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If you’re piling in a car for a road trip down to the French Riviera, you probably already know there’s endless exciting sites to see at this lush holiday destination. The beaches, the boats, and the Bouillabaisse are all obvious choices for your list, but there’s even more than that to take in when visiting this breathtaking coastal destination. There are mediaeval villages, old chateaus, and of course the luxurious principality of Monaco.
Yes, the Côte d’Azur is a destination so packed with beauty, we can’t resist sharing some of our favourites. This blog will uncover 8 must-see spots on your trip along the Côte d’Azur, for those seeking sun, natural beauty and gorgeous food!
1. Menton
It’s true that during the summer everyone and their poodle wants to visit the French Riviera, and that leads to a couple of highly packed places. Menton is one of the few exceptions. It’s a coastal village packed with the classic charms of the area, sans heaps of tourists. You’ll fall in love with the authentic experience of the Riviera such as the cosy alleys, markets, and cuisine without the bustle and noise of endless tourists.
In fact, with this locale’s sweeping panoramic views, you’ll be tempted to resize images so that you can easily turn your holiday snaps of beautiful Menton into a desktop background, a cover photo for your social media, or even a framed art print that stretches along your hallway walls at home.
Even if you do want to capture a bit of Menton to take it home with you, there’s one thing you really have to live in the moment for – the area’s mouthwatering cuisine. For a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience, try the menu at Mirazur. It’s a three-Michelin star restaurant that often ranks in the top 50 in the world – their licorice hollandaise and rosemary ice cream are worth it for the novelty alone. Recently, it was awarded prestigious B-Corp status for its dedication to meeting high environmental and social standards.
2. Antibes
Did you know that Antibes is the place where F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald summered and wrote Tender is the Night? So if you’re seeking Gatsby levels of glamour getaway, then this is guaranteed to be the place for you. And if you need further historical endorsement, it’s also famous for being known as the place where Picasso painted Joie De Vivre, translating to ‘the joy of life’.
Antibes is home to striking villas and mansions set dramatically against the sea, so it’s no wonder it attracted the artistic greats of eras past. Its beauty is legendary, and art lovers will find many museums and historical spots to enjoy, while foodies can happily spend hours perusing the Provençal markets.
3. La Colline du Château, Nice
Nice is a must see on your trip along the French Riviera, although it was probably already on your itinerary. You’ll want to start your trip into Nice with a view of the whole, beautiful city. Climb up Castle Hill (La Colline du Château) and take in the gorgeous landscape. This hike is equal parts enriching and invigorating, supporting you in staying healthy and active during your explorations in Nice.
From the summit of Castle Hill, you’ll be able to see Baie des Anges, the Old Town, and the boardwalk. You can plan your entire trip from up on that hill, and don’t forget to bring snacks. There’s a lovely park perfect for picnicking at the top. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon on the riviera, as you enjoy a glass of local rosé and watch the sun go down over the water.
4. Old Town, Nice
The colours in Nice are spectacular, and the buildings in Vieille Ville, or the Old Town, contribute to the famous bronzed aesthetic. Tall, proud walls and roofs of orange, yellow and red hues frame the sea and the breathtaking focal point, the Baroque cathedral.
Every step through this treasured maze brings new market stalls, galleries, and cafes. It’s a place with endless details to take in, so stop for a coffee and watch the world go by for a while. After that, visit the botanical garden (Promenade du Paillon), then the neighbouring Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.
5. Cannes
If you love movies, Cannes should be top of your list for your adventures on the Cote d’Azur. It’s the pinnacle of international cinema, where the great directors and actors make or break their careers. But before it was Cannes, home of the Palais des Festivals, it was an exclusive, exotic destination for the rich, filled with luxury chateaus, yachts and casinos.
Visit Musée des Explorations du Monde, housed in a mediaeval fortress now used as an art gallery. Stroll along Boulevard de la Croisette, the city’s most famous street oozing with French charm and great shopping opportunities. Only a fifteen minute ferry ride away, find coastal islands Ile St. Honorat and Ile Ste-Marguerite, perfect for those looking to catch a spot of sunbathing away from the nightlife.
6. Èze
The ancient village of Èze was first settled in 200 BC, and is home to ancient Greek relics of gold and silver, not to mention breathtaking architecture and seaside views. Step all the way back into the 12th Century by visiting Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs, and stroll through the Medieval streets to soak up the rich history of the place.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can take a hiking trail. It was along one of these very paths that Friedrich Nietzsche found the inspiration to complete his book, Thus Spoke Zarathustra. Perfect to explore in a day, Èze is a compact place with lots to offer despite its size.
7. Grasse
A world away from the sparkling lights and busy footsteps of Paris, the country’s capital city, lies the quaint mediaeval village of Grasse. This humble spot could instead be considered the perfume capital of the world, and offers tours of their famous perfumeries, and gorgeous fields of lavender.
In August, you can experience authentic, traditional French culture at ‘Fête du Jasmin’ – a festival which has been taking place annually since 1946 to celebrate the delicate jasmine flower (and its perfume-ready potential!). You’ll see locals dancing in costumes as white petals cover the streets. There’s also a costume museum, a cathedral, and lush olive groves to stroll through.
8. Monaco
Second to only the Vatican City in size, and barely making two kilometres squared in area, Monaco is a small but mighty country. Here you will find some of the most expensive, lavish, offerings in the world.
When you’re tired of shopping, take an excursion to the Prince’s Palace or Fort Antoine, and stand awestruck when faced with the Monaco Cathedral. Watch the yachts and mega yachts buzz in and out of the harbour as you enjoy an aperitif. Then, close your trip with the casino turned into legend from some of the most famous spy-action films including ‘Casino Royale’ and ‘Ocean’s 12’ – The Monte Carlo Casino.
The French Riviera: Wonderful Sights Aplenty
This brief list of beautiful spots along the Cote d’Azur barely scratches the surface of one of Europe’s great holiday destinations. In fact, many of its greatest draws have barely been mentioned – like the food!
Even if you plan nothing for your trip along the French Riviera and stroll your days away, you’ll have seen endless sights and enjoyed a bounty of pleasures to satisfy all the senses. But hopefully this guide has provided you with some inspiration to mark the foundations of an itinerary from which to explore this stunning stretch of natural beauty, rich cultural history, and remarkable architecture.
