Soak up the sun & scenery…
Call the experts: 01954 261431
|
French Riviera and Côte d’Azur are virtually interchangeable names for the coastline of the Var and Alpes-Maritimes ‘départements’, a stretch which includes the world famous resorts of Cannes and St Tropez, but also picturesque and timeless villages snugly nestled in breathtaking mountain and coastal scenery. A region very much in the modern age in some senses, but also one that is rooted in and proud of its ancient history, and with a rich cultural heritage to discover.
Here are a handful of captivating destinations to explore…
|
This coastal town has much to recommend it: plenty of historical and cultural interest, coupled with a real buzz and a good choice of restaurants and cafés. There are a number of sandy beaches here, as an alternative to the pebbly beaches further east. The streets of the old quarter are fun to explore, and there is an attractive covered market to browse and buy typical Provençal foods and products.
The Port Vauban is the largest marina in Europe with many a superyacht to admire, and don’t miss the Cathedral, the distinctive diamond-shaped Fort Carré and the Picasso Museum housed in the Chateau Grimaldi.
There are two lovely walks on the Cap d’Antibes: Starting from the Garoupe beach, you can follow the Sentier Tirepoil trail, which takes you right alongside the coast on a well marked path. Also nearby, you can walk or drive to the lighthouse and the chapel on the Plateau de la Garoupe. You will be rewarded with a 360 degree view!
|
Approaching St-Paul-de-Vence, you are struck by the sight of the superbly preserved walls encircling the village before entering through a stone archway into a network of narrow cobbled streets lined with art galleries and boutiques, restaurants and cafés. St Paul is deservedly popular and bustling by day and particularly atmospheric in the evening. Enjoy panoramic views from the south side of the village, and watch the locals play pétanque in the square on the north side. Beyond the immediate area St-Paul is well placed, both for visiting the Riviera coast, with all its cultural and leisure attractions, or for heading into the mountainous hinterland to enjoy walking, adventure activities and scenic drives.
Close by you can enjoy a country stroll or bike ride at Le Col de Vence, a peaceful rocky mountain pass with plenty of wildlife to look out for.
Families will appreciate the Parc de la Guérinière, a wooded park at La Colle sur Loup which has picnic tables and children’s play equipment. Some may even tempted by a refreshing dip in the River Loup!
|
Perhaps it goes without saying but Nice makes for a lovely day out – its picturesque old town and port, the flower market, plenty of restaurants, cafés and ice cream shops!
Nice is a feast for the senses with its daily markets offering an abundance of flowers, local produce and Provençal crafts. In addition, the city is a must-visit for cultural enthusiasts, with over 20 museums and galleries, and was home and inspiration to the world famous modernist artist Henri Matisse for over 30 years.
Be sure to climb (or take the lift) up castle hill to see wonderful views over the old quarter’s red roofs and the beautiful Baie des Anges.
|
A very pretty, well preserved small town, which dates back to the early 16th century. Its
lovely central square is surrounded by tiny streets laid out in an unusually geometric grid
pattern. Quite busy but deservedly so, with lots of boutiques, art galleries and
restaurants dotted about.
After exploring the pretty streets be sure to allow time for a stop in one of the cafes and restaurants in Valbonne old town centre and absorb the atmosphere. Outside the upper of the town (towards the extensive parking area) there is also a row of more practical shops such as greengrocers and bakers.
|
This email was sent to | Privacy Policy.
Vintage Travel | Milkmaid House | Rampton End | Willingham | Cambridge | England | CB24 5JB |
|
|
|
Frequently asked questions about this newsletter
What are some captivating destinations on the French Riviera and Côte d’Azur?
The French Riviera and Côte d’Azur are known for their picturesque and timeless villages, nestled in breathtaking mountain and coastal scenery. Captivating destinations include the world-famous resorts of Cannes and St Tropez, and the coastal town of Antibes with its historical and cultural attractions, sandy beaches, and the largest marina in Europe at Port Vauban.
What can visitors explore in Antibes?
In Antibes, visitors can enjoy exploring historical and cultural sites, sandy beaches as an alternative to the pebbly beaches further east, and the vibrant streets of the old quarter. Must-see attractions include the distinctive Fort Carré, the Picasso Museum housed in the Chateau Grimaldi, and the Port Vauban. For nature lovers, the Sentier Tirepoil trail and the Plateau de la Garoupe offer lovely walks with stunning views.
What makes St-Paul-de-Vence a must-visit?
St-Paul-de-Vence is renowned for its superbly preserved medieval walls, narrow cobbled streets lined with art galleries and boutiques, and its bustling atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views, watch locals play pétanque, and explore the cultural and leisure attractions along the Riviera coast or in the mountainous hinterland.
What are the top attractions in Nice?
Nice offers a feast for the senses with its picturesque old town and port, daily markets abundant with flowers, local produce, and Provençal crafts. Cultural enthusiasts will find over 20 museums and galleries to explore, including those dedicated to Henri Matisse. Don’t miss climbing up castle hill for breathtaking views over the old quarter and the Baie des Anges.
What distinguishes Valbonne from other towns on the French Riviera?
Valbonne stands out with its well-preserved 16th-century town, geometric street layout, and vibrant town center filled with boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. Its central square and surrounding streets offer a charming atmosphere for visitors to enjoy while exploring the town or relaxing in one of its cafes.
This FAQ was mainly generated by AI based on the information in the newsletter.
