Top 10 Things To Do in the French Riviera
- Make your perfume in Grasse
Create your own fragrance during a workshop in one of the most famous perfume factories of France. I highly suggest a visit to the perfume factory and laboratories, then you can create your own stylish fragrance, name it and re-order it when it’s finished. It’s a wonderful activity for adults and kids!
- Nice Beach and Old Town
The beaches from Nice to Antibes are stone beaches. During the summer these beaches are lifeguarded and many have public access. Downtown, you can walk through the ancient old town and we suggest a gelato at Crema di Gelati in Place du Palais in front of the Courthouse. On Saturdays the booksellers set up their stands with some very interesting antique books and fine prints.
- Cap d’Antibes, Antibes/Juan-les-Pins
Cap d’Antibes – lots of huge mansions and a lighthouse in the middle of the cape. In France, the shoreline must be accessible, so there is a walk around the rocky edge of the foreland. Walking around takes approximately 1 – 1h30. More if you have little kids, although it’s an easy walk with many places where to enjoy the view, have a swim or just rest. The start/end is at the Plage Garoupe, a public beach with free parking.
- La Croisette, Cannes
Which better place than the Croisette, if you wish to taste the French flair of life. You can walk all the way from the Palais du Festival to the far End of Palm Beach. For younger kids there is permanent carousel with small playground, small carnival rides and games and a snack bar just next to the Palais du Festival. On the sea side, you can stroll along the numerous beaches and enjoy the sea breeze, while on the other side you can shop in the most expensive shops of the Riviera.
- Iles des Lérins, Cannes
Enjoy the peace of this car free and nicely preserved islands in the bay of Cannes. Ferry boats take you from the harbour of Cannes to the islands. St. Marguerite is the bigger and closer one. St. Honorat has a monastery and an old fortress, where the kids can run around. Both islands have unpaved trails crossing the entire island. It’s the ideal spot for a nice family picnic.
- St. Paul de Vence
This beautiful little medieval village will capture your attention while you walk through the tiny little streets. In every angle, you will find an art gallery, a cosy restaurant or a pretty souvenir shop. In the ‘60ies St. Paul the Vence was very popular among the film stars, as actors like Yves Montant and Simone Signoret used to live there.
- Chateau de La Napoule
When driving through La Napoule you can’t miss the castle, which was constructed in the 14th century by the Countess of Villeneuve. The nicest view on the castle obviously is from the sea. Over the centuries, it was rebuilt several times and in the 19th century it had been turned into a glass factory. During the summer it is possible to assist to concerts or theatre pieces.
- Dining at Le Suquet in Cannes
A very nice place you shouldn’t miss is the old part of Cannes: the Suquet, that offers a great variety of restaurants. In the evening it is nice to stroll through that little street while you choosing the right restaurant.
- Verrerie de Biot
Biot is a medieval town perched against a backdrop of verdant countryside. It is located between Nice and Cannes and the “verreries of Biot” are very nice to half day visit. You can visit the factories, learn about the art of blowing glass and buy some pretty coloured glasses. Not to be missed are the glassblowers’ studio (free admission).
- Walk in the Esterel to Notre Dame d’Afrique
Just behind our villas La Cigale and La Cgialette start some very nice hiking trails into the Esterel mountains. Take good sport shoes and go for a walk into the Mediterranean nature. You will enjoy the most breath taking views from up there. The paths take you almost everywhere: you can either walk downtown Théoule (45min) or you can pay a visit to Notre Dame d’Afrique.