Where the Riviera Unfolds Beyond the Blue
In the heart of the French Riviera, Nice is a perfect launchpad for uncovering the beauty of the surrounding Côte d'Azur. From perched medieval towns and coastal paradises to artistic enclaves and scenic wine trails, the hinterlands and coastline near Nice reveal a dynamic range of experiences. Here are seven day trips to get you out the door and into the heart of Provence and beyond.
Eze: The Medieval Village in the Sky
Suspended between the cerulean sea and the sky, Eze is a labyrinthine medieval village with winding stone paths, perched terraces, and flower-lined streets. Known as one of the most beautiful "perched villages" in France, Eze transports visitors back in time with its ancient walls, artisan shops, and panoramic views of the French Riviera.
Jardin Exotique: The Jardin Exotique crowns Eze at its highest point, where exotic succulents and vibrant flowers create a surreal landscape above the Mediterranean. Built in 1949 atop the ruins of an old castle, the garden is a masterpiece in landscape design, with carefully selected plants that withstand the intense sun and salt air. Sculptures are interspersed throughout, adding an artistic layer to this beautiful place.
Fragonard Perfume Factory: Eze's long-standing fragrance heritage comes alive at Fragonard. The tour includes a journey through fragrant laboratories where flowers like jasmine, rose, and tuberose are transformed into aromatic oils. In addition to watching the process, visitors learn about the rich history of French perfumery and the evolution of scents, adding a new appreciation for the fragrances adorning the shelves of high-end boutiques.
Château de la Chèvre d'Or: This luxurious hotel and restaurant is a place to stay or dine and experience Riviera elegance. Situated on terraces cascading down the mountainside, the Château de la Chèvre d'Or boasts sculptures, secluded patios, and botanical gardens. Dining here offers a chance to savour regional specialities with a gourmet twist, from fresh seafood to delicate desserts, all paired with a view of the Mediterranean.
Art Galleries and Boutiques: Eze is a haven for artists and artisans, with galleries showcasing oil paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and more. Many artists live and work in Eze, adding a personal touch to each visit. The streets are lined with shops selling handmade jewellery, ceramics, and local crafts—perfect for unique, one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
The Nietzsche Path: This historic path connects Eze with the beach below, winding through fragrant pines, olive trees, and breathtaking coastal scenery. Named after philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, inspired by these landscapes, the trail is steep but rewards hikers with stunning vistas and an immersive experience of the Côte d'Azur's natural beauty.
Antibes: Seaside Charm with an Artistic Edge
A charming mix of ancient history and modern vibrancy, Antibes is known for its stunning marina, historic old town, and artistic spirit. Antibes today is a lively town with roots traced back to ancient Greece that attracts visitors for its market, art scene, and beautiful beaches.
Picasso Museum at Château Grimaldi: This museum, located in a grand castle where the artist lived and worked in 1946, cements Picasso's legacy in Antibes. His paintings, sketches, and sculptures fill the museum's rooms, offering a glimpse into his creative process and fascination with the Mediterranean light and landscape. The museum also features works by other artists inspired by the region, including Léger and Miró.
Marché Provençal: A sensory overload of colours and scents, this bustling Provençal market is the beating heart of Antibes. Open daily, it offers everything from fresh produce and fragrant herbs to artisanal cheeses and handmade crafts. Locals and tourists gather here to taste local delicacies like socca (a chickpea pancake) or stock up on lavender-infused honey and olives.
Fort Carré: This imposing 16th-century fort, with its star-shaped layout, was strategically built to protect Antibes from invasions. Today, visitors can walk along its ramparts, enjoy sweeping views over the harbour, and delve into the history of Antibes' military past. Its thick stone walls and restored interiors make it a fascinating stop for history buffs.
Cap d'Antibes Coastal Walk (Sentier du Littoral): One of the Riviera's most scenic hikes, this trail snakes around Cap d'Antibes, offering views of hidden beaches, rocky coves, and the glittering sea. It's an accessible, picturesque route lined with pine trees and wildflowers, inviting walkers to pause and dip their toes in the clear waters.
Plage de la Gravette: Located right by the old town, Plage de la Gravette is a sandy beach sheltered by stone walls and a calm bay. Locals flock here for its relaxed atmosphere, soft sands, and clear, shallow waters, making it an ideal spot for families and anyone seeking a refreshing swim within steps of Antibes' bustling town centre.
Menton: The Lemon-Scented Jewel on the Italian Border
With its pastel-coloured buildings, lush gardens, and idyllic waterfront, Menton combines French elegance with Italian charm. Known as the "Pearl of France," Menton is famed for its mild climate, perfect for citrus groves, and its architectural beauty.
The Old Town and Basilica of Saint-Michel: Menton's old town is an array of pastel-coloured facades, narrow lanes, and hidden staircases. The Basilica of Saint-Michel, a Baroque masterpiece, presides over it all, with stunning frescoes, a richly adorned altar, and a bell tower that can be spotted from nearly every corner of town.
Serre de la Madone Garden: This tranquil garden is a sanctuary for plant lovers and those seeking a peaceful escape. Lawrence Johnston, an English horticulturist, designed the garden, which collects plants from around the world. Pathways wind through bamboo groves, water features, and tropical flowers, creating a truly unique garden on the Riviera.
Lemon Festival: Every February, Menton's Lemon Festival turns the town into a vibrant citrus celebration. Sculptures and floats made entirely of lemons and oranges line the streets, accompanied by performances, light displays, and parades. The festival draws thousands of visitors, all eager to witness the artistic transformation of citrus fruits into fantastical creations.
Jean Cocteau Museum: Celebrating the life of one of France's most avant-garde artists, this museum houses a collection of Cocteau's artwork, including paintings, drawings, ceramics, and films. The building's striking design is a work of art, making this a must-see for fans of Cocteau's eclectic and surreal style.
Les Sablettes Beach: With its golden sands and panoramic views of the old town, Les Sablettes Beach is a favourite among locals and visitors. The beach has cafes and restaurants, perfect for an afternoon snack or sunset cocktail. Its shallow waters make it ideal for swimming, and the view of Menton's pastel buildings against the mountains is pure Mediterranean magic.
Cannes: Glamour, History, and Sandy Beaches
Known for its annual film festival and luxury lifestyle, Cannes offers more than just glitz and glamour. Its beautiful beaches, historic quarter, and luxury shopping make it an irresistible day-trip destination from Nice.
La Croisette: Cannes' most famous boulevard, La Croisette, is where luxury boutiques meet beachside cafes. With views of bobbing yachts and opulent hotels like the Carlton and the Martinez, La Croisette is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Cannes' glamorous ambience and enjoy people-watching.
Palais des Festivals et des Congrès: The heart of the Cannes Film Festival, this venue is synonymous with Hollywood glitz. Outside, the building's steps are adorned with handprints of international film stars. Visitors can take a tour to learn about the building's history and role in the film industry, making it a fascinating stop for cinema fans.
Le Suquet: Rising above the bustling streets of Cannes, Le Suquet is the town's historic quarter, known for its narrow alleys, medieval buildings, and local restaurants. At the top is the Musée de la Castre, where visitors can admire ancient artefacts and enjoy a panoramic view of Cannes' beaches, marina, and the nearby Lérins Islands.
Plages de Cannes: Cannes boasts a mix of private and public beaches. For a touch of luxury, consider a beach club like Bijou Plage, or for a low-cost option, head to Plage du Midi or Plage de la Bocca. The sand here is soft, and the views of the Mediterranean are unbeatable, making Cannes a beach lover's paradise.
Lérins Islands: A short ferry ride from Cannes, these islands offer a peaceful escape from the city. Sainte-Marguerite, the more oversized island, is home to Fort Royal, where the mysterious "Man in the Iron Mask" was held captive. The smaller island, Saint-Honorat, has a working monastery and vineyards monks tend.
Grasse: The Perfume Capital of the World
Grasse is a fragrant hilltop town surrounded by flower fields that supply the perfume industry. Known as the "capital of perfume," Grasse has a rich history and offers visitors an immersive journey into scent.
Perfumeries (Fragonard, Molinard, Gallimard): Grasse is home to three of the world's most famous perfumeries, each offering guided tours and perfume-making workshops. Visitors can watch the perfumers at work, blending oils and creating fragrances. The perfume workshops allow you to create custom scents, blending floral, fruity, and woody notes.
International Perfume Museum: The museum's journey through the evolution of perfume spans ancient Egypt, where scents were first crafted, to modern-day fragrance production. You'll see rare and beautiful perfume bottles, learn about the chemical processes behind creating scents, and view exhibits dedicated to the unique plants and flowers that give Grasse its fragrant reputation. Interactive exhibits make it easy for visitors to smell the various raw materials used in perfumery.
Perfume-Making Workshop: Many perfumeries in Grasse offer hands-on workshops where you can craft your own fragrance. Guided by expert perfumers, you'll blend floral, citrus, and woody notes to create a personalized scent that captures your visit. These workshops are immersive experiences that deepen your understanding of scent as an art form, providing a unique, unforgettable souvenir.
Notre-Dame-du-Puy Cathedral: This historic cathedral, dating back to the 13th century, offers a serene space for reflection. Inside, you'll find a beautiful collection of stained glass windows, a grand organ, and paintings by Rubens that add to its artistic appeal. The architecture blends Gothic and Provençal Romanesque styles, standing as a testament to Grasse's deep-rooted history.
Jardins du Musée International de la Parfumerie: Just outside of Grasse, this expansive botanical garden grows the flowers integral to perfume-making: roses, jasmine, and lavender. Visitors can stroll through fields of blooming plants, inhale the intoxicating fragrances, and appreciate the natural beauty that makes Grasse a perfumer's paradise.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence: An Artists' Haven
Nestled on a hilltop with views that seem to roll endlessly over vineyards and the Mediterranean, Saint-Paul-de-Vence has long drawn artists, poets, and free spirits. The village is a work of art, with every stone and archway telling a story.
Maeght Foundation: This renowned museum is set in a stunning building designed to blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. You'll find works by Miró, Chagall, Braque, and Giacometti inside. The outdoor sculptures and gardens make it feel like an interactive art experience, where pieces are strategically placed to complement the scenery.
Art Galleries: Saint-Paul-de-Vence is an open-air gallery, its streets lined with art studios and galleries showcasing everything from modern paintings to traditional Provençal crafts. Many artists reside in the village, making it a living art colony. Wander through the winding streets and find unique sculptures, paintings, and ceramics, with some artists happy to share the stories behind their work.
Chapel Folon: This small, understated chapel is a hidden gem, brought to life by the artwork of Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon. Folon's stained glass and frescoes transform the chapel into a meditative space that captures the spirit of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. The soft colours and abstract designs evoke a sense of calm, making it a serene stop in this vibrant village.
Café de la Place: This beloved local spot, shaded by centuries-old plane trees, is where locals and visitors gather for a rosé and a game of pétanque. Café de la Place has a rustic charm, providing a perfect setting to sip on Provençal wine while watching the leisurely games of pétanque unfold.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence Cemetery: Set on the edge of the village, this small cemetery is the final resting place of many artists, including Marc Chagall. With views sweeping over the countryside, it's a peaceful place to reflect, honouring the creative spirit Saint-Paul-de-Vence has embodied for centuries.
Monaco: Glitz, Glamour, and Mediterranean Majesty
Just a stone's throw from Nice, Monaco is a principality of extravagance, home to some of the most luxurious landmarks on the Riviera. While it's best known for its royal family and glamorous casinos, Monaco also has hidden historical gems and natural beauty to discover.
Prince's Palace of Monaco: Perched high above the city, the Prince's Palace offers breathtaking views of Monaco and the Mediterranean. The palace is a marvel of architecture, blending medieval and Renaissance styles. Every day, visitors can watch the ceremonial changing of the guard and tour the opulent state apartments, which house historic artworks, ornate furniture, and intricate tapestries.
Oceanographic Museum: Established in 1910 by Prince Albert I, this museum is a paradise for marine enthusiasts. Its aquariums hold thousands of species, from colourful tropical fish to menacing sharks. The rooftop terrace provides one of the best views in Monaco, and the building itself, perched on a cliff, is an architectural marvel.
Exotic Garden (Jardin Exotique): Monaco's exotic garden is built into the cliffs, filled with hundreds of species of succulents and cacti. Paths wind through terraced levels, offering spectacular sea views at every turn. The garden's unique design and plants from regions like South Africa and Latin America make it a perfect blend of horticulture and Mediterranean scenery.
Monte Carlo Casino: One of the world's most famous casinos, the Monte Carlo Casino is a masterpiece of Belle Époque architecture, with ornate ceilings, grand chandeliers, and marble columns. Visitors can tour the casino's lavish halls or try their luck at the gaming tables, though the dress code and ambience remind them of its upscale allure.
Larvotto Beach: Monaco's only public beach, Larvotto, has a lively yet relaxed vibe. It's pebbly shores and crystal-clear waters make it a favourite spot for locals and tourists. Surrounding cafes and restaurants offer everything from quick snacks to gourmet meals, allowing you to enjoy a lazy afternoon by the water with the glitzy Monaco skyline as a backdrop.
Each of these seven-day trips from Nice showcases a different side of the Riviera. From historic hilltop villages and fragrant flower fields to glitzy beach resorts and bustling markets, the sights around Nice capture southern France's heart and soul.
Comentários