Luxury Tourism Surge: Côte d’Azur and Monaco Draw Record Visitors, Showcasing the Best of France

Published on February 23, 2026

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The French Riviera, encompassing the beautiful Côte d’Azur and Monaco, has seen remarkable growth in its tourism industry, with over 12 million visitors flocking to the region in 2025. According to the Tourism Observatory for the Alpes-Maritimes and Monaco, international tourists now make up more than half of all visitors, a significant milestone that has surpassed pre-COVID levels. This increase in international arrivals has offset a slight decline in domestic travel, highlighting the region’s growing appeal on the global stage.

International Tourists Drive Growth in Côte d’Azur and Monaco

In 2025, the United States emerged as the top foreign market, with Americans accounting for over 15% of international overnight stays in the region. This marked a significant shift, as American visitors overtook traditional European markets in key areas. Other countries also saw notable increases in tourist numbers, with Turkey up by 50%, Japan by 35%, China by 30%, and the Near and Middle East by 21%. However, the top five international markets remained the same: the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, and Scandinavia.

The growing number of international visitors reflects broader trends in luxury tourism, with the glamorous coastline of the French Riviera continuing to attract wealthy travelers. These visitors are drawn to the region’s beautiful beaches, renowned culture, and proximity to world-class events in Cannes and Monaco. This surge in high-end tourism has been a key factor in the region’s impressive performance in 2025.

Nice Côte d’Azur Airport Hits Record Traffic Numbers

A major contributor to this success is Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, which experienced a record number of commercial passengers in 2025. The airport welcomed 15.23 million passengers, marking a 3.2% increase over 2024. International traffic led the growth, rising by 4.7%, while domestic flights saw a slight decrease of 0.3%. The total number of commercial aircraft movements also grew by 1.9%, reaching 163,052. These figures indicate fuller planes and greater capacity on key routes.

Notably, the introduction of new long-haul flights to destinations like Washington, D.C., and Dakar has made travel to the region even more accessible. This has likely contributed to the increase in international tourism, making it easier for visitors to reach the French Riviera and Monaco from all corners of the world.

Accommodation Sector Performance and Investment in Luxury Tourism

The accommodation sector in Côte d’Azur and Monaco also performed exceptionally well in 2025. Hotel occupancy for the year averaged 66%, a slight increase from 2024, with nearly 13 million overnight stays recorded. This marked the highest number of stays in the past decade, reflecting the growing popularity of the region among tourists. The peak season, from June to September, saw hotel occupancy reach around 85%, highlighting the strong demand during summer months.

International visitors, particularly those arriving by air, contributed significantly to the region’s economic performance. On average, air travelers spent 110 euros per day, further underlining the spending power of these tourists. Luxury and upscale hotels, in particular, saw the highest growth, with a 71.8% occupancy rate, an increase of 2.9 points compared to the previous year. Revenue per available room (RevPAR) grew by 5.4%, reflecting the growing appeal of the region’s high-end accommodations.

Investment in the region has been substantial, with over €1.5 billion allocated in recent years for renovations and upgrades to luxury properties, including palace-style hotels in Nice and Cannes. These investments have made the region even more attractive to discerning tourists, offering modern amenities alongside the timeless charm of the Mediterranean coastline.

PACA Region Leads French Tourism Growth

The broader Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA) region has been a standout performer in France’s tourism industry, posting a 6.5% increase in revenue per available room (RevPAR) in 2025. Much of this growth can be attributed to the increasing popularity of luxury and upscale hotels in cities like Nice, Cannes, and Monaco. The investments in high-end properties and ongoing improvements to tourism infrastructure have helped the region maintain its status as a leading destination for luxury travelers.

The region’s continued growth in tourism revenue is a testament to its diverse appeal, attracting visitors from around the world to experience its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and world-class events. The strong performance of the tourism sector in 2025 reflects the resilience of the PACA region, even in the face of challenges such as the pandemic and geopolitical tensions.

Looking Ahead: Côte d’Azur and Monaco’s Growing Role in Global Tourism

As the Côte d’Azur and Monaco continue to grow as key players in the global tourism market, the future looks bright for the region. The strong performance in 2025 highlights the ongoing appeal of the French Riviera, driven by international tourism, luxury travel, and investments in infrastructure. With record-breaking traffic at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport and impressive growth in hotel occupancy and revenue, the region remains one of the top destinations for both leisure and business travelers.

In the coming years, continued investment in the region’s tourism infrastructure and a focus on luxury experiences will likely keep Côte d’Azur and Monaco at the forefront of global tourism. As travelers from around the world flock to the French Riviera for its beaches, culture, and high-end accommodations, the region is well-positioned to maintain its status as one of Europe’s most sought-after travel destinations.