Solo traveler in late 20s. Want to explore a bunch of towns like Eze, Menton, Saint-Jean-Cap Ferrat, Monaco, Cannes. Not all of course.
Would you suggest staying in Nice or elsewhere like Villefranche sur Mer? I want to do a lot of swimming/relaxation too at beaches around the Riviera, but also not just pure relaxation but also sightseeing too!
Also if any have 4 star hotel recommendations let me know! Budget is max $400 a night
We stayed in Roquebrun Cap Martin one town over from Menton. Our air bnb overlooked the Mediterranean and came with a parking space. It was under $200 for a one bedroom apt with a spacious living room and balcony. It's Super convenient to explore Nice, Ville france sur mer, and Monaco if you have a car. Didn't try the train. DM me if you want the air bnb listing.
I'm a solo traveler but much older than you. I stayed at Hotel de la Darse in Villefranche-sur-mer. It's not 4 stars but it was quite lovely, IMO. I had a room with a balcony facing the sea and enjoyed relaxing there in early morning and evening. The beach was within a short 10-15 min walk. I used the train to go to Monaco. I was able to walk to Saint-Jean-Cap Ferrat but you can also catch the train.
Villefranche-sur-mer could be a choice if you wanted to stay just at that beach. Note you cannot take a train to Villa Ephrussi from VSM. You walk or take a bus (15, which you can also take from Beaulieu-sur-mer, the next train stop). Similarly, you take a bus up to Eze. However, the hotel choices are limited, especially in the 4* and above category.
Nice makes sense as a base due to the better train connections and the fact that buses start there as well. By the time the buses get to Villefranche-sur-Mer in the summer they are full. There are more hotels available in that class.
Note the sandiest beaches are from Antibes and points west.
