The French Riviera has so much to offer. Dreamy bays, heavenly beaches, exceptional inland areas and villages, enchanting towns… Let’s face it, there’s so much to see and do here that it’s hard to decide which places to explore. To help you, here are the most beautiful towns to discover.
The best-known cities to visit
From Cassis to Menton, the French Riviera spreads its wonders along the Mediterranean. Several towns are internationally famous and well worth a visit.
Among the most famous is Saint-Tropez. This is the place to be for international stars in search of festivities, but also for lovers of traditional villages. Indeed, the town manages to skilfully combine bling-bling with the charm of a small Provencal fishing port. You can stroll around and explore the Tropez towers, discover the real Tropez tart that gourmets love, discover a top-of-the-range view of the Mediterranean by climbing to the top of the citadel, marvel at the richness of Provençal cuisine by strolling through the market or spend a wild evening in one of the famous local discotheques.
Nice is also a must-visit city on the French Riviera. For one thing, it’s home to the airport. The Promenade des Anglais is no longer a secret, with its pebbled beaches and blue deckchairs. The Baie des Anges, the port, the Colline du Château, the archaeological remains of Cimiez, Mont-Boron or simply the Cours Saleya market and Vieux-Nice are sure to charm you.
When you think of the French Riviera, you think of Cannes. As the capital of cinema, luxury and glamour, Cannes is a must-see on any holiday on the Côte d’Azur. From here, you can travel to the Lérins islands, take a trip back in time by exploring the medieval district of Le Suquet, lounge on the Croisette or marvel at the Parc forestier de la Croix des Gardes, known as the largest mimosa forest on the French Riviera.
Monaco is also a magical spot on the Riviera. Its rock, its luxury boutiques, its princely palace, its casino, its gardens, its Formula 1 Grand Prix… there’s so much to see!
Antibes and its peninsula are also worth exploring. The ramparts built by Vauban, the Fort Carré, the Garoupe lighthouse, Salis beach and the Vieil-Antibes with its exceptional Provencal market should all be on your list of things to see.
Juan-les-Pins and Menton are also among the most famous towns on the French Riviera. As is Grasse, the perfume capital, which offers you the chance to explore the wild hinterland without forgetting the facilities of a pretty little town. Create your own perfume. Lose yourself in the medieval streets. Awaken your senses in the surrounding fields of flowers.
Lesser-known but equally superb towns
Want to see more? Head for Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, with its archaeological remains, its Villa Éphrussi and its incredible gardens, or its Villa Santo Sospir, decorated by Jean Cocteau. Its sandy beach and pretty little port are two of the French Riviera’s must-sees.
Do you have a whole day to devote to a pretty Côte d’Azur town? In spring, Bormes-les-Mimosas invites you to relax under its mimosa trees. You can also discover the Fort de Brégançon, relax on the Var’s most beautiful beaches (Favières, Estagnol or Cabasson) or take a stroll through a traditional Provencal village with its houses reminiscent of Provencal cots, with their pink-tiled roofs and flower-filled lanes.
The discreet town of Hyères is also well worth a visit. You’ll discover the archaeological site of Olbia, the Villa Noaille, a must-see for lovers of contemporary art, and the sentier du Littoral, ideal for hikers. The city can also be explored at night to discover the Pic des Fées observatory, a gateway to the sky and its stars. The Olbius Riquier park is a veritable treasure trove of greenery in which to relax.
Do you love wild beaches? Then Cap d’Ail is the place for you. Not only can you admire the turquoise waters of Plage Mala, but you can also visit the superb Belle Époque villas, explore the Château des Terrasses or feast on fresh fish delicately cooked on the terrace of one of the gourmet restaurants.
Théoule-sur-Mer is also an ideal destination for a discovery holiday on the French Riviera. The town is a gateway to the Esterel Massif. You can also admire the castle, the Concrétion fountain, Pierre Cardin’s Palais des Bulles and the Aurélia residence with its elegant caryatids.
Getting around easily to enjoy the wonders of the Riviera
To discover the French Riviera’s different towns and cities more easily, you can hire a car locally. Or better still, if you don’t want to tire yourself out at the wheel, book a private chauffeur.
This way, you can organise your day of discovery without having to wait. You’ll be able to travel in a top-of-the-range vehicle and enjoy the scenery as it passes before your eyes.
Kingdom Limousines offers a top-of-the-range service to help you discover the French Riviera at its best. New, luxurious vehicles, professional drivers at your disposal, personalised service – everything is there to make your stay easier and your journeys from town to town.
