The French Riviera Corniches: self-drive guide
The Riviera corniches are three terraced roads from Nice to Monaco above the Mediterranean - the seaside Basse, the middle Moyenne (past the village of Èze) and the high Grande Corniche with the biggest views - about 30 km of spectacular driving. Collect an all-inclusive car in Nice; zero excess covers the tight bends and busy parking.
Between Nice and Monaco the coast rises in three tiers, each with its own famous road: the Basse Corniche along the sea through Villefranche and Cap-Ferrat, the Moyenne Corniche curling past the eagle’s-nest village of Èze, and the Grande Corniche climbing highest of all to La Turbie and panoramic viewpoints.
It is a short drive but an unforgettable one, made legendary by film and Grand Prix history. An all-inclusive Cardamar rental with zero excess lets you focus on the views rather than the tight bends, tunnels and busy Riviera parking.
Good to know
| Route | Nice-Èze-La Turbie-Monaco (3 corniches) |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~30 km (half a day with stops) |
| Pick-up | Nice (city or Côte d’Azur airport) |
| Road type | Paved, winding; the higher, the bigger the view |
| Best season | May-June, September |
The three corniches
The Basse Corniche (N98) hugs the shore through Villefranche-sur-Mer and the cape villages - slow and pretty. The Moyenne Corniche (N7) is the middle road, with the best access to medieval Èze and its exotic garden. The Grande Corniche (D2564), built on the old Roman road, climbs highest to La Turbie and a string of viewpoints over the whole coast.
A great plan is to climb out of Nice on the Grande Corniche for the big views, drop to Èze on the Moyenne, and return along the sea on the Basse - all three in a half-day loop.
Parking, Monaco and practicalities
Villages like Èze have paid car parks at the edge - leave the car and climb up on foot. In Monaco, use a signed public garage rather than circling; the principality is dense and parking on the street is hard. Watch for scooters and allow for tunnels and tight bends.
The roads are busy in summer, so go early or out of peak season. Everything is close together, so there is no need to rush between stops.
Where to rent and why zero excess matters
Nice - the city or Côte d’Azur airport (NCE) - is the natural base, with the corniches starting right at the edge of town. An all-inclusive Cardamar booking, handled by Sunny Cars, includes full insurance and zero excess, valuable amid tight Riviera parking and narrow village lanes.
With zero excess, a clipped mirror in a garage or a kerbed wheel on a hairpin costs you nothing - the everyday knocks that a basic rate would charge against your deposit.
All-inclusive vs. a cheap basic rate plus counter insurance
Two cars on the same lot in The French Riviera Corniches can advertise very different prices. The gap is almost always insurance: an all-inclusive rate settles it up front, while a "basic" rate leaves you to buy excess cover at the desk. Here is what each really means.
| All-inclusive (Cardamar) | Basic rate + counter insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Damage & theft excess | €0 – fully covered | High excess (often €800–2,000) blocked on your card |
| When you insure | Before you travel, at a fixed price | At the desk, under time pressure, price varies |
| Tyres, glass & undercarriage | Included | Usually excluded or charged extra |
| Deposit / card hold | None or low at most stations | Large hold blocked for the whole trip |
| Cancellation | Free cancellation | Often non-refundable |
| What you pay in total | Known the moment you book | Can climb sharply at the counter |
A basic rate can look cheaper online, but once you add proper excess cover at the desk it usually costs more than an all-inclusive booking - with none of the certainty.
Rent your car for the The French Riviera Corniches
The French Riviera Corniches self-drive - FAQ
Which corniche should I drive from Nice to Monaco?
For the best experience, drive all three as a loop: climb the high Grande Corniche for panoramic views, take the Moyenne Corniche to visit Èze, and return along the seaside Basse Corniche. The whole thing is only about 30 km.
Is it easy to park in Èze and Monaco?
Use the paid car parks: Èze has parking at the edge of the village (then you walk up), and Monaco has signed public garages. Avoid hunting for street spaces - the area is dense and busy.
Where should I pick up a car for the Riviera?
Nice, either the city or Côte d’Azur airport (NCE), is the natural starting point with the corniches on its doorstep. An all-inclusive Cardamar booking with zero excess covers the tight parking and bends.
When is the best time to drive the corniches?
May-June and September give warm weather and lighter traffic than peak July-August, when the coast and its parking are at their busiest.