Southeastern France is a stunning destination, rich with history and spectacular topography, but also a paradise for beach and coast lovers – hence the name “Azur Coast”. This is the French Riviera from Toulon, to Saint-Tropez in the west, to Cannes, Nice, Eze and Monaco – Monte Carlo to Menton and the Italy border.
This Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur has grand rocky mountains and gorgeous flower-laden coastlines contrasting the brilliant blue Mediterranean . This French Riviera is dotted with beautiful seaside resorts of St-Tropez, Cannes, Antibes, Cap-d’Ail, Nice, Eze, Cap-Ferrat, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, the Principality of Monaco and Monte Carlo.
You could spend a month travelling this region of France, flying into Nice, and touring art museums, historic castles and villas, visiting perfumeries and wineries of Languedoc’Oc, sipping delicious rosés with local cheese, enjoying chic beach towns and dining at French cafés. Here are a few travel tips on the best places to visit along the French Riviera.
Nice France Top Sights
Promenade des Anglais – Quai des Etats Unis – walk this sidewalk promenade along Nice’s stony beach and coast.
Marche aux Fleurs Saleya -go to the beautiful local flower market to see gorgeous blooms, fruits and herbs fresh from the countryside.
Vieux Nice – stroll through the old medieval city – have lunch in a café – order the menu du jour!
Visit Place Massena and marvel at this plaza and its statues, and the parade f French people in their daily rituals.
Place Garibaldi features a fabulous fountain with lions.
MAMAC is the Musée d’art modern et art contemporary – a more modern art collection in a cool structure.
Marc Chagall Museé is a fantastic collection of this local Jewish Belarus French artist, turn of the century painter and stained glass artist.
Musée Matisse – Henri Matisse’s incredible work is displayed in a 17th century villa. He was a compatriot of Picasso.
Nice’s Churches: visit Notre Dame de Nice & Nice Cathedral & the Russian Orthodox Cathedral
Hotel Negresco on the beach promenade is a must. Stroll through this glamourous hotel – have a drink in the bar or lunch at the Michelin restaurant.
Cap Ferrat near Nice – is a stunning peninsula
Ville Ile de France –visit this Rothschild family seaside estate where the Baroness vacationed on the Riviera.
Paloma Beach in Cap Ferrat is gorgeous. Enjoy the sand and surf, or sip a cocktail at a beach bar.
Take the beautiful seaside walk connecting Villefrache & Cap Ferrat
Eze is a magical hilltop seaside village – just walk around, admire the beautiful flowers, pop in the fragrant perfumeries and take in the magnificent views from this dramatic medieval Cote D’Azur town
For a steep hike, do the Chemin de Nietzsche from Eze down toward the waterfront.
Jardin Botanique d’Eze & Perfumerie Fragonard in Eze are both famous French perfumeries with gardens, and tours of the perfume making process.
Monaco Monte Carlo
Visit this unique Principality. See The Prince’s Palace of Monaco – home of the royal Monaco family, and once Princess Grace’s home (actress Grace Kelly) when she married Prince Rainier of Monaco in the 1950s. Such a tragic end to her fairy tale story.
The Palace Changing of the Royal Guard is quite a display of pomp and circumstance, paraded daily in the courtyard just before noon.
Stroll through Vieux Monaco admire the architecture and charming boutiques.
Go to the famous Monte Carlo Casino – it’s a scene from James Bond and a wealthy gamblers paradise.
Cannes–
Le Suquet is the old quarter of Cannes – Rue St Antoine – worth exploring the quaint cafes, chic boutiques and storied sidewalks.
Stroll the Promenade des Croisette – its 2 kilometers along the shore. The Croisette was only a coastal path until the 1850s, now it’s a famous boulevard – “croisette” in French.
Cannes Film Festival is held here in May annually, since 1946, at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. Imagine Cannes full of celebrities and movie stars, with red carpets and Hollywood glam – French style.
Visit Cannes’ beaches and have a cocktail at a cool beach bars and restaurants – where the beautiful people hang out. Some of the beach is private – for hotel guests of the Intercontinental, the 1913 Carlton, Marriott and Martinez. Plage de la Bocca, Plage du Midi and Palm Beach are public.
Bon Voyage mes amis!
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“To be, is to exist, but to travel, is to live.” – Gustave Nadaud