10 ways to enjoy the Côte d’Azur

When you think of a vacation in the south of France, the Côte d'Azur is undoubtedly the place to be. This famous stretch of coastline is also known as the French Riviera and runs from Saint-Tropez to the Italian border. Charm, glitz, and glamour—the Côte d'Azur is bursting with energy! Curious about the best way to experience the Côte d'Azur? Read the 10 highlights below and  book your holiday house in this luxurious region.

1. Lively Nice

Elegance and southern flair, that's the capital Nice at its best. The destination could easily be the front of a French postcard, thanks to its beautiful location on the Mediterranean Sea and azure blue waters. The famous Promenade des Anglais is a wonderful place to stroll, and the beaches are interspersed with a mix of palm trees, luxurious hotels, and cozy beach bars. A quiet morning jog, an afternoon of sunbathing, or dinner with a beautiful view? You are guaranteed to enjoy yourself on the promenade.

But the city center is also fun to explore. In the old town of Nice, also known as Vieux Nice, you will find colorful houses, cozy terraces, and narrow alleys. The city center has an authentic atmosphere, with a touch of Mediterranean life. During the day, you can browse local boutiques or visit the popular market on the Cours Saleya. In the evening, Nice transforms into a lively city, full of delicious restaurants and bars. 

2. Luxury, luxury, Monaco!

If you want to live in Monaco, you need to have a few zeros in your bank account. It is one of the smallest countries in the world and exudes luxury and elegance. Fortunately, you don't have to be rich to visit Monaco and experience the atmosphere. You can taste the glitz and glamour everywhere. Don't be surprised if you see a Ferrari speeding by and one yacht after another in the harbor.

Visit the Prince's Palace and the exotic gardens. Are you a Formula 1 fan? Then follow the route taken by the race cars, or admire the cars of the Prince of Monaco. Monaco is a perfect getaway for those who want to imagine themselves living the high life.

3. The elegance and charm of Saint-Tropez

Another elegant place is Saint-Tropez. Although it was once a quiet fishing village, Saint-Tropez has grown into one of the most luxurious and iconic places on the Côte d'Azur. Luxury yachts, beach clubs, and sunny terraces—in Saint-Tropez, it's all about seeing and being seen. Here, too, you can enjoy yourself on the boulevard while sipping a cool drink, or perhaps even champagne! Who knows, you might spot a celebrity, or simply enjoy the sun and style of this place.

In addition to the glamour, you will still find much of the old charm in the city. Narrow streets, galleries, boutiques, and local markets are reminders of the city's once simple character. Saint-Tropez is the ultimate combination of charm and atmosphere.

4.Just like in the movies, Cannes 

Lights, camera, action! Cannes is a well-known location on the Côte d’Azur, partly due to the annual film festival held there. Celebrities from all over the world visit this popular festival, where they walk the iconic red carpet of the Palais des Festivals. But even outside of the film festival, there is plenty to do in Cannes. Think chic boutiques, expansive beaches, terraces, and the La Croisette boulevard. 

Tip: If you visit Cannes, don't miss the Lérins Islands off the coast. The only two accessible islands, Île Sainte-Marguerite and Île Saint-Honorat, are a true paradise with clear blue water and lush greenery. The hiking trails allow you to explore this unspoiled place, including the historic fort and abbey. Escape the hustle and bustle and glamour of city life for a moment.

5. Kayaking in the Gorges du Verdon

The Gorges du Vedon is one of the most impressive and famous gorges on the Côte d'Azur. The area is a real eye-catcher, with its iconic limestone cliffs and crystal-clear water that you'll want to dive into. The Verdon River winds its way through the area, making it popular with both nature lovers and true adventurers. 

The Gorges du Verdon is known for its kayaking routes, where young and old alike can enjoy challenging rapids. Advanced adrenaline junkies can hike or climb along the rocks here. But you can also choose to simply enjoy yourself and explore the area on foot. The Gorges du Verdon has something for everyone.

6. Romance in medieval Èze

The most beautiful views of the Côte d'Azur can be found in the medieval village of Èze. Èze is located on a rocky outcrop and towers high above the surrounding landscape. The charming village has characteristic buildings and winding alleys. Browse boutiques and art galleries or take a look at the exotic garden full of scents and colors, where you can experience the surroundings at their most beautiful. 
The place was loved by many artists and philosophers and served as a source of inspiration for their work. An oasis of romance and tranquility, in Èze you can enjoy each other's company. 

7. Art on the coast - Antibes 

Located on the coast, you will find the charming art town of Antibes. Are you looking for lively terraces, cozy markets, and pleasant streets? For that real vacation feeling, this is the place to be. The town is located between Nice and Cannes and, thanks to its seaside location, is the ideal destination for elegance and history. Antibes also has a marina with one of the largest yachts in the world and a characteristic old town center.

The place is also known for its art. Pablo Picasso stayed in Antibes for several months in 1946 to work on his art. He worked in the former Chateau Grimaldi, which has now been renamed the Musée Picasso, and to which he donated part of his works. The collection in the museum shows Picasso's view of Antibes, in a style that only he could have conceived. 

8. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Peninsula

Experience luxury beyond luxury in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. This vacation destination has been popular with celebrities for years. The most luxurious yachts and large villas pass by, giving this exclusive place its charisma. The green peninsula has beautiful coastal paths, secluded beaches, and blooming gardens.

The serene tranquility is interspersed with luxury and magic. This is also the case when you step inside the palatial Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. This villa was built by Baroness Béatrice de Rothschild in the early 20th century and offers a mix of antique art from Europe. In addition, you will find no fewer than nine surrounding gardens, ranging from rose gardens to Japanese and Spanish-style gardens. The fountains, dreamy music, and panoramic sea views will make your experience in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat unforgettable.

9. Color spectacle in Menton

The colorful city of Menton is a mix of the best of France and Italy. Located on the border with Italy, this is one of the most vibrant and sunny towns on the Côte d'Azur, where you will spontaneously feel happy! This is inevitable, given the bright red, pink, yellow, and orange houses that tower above each other. 

The color of the town is also reflected in the many lemons, flowers, and palm trees for which the place is famous. Menton has a mild microclimate, which means it has one of the highest numbers of sunny days per year. The tropical temperatures give you a wonderful summer feeling as you walk up the hill to the old town, with its narrow alleys, colorful facades, and cozy terraces.

Tip: Menton is known for its lemon festival, which is a big celebration every year with an extensive flower parade!

10. The scents of Grasse

Delicious scents greet you when you enter the charming town of Grasse. The place is also known as the world capital of perfume and is located between the hills, just above Cannes. Since the 17th century, countless floral scents have been produced here, such as jasmine, orange blossom, and rose. Grasse has an ideal climate for giving the flowers a refined scent. 

In the historic center, these come to life in perfumeries such as Galimard, Molinard, and Fragonard. Here you can learn the precision of the perfumery craft and develop your own personal fragrance. 

Learn more about the history of fragrances at the Musée International de la Perfumerie, with botanical gardens and exhibitions on perfume. Grasse is a sophisticated place in all the glamour of the Côte d'Azur.

Would you like to discover the glitz, glamour, and character of the Côte d'Azur? Take a look at our range of holiday houses and discover this surprisingly diverse region!