nightlife in Nice in our dedicated guide.
Antibes
Juana x PASEO
Experience a younger side of the nightlife of Antibes at PASEO, the lively terrace bar of the grand Art Deco Juana hotel (sister of the neighbouring Belles Rives Hotel). Live DJs play a blend of remixes featuring current hits, some from the noughties and nighties and even some disco. The terrace is decorated with juicy colours and retro seventies-style awnings. Sip on brightly coloured beachy cocktails (try the Lillet Spritz,) and choose from a menu of pan-Mediterranean small plates; be sure to try the socca panacke. Patrons are a mix of lively locals, ‘yachties’ and visitors.
Contact: hotel-juana.com
Prices: ££
Getting in: Reservation recommended. Smart-casual vibe.
Le Pimm’s
The name nods to the historic and present British community in Antibes and this bar/restaurant has the jolly feel of a pub about it. It’s a great spot for an inexpensive apéro (early-evening drink) and of course, Pimm’s is on the menu. We recommend taking a table outside for the atmosphere and people-watching. After your drink, stroll to the port which throngs with life in the summer.
Contact: antibesjuanlespins.com
Reservations: Walk-in
Prices: £
Cannes
Bella Bar at La Belle Plage
Paris meets the Côte d’Azur at the rooftop bar of the Belle Plage hotel from the group behind Hotels Bachaumont and Arts et Métiers in Paris. Expect a lively buzz with a mix of ages and an incredible view across the palm-tree-lined coastline. The cocktails blend fresh fruit infusions and liquors ranging from gin to saké, topped with edible flowers. Service is excellent. A cool mix of house beats from around the world hums in the background. See also our restaurant guide.
Contact: hotelbelleplage.fr
Prices: ££
Getting in: Reservation highly recommended. Smart-casual vibe.
Harry’s Bar Cannes
The legendary Paris cocktail bar, which claims to be first in the world of its kind and the birthplace of the Bloody Mary, opened a location in Cannes in 2020, with a magnificent portside location. It’s great fun for the flourish and theatre of the waiters and bar staff who hurry about in white coats serving the list of classic cocktails. This bar is headed up by mixologist David Palanque, recipient of a Meilleur Ouvrier de France excellence medal. Tell the expert team your tastes and let them serve you your dream cocktail.
Contact: instagram.com/harrysbar_theoriginal
Opening hours: Everyday, 5pm-1am
Prices: ££
Getting in: Walk-ins
Casinos Barrière
Telegraph writer Anthony Peregrine described Casino Le Croisette as a place “in which you might lose whatever money you have left after a day spent in Cannes.” Flutters aside, it’s an inexpensive venue to enter. In Peregrine’s words: “It’s contemporary in style – or as contemporary as you can be with classic Greek murals – and aside from games and machines, lays on a bar and useful, gold’n’red plush restaurant overlooking the port.” It is housed in the historic Palais des Festivals on the port.
Contact: casinosbarriere.com
Getting in: Bring passport as ID. Casual is fine but no shorts/flip-flops/beachwear.
Prices: £
Find more of the best nightlife in Cannes in our dedicated guide.
St Tropez
Byblos Bar and Les Caves du Roy
Les Caves du Roy, the club of the legendary Hotel Byblos has been frequented by the likes of Brigitte Bardot, Catherine Deneuve and Mick Jagger, and continues to attract the glitterati today. There’s a good chance you’ll spot famous F1 drivers, models and musicians. Book a table in advance with a larger group on the weekends to have more room. Music is heavy beats and danceable pop with dancing light shows to match. Drinks are as you would expect, expensive (about €25 a pop), well, this is “Saint Trop”.
Contact: byblos.com
Prices: £££
Getting in: Doorstaff’s discretion. Best to dress up and book in advance. Weekends much busier.
Nikki Beach Saint-Tropez
The celebrity spotting continues at Nikki Beach Saint-Tropez, located on the beautiful shores of the Pampelonne Beach. The luxury hospitality brand started in Miami and you get that vibe with the aesthetic: think neutral cream furniture, rattan decor, cabanas and decked walkways made for being seen. The overall vibe is glam with a number of food options and live saxophone on Saturdays. Music is a mix of house and dance and dancing on the tables is encouraged. It’s that kind of place.
Contact: saint-tropez.nikkibeach.com
Opening hours: Everyday, 12-8pm
Prices: £££
Getting in: Reserve ahead and adhere to the dress code, though the door staff can still keep you guessing.
Find more of the best nightlife in St Tropez in our dedicated guide.
Saint-Raphael
Les Roches Rouges
Along the coast from the rather sleepy town of Saint-Raphael you’ll find Les Roches Rouges from the Beaumier Group, a low-key luxury hotel offering trendy, pared-down décor and a quiet location a bit further from the party areas. If you’re at this part of the coast, it’s a great place to have a sundowner drink. There’s a huge terrace overlooking the water and the eponymous red rocks. Opt for the Lavender cocktail made from tequila, lavender spirits and homemade raspberry syrup. The property also has a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Contact: beaumier.com
Prices: ££-£££
Getting in: Reserve first to be sure of a table, smart casual/ fashion vibe
All over the coast
Jazz festivals
Across the summer months, the Riviera coast jangles with jazz with several festivals. The oldest is Jazz in Juan, which takes place in July. Smaller concerts can be inexpensive and all the local bars buzz with the festival. In July there is also the Nice Jazz Festival, which has many free fringe events and festivals in Cap Ferrat and Porquerolles Island on the west of the coast. In August it’s the turn of Ramatuelle by Saint-Tropez. These festivals may be glamorous but they also offer plenty of inexpensive or even free nighttime entertainment.
Contact: cotedazurfrance.fr
Prices: £
Getting in: Some tickets will need to be booked in advance; the Côte d’Azur tourism website is helpful for research.
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