Advice needed - Itinerary French Riviera

Hi everyone!

I’m planning a trip to the South of France for late June/early July and would love some advice. Ideally I’d rent a car so I can move freely along the coast and stop in different towns. I may be going solo, as some friends are hesitant.

What I’m looking for:

• Beautiful beaches (lots of them)
• Walkable towns with scenic views
• Some history/cultural visits
• Safe for a solo traveler
• Relaxing, peaceful overall vibe

I’ve never been to France before. I’ve heard mixed opinions on Marseille for solo travel, so I’m unsure whether to include it. If I rent a car, I’d love to do a continuous coastal route with nice stops along the way. I'm even thinking of landing in Paris and taking a car from there... Thoughts?

Open to any recommendations for towns, itineraries, do's and dont's, or just hearing about your experience! Thank you in advance :)

EDIT: I'm also open to picking a base and taking the train/bus to different areas! I realized that's what most people do.