One of the most prestigious and captivating resort destinations in Europe, the Côte d’Azur attracts visitors from all over the world who want to experience the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea and the golden sandy beaches. However, the Côte d’Azur is not just a place for relaxation. It is a vibrant destination that offers a variety of activities, including festivals, celebrations, delicious Provençal wines, and exciting excursions.
The resorts of Nice, Saint-Tropez, Cannes, and others have gained worldwide popularity. This Mediterranean coast boasts the warmest waters, stunning landscapes, and a favorable climate, as well as world-class seaside resorts. Spending a day on the Côte d’Azur is an unforgettable experience.
Nice
Who doesn’t dream of visiting Nice, a city with incredibly beautiful architecture that was loved by world-renowned celebrities of the past. Russian emperors, members of the Russian aristocracy, writers, and artists have all visited this city. Centuries have passed, but Nice remains a favorite destination for both celebrities and ordinary people.
The city of museums and art galleries allows you not only to enjoy a beach vacation, but also to significantly improve your cultural level. The abundance of hotels, both luxury and budget-friendly, will not cause you any problems with accommodation. Tourists note the high level of service in them, regardless of the price. On well-groomed beaches, paid and free, you will experience real bliss – comfort here is in the 1st place.
Walking around the city, which has more than 150 fountains and luxurious parks, is a great pleasure. Nice is considered the greenest and most beautiful city in France. The narrow streets, with their unique atmosphere and numerous attractions, are a must-visit.
There are many cafes and pastry shops with unique flavors that will not disappoint you with their delicious cuisine. Nice is truly a paradise.
Cannes
The city of Cannes, famous for its International Film Festival, is a beautiful and picturesque destination. Many tourists flock to Cannes during the festival to catch a glimpse of their favorite actors and actresses. Every year, Cannes welcomes millions of visitors who leave with unforgettable memories.
Incredible landscapes, long sandy beaches with excellent amenities, and luxurious hotels and inns. In addition, there are many rental apartments available for every budget. All of them are fully furnished, comfortable, and luxurious, just like a hotel. The apartments are well-maintained and serviced, ensuring that guests enjoy their stay.
The famous Croisette promenade is lined with red carpet for movie stars. On regular days, the promenade is also busy with people strolling along it. The beautiful buildings, green spaces, palm trees, and fountains are sure to impress. The luxurious boutiques, the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, and other attractions will leave a lasting impression.
The beautiful sandy beaches with stunning sea views are irresistible. There are both paid and free beaches, and not all paid beaches have changing rooms. Almost all beaches have security guards, and umbrellas and sun loungers can be rented. Many people prefer to sunbathe on towels or mats.
Saint-Tropez
The dazzling pearl of the Côte d’Azur, with its vibrant cultural life, luxurious buildings, and stunning beaches, leaves a lasting impression on visitors. It was the setting for the film “The Pool,” starring Alain Delon. The city offers a diverse range of entertainment options, making even the most reserved individuals reminisce about their youth.
The fashionable resort in the southeast of the country is regularly visited by Hollywood stars. Wealthy people tend to rent a villa near a world celebrity. However, anyone with an average income can have a good time here. Hotels located on the outskirts are much cheaper. Private apartments are an affordable option.
Surrounded on one side by the enchanting peaks of the Alps, Saint-Tropez always pleases its guests with warm weather and magnificent beaches. During the swimming season, the beaches are packed to capacity. The 30-degree heat is cooled by a refreshing breeze, and the sun warms gently instead of burning. Rainfall is rare, humidity is low, and the weather is comfortable.
Many beach clubs organize themed parties with an interesting program for every taste. At these parties, guests can experience the best gastronomic traditions of the Mediterranean and listen to performances by famous musicians.
Mentone
If you look closely at the shape of this resort on the map, you can see that it resembles a human chin. In fact, the name of the resort is French for “chin.” Local artists have interpreted this feature of the city in stylized photos that adorn souvenirs.
The lemon capital of France is protected on all sides by mountain ranges, which create a unique microclimate. The beach season begins in May and ends in mid-October. The coastal strip, covered with small pebbles and sand, is quite long. The clear, warm sea, transparent water, and well-maintained beaches attract many vacationers. Not so long ago, Menton was considered the most expensive resort on the French Riviera.
Now it has lost its supremacy to Nice and Cannes, but it has retained a high level of service and a captivating charm. The loss of supremacy has allowed Menton to become more budget-friendly, with hotels, villas, and apartments available at lower prices.
Menton, which was formerly part of Monaco, has preserved landmarks associated with the ruling Grimaldi dynasty in its historic center. These landmarks, located on narrow streets, add a unique charm to the city. The oldest structure in the city is the Baroque Church of Saint-Michel.
Antibes
The 2nd largest and most populated city on the Côte d’Azur, at Cap Garoupe, is adored by many tourists. It is located between Nice and Cannes. Antibes has the largest number of billionaire yachts, a charming historic center with the Grimaldi Castle and the Picasso Museum. It is also home to the famous indoor market, which is renowned throughout Europe. Medieval Antibes can be considered the silver medalist of the Côte d’Azur, after Nice, and offers a wealth of attractions.
There are many places associated with the names of the “great and famous” – J. Verne, Chaplin, Hemingway, Picasso and others. In the castle of Grimaldi you will see 25 paintings by the great Surrealist, paintings by Modigliani, Cesar, Leger. Fort Carre, where the young Napoleon was once imprisoned, is worth visiting.
The parks-oasis, picturesque promenades, a string of cozy restaurants, charming boutiques, luxurious villas captivate the imagination. In Antibes, the border “Italian” pebble beaches are replaced by a sandy coastline. During the swimming season, the area is full of vacationers who enjoy all the amenities of civilization.
Visitors to the city love to visit the night art fair, where local artists, sculptors, and antiquarians offer their “masterpieces” and curiosities. The morning market on Place du Couvent des Pénitents порадует you with an abundance of fresh fish, meat, and dairy products from local farmers.
In the unique antique toy store, you will see rare dolls from different eras and themes. If you are interested in jewelry, visit the author’s bijouterie salon, where you can find unique pieces of jewelry.
Juan-les-Pins
The young resort, which has already become fashionable, is gaining increasing popularity among tourists. Especially young people like Jouan-les-Pins. Extensive beaches, golden sand, and the aroma of pine trees growing on the coast are attractive factors for those who enjoy sea vacations.
The abundance of cafes, restaurants, bars, and discos makes beach activities fun and exciting. Music plays long into the night, and nightclubs stay open until morning. The international jazz music festival attracts thousands of spectators and performers. Excursions to Antibes, a medieval city, are unforgettable.
In Juan-les-Pins, there are comfortable conditions for vacationers: an ideal household infrastructure and a well-developed entertainment industry. Fishing, sea cruises, concerts, a warm sea, and Mediterranean cuisine add to the advantages of a resort stay. In summer, the coast offers hot and dry weather.
The 30-degree heat is neutralized by a fresh breeze. Here, tourists visit a farm that exemplifies the farming practices of Provence. Children feed goats, cows, and horses, pet them, ride ponies, and play mini-golf. Many people enjoy yacht trips, where they explore the underwater world through an underwater window and admire the surrounding panorama.
Toulon
A major Mediterranean port, the most beautiful city in Europe is known all over the world. Toulon is an important maritime facility of France and a popular resort. It is famous for its architecture, in which Roman and Greek styles are intertwined. A favorable geographical location has also made the city an industrial center of the country.
The oldest city is located at the foot of the limestone mountain of Faron, which is unaffected by time. The French protect this heritage by declaring the mountain and its surroundings a National Park, where tigers, jaguars, panthers, snow leopards, and cougars live. You can climb Faron using a cable car. The climate in Toulon is mild, but there are often strong winds.
In addition to the mountain, Toulon has many interesting sights and beautiful places. The Old Town, which has been preserved almost in its original form, is a center of ancient monuments. There are tourist routes in the Old Town. The square is very beautiful. The Old Town is home to the Toulon Cathedral of Saint Mary, which was built from the 9th to the 18th century.
Its monumental architecture combines elements of the Romanesque and Gothic styles. Walking around Toulon, you will be able to admire the 18 fountains, each with its own unique features. You will also have the opportunity to explore the charming garden named after the Russian Emperor Alexander I. Additionally, you can visit the local museums.
Saint-Raphael
Once upon a time, this town in the French province was not as famous as it became in the second half of the 19th century. The mayor of the town, Félix Martin, and the writer Alphonse Carra contributed to the future popularity of the now-elitist resort of Saint-Raphaël. The former made efforts to improve his domain, while the latter described the beauty of the area in such a way that celebrities of all kinds began to visit.
It is known that the first settlements appeared here in the Neolithic era, followed by the Greeks and later the Romans. Many rare artifacts have been preserved in Saint-Raphaël, including the ruins of pagan temples, baths, and villas. In 1065, a church was built in honor of Saint Raphael the Archangel, which gave its name to the city.
Tourists come here to enjoy relaxing on beautiful sandy beaches and swimming in the sea. The well-equipped modern infrastructure of the coast, with shady canopies, umbrellas, sun loungers, and rental points, contributes to a wonderful stay here.
Walking around the Old Center is a great pleasure for travelers. You will see the ancestral church of Saint-Raphaël, the main church of the same name. It was built in the 12th century on a foundation from the 11th century. The Archaeological Museum is located in its presbytery and features interesting exhibits. There are also several watchtowers and observation towers. You can climb the 30-meter-high tower and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view.
Marcel
When you see or hear the name of this city, it immediately brings to mind the romantic novel “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas. It was in Marseille that the events described in this truly immortal masterpiece took place.
A bustling port, a fairy-tale city with a special history and amazing architecture captivates the hearts and minds of travelers. The abundance of parks, museums, and cultural and entertainment centers creates a pleasant atmosphere.
The old port is the most popular attraction in Marseille, with the lighthouse of Sainte-Marie, the house of Diamante, the yacht club, and the fish market. The legendary Château d’If, the setting for “The Count of Monte Cristo,” is a tourist pilgrimage site.
In the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations, located in a state-of-the-art cube-shaped building, you can immerse yourself in the history and culture of the Mediterranean. In Marseille, you can’t help but admire the magnificent Romanesque-Byzantine Cathedral, a stunning example of architecture. The interior of the cathedral is adorned with mosaics, marble floors, and statues, creating a captivating atmosphere.
After leaving the museum, you will cross the bridge to Fort St. John, which is built on a hill. The views from the fort are truly enchanting. The beaches, hotels, and villas of Marseille leave a lasting impression. However, it is worth noting that the area is often affected by strong winds.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
The paradise of the French Riviera is located on the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula. It has a special charm and is perfect for leisurely, contemplative activities. You want to spend all your time admiring the beauty of the surroundings.
There is a special mild microclimate here, created by the unique topography, continental air, and sea currents. The weather is warm in April, rainy in early summer, and dry in July and August. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is a great destination for a vacation at any time of the year. Modern hotels offer excellent service, delicious breakfasts, and cozy rooms.
Pine forests, olive groves, cypresses, cacti, aloe, and agave surround the city, creating a picturesque landscape. The wide and comfortable beaches are well-equipped. The sea temperature reaches +25°C. The luxurious hotels along the coastline offer a stunning view.
The recreation area is literally immersed in subtropical gardens. The highlight of the attractions is the magnificent Villa of Baroness Ephrussi de Rothschild. This architectural gem is surrounded by a Florentine garden, creating an unforgettable experience. The Temple of Love Pavilion, a mini-replica of Versailles, is also a must-see.
Rocbrun-Cap-Martin
A cozy and enchanting corner of the Côte d’Azur, surrounded by centuries-old olive groves, relict pine trees, and mimosas, captivates at first sight. The exquisite gem of the French Riviera, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, is located between Menton and Monte Carlo on the picturesque slopes. This resort town, with its rich history and culture, immerses us in the authentic atmosphere of the past.
The comfortable climate allows you to enjoy a relaxing seaside vacation. The history of Roquebrune began with the Carolingian fortress, an ancient bastion that has survived through the centuries. Today, this unique amphitheater hosts a variety of concerts, performances, and events.
The resort, protected from the northern winds by Mount Agel, has earned the reputation of a “paradise on earth” due to its stunning beauty. It offers a comfortable vacation experience all year round, with daytime temperatures reaching up to +17°C even in winter.
At the entrance to the town from Menton, everyone is greeted by a floristic patriarch – an olive tree more than 4 thousand years old, with a trunk diameter of almost 20 m. Medieval narrow streets wind down the slopes, enchanting with authentic shops, cozy houses and evergreen gardens. In their labyrinths, the delightful Baroque Church of St. Margaret is hidden. It is possible to describe Rocbrun-Cap-Martin endlessly, but it is better to see it in person, to visit its beaches.
Monaco
Perhaps many moviegoers learned about the small principality from the famous movie “Princess of Monaco”. The mini-state of Monaco is located on the southern Mediterranean coast of France. Despite its small size, the principality is the richest and most prestigious place in the world. Luxury and beauty – so in two words you can describe this resort.
Magnificent beaches, captivating streets, a dazzlingly beautiful promenade, and numerous casinos attract not only the wealthy and influential, but also ordinary travelers. Financial tycoons come here to try their luck at the Monte Carlo Casino, while tourists come to explore the local beauty.
Monaco hosts the annual Formula 1 race, including the Grand Prix. It also hosts international tennis tournaments and football matches. The beautiful gardens and parks of Monaco offer unforgettable experiences. The Japanese Garden and the Princess Grace Garden are particularly popular.
The old town of Monaco-Ville, with its winding streets located on the Saint-Antoine rock, is an open-air museum. It features buildings dating back to the 13th century. The city is home to the Princely Palace, the Palace Square, the Oceanographic Museum, and the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas. The latter is a stunning example of architecture. Visiting Monaco is an exciting journey into the world of luxury, beauty, comfort, and coziness.
Port of Grimaud
If you didn’t know that the French Riviera has its own Venice, then meet Port Grimaud. However, instead of gondolas, yachts and other small vessels navigate the canals. Port Grimaud is a bold urban planning project designed by F. Spoerry.
Until the 1960s, these swampy areas were used for duck hunting. The construction of this unique facility took almost half a century. As a result, a yacht marina was created, with canals instead of streets and boats instead of cars. The Porta Grima harbor accommodates over 2,000 yachts.
Local residents (about 2,000) park their own boats near their homes. Nearby is the village of Grimo, famous for its medieval monuments. Visitors can enjoy interesting excursions and explore unique landmarks. They can also enjoy sailing on yachts, boats, and canals.
Among the tourists who come here, there are many yachtsmen. If you look at Port Grimaud from above, the clusters of yachts look like flocks of white seagulls – there are so many of them. Today, it has become very prestigious to have summer apartments in Port Grimaud or to spend your holidays here. This amazing city has been recognized as a World Heritage Site of the 20th century.
Cap d’Ail
The picturesque cape, with its stunning natural beauty, has long been a favorite destination for people. As early as 1879, Baron de Pauville established a spa here, attracting the attention of the French aristocracy. Over time, administrative and residential buildings were constructed in the area. The community of Cap d’Ail was organized and established in 1908.
It is difficult to convey the landscape beauty of these places in words – you have to see them in person. The azure sea, the whiteness of the bizarre rocks, and the lush greenery of the subtropics create a magical picture. The air is filled with the scent of cypresses, eucalyptus, and sycamore trees.
The town is located on the extreme spurs of the mountain range, which is known as the “Dog’s Head” mountain range. It stretches all the way to Monaco, which can be reached by following a path along the coast. During the warmer months, the resort is frequented by tourists who are drawn to its picturesque landscapes and charming beaches.
Cap d’Ail is now a significant tourist center. It is home to Jean Cocteau’s open-air theater, where performances are held and stunning mosaic paintings by the artist can be admired.
Cassis
Traditionally, all coastal resort towns acquire common features of a tourist image. However, the small seaside village of Cassis (“black currant”) in Provence has practically not lost its originality of a fishing village, a special dacha aura.
The hotels that have been built here are a sign that Cassis is not forgotten by tourists. They love to relax in the calanques, which are cozy coves with warm seas and clean beaches. Cassis is like what you see in movies about Provence: olive groves, lavender fields, and terraced vineyards on the hills. You will be constantly amazed by the natural beauty that surrounds you. Two mountains of white limestone surround the village on both sides, adding to its charm.
Cassis also has a well-developed infrastructure, providing everything necessary for a perfect seaside vacation. Evening strolls along the stunning promenade, with its breathtaking views, allow you to fully appreciate the beauty of the village and its surroundings.
Nature has created a truly magical place, endowing it with beautiful colors. Many famous artists have visited this area, captivated by its beauty. Tourists enjoy exploring the surroundings and climbing the picturesque cliffs.
Many recreational and fishing boats are moored at the pier. There are also small yachts, boats – everything can be rented. There are many old buildings and houses in Kassis that captivate with their sweet authenticity. In one of them, the parsonage (XVII century), there is a local museum.
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Among the charming places of LB, there is a resort town that is right next to the coast. It is located 6 km from Nice, which can be reached by bus or train. Founded in the 13th century, Villefranche-sur-Mer had the status of a free city with the right to trade duty-free. From those times, there are narrow streets, connected by stairs due to the “steepness” of the urban landscape.
It is inconvenient to drive around Wolfranche, so tourists prefer to walk around it. The town (6,500 people), which is located around a deep bay, can be walked around in 1 hour. There are several places to see, including the Citadelle Saint-Elm, the Cathedral of Saint-Michel, the Chapel of Saint-Pierre, and others.
Today, Wolfranches has gained the status of a fashionable resort, which is actively visited by tourists. Resort life is concentrated in the picturesque bay, where families with children, water sports enthusiasts, fans of peace and quiet, relax.
The weather is good almost all year round – there are no cold winters, and no scorching heat in summer, thanks to the protection of the rocks and hills. However, the swimming season in Villefranche is not so long: from June to early September. There are enough hotels and inns in the town, but the prices are very high, although for wealthy guests Villefranche-sur-Mer is not a problem. They stay in the best 5 and 4-star hotels and apartments.
Beaulieu-sur-Mer
The resort pearl of the French Riviera is located between Monaco and Nice. Beaulieu-sur-Mer is protected from the north by the Lez mountain, so there are no northern winds. The Cap-Ferrat cape serves as a natural protection from the west, and the Cap-Rou cape from the east. The temperature does not drop below +18°C in winter.
The sun gives warmth from April to October, and the “velvet season” offers excellent weather. The entire city is like a beautiful oasis, rich in natural beauty and a mild microclimate. The picturesque vineyards, citrus orchards, eucalyptus, olive, and palm groves add to the air’s aromatic quality.
The cozy coves, majestic cliffs, and charming islets are a source of admiration. On the hillsides that slope down to the sea, there are luxurious villas surrounded by lush greenery. Guests enjoy the crystal-clear waters, cozy beaches, and the healing air of this paradise.
The intertwining of the past and the present, reflected in the Provencal houses with tiled roofs, luxurious villas, and modern hotels, gives Beaulieu-sur-Mer a special charm. The villas of Kerilos, Bristol, Ephrussi de Rothschild, Grand Casino, and others are truly impressive.
Eze
The medieval city, which reaches for the sky, is located at an altitude of 400 m above sea level. At the highest point of Eze, there is an ancient fortress that every tourist dreams of climbing. A winding path leads to this structure, and many visitors to the town take this path. The famous German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once climbed this path almost every day.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, people settled at the height of a bird’s flight, like in a nest that was inaccessible to the enemy. Today, 25 people live in the authentic medieval atmosphere of the 4,000-year-old fortress of Upper Eze.
The emblem of Eza is the phoenix bird, reborn from the ashes. Lower Eza is enchanted by its picturesque slopes, terraces, architectural structures, and tiled-roofed houses surrounded by subtropical flora.
Walt Disney adored this captivating corner of the Mediterranean, with its unique charm and allure. He stayed at the Golden Goat Hotel, where he enjoyed breathtaking views of the surrounding area. I. Bunin, V. Nabokov, S. Kovalevskaya, Churchill, Coco Chanel, and other celebrities also visited Eze.
