What to do on the Côte d'Azur? The 20 must-sees© Tema-Kud
The tabloids extol its jet-set, glitz and glamour, but the Côte d'Azur is above all a land that cultivates its folklore and traditions, like the Nice Carnival, which attracts large numbers of visitors every year. Between sea and mountains, the Côte d'Azur is France's second most popular tourist destination, after Paris. The constant blue skies have captured the hearts of artists such as Cézanne and Renoir... Why not yours? Petit Futé presents you with its must-see stops, between coast and hinterland, from Nice to Cassis, via Grasse and Mandelieu-la-Napoule.
1. Princely Monaco
The second smallest independent state in the world (after the Vatican), Monaco is best known for its casino and Formula 1 racetrack. But what's most striking about a visit to this mini-country is the constant balancing act between tradition and modernity, where buildings stand side by side with charming villas. A visit to Monaco also means discovering its thriving cultural life, where day and night, a variety of events are on offer: from museums and opera houses to theaters and festivals, you won't know where to turn! One of the best ways to discover the city and its incredible Monte Carlo district is to book a multi-stop bus tour .
The activity to book: book my bus tour of Monaco
2. Cap Ferrat, the VIP peninsula
Cap Ferrat, the VIP peninsula© glanliguori
Covered in pine forests, Cap Ferrat is the ideal place for those seeking peace, tranquility and... luxury. Its many sumptuous villas have earned it the nickname "the island of billionaires". Indeed, celebrities have been quick to make this little corner of paradise their resort of choice. To discover the peninsula, take the seaside path that winds around the cape. A change of scenery guaranteed!
3. Antibes, the maritime city
Antibes, the maritime city© faracowski
Founded by the Greeks in the5th century BC, Antibes or Antipolis has attracted many artists, Picasso being the first. The museum dedicated to the city contains treasures that the painter left in trust to the city of Antibes. Here, the sun shines very often, and in summer, the fine sandy beaches of the Safranier district are crowded. Antibes is a city with a wealth of attractions for young and old alike.
Read on to discover the must-sees in Antibes.
4. What to do on the Côte d'Azur Biot, the picturesque
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Perched on a rocky outcrop, this charming medieval village is best known for its handicrafts. Here you'll find all the materials you need for pottery: clay, sand, manganese... As far back as the 18th century, the village was home to over 40 pottery factories, and the "Biot jar" was a world-renowned example. Today, it's mainly the glassworks that you visit. Biot is also one of France's "Most Beautiful Detours".
5. Menton, on the borders of Italy
The last French town before the Italian border, Menton' s main attraction is its beneficial micro-climate. In its many gardens, you can discover rare species such as the mythical Easter Island tree. But Menton is most famous for its Lemon Festival, which takes place at the end of winter, at the same time as the Nice Carnival. It's an opportunity to discover Menton's craftsmanship in a permanent show lasting almost three weeks and featuring imposing citrus sculptures.
Read the article to discover Menton.
6. Cannes, the jet set
Movie stars have quickly made a myth of this former Provencal village. In Cannes, the Croisette and its palaces, you'll discover a jet set side that's sometimes friendly, often irritating. Here, the biggest names follow one another, and the most prestigious brands even have their own storefronts. If you're looking for authenticity , the old stones of the Suquet district, the old fishing port and above all the Lérins islands will give you a different image of this city, far from the glitz and glamour.
See also our selection of must-see things to do in and around Cannes.
7. Nice, capital of the Riviera
Considered the pearl of the Riviera, Nice is also a surprising and energetic city. Its inhabitants know how to cultivate a hedonistic art of living, while preserving centuries-old traditions such as the famous Nice Carnival. Laughter and poetry are the order of the day, with the parade of papier-mâché bigheads and the famous flower fight. From Place Masséna to the Promenade des Anglais, you'll be impressed by this city with a Latin accent, where it's good to get lost in the maze that is the old town.
8. What to do on the Côte d'Azur Grasse, capital of perfume
Grasse, perfume capital© Brzozowska
This medieval village built on the hill of Le Puy is still a must-see on the Côte d'Azur. Known internationally as the capital of perfume since the 18th century, Grasse offers you the chance to discover this extraordinary industry in one of the city's three main perfume factories (Fragonard, Galimard and Molinard). These tours will arouse your curiosity and sense of smell, and you can even create your own perfume. A tour of Grasse's alleyways will also take you in the footsteps of the famous Jean-Baptiste Grenouille from Suskind's bestseller Le Parfum ...
If you'd like to enjoy an original olfactory experience with a guided tour of the Fragonard perfumery and attend an olfactory workshop to create your own eau de toilette,book here for prices and availability!
9. Saint-Paul-de-Vence and its artists
Saint-Paul-de-Vence© gianliguori
Saint-Paul-de-Vence 's international reputation is due in part to the many artists who have lived here. Yves Montand, Simone Signoret, Picasso and even Matisse were the first to praise the beauty and tranquility of this charming Provencal village. To stroll through Saint-Paul-de-Vence is to discover a veritable museum, where the architecture of the narrow streets has often been the source of inspiration for the aforementioned painters.
10. The Gorges du Verdon, a natural jewel
Gorges du Verdon© Olivier - stock.adobe.com
Considered Europe's most beautiful canyon and a protected natural site since 1990, the Gorges du Verdon combine dreamy landscapes, charming villages and are a sportsman's paradise. Every year, many curious visitors come to take advantage of this splendid natural setting for canoeing, climbing, hiking, mountain biking and even hot-air ballooning. It's also an opportunity to discover the typical Provencal villages of Valensole, Riez and Castellane.
11. The garden of the Cimiez monastery, a place for meditation
The Cimiez monastery© vvr - stock.adobe.com
Not far from Nice's Arena, the garden of the Cimiez monastery is one of the oldest on the Côte d'Azur, with plans dating back to the 16th century! Covering 9,550m2, this former monk's kitchen garden became public property at the beginning of the 20th century, when the town became the owner. You can admire its ancient pergolas covered with climbing roses and its lovely panoramic view over the city. It's one of the best places to enjoy the mild spring weather in Nice!
12. Saint-Tropez, the mythical
Saint-Tropez© Mellow 10 - stock.adobe.com
You'd think you'd see the famous B.B. on every street corner, or Louis de Funès in the guise of a famous gendarme: Saint-Tropez has been the setting for a thousand images that have left their mark on French culture. Yet nothing predestined this charming fishing port to become the mythical place it is today, and even France's most famous village. Its best-known beaches include Pampelonne and the famous Madrague. You can also enjoy a delicious tarte tropézienne and take in the beauty of Saint-Tropez's surroundings.
Book a kayak tour of the Ramatuelle reserve. Tempted by this experience? Click here to book your tour!
While you're in the area, rent a boat with or without a license in Cavalaire-sur-Mer.
13. The Lérins Islands, a nature getaway opposite the Croisette
Lérins Abbey in Saint-Honorat© Flegere - Shutterstock.com
Just across from Nice, the Lérins archipelago boasts a wild and unspoiled natural environment. The island of Saint-Honorat takes its name from the saint who sought refuge here and founded his monastery in the5th century. Monks still live on Saint-Honorat today. Among other things, they produce Lérina, a delicious liqueur that's a must-taste. The archipelago's second island, Sainte-Marguerite, is much larger. Migratory birds, crystal-clear waters, pine and eucalyptus trees make up its enchanting setting.
14. Breil-sur-Roya, history and traditions
Breil-sur-Roya© Guillaume Besnard - Fotolia
Italian until 1860, the village of Breil-sur-Roya lies on the road between Nice and Turin, along the Roya torrent. Its Ligurian architecture and narrow streets hint at the nearby Italian border. Breil-sur-Roya is very attached to its traditions, and every 4 years organizes the Stacada. This is a re-enactment of the inhabitants' revolt against the abuse of power by a local tyrant who exercised, in particular, the droit de cuissage. A must-see if you're on the Côte d'Azur during this period!
15. What to do on the Côte d'Azur The Estérel massif, a walker's treasure trove
The Esterel massif© Stevan ZZ - iStockphoto
A volcanic massif covering more than 32,000 ha, the Estérel is the ideal place for a nature hike, as it is criss-crossed by countless trails of varying difficulty. The red of its volcanic rock gives the Estérel landscapes a unique charm, which is further enhanced by its steep slopes, rugged relief and green corridors flowing into the Mediterranean. A real postcard of Provence, to be discovered on foot, by bike or on horseback!
16. Mougins, an artists' haven
Mougins© ARC Photography - stock.adobe.com
Situated between Cannes and Grasse, Mougins offers panoramic views of the Lérins Islands and the Pre-Alps. A fortified town, its medieval quarter and winding streets have inspired artists such as Édith Piaf, Paul Éluard, Fernand Léger and Pablo Picasso, who spent the last years of his life here, in the mas Notre Dame de Vie, far from the hustle and bustle of Paris and his native Spain. Mougins is also renowned for its culinary talents, and is one of France's most Michelin-starred towns.
17. Cassis and its calanques
Calanque d'En-Vau© Janoka 82
On the western border of the Côte d'Azur, Cassis is also a small fishing port well known for its calanques. Four lovely beaches are within easy reach of the town center, but to discover the full beauty of Provence, the Calanque d'En-Vau is the place to go. Its crystal-clear waters and picture-postcard panorama are a big hit with tourists in summer, so opt for the off-season! You're sure to come across a few wild boar taking a dip, so don't worry about them, but watch out for your sandwiches!
18. Mandelieu-la-Napoule, picturesque charm
Mandelieu-la-Napoule© Giancarlo Liguori - stock.adobe.com
At the gateway to the Estérel massif, Mandelieu-la-Napoule is a pleasant seaside resort. Its unspoilt nature offers wild landscapes where the red rock contrasts with the blue of the sea. For example, you can swim with dolphins at Cala Rossa. Mandelieu-la-Napoule also boasts a rich heritage, with its castle being one of its most remarkable sites. Built on the seafront on Roman and Saracen remains, it was rebuilt in neo-medieval style by a couple of American artists in 1918.
Read this article to discover Mandelieu-la-Napoule's must-sees.
19. Eze, between sea and sky
The gardens of Eze© Cezary Wojtkowski - stock.adobe.com
Eze is certainly one of the most beautiful villages in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region! Its 700 m vertical drop offers visitors a remarkable view of the surrounding area. The old part of the village is perched 429 m above sea level, like an eagle's nest. It is also dominated by the ruins of the ancient medieval castle, at the foot of which lies one of Eze's most beautiful spots: the exotic garden. It's a real change of scenery to stroll here, especially in spring, among the tropical plants.
20. The Hyères islands, a golden archipelago
Porquerolles Island© Telly - adobe.stock.com
The islands of Hyères are the most beautiful jewels in the Var. Off the coast of Hyères, three islands make up the archipelago, but Porquerolles is the most attractive. It's considered a veritable local paradise. To the north, its many sandy beaches bordered by pine forests are great for swimming, while the south reveals a wild, rugged beauty. Port-Cros, the nature reserve island, is a paradise for hikers and divers. The more mysterious Ile du Levant is renowned for its wild landscapes and numerous naturist establishments.
How to get to the Côte d'Azur?
The Côte d'Azur is a popular tourist destination, making it easily accessible by various means of transport.
You can arrive by car via the A8 freeway , which links the region to all European cities. Paris, for example, is an 8-hour drive from Nice. The region is also well served by train, with numerous stations available from all parts of France. For those who prefer to travel by boat, the ports of Villefranche-sur-Mer, Nice, Cannes and Monaco are the main Mediterranean ports of call for cruises.
Make it easy for yourself by booking your next trip here:
