Activities |
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Cote d Azur |
Beaulieu-sur-mer © Ramon Cutanda
The beauty of the hills and the lively towns has inspired several great artists and the area has wonderful museums displaying their works. The quaint Provence hill villages abutting the coast, that once attracted Picasso and Matisse, now draw French and international tourists by the planeload.
The centre of the Riviera is the pleasant city of Nice; like all the resort towns that run into each other along this over-developed coastal strip it is packed with holidaymakers jamming its restaurants, bars and beaches during July and August. Visitors are drawn just as much by the wish to see and be seen in this desirable location as by the sultry sunshine, bright blue sea and luxurious facilities. However there are a few villages and sights tucked away in less fashionable areas of the Côte d'Azur that are worth visiting for those looking for a quietly authentic holiday.
Resorts
See our separate guides to the following Cote d Azur holiday resorts: Cannes and St Tropez
Attractions
Biot © crabchick
Biot
The village of Bio is over 2,500 years old, and retains much of its medieval charm in the 15th-century architecture and narrow, winding streets. The town has been a hub of craftsmen for centuries, and is known for its pottery and blown glass, making it a popular shopping destination for tourists in the French Riviera. There are several glass-blowing factories that offer tours, allowing you to watch the age-old process in action. Biot is also the site of an ancient volcano, and geology buffs will enjoy hiking the scenic rock formations. Located only 2.5 miles (4km) from the coast, Biot makes an excellent day trip when you're tired of the beach.Website: www.biot.fr
Olive Groves © Diane S Murphy
Cimiez
In a residential area in the hills above the hustle and bustle of the city, the grounds of Cimiez include a large park set amidst olive groves, the Archaeology Museum, Matisse Museum and the Franciscan Museum and Monastery. Also within the gardens, the Musée National Message Biblique Marc-Chagall displays some 450 of the artist's oils, drawings, pastels, lithographs, sculptures, and ceramics. During a couple of weeks in August, Cimiez is the site of the Nice Jazz Festival, with music being played every day until midnight and performed on three stages, in the olive groves and the Roman Amphitheatre. It is an hour's walk, or a short bus ride from the town centre.
Pampelonne Beach © risastla
Côte d'Azur Beaches
People don't just come to St Tropez for the nightlife, it also has some of the best beaches in France. Most are away from the centre; although the family beaches, Plage des Graniers and Plage des Cannebiers, are within walking distance. The most serious collection of beaches are along the Baie de Pampelonne, south of St Tropez, the best known is the Plage de Tahiti which has long been favoured by exhibitionists wearing next to nothing. All beaches are lined with restaurants and shops selling endless gifts or items to prove you've been there.
Èze © vkurland
Èze
Perched on a mountain 1,400 feet (427m) above sea level, the medieval town of Èze is a popular stop on the route between the French Riviera and Monaco. The winding cobblestone streets lead you to the ruins of a 12th-century castle, the terraced Exotic Gardens and their spectacular views, and also to the many shops, which is the most popular reason for visiting Èze. The streets are dotted with tiny boutiques and shops selling a variety of French souvenirs.
Grasse Perfumeries © jean-louis zimmermann
Grasse Perfumeries
France has long been associated with fine perfume, and Grasse is where those heady scents are born. The small town in the French Riviera isn't on the coast, so tourists who are tired of the beaches come for the famous perfumeries like Molinard, Fragonard, and Galinard. Each factory offers tours and a gift shop, and several allow you to try your hand at creating your own scent; for a more comprehensive experience you can also visit the International Perfume Museum.Website: www.grasse.fr
Ile St Marguerite © pandemia
Ile St Honorat & Ile St Marguerite
The two islands of Lerins - Ile St Marguerite and Ile St Honorat lie within a 20-minute boat ride from Cannes. Ile St Honorat is a tiny forested island, the smallest and most southern of the Iles de Lerins. It has been the site of a monastery since the 5th century and today the Cistercian monks are the only inhabitants on the island. Much of the monastery is surprisingly modern, with the exception of the ruins of the 11th-century monastery on the sea's edge. The monks organise tours of the island and try to sell their produce to tourists including homemade wine, honey and lavender oil. The monastery also welcomes visitors for week-long retreats. On the neighbouring Ile St Marguerite is the fortress where the man in the 'iron mask' was imprisoned.Telephone: (04) 9299 5400 or 9298 7138 (boat trips); Transport: Boats run daily to the island; Opening time: 8am to 6pm (summer); 8am to 5pm (winter); Admission: €8
Bay of Cannes, La Croisette
La Croisette
The long, shop-studded promenade of La Croisette, and its seven miles (11km) of beach, is Cannes' major attraction. Palatial hotels line this strip each with their own private beach and this is where you are most likely to spot a familiar face, or topless hopeful, especially during the film festival, though you'll be lucky to see further than the sweating backs of the paparazzi. La Croisette is best viewed from the highest point of Cannes' Old Town, Le Suquet, where the remains of the fortified tower still stand, along with the 12th-century Chapel of St Anne. Le Suquet is a lovely place to stroll, with its winding streets, small boutiques and restaurants. At the end of La Croisette is the Palais des Festivals, whose endless Allées des Stars is imprinted with handprints and signatures of the famous. Just beyond is the atmospheric Vieux Port, with its odd medley of luxury yachts and tiny fishing vessels, and the rows of palm trees and fragrant flower market of the Allées de la Liberté. Further west along the seafront are the free beaches (where the locals go), along the Plages du Midi.
Gassin © Cotedazur
St Tropez Surrounds
The area immediately around St Tropez is pretty grim; congested roads are lined with billboards and neon signs, but the surrounding hills are almost uninhabited and make for a welcome excursion from the masses and the mayhem. The best view of this richly green and flowering countryside is from the hilltop village of Gassin, its lower neighbour Ramatuelle, or the tiny road between them, the dramatic route des Moulins de Paillas, where among the vineyards are three ruined windmills that were once powered by the dreaded winter mistral. Several vineyards offer wine tasting. Along the coast there are a number of good walking trails. Maps are available at the tourist office.
Old Town Centre © risastla
St Tropez Town Centre
Behind the cafés, the small streets and old buildings of St Tropez form a picturesque scene, but they are popular venues for their multitude of shops and restaurants rather than their historical significance. Place aux Herbes is a lively square that has been a centre of activity for centuries; today it is a busy enclave of vegetable, fruit and flower stalls. Every May the town centre bubbles to life with the St Tropez bravade, a colourful festival dating back to the 15th century. It originated as a procession in honour of the town's patron saint - whose bust is carried through the town, accompanied by a guard of honour with gun salvos, and Provençal singing and dancing.