Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Côte d’Azur, France

On the French Riviera, one walks the pathways once graced by some of the 20th century’s most renowned movie stars and artists.

The allure of the region is unmatched by any destination worldwide.

This can be observed on the promenades in Cannes and Nice, or at the Place du Casino in Monaco.

Numerous luxurious villas, originally constructed for affluent vacationers at the dawn of the 20th century, have now opened their doors to the public.

A more subtle beauty graces the Côte d’Azur at elegant seaside destinations such as Villefranche-sur-Mer, as well as in medieval villages perched above the shore, celebrated by 19th and 20th-century artists for their enchanting light.

Let us examine the best activities to engage in while in the Côte d’Azur:

1. Sights in Nice

There are a few experiences that are indispensable during a visit to Nice: a stroll through the winding alleys of the old town is paramount. While there, browsing the vibrant stalls at the daily fruit and flower market located at Cours Saleya is a must.

Furthermore, to immerse yourself in the ambience that has captivated visitors since the 1700s, both Place Masséna and the iconic Promenade des Anglais should feature on your itinerary.

For exceptional photography opportunities, ascend to the Parc de la Colline du Château, situated between the port and the old town.

You can utilize either the steps or an elevator to survey the harbour, beach, or old town, realizing that you’ve arrived on the Côte d’Azur.

2. Monaco

This exceptionally affluent principality, located in France’s far southeastern corner, may be diminutive in size, yet Monaco’s cultural significance is immeasurable.

Iconic sceneries such as the Place du Casino, the geometric arrangement of sandy apartment blocks from the Marina, and the Palais des Princes are all instantly recognizable.

These places evoke memories of the Jet Set lifestyle, Princess Grace, and numerous decades of the legendary Grand Prix.

Another prominent figure linked to Monaco is the maritime explorer Jacques Cousteau, who directed the cliff-side Oceanographic Museum for over thirty years until 1987.

3. Èze

Situated almost 500 meters above the sea and a short distance from the coastline, the vistas from this village are extraordinary.

The pale ochre tower of the Notre Dame de l’Assomption serves as a beacon, visible from coastal roadways for miles around.

Èze seems to defy logic, with its stone-clad steep alleys that meander through tunnels and ascend narrow stairways.

As you navigate the village, breathtaking views of the little bay hundreds of meters below and the azure Mediterranean unfold before you.

The Jardin Exotique features cactus arrangements carved into the hillside, offering panoramas that are truly mesmerizing.

4. La Croisette, Cannes

Cannes exudes elegance and sophistication that even large crowds of tourists cannot detract from.

La Croisette also happens to be one of the Cote d’Azur’s most appealing urban beaches, a lengthy stretch of golden sand with gentle waves.

The public section toward the port tends to become quite crowded during the summer, yet many visitors find joy in casual strolls along the promenade, flanked by the Mediterranean on one side and a long row of fashion boutiques on the other.

Proceed onwards to the Vieux Port to admire luxury yachts and stop at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, where celebrities gather annually for the Cannes Film Festival each May.

5. Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Perched high on the isthmus near the apex of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, one finds one of the Côte d’Azur’s most renowned mansions.

This villa was constructed in the early 20th century for Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, of the Rothschild and Ephrussi banking families.

The villa overlooks the Mediterranean from three sides, housing a remarkable collection of valuable art and decorative objects, and most notably, an ensemble of nine gardens recognized as one of France’s “Jardins Remarquables.” Each garden features a distinct theme, from the Japanese garden adorned with its pavilion to the rose garden, which blooms with pink flowers in the summer.

Inside, the villa is as grand as you might expect, showcasing the owner’s passion for the 18th century: even the carpets in the Grand Salon were commissioned by Louis XIV and Louis XV.

6. Le Suquet, Cannes

The city’s historic district offers a reprieve from the glitz of La Croisette, set on a steep slope with narrow streets so tight that sideways navigation may occasionally be necessary.

Rue Saint-Antoine is an excellent starting point, adorned with numerous dining establishments.

This area of Cannes was originally a fishing community enclosed by castle walls.

Visitors can ascend to this landmark, which is now home to a museum featuring an eclectic collection of primitive art from various cultures, ancient artifacts from the Mediterranean, and an extensive array of musical instruments.

The adjacent 16th-century church is delightful, yet the primary motivation for climbing is to admire the view of the port and Croisette located far below.

7. Saint-Paul-de-Vence

Like many older towns along the French Riviera, Saint-Paul-de-Vence rests securely atop rocky outcrops a few kilometers inland from the sea.

This medieval village prioritizes preservation, prohibiting vehicles belonging to non-residents, who must park and walk in.

Slip into comfortable footwear, navigate the streets lined with art galleries and artisan boutiques, and take in the views of the two pine-clad valleys from the ramparts.

Several cultural luminaries from the 20th century resided here, including writer James Baldwin, actor Donald Pleasance, and painter Marc Chagall, who was one of the many artists to call Saint-Paul-de-Vence “home” for a time.

8. Sentier du Littoral, Cap d’Antibes

Winding for five kilometers along the edge of Cap d’Antibes, the Sentier du Littoral is regarded as one of the world’s premier coastal pathways.

The trail is fully paved and accessible, with seascapes reminiscent of a fantasy at every turn.

You will find yourself pausing frequently to admire the shimmering waters of the Baie de la Garoupe, gaze at the Lérins Islands, or take a look back toward the distant Alps.

In certain areas, the path is so exposed that the wind can be quite fierce and the waves crash intensely against the rocks, while in other locations, it’s inviting to dip your feet in the shallow waters.

9. Musée Marc Chagall, Nice

Among the numerous artists who fell in love with the unparalleled light and colors of the South of France, Marc Chagall occupies a significant position.

He spent decades on the French Riviera, and this remarkable museum featuring exquisite gardens was established under his guidance.

The collection comprises over 400 paintings, pastels, gouaches, and drawings by Chagall. However, the most outstanding pieces, and the reason for the museum’s inception, are the 17 paintings illustrating Old and New Testament narratives.

These artworks are displayed across two galleries, each designated for a respective testament.

Résistance, Résurrection, Libération constitutes a triptych, with each panel completed in a different decade before and after the Second World War.

10. Lérins Islands

If you feel overwhelmed by the crowds in Cannes, this serene archipelago is merely a short ferry ride away.

The primary destination will be Île Sainte-Marguerite, characterized by aromatic pine forests interspersed with a network of walking trails.

Visit the Royal Fort, which functioned as a prison in the 17th century and held the Man in the Iron Mask until his demise in 1703. There exists a maritime museum featuring an impressive collection of artifacts recovered from the array of shipwrecks in the adjacent waters.

Consider bringing a picnic and swimwear, as you may wish to spend your day indulging in sunshine and swimming in the coves on the island’s southeast side.

11. Villefranche-sur-Mer

Situated between Nice and Monaco is one of the most charming smaller resorts on the Côte d’Azur.

It occupies a lengthy indentation along the coast, nestled between Cap de Nice and Cap-Ferrat, offering crystalline waters and some of the finest snorkeling conditions in the region.

The harbour radiates chic sophistication, with ochre-toned houses setting the backdrop for glossy yachts and motorboats.

The quayside is a continuous expanse of dining options, and as you relish your meal, you may find it difficult to focus solely on your food when surrounded by yachts, rugged hillsides, and sparkling waters.

12. Massif de l’Esterel

The landscapes surrounding the city of Fréjus consist of peculiar peaks exhibiting a striking red hue, creating an almost daunting appearance.

This rock formation is volcanic porphyry, and at sunset, it emits a nearly supernatural glow.

Much of this scenery can be appreciated without ever leaving your vehicle; however, acquiring a map from the tourist office at Agay Plage will reveal a network of trails for exploration.

These trails can be steep, ascending several hundred meters within a brief distance, so a comfort with heights is advisable.

Nonetheless, the vistas, such as those at Cap Roux, will render your exertions worthwhile.

These hikes are best undertaken in early summer, while later in the season, many individuals prefer traversing the winding D559 by car, enjoying the comfort of air conditioning.

13. Port Grimaud

This waterfront district in the town of Grimaud may appear historical, yet it was designed in 1966 by architect and urban planner François Spoerry.

The buildings, reflecting neo-Renaissance style, are situated on small promontories adjacent to waterways.

With its elaborate bridges and arcade-style palaces, Port Grimaud evokes the ambiance of Venice, where you can easily spend several hours wandering along its 12 kilometers of quays or exploring Port Grimaud by water.

The tranquility of this place is striking, a quality that also attracts the celebrities and affluent individuals who seek residence here.

14. Villa Kérylos, Beaulieu-sur-Mer

Among a collection of exquisite mansions around Cap-Ferrat stands this Greek-style villa, constructed for the archaeologist and statesman Theodore Reinach, whose wife Fanny Kann was part of the affluent Ephrussi dynasty.

This villa was designed with assistance from historian Emmanuel Pontremoli, inspired by the 2nd-century residences for Greek aristocracy on the Island of Delos.

Villa Kérylos combines a close representation of ancient architecture with Belle Époque luxury and elegance.

The mosaics, columns, frescoes, windows, and furniture are remarkable, as is the view of the Mediterranean from the terrace within the gardens.

15. Traditional Dishes

This small region has birthed many world-renowned French culinary classics: Bouillabaisse, the iconic seafood stew, hails from Marseille, located at the western edge of the region.

Recipes may differ from establishment to establishment, but it invariably includes a medley of fish and seafood, such as scorpionfish, conger, sea robin, mussels, and crabs.

During summer, the famous salade niçoise is perfect, featuring egg, tuna, potatoes, and green beans.

On cooler winter days, opting for ratatouille—a hearty vegetable stew with tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, and peppers—is a delightful choice.

Moreover, a common sight in Nice involves vendors preparing and serving socca, a crispy pancake made with chickpea flour.