The French Riviera, a shimmering jewel on the Mediterranean coast, is known locally as the Côte d’Azur, or the Turquoise Coast. This legendary stretch of land has captivated hearts and minds for centuries, drawing artists, writers, high-rollers, and leisure seekers alike. The allure is undeniable: turquoise waters gently lapping against limestone cliffs, bathed in perpetual sunshine, create a scene of unparalleled natural beauty. The French Riviera is more than just a destination; it’s an experience, a vibrant tapestry woven with rich culture, glamorous history, and breathtaking landscapes.
Whether your desires lead you to the opulent villas of Saint-Tropez or the relaxed atmosphere of Antibes, the French Riviera offers something to enchant every traveler. Here’s a curated list of ten unforgettable experiences to make the most of your visit to this iconic destination:
1. Ascend to the Heights of Les Baux-de-Provence
Venture beyond the coastal cities and discover the hidden gems nestled in the rocky highlands. Les Baux-de-Provence, perched dramatically atop a craggy outcrop, is a testament to the region’s rich history and stunning natural beauty. The village itself is a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets, imbued with a palpable sense of history. These charming lanes are rightfully popular with tourists, yet the clifftop location ensures that breathtaking panoramic viewpoints are always within reach.
Les Baux-de-Provence is remarkably well-preserved, offering visitors a glimpse into its storied past. Imagine strolling through streets where knights once walked, and where strategic decisions that shaped the region were made. The village’s history is intertwined with its imposing castle, built atop a vertical cliff. Its strategic location made it virtually impenetrable, but even the strongest fortifications eventually succumb to the ravages of time and conflict. Today, visitors can explore the evocative ruins of the castle, scattered across the plateau above the village.
Admission to the castle includes access to a fascinating museum, where the story of this once-powerful city unfolds. Delve into the history of its lords, its sieges, and its eventual decline. The views from the castle ramparts are simply spectacular, offering a sweeping vista of the surrounding countryside.
2. Witness the Majesty of the Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
Prepare to be mesmerized by the Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, a natural wonder that seamlessly blends history and breathtaking scenery. This extraordinary spring emerges from a towering 755-foot-high cliff, making it the largest spring in France and the very source of the Sorgue River. The sheer scale of the spring is awe-inspiring, a testament to the power and beauty of nature.
The Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is not just a natural spectacle; it’s also easily accessible, making it a perfect destination for travelers of all abilities. A charming historic town has grown around the spring, offering a delightful array of shops and restaurants. The path to the spring is a pleasant stroll, lined with local businesses and offering glimpses of the Sorgue River as it begins its journey.
The best time to visit is after a period of heavy rain, when the river is at its fullest and the spring’s power is amplified. The water shimmers with a captivating greenish-blue hue, a color that has long held spiritual significance for locals. Its significance dates back to ancient times, when it was used for ritual ceremonies and believed to possess mystical properties. Be sure to inquire about the legend of the Coulobre, a mythical winged creature said to inhabit the spring. This local legend adds a touch of mystery and folklore to the already enchanting atmosphere.
3. Test Your Luck at the Monte Carlo Casino
No trip to the French Riviera is complete without experiencing the glamour and excitement of Monte Carlo. The city of Monte Carlo is synonymous with luxury, thanks to its reputation as a tax haven for the ultra-rich and the iconic Monte Carlo Casino. Located in the tiny principality of Monaco, this opulent establishment is a testament to the region’s dedication to elegance and sophistication.
The casino is a stunning example of Belle Époque architecture, built in 1863 by Charles Garnier, the architect behind the Paris Opera House. Its location, overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, adds to its allure. The building’s façade is a masterpiece of ornate detail, hinting at the lavish interiors within.
Stepping into the vast entrance hall, adorned with towering Ionic columns, provides a tantalizing glimpse of the extravagance that awaits. The Salle Garnier, the main hall, is a vision of red and gold, decorated with intricate frescoes and shimmering chandeliers. Beyond the main hall, a series of magnificent rooms offer a variety of gaming experiences, from classic roulette and blackjack to modern slot machines. For those seeking a more exclusive experience, the Salles Privées offer a secluded setting for high-stakes gambling.
4. Immerse Yourself in Art at the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Discover the splendor of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, one of the most palatial villas gracing the French Riviera. Built in 1905 for Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, a member of the renowned banking family, the villa was designed as a showcase for her extensive art collection. It served as a haven for music, conversation, literary gatherings, and art appreciation, offering a refined contrast to the more boisterous pleasures of Monte Carlo and Saint-Tropez.
Perched on the hills above Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the villa’s pink-washed, neoclassical facade is instantly recognizable. The gardens, however, are the true stars of the show. Wander through meticulously designed formal sections, filled with fragrant roses and other colorful blooms. Discover cascading fountains, adding a touch of whimsy to the landscape. Explore themed gardens, including French, Japanese, and tropical gardens, each offering a unique aesthetic experience. All the while, enjoy panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding rocky hillsides. The rose and plant festival, held on the first weekend in May, is a particularly enchanting time to visit, when the garden is at its peak of spring bloom.
Inside the villa, discover an unrivaled collection of drawings by Jean-Honoré Fragonard, the private apartments of Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, and a superb collection of precious porcelain and china from renowned manufacturers like Sèvres. The villa offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of a cultured and discerning collector.
5. Savor the Flavors of the Cours Saleya Market in Nice
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Nice, the heart of the French Riviera. This ancient city pulsates with life, and its old town, known as Vieux Nice, draws both locals and visitors alike. The heart of Vieux Nice is the Cours Saleya, a bustling marketplace that transforms the main square into a kaleidoscope of colors and scents from Tuesday to Sunday.
Here, you’ll find a dazzling array of fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers, displayed under bright awnings. The Cours Saleya is a feast for the senses, a chance to experience the authentic flavors of the region.
Nice is a haven for food lovers, and a cooking lesson at Les Petites Farcis offers an immersive culinary experience. An expert will guide you through the market, helping you select the freshest ingredients and then teach you how to prepare them in traditional Niçoise dishes. Alternatively, explore the market on your own, sampling local olive oils and marveling at the seasonal produce. Don’t miss the opportunity to try socca, a local specialty: a pancake made from chickpea flour and fried in olive oil on a griddle.
6. Wander Through the Old Town and Port of Antibes
Escape the hustle and bustle of the larger cities and discover the charm of Antibes. Unlike some coastal towns that become sleepy in the off-season, Antibes is a working port city that remains vibrant year-round. Stroll along the ramparts, watching the waves crash against the rocks below, or relax on the sandy beaches and soak up the Mediterranean sun. Antibes exudes a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, making it a welcoming destination for all travelers.
The imposing Fort Carré, dating back to the 16th century, overlooks the city and Port Vauban, home to some of the world’s largest mega-yachts. In the Old Town, you’ll find a daily fruit and vegetable market, as well as narrow streets filled with tempting shops. The Musée Picasso, housed in the Château Grimaldi, boasts a remarkable collection of his art, including his famous ceramics produced in nearby Vallauris.
7. Appreciate Art at the Fondation Maeght in St-Paul-de-Vence
The Fondation Maeght is a must-see for art enthusiasts visiting the Côte d’Azur. This modern art gallery is set in a stunning building nestled among pine-filled gardens in the hills, just a short walk from the picturesque hilltop village of St-Paul-de-Vence. The airy building, designed by Spanish architect Josep Lluís Sert, who collaborated with Le Corbusier, is a work of art in itself.
The museum houses a magnificent collection of works by Chagall, Braque, Miró, Matisse, Alexander Calder, Giacometti, Raoul Ubac, and other masters of the 20th century. The Fondation Maeght also hosts temporary exhibitions of influential contemporary artists.
After your visit to the museum, take a short walk or drive to the chic village of St-Paul-de-Vence and dine at the Auberge de la Colombe d’Or, a famous restaurant adorned with artwork by some of the artists you’ve just seen at the Fondation.
8. Connect with Nature on the Iles d’Hyères
Escape the mainland and discover the unspoiled beauty of the Iles d’Hyères, a group of three stunning islands located just off the coast between St Tropez and Toulon. Porquerolles, the largest island, is blissfully car-free for visitors. Rent a bike or explore on foot, discovering sandy beaches backed by pine trees on the north side and rugged coastline on the south. Vineyards and pine forests dot the island’s interior. Porquerolles is easily accessible by ferry from Toulon.
Port-Cros is a national park with strict regulations on visitor numbers and activities. It’s perfect for hiking, with several trails winding through the island’s interior. The coast is mostly cliffs, so beaches are scarce.
Ile de Levant is partly used by the French Navy, but the island still offers plenty of beaches to the west. It’s famous for the nudist colony in the village of Heliopolis, one of the first nudist sites, established in the 1930s.
9. Live the High Life in Saint-Tropez
Saint-Tropez is a destination that evokes strong opinions, and its glitz and glamour can be both captivating and overwhelming. Made famous by Brigitte Bardot, this historic fishing village continues to attract celebrities who arrive in style at fabulous hotels or aboard multi-million dollar yachts. However, you don’t need a superstar budget to enjoy the charm of Saint-Tropez.
The former fishing port has preserved its old quarter, though the fishing boats have been replaced by yachts. Villas surround the town and come alive during the summer season with celebrities, the wealthy, and their guests. Art lovers can explore the Musée de l’Annonciade, which houses an impressive collection of late 19th and early 20th-century Impressionist paintings, or visit the Citadelle, an old fortress that dominates the town.
Shopping in Saint-Tropez is primarily high-end, but the open-air market offers local Provençal wares, including olive oils, colorful fabrics, and artisan soaps. The restaurants and bars fill up in the evenings, and the party continues into the early hours.
10. Admire the Chapelle St-Pierre in Villefranche-sur-Mer
It’s surprising to find a town as charming and laid-back as Villefranche-sur-Mer so close to the bustling city of Nice. This seaside village, with its brightly colored houses and delightful shops, remains a beloved destination on the French Riviera. The picturesque harbor, narrow streets, and alleys of the Old Town evoke a bygone era, transporting visitors to a quintessential French village.
Be sure to visit the Chapelle St-Pierre, located on the seafront. Jean Cocteau, the French novelist, poet, designer, playwright, artist, and filmmaker, helped to put this little town on the map after his first visit in 1924. In 1957, with the permission of the local fishermen, he decorated the chapel with swirling, powerful scenes depicting the life of St. Peter, the patron saint of fishermen, and designed the stained glass windows showing scenes of the Apocalypse. The interior of this unassuming chapel is truly breathtaking.
