Oh, the glamorous and glitzy French Riviera! Both wonderful and tragic stories have as setting the winding Corniches of the Côte d’Azur and its extravagant and enthralling cities. Princes and emperors, aristocrats and artists, all have fallen in love with the hypnotic light and alluring azure of the French Riviera.
Nestled between the Alps, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Italian border, and stretching along the coast and up into the Alps, the region of South of France is blessed by nature and an impossibly beautiful destination for holidaymakers. The sun is shining year-round, the climate is gentle, and the cities and towns abound in attractions and memorable things to do.
You have islands and casinos, beautiful beaches and perched villages, architecture, art, and natural wonders! Orange and palm trees are everywhere you look and there is a certain joie de vivre you will feel as soon as you land in Nice. Only a madman would be able to resist the charms of the fabulous French Riviera!
Learn the history, admire the architecture, and eat bouillabaisse in Nice!
Nice, the heart of the French Riviera, is usually the place where your journey of discovery starts. It also is the best place to set your base if you want to visit the small yet mesmerizing villages of Villefranche-sur-Mer, Eze, and Saint-Paul-de-Vence, as well as the fabulous city of Cannes and tempting Monaco. Each one of these destinations is just a train or bus ride away from Nice and promises experiences you will never forget.
If you find it in you to step away from the splendid Promenade des Anglais and leave behind the breathtaking sea views, you will discover interesting museums and art galleries, as well as the renowned Niçoise culture. For splendid views of the city, head to Le Chateau, also known as Castle Hill. If you want to feel the city’s pulse, we would recommend a tour of Place Massena or a walk along the charming Cours Saleya, one of the most vibrant local markets on the Riviera.
The Old Town of Nice abounds in enchanting architecture dressed in the iconic tones of orange for which the city is famous. Stop at one of the many restaurants in Nice and enjoy a bowl of bouillabaisse, one of the most famous dishes in the South of France.
Enjoy the glamour and discover the islands of Cannes
Cannes is often considered the haven of the rich and famous but once your scratch its glamorous surface, you’ll discover a rich culture. Home to one of the loveliest marinas in the country, Cannes is an authentic Riviera town dominated by the presence of super-yachts and luxury hotels most of them lined along the famous La Croisette, the city’s promenade. However, you will also find Le Suquet, the pretty old town, as well as museums, art galleries, and a splendid 12th-century chapel.
From Cannes, you will easily get to the islands of Ile St Marguerite and Ile St Honorat. While Ile St Marguerite is known as the former “residence” of the Man in the Iron Mask, the latter is home to peaceful Cistercian monks. If you decide to spend more days in Cannes, you can plan a wonderful day trip to the neighboring resort town of Antibes. This quaint destination will surprise you with a beautiful old town with great shops and restaurants and a museum dedicated to Picasso.
Feel the energy of St Tropez and relax on a beach in Hyeres
The sexiest resort on the French Riviera, St Tropez has come a long way since the 1950s when it was just a sleepy fishing village. Everything you imagine St Tropez to be is real! You’ll find posh beaches, luxury yachts, millionaires, billionaires, and fine dining restaurants. But you’ll also find the best ice cream on the Riviera, as well as cobblestone streets, cozy cafes, and buzzing nightclubs. The best beach in St Tropez awaits 4.5 km out of town. Plage de Tahiti is dressed in fine sand and lined with bars and cafes, providing plenty of water adventures.
If you want to step away from all the frenzy of St Tropez, you can head farther to Hyeres, a lovely resort town where the ambiance of a Provencal village blends beautifully with the beatitude of a beach destination. There are miles and miles of white sandy beaches in Hyeres and the surroundings, all perfect for basking in the sun and swimming in the azure. One of the loveliest beaches in town is Plage de l’Almanarre, caressed by turquoise water, and ideal for kite surfing.
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