Local activities and towns to visit
The fabled French Riviera or ‘Cote d’Azur’ in French has been the playground of painters, composers, writers, royalty and celebrities for more than a century. From glamorous cosmopolitan coastal towns, to fishing villages and medieval hilltop ‘villages perchés’, the enviable charm of the Cote d’Azur never fails to seduce.
Below are a list of local towns and activities we can recommend you enjoy during your stay.
Saint Paul de Vence
A pretty and lively town, Vence is ideally located in the heart of the Provence and Cote d’Azur region. Sites include the historic town centre and the Chapelle du Rosaire, decorated by Matisse. St Paul-de-Vence is the resting place of celebrated artist Marc Chagall, you will be utterly seduced by this charming hilltop village which has been the inspiration for a number of great modern painters. The famous Colombe d’Or restaurant is a right of passage for any new visitors to Saint Paul (reservations necessary). Wander through the medieval town, explore its famous art galleries and enjoy an exceptional view of the surrounding countryside from the top of the ramparts. Don’t miss the Maeght Foundation, one of France’s most extensive modern art collections.
Cap Ferrat, Beaulieu and Villefranche
Saint Jean Cap Ferrat is a peninsula which juts out into the sea between Nice and Monaco. The village of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat is located on its east side and is spread out round a beautiful little port. The village has lots of restaurants, cafés and brasserie bars all within a very short walk from one another. The two best private beaches on the Cap Ferrat peninsula are Plage de Passable and Paloma Beach. For the ultimate in relaxation, rent a sun lounger for the day and have a nice Mediterranean lunch with a glass or two of ice cold rosé. For the ultimate in luxury, take a trip to the Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat and have lunch or dinner or treat yourself to a day in the spa. Beaulieu is the next village along from Cap Ferrat and also has lots of nice restaurants and cafés and several designer shops. The spa and restaurant at the famous five star hotel La Reserve de Beaulieu are both superb. Villefranche is a totally unassuming and utterly beautiful coastal town between Nice and Cap Ferrat. Villefranche is lively in the summer and certainly has more nightlife than Cap Ferrat which are in comparison sleepy, luxury coastal villages.
Nice
The capital of the Cote d’Azur; a cosmopolitan coastal city with a majestic sea front, pebble beach and the famous ‘Promenade des Anglais’. Get lost in the old town and its quaint narrow streets and enjoy local Nicoise specialities. For excellent quality authentic French cuisine, try the legendary Petite Maison.
Eze
A dramatic medieval village, 470 metres above the sea, with stunning views and some excellent restaurants such as the Mas Provencal and the Chèvre d’Or.
Roquebrune Cap Martin
Located just past Monaco near the Italian boarder, the Roquebrune Cap Martin “vieille village” is a stunning cliff top village with amazing views. The Chateau is well worth a visit and lunch or dinner at the famous Deux Freres restaurant is not to be missed.
Monaco – Monte Carlo
One of the most glamorous cities on the Cote d’Azur, and home to the famous Monte Carlo Casino and Grimaldi Palace. You will feel like James Bond when you drive along the famous Corniches, the winding cliff side roads with stunning views of the sea. Just be sure to keep your eyes on the road!
Antibes
Antibes is a bustling little town filled with restaurants, cafés and bars. Its old town with Provencal market, Picasso museum and port filled to the brim with some of the world’s largest super yachts is not to be missed.
Cannes
Few spots better symbolize the glamour of Cannes than La Croisette; the promenade along Cannes’ seafront. Stop in one of Cannes’ numerous cafes and watch the world go by, rent a sun lounger in one of the private beach clubs and take a boat trip to Saint Honorat and Isle Sainte Marguerite, two beautiful islands located in the bay of Cannes. If you wish to visit either of these islands we recommend lunching at either La Tonnelle, you can get the commercial ferry transfer from the port by the Palais des Festivals in Cannes which runs throughout the day, or visit La Guerite restaurant on the Isle Sainte Marguerite, if you book this restaurant they have a private tender which will come pick you up. For both of these restaurants you must call ahead and make a reservation.
Cannes & The Lérins Islands
Few spots better symbolise the glamour of Cannes than La Croissette; the promenade along Cannes’ seafront. Stop in one of Cannes’ numerous cafes and watch the world go by, rent a sun lounger in one of the private beach clubs and take a boat trip to Saint Honorat and Isle Sainte Marguerite, two beautiful islands located in the bay of Cannes. Take a stroll to the old town and pick up a bargain from the little stores or some local produce, up in the old town look for signs to Le Suquet and you’ll find a little cobbled hill scattered with French restaurants, this area is very lively in the evening with a great atmosphere. La Croisette is full of private beaches and in the summer mattresses cost from 20€ to 35€ on average although the hotel beaches can cost double this if you want a mattress at the front or on the pontoons, however the beach nearest the Palais – Plage Goeland – is perhaps the cheapest priced beach and offers half day rates, it’s a lovely friendly beach. Or treat yourself and spend a day posing or just people watching at the Baoli beach (the Baoli is a popular club in Cannes and they have a private beach too), the Martinez or try the Vega Luna beach which does great food.
Biot
A village perched on the hilltops, famous for its art, glass, ceramic, sculpture and silversmith studios.
Grasse
Famous for its perfumeries, products such as perfumes and essential oils made from flowers grown in Grasse are exported worldwide. For an authentic Provencal gastronomic experience,have lunch or dinner at Lou Fassum or the famous
Michelin star restaurant at the Bastide Saint Antoine.
Mougins
A charming hilltop village, famous for its art galleries, elegant square and vine-covered stonewalls, home to one of the finest restaurants and hotels on the Cote d’Azur; the Mas Candille.
Saint-Tropez
Located at about 1.5 hours drive from Antibes, Saint-Tropez is a stunning fishing village turned glamorous hang out and Jet Set hot spot. Have lunch or dinner at the famous Club 55 beach club (the basket of Crudités is legendary), take a stroll in the old town at sunset, eat a deliciously creamy Tarte Tropézienne and buy a pair of famous Tropéziennes sandals.
Saint Paul de Vence
The resting place of celebrated artist Marc Chagall, you will be utterly seduced by this charming hilltop village. Have lunch at the Café de la Place or the famous Colombe d’Or restaurant (reservations necessary), wind your way up the narrow streets and call into the numerous
art galleries, jewelers and boutiques. Marvel in the stunning views over the Riviera.
Saint Paul de Vence is about 30 minutes by car from Antibes..
Golf Courses
Royal Mougins Golf and Spa
Terre Blanche Report and Spa
Domaine de st endreol
Saint Donat Golf Country Club
Cannes-Mougins Golf Country Club