French Riviera (Côte d'Azur) in July

May through October delivers the classic Riviera experience. July and August bring crowds and heat – hotel prices triple, beaches overflow, and restaurant reservations become impossible. June and September offer the sweet spot: warm weather, manageable crowds, and reasonable prices. October extends swimming season with fewer tourists. May can be unpredictable – some days feel like summer, others remind you it's still spring. Winter transforms the coast. Many beach clubs close, but museums and galleries stay open. Hotel rates drop dramatically, and you'll actually meet locals instead of just tourists. The Cannes Film Festival in May creates a unique energy but also drives up prices across the region.