Côte d'Azur - French Riviera

Welcome to the captivating Côte d'Azur, where the deep blue Mediterranean kisses the shores, and golden beaches glow under the sun's warm embrace. This coastal paradise, with its vibrant hues, has long been an inspiration for some of the greatest 20th-century painters. But the Côte d'Azur is far more than a muse for artists—it's a stage for world-renowned events like the glamorous Cannes Film Festival, while its charming villages and fragrant gardens offer a unique holiday atmosphere, enriched by the famous scents of the region's hinterland.

What to do in Côte d'Azur - French Riviera

Culture, art, or sport—the Côte d’Azur strikes a perfect balance between its relaxed art de vivre and its world-class events and festivals, from Cannes to Nice, in iconic spots like the Croisette and the Promenade des Anglais. Despite the glitz, the French Riviera's signature charm remains: melon-hued villages, palm trees providing cool shade, and the endless blue sea that inspired the likes of Matisse, Chagall, and many others.

Must-See Spots on the Côte d’Azur

Nice (Nissa La Bella):

Known as the gateway to the Côte d’Azur, Nice offers a mix of Baroque, Belle Époque, and contemporary architecture. A stroll along the iconic Promenade des Anglais reveals stunning views of the Bay of Angels.

Cannes:

Famous for hosting the international film festival in May, Cannes is a star year-round. Enjoy its 2-kilometer stretch of sandy beaches along the stylish Croisette, with views of the Suquet hill and the Lérins Islands.

Saint-Paul-de-Vence:

This medieval hilltop village near Nice is a haven for art lovers, with narrow streets lined with galleries, and the Maeght Foundation featuring works by Giacometti, Calder, Braque, Matisse, and others.

Port Grimaud:

Dubbed the "Venice of Provence," this lakefront town with charming houses and boats evokes the canals of its Italian namesake.

Marc Chagall Museum (Nice):

Nestled in a Mediterranean garden, this museum showcases over 250 of Chagall's vibrant works, some dating back to 1903.

Saint-Tropez:

Once a humble fishing village, Saint-Tropez gained fame through artists and celebrities like Signac, Françoise Sagan, Brigitte Bardot, and Louis de Funès, but retains its Provençal charm along its crystal-clear gulf.

Grasse and its Perfume Museum:

The perfume capital of the world, Grasse, is enveloped in the fragrances of lavender, mimosa, jasmine, and roses. Visit the perfume museum to explore the history of scent-making.

Antibes and Juan-les-Pins:

Admire the old port and luxurious yachts in Antibes or explore the Art Deco architecture, pristine beaches, and international jazz festival in Juan-les-Pins.

Saint-Raphaël:

Situated at the base of the red-hued Esterel Massif, Saint-Raphaël’s authenticity as an old port town continues to enchant visitors.

- Shrine of Our Lady of Laghet (Trinité): Perched between Nice and Monaco, this church has been a site of pilgrimage since 1652, known for its miracles attributed to the Virgin Mary.

Porquerolles Island:

Off the coast of Hyères, Porquerolles offers serene beaches, forested trails, and the contemporary art-filled Carmignac Foundation.

Lérins Islands:

Just off Cannes, visit the forested island of Sainte-Marguerite, crowned by a royal fort, or explore the peaceful monastery and abbey on Saint-Honorat.

Cagnes-sur-Mer:

A vibrant seaside resort with pebble beaches, Cagnes-sur-Mer also boasts a medieval village (Hauts de Cagnes) dominated by the Grimaldi Castle Museum.

Essential Activities on the Côte d’Azur

Discover Villa Noailles (Hyères):

Built in the 1930s by architect Robert Mallet-Stevens, this Cubist-style villa now hosts a contemporary art center dedicated to design, photography, and fashion.

Follow the Light That Inspired Painters:

Track the journey of famous artists like Bonnard in Cagnes, Matisse in Nice, Picasso in Antibes, and Miró in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, stopping at museums, galleries, and workshops along the way.

Play Pétanque in Saint-Paul-de-Vence:

Join locals for a game of pétanque on the famous village square, where icons like Lino Ventura, Yves Montand, and Henri Salvador once played.

Celebrate the Lemon Festival in Menton:

Between mid-February and early March, Menton transforms with citrus-themed parades, garden tours, art exhibits, and fireworks during the annual Lemon Festival.

Browse Saleya Market (Nice):

In the old town, the Cours Saleya hosts a lively Mediterranean market filled with vibrant flowers, fruits, and vegetables.

Visit the Château-Musée Grimaldi (Cagnes-sur-Mer):

This medieval castle houses two museums—the Olive Tree Museum and the Solidor donation, featuring portraits of cabaret singer Suzy Solidor by artists like Picabia and Van Dongen.

Explore the Côte d’Azur’s Gardens:

With around 60 stunning natural sites, explore the region's beautiful floral creations, including the Exotic Garden of Monaco, Menton’s gardens, and those surrounding the Maeght Foundation.

Spot Celebrities on the Croisette During the Cannes Film Festival:

In May, Cannes becomes the heart of the film world, where movie stars grace the red carpet of the Palais des Festivals.

Swim in the Calanque of Anthéor:

Near Saint-Raphaël, find a secluded spot in the calanque of red pebbles, protected by towering cliffs and accessible via steep steps.

Attend the Monaco Grand Prix:

Held annually, this thrilling race winds through the streets of Monaco, requiring skillful precision from drivers who race at speeds averaging over 150 km/h. Spectators can view the action from 13 stands along the course.