Where should you base yourself on the French Riviera?
Nice is the practical rail hub, Antibes feels smaller, Cannes is polished, Menton is softer and Monaco is more of a day-trip mood for many travellers. Choose by transport, beach style and crowd tolerance, not glamour alone.
Answer
The Riviera is easier when the base does some work for you. Nice gives the cleanest rail logic for town-hopping and a broad city feel. Antibes can suit travellers who want a smaller base with old-town texture. Cannes is more polished and event-conscious. Menton has a gentler edge and works well for slower coast time. Monaco is famous, but many visitors only need a day or half-day there. Do not choose by the most expensive view; choose by how you want the mornings and evenings to feel.