Cote d'Azur: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
Surrounded by fragrant lavender fields, the Côte d'Azur − the azure coast − lies in the south of France. This particularly idyllic holiday region owes its name to the color of the Mediterranean Sea. Impressive mountain ranges of the Maritime Alps, picturesque bays and beaches, and Mediterranean charm make the French Riviera the perfect vacation destination for families.
Table of contents
Cote d'Azur - The most beautiful cities
Éze
The municipality of Èze is divided into two sections. The coastal town of Èze-sur-Mer attracts water sports enthusiasts and beach lovers. Èze Village sits high up on the mountain. Through the medieval alleys and the particularly authentic atmosphere, time seems to have stood still here. A hiking trail connects both places. From the Exotic Garden on the mountain, you have a breathtaking view of the entire Côte d'Azur from a viewing platform. The garden is home to over 2000 cacti and succulents. The remains of an old castle are also to be admired. Also worth seeing is the perfume, soap, and cosmetics factory with a behind-the-scenes look.
Nizza
With 300 days of sunshine a year, Nice is always in season. A 7 km long coastal strip lines the city, whose beaches are a popular meeting place for the international jet set. A generous waterfront promenade invites you to stroll along the magnificent buildings of the Belle Époque. Exquisite shopping streets and the charming maze of alleys in the old town entice you to window shop. While the Castle Hill offers wide views of the deep blue sea, the harbor basin, the roofs of the old town, and the lush green mountains in the hinterland, culture lovers will find a diverse museum landscape in Nice. True culinary delights are promised by the market at Cours Saleya, where, in addition to specialties from Provence, there is fresh fish and seafood.
Saint-Tropez
Until the 1960s, the picturesque Saint-Tropez was known as an artist village before it developed into today's glamorous holiday resort. The true jewel of Saint-Tropez is the sandy beach of Pampelonne. In the harbor, yachts frolic joyfully while the 16th-century citadel stands guard. In Saint-Tropez, you experience a unique flair. Nowhere is life more beautiful than here: Stroll through the narrow streets, enjoy local specialties, and admire the artworks of famous masters in the numerous galleries. In the evening, people meet for a nightcap in one of the many bars.
Antibes
The picturesque old town of Antibes invites you to stroll through the historic alleys, enjoy a drink, or swim in the turquoise sea. Promenades and regular clothing and flea markets contribute to the cheerful atmosphere of the historic town. Excursions to nearby Nice or romantic Cagnes-sur-Mer are worthwhile. In Cagnes-sur-Mer, the Grimaldi Castle awaits you with its magnificent staircase and paradisiacal courtyard. The painter Picasso found inspiration at this place. In Antibes, you can admire the master's paintings in the Picasso Museum. A leisurely beach walk or a visit to the "Jardin Thuret" garden is also worthwhile.
Menton
Menton is sheltered by the Maritime Alps at the eastern end of the Côte d'Azur. Picturesque gardens and parks invite you to take long walks, while the old town's narrow stairway alleys promise romantic strolls. In the evening, the palm-lined promenades entice you to stroll. They lead along the beaches to the chic marina of the former fishing village. While in the Jardin du Palais Carnolès, plump lemons shine from the trees, the Parc du Pian impresses with its gigantic olive trees. The Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden not only boasts an impressive collection of subtropical plants. It also, like the Capuchin Monastery l'Annociade, offers breathtaking views of Menton and the coast.
Cannes
With its lively beaches, the exclusive marina, the 2 km long promenade, and the Palais des Festivals, Cannes is one of the famous gems on the Côte d'Azur. The film city provides a glamorous backdrop for a vacation where beach fun can be delightfully combined with culture and culinary pleasures. Towering palm trees flank the Boulevard de la Croisette, which is lined with sandy beaches on one side and offers views of magnificent Belle Époque palaces on the other. Behind it, the old town impresses with its maze of winding alleys. At its highest point, the castle tower offers a breathtaking panoramic view over Cannes, the hilly hinterland, and the sea.
Grasse
Narrow streets with magnificent palaces and mystical ruins make the cityscape of Grasse unmistakable. Among the landmarks is the Notre-Dame-du-Puy Cathedral: Inside, you will discover the painting "Crowning with Thorns" by the great master Peter Paul Rubens. Culture enthusiasts visit the Museum of Provençal Art and History, housed in a mansion. Immerse yourself in the world of scents at the International Perfume Museum. It is housed in a magnificent 18th-century building, furnished in its original style. Famous perfume manufacturers like Fragonard or Galimard offer tours of their production facilities.
Toulon
The impressive cathedral in the heart of Toulon is not only one of the city's landmarks but also the ideal starting point for walks to other attractions. Stroll over Place Puget and Plate Raimu or visit the national naval museum. The opera and the huge harbor are also worth seeing. The 542-meter-high Mont Faron is one of the most popular destinations for excursions around Toulon. From the mountain summit, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view over the Côte d'Azur. The zoo is always worth a visit as well. Around Toulon, you can reach numerous dream beaches that invite you to swim in the summer.
Cote d'Azur - 5 most beautiful natural sights
Calanques National Park
The Calanques National Park is located at the gates of the southern French city of Marseille and is a popular tourist attraction. Characteristic are the deep gorges and bright cliffs of the limestone massif. Hikes lead you to hidden coves. For refreshment, dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean against the impressive backdrop. An exciting hike is the Sentier de la Crête along the cliffs. Again and again, fantastic views open up. A unique animal and plant world has developed in the ecosystem. With a bit of luck, you might also spot the endangered monk seals that live in the park's waters.
Cape of Antibes
The Cap d'Antibes on the Côte d'Azur is a popular holiday destination. At its tip lies the Baie des milliardaires d'Antibes – a breathtakingly beautiful bay. Around the cape from the Plage de la Garoupe to the Anse de l'argent faux runs the Sentier de Tire-Poil, the old customs officers' path. On your way, pay a visit to the Villa Eilenroc. The magnificent estate was built during the Belle Époque and is considered one of the most beautiful properties in the region. Your hike along the coast brings you to the chic resort town of Juan-les-Pins with its narrow picturesque streets and numerous cafés.
Esterel Massif
The distinctive red coloration of the rock gives the Esterel Massif in southern France its very special character. The sharp red rocks contrast with the deep blue Mediterranean Sea, creating a breathtaking landscape that serves as a backdrop for coastal walks and hikes on the ridges that rise up to several hundred meters high. A popular destination for hikes in the Esterel Massif is the picturesque Lac de l’Ecureuil, surrounded by lush greenery and red rocks. The lake invites you to picnic and relax. More challenging is the ascent of the highest mountain in the massif, the 618-meter-high Mont Vinaigre.
Lérins Islands
About 30 minutes by boat from Cannes lies Île Saint-Marguerite. It is the largest island of the Lérins Islands. From the water, you can already see eucalyptus and pine trees. The Fort Royal from the 17th century is one of the attractions. The Musée de la Mer is housed here. Île Saint-Honorat is about 1.5 km long. It has been inhabited since ancient times. Monks still live in the Abbaye de Lérins monastery today, producing the famous herbal liqueur Lérina. You can walk around the island in about 2 hours. You might spot bottlenose dolphins in the sea.
Mercantour National Park
Rock carvings from the Stone Age prove how early the region of today's Mercantour National Park was already settled. The historical paintings from the Bronze Age depict animals, tools, and weapons and were found in the Valley of Wonders (Vallée des Merveilles). In the Valley of the White Source, you can also see relics of earlier inhabitants. Around 600 kilometers of hiking trails lead through the Mercantour National Park. A popular tour leads to Lac d'Allos, a picturesque mountain lake at an altitude of 2,200 meters. Seven peaks over three thousand meters are located in the national park, including Mont Clapier and Cime de Gélas. In this natural paradise, eagles, chamois, and ibexes are at home.
Cote d'Azur - Climate
The Côte d'Azur has a Mediterranean climate, so temperatures remain very mild even in winter, hovering around 20 degrees. In summer, the thermometer climbs to an average of 30 degrees. No wonder, as the French Riviera boasts an average of 300 sunny days a year. Especially in summer and autumn, the sea also has a pleasant temperature of up to 23 degrees, inviting you to swim. A visit to the French Mediterranean coast is worthwhile all year round to enjoy the breathtaking panorama and get to know the French way of life.
The following graph shows the average weather conditions for the country. Historical weather conditions may vary by region.
Cote d'Azur - Top cities
- Agay Saint Raphael
- Bandol
- Bormes-les-Mimosas
- Cagnes-sur-Mer
- Cannes
- Cap Bénat
- Carqueiranne
- Cavalaire
- Cogolin
- Fréjus
- Grimaud
- Hyères
- La Ciotat
- La Croix-Valmer
- Le Lavandou
- Les Issambres
- Nice
- Port Grimaud
- Roquebrune sur Argens
- Saint Aygulf
- Saint Cyr sur Mer
- Saint Cyr sur Mer La Madrague
- Saint Cyr sur mer Les Lecques
- Saint-Raphaël
- Saint-Tropez
- Sainte Maxime
- Sanary sur Mer
- Six Fours