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The Côte d’Azur, also known as the French Riviera, is a stunning stretch of coastline bordering the Mediterranean Sea which has been favoured as a glamorous European holiday destination since the late eighteenth century. Today, towns like Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Monaco and Antibes are synonymous with visiting royalty and celebrities, super yachts and luxury villas.
The 180-kilometre coastal route from the city of Toulon to the Italian border is considered one of the world’s most iconic and spectacular road trips. As well as crystal-clear waters, picturesque beaches, dramatic cliffs and idyllic offshore islands, you’ll find countless charming towns where life moves at a slower pace that is well-suited to the balmy Mediterranean climate. The picturesque towns of Menton, Saint-Tropez, Èze, Cagnes-Sur-Mer and Saint-Paul-De-Vence are among our favourites – not be missed during your stay in this lovely corner of France:
One of the most glamorous locations on the Côte d’Azur, Saint-Tropez has come a long way from its fishing village heritage, although you’ll still find plenty of quaint, seaside beauty when you walk the narrow, cobbled streets of the Old Town quarter, La Ponche.
Waterfront cafés and restaurants provide the perfect venue for people-watching, celebrity spotting or browsing for your dream yacht – perhaps with a chilled glass of Provençal rosé in hand. The local shopping scene offers plenty of big-name luxury brands, or you can browse for fresh produce and handmade crafts at the local markets, which are held twice weekly in the Place des Lices.
There are plenty of opportunities to indulge your cultural side in Saint-Tropez, from the Impressionist paintings displayed in the Musée de l’Annonciade to the spectacular collection of butterflies housed in the Maison des Papillons. Every night is an opportunity to see and be seen while enjoying Michelin-starred or bistro-style dining, then you can dance the night away among the town’s legendary bars and nightclubs.
The hilltop village of Èze-Village is your archetypal Mediterranean gem: ancient stone walls, archways and stairs, turquoise wooden shutters, wrought-iron balconies, and around every corner, more spectacular ocean views. The village is renowned for its historic buildings: the oldest being the enchanting, fourteenth-century Chapelle de la Sainte Croix. The Château de la Chèvre d’Or is a luxurious hotel set in a former medieval fortress: its terrace restaurant is the ideal spot to watch the sunset while indulging in exquisite local seafood.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can reach Èze’s sister village, Èze-sur-Mer, via a scenic five-kilometre trail known as the Chemin de Nietzsche, which was named for the famous German philosopher who found inspiration for some of his writings here in the late nineteenth century. If you prefer a more sedate outing, the hilltop Jardin Exotique is well worth a visit for its extensive collection of succulents and its outstanding ocean views.
You can also explore Èze’s numerous art galleries and artisan shops, which showcase local crafts, jewellery and artwork. The Provence region is renowned for its perfume production, and you can learn about the art and science of fragrance-making at the famous Fragonard Perfume Factory.
Set on the outskirts of Nice, Cagnes-sur-Mer boasts several beautiful, pebbled beaches including Plage de Cagnes, which is a great spot to enjoy sunbathing and a variety of water sports. The beachfront Promenade de la Plage is a great spot for a leisurely walk and is lined with restaurants, cafés and ice cream shops.
The town was the final home of beloved Impressionist painter, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, who lived there from 1907 until his death in 1919. His former house, now the Musée Renoir, contains a collection of his paintings, sculptures and personal artifacts.
The oldest and most historic section of Cagnes-sur-Mer is Haut de Cagnes: a haven of well-preserved medieval architecture, winding cobbled streets and charming squares. At the heart of the village, the 14th-century Chateau Grimaldi was built by an early ancestor of the Monaco’s ruling Grimaldi family. Now a museum and art gallery, you’ll find incredible panoramic views from top of the castle’s crenulated tower. At various times of the year, you can even join a guided tour of the village’s most significant spots – check with the museum for availability.
Head a few miles further into the mountains of the Alpes-Maritime and you will reach one of the oldest towns in the French Riviera: a charming, hilltop labyrinth of honey coloured stone and terracotta buildings encircled by an ancient, protective wall.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence has long been a haven for famous artists, musicians and writers – during the early twentieth century, you might have encountered Matisse, Picasso or Yves Montand playing pétanque beneath the plane trees in the town’s ancient square. It’s still a paradise for art lovers today, with works by various artists (including Marc Chagall, who is buried in the village cemetery) displayed in local art galleries. The Folon Chapel, housed in the seventeenth-century Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs, is one of France’s most unique art chapels. Its internal walls are adorned with incredible stained-glass frescoes inspired by the vibrant Côte d’Azur landscape outside.
Located a short drive from the coastal cities of Nice, Cannes or Antibes, Saint-Paul’s pedestrian-only maze of streets are an essential stop on any day trip to explore the region’s most scenic hill towns, which also include Sainte-Agnès, Gourdon and Coaraze. Be sure to check for upcoming events at the local tourist office, as they regularly host open-air, night-time movies and concerts during the summer months.
Snuggled between the Principality of Monaco and the Italian border, Menton is the ideal base for exploring this section of the coast, including Monaco, Nice and Ventimiglia. The town is renowned for its stunning Belle Époque architecture, year-round sunshine and one of the region’s loveliest beaches. The colourful houses of Menton’s Old Town provide a picturesque backdrop to the Plage des Sablettes, which is a favourite spot for swimming, sunbathing and water sports.
A favourite destination for garden-lovers, Menton’s beautiful Jardin Serre de la Madone is a features a wide variety of exotic plants, terraces and water features, while the Jardin Botanique Val Rahmeh contains an impressive collection of tropical and subtropical plants.
The House of Grimaldi has reigned in the neighbouring principality of Monaco for almost 900 years, and Menton’s Palais Carnolès was once the summer residence of the Princes of Monaco. The city of Menton has owned the palace and grounds since 1994, and although you probably won’t bump into Prince Albert II while exploring its renowned gardens, you will find the largest collection of citrus fruits in Europe. Menton lemons are said to be among the best in the world, and the town’s love affair with citrus is celebrated every February with the colourful Menton Lemon Festival (Fête du Citron), which features parades, citrus sculptures and other fun-filled festivities.
The French Riviera is a region of exquisite contrasts: it’s a glitzy playground of super yachts and luxury resorts, as well as a peaceful haven of spectacular natural beauty and picturesque mediaeval villages. Contact your personal travel manager to start planning your dream Côte d’Azur holiday.
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