Stretching along some 150 kilometers between Toulon and the Italian border, the Côte d’Azur boasts an endlessly varied landscape. Its coastline oscillates between long golden sandy beaches, wild turquoise coves, tiny hidden inlets and picturesque ports where gleaming yachts moor alongside colorful fishing boats. Inland, the scenery transforms into a striking contrast of rolling hills, fragrant scrubland, Aleppo pine forests and rocky massifs, such as the fiery red Estérel mountains and the rugged, untamed peaks of the Mercantour National Park.
This Mediterranean haven enjoys a blissfully mild climate, with hot, dry summers and gentle, temperate winters, making it a year-round destination perfect for outdoor living, garden culture, and seaside strolls. The region’s biodiversity is remarkable, home to protected wetlands like the Villepey Lagoon near Fréjus, and nature reserves such as the Grande Corniche, where eagle owls, wild sheep, and rare butterflies find refuge.
Nice - The unofficial capital of the Riviera, Nice enchants with its iconic Promenade des Anglais, the soothing sound of waves over pebbled beaches, and its historic Old Town, a maze of ochre façades and narrow pedestrian lanes. The famous flower market on Cours Saleya captures the very spirit of Mediterranean life. Nice offers the perfect balance of lively city energy and the tranquil rhythm of the sea, with a wealth of museums (including the Musée Matisse and the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art), historic cafés, bustling districts like the recently revitalized Port area, and sweeping panoramic views from Castle Hill.
Marseille - A city of contrasts, Marseille embodies energy, diversity and layered history. Founded 2,600 years ago, this ancient port city comes alive around its Old Port, where fishermen, seafood restaurants, and tourists mingle. Highlights include the striking Mucem museum, the imposing Fort Saint-Jean, and the mysterious Château d’If, made famous by The Count of Monte Cristo. High above the harbor, the basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde watches over the city, offering spectacular views of the bay, while the authentic Le Panier district reveals hidden squares and fountains steeped in local character.
Cannes - Synonymous with glitz and red carpets, Cannes attracts with its world-renowned film festival, the glamorous Croisette promenade and its legendary palatial hotels. Yet the city has another side to offer: the medieval quarter of Le Suquet perched on a hill, the bustling Forville market, and the idyllic Lérins Islands (Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat), just a short boat ride away.
Saint-Tropez - Once a humble fishing village, Saint-Tropez has transformed into a glamorous icon, known for its lively harbor lined with luxury yachts, its famous beaches (Pampelonne, Tahiti Beach) and its narrow, picturesque lanes. The old shipyard district of La Ponche and the historic Citadel — now a maritime museum — recall the village’s seafaring past, while legendary establishments like Sénéquier café have been local institutions since the 1950s.
Menton - More delicate and serene, Menton stands out for its mild microclimate, exotic gardens (including the Serre de la Madone and Val Rahmeh), and pastel-colored façades. Every February, the town bursts into color with its famous Lemon Festival, a dazzling celebration of citrus fruits. Its winding streets, blending late-Baroque Italo-Provençal architecture, gracefully bridge the cultures of France and Italy.
Toulon - A vibrant military port, Toulon charms visitors with its sprawling Provençal market, sandy beaches such as Mourillon, and its flower-filled old town. Towering above, Mont Faron is accessible via a cable car and offers a panoramic view over the harbor, alongside a World War II memorial and shaded forest trails.
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Èze - Clinging dramatically to a limestone outcrop, the medieval village of Èze is a true Riviera jewel. Its flower-lined lanes, artisan boutiques and exotic botanical garden — teeming with cacti and agaves — overlook vertiginous cliffs, offering one of the coast’s most remarkable sea views.
Antibes - A seamless blend of tradition and modernity, Antibes charms with its Vauban ramparts, stone-paved streets and lively maritime spirit. Its Provençal market is a must, while the Vauban Port ranks among the largest marinas in Europe. The Picasso Museum, housed within the historic Grimaldi Castle, provides a cultural interlude within the medieval town’s winding alleys.
Hidden Gems
The hinterland harbors countless lesser-known treasures: Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a legendary artists’ village; Grasse, the world’s perfume capital; Tourrettes-sur-Loup, famous for its violets; and Gourdon, clinging to its clifftop perch. Sospel, nestled in the Roya Valley and accessible via the ancient Corniche des Maures, reveals a peaceful world of traditional markets, artisan workshops and breathtaking sea views.
