Meaning ‘coastline’ in Italian, the term Riviera originated in northwestern Italy to define the area surrounding the city of Genoa. Now, every country promotes its own version of a Riviera as a promise of a perfect seafront or lakefront vacation. Let’s narrow in on three European Rivieras worth a visit: one you probably know, and two you may not.
The French Riviera
Follow in the footsteps of early British aristocrats and discover the jewel of southeastern France: the Côte d'Azur. A direct extension of the Italian Riviera, the French version stretches along the Mediterranean coast from the Italian border all the way west to Marseille. You may know it for the famous Cannes Film Festival, the Picasso Museum in Antibes, the upscale yacht hub of Saint-Tropez or the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. But there is more than meets the eye on this Riviera. Behind all that glitz and glamour are quaint charming villages where locals still spend their afternoons playing pétanque and drinking pastis amongst the olive trees. It’s a place where Rosé flows like water, a place that has charmed people from over 160 nationalities into now calling it home (including glitterati like Elton John and Brigitte Bardot, to name a few) and, above all, a place where the famously slow and delightful French pace is truly honored. The French Riviera is not solely a location, it is a way of life, filled with sun, sea breezes and surprises around every corner.
You can discover the French Riviera through our Biking, Hiking or Multi-Adventure trips. No matter your preferred way of going active, these trips offer a perfect combination of Provençal charm and coastal glamour so you can fully embrace the Riviera life.
The Alps Riviera
From the French Riviera, let’s travel 300 miles north to find the lesser known, but more quaint, Alps Riviera. Situated along the Lac du Bourget—the biggest natural lake entirely contained in France—the Alps Riviera offers the perfect combination of lake, mountains and valleys with much smaller crowds than nearby Geneva.
This Riviera feels authentic and calm, yet it is only steps away from fashionable Aix-les-Bains with its charming shopping streets and long history of spa culture. The air is fresh, the views are breathtaking, and the locals are friendly. Bike along lakes and rivers, eat your weight in cheese and try to remember the names of the innumerable peaks you will see throughout the week as you hike in the stunning Alps.
You can explore the Alps Riviera and so much more on our brand-new French Alps Multi-Adventure trip. This trip is not only multi-adventure, but multi-modal. You’ll travel by bike, boat, foot and chairlift while you discover what this beautiful region has to offer.
The Swiss Riviera
Let’s continue our journey a little further north where we find the impressive Swiss Riviera along Lake Geneva, with Montreux at its core. While it would be tempting to spend your days simply strolling along the lake and soaking in the views, there are a plethora of outdoor activities for you in the area. Join the Backroads French, Italian and Swiss Alps Multi-Adventure Tour to get a taste of the Swiss Riviera. It is a diverse and fun-filled trip for all ages, with trips tailored for families also available. From hiking above 6,000 feet to paddle boarding on Lake Geneva, you will see the Swiss Riviera from all its angles. And if that doesn’t sound fun enough, this trip also includes glacier walking in Chamonix, France and white water rafting in Courmayeur, Italy. With three countries in one trip, it is an active traveler’s hat trick!
To take advantage of its busiest and most entertaining time of year, visit in early July to discover artists from around the world during the famous Montreaux Jazz Festival. If big crowds are not for you, you can enjoy the area in its peak of beauty anytime between June and September. It will feel vibrant, glamorous and always mysterious—in a way that only Switzerland is.
Now, which Riviera will you choose?
