There are many towns to visit on the Côte d’Azur. The Côte d’Azur, also known as the “French Riviera“, is a region of southern France famous for its beaches, luxury resorts, casinos, gourmet restaurants and festivals. And if you’re wondering where to find the best places to have a drink while admiring the sunset, shop till you drop, or discover the most beautiful places for maximum j likes on Instagram, this article is for you!
I’m going to introduce you to the must-visit towns on the Côte d’Azur and give you my tips for an unforgettable stay.
The city of Nice
Nice is the largest city on the Côte d’Azur and is known for its charm and elegance. Its narrow, winding streets, colorful buildings and Promenade des Anglais are top attractions for tourists. It’s definitely a city to visit if you’re on the Côte d’Azur.
One of Nice’s must-sees is its old town, with its shady alleyways, colorful facades and typically Mediterranean shutters. It’s impossible to talk about Old Nice without mentioning the Cours Saleya, where the famous flower market takes place almost every morning (except Mondays). Personally, I think Nice is a typically Italian city. it reminds me of the Amalfi Coast.
On Monday mornings, the Cours Saleya is transformed into a huge open-air flea market! It’s also the ideal place to enjoy a drink or a snack on one of the many terraces.
While you’re in Old Nice, take the opportunity to sample some artisanal Italian gelato. I recommend “Azzurro“, located in Piazza Rossetti. The quality of the products used is phenomenal, and their cones are homemade, so taste is no object!
But if you’re looking for relaxation, come and enjoy Nice’s beautiful beaches. If you’re looking for a bit of glamour, I recommend Nice’s private beaches, such as Castel plageat the foot of the Château, or even water sports such as parasailing, stand-up paddling or towed buoys!
The town of Cannes
Unless you live on a desert island, you’re bound to have heard of Cannes, a glamorous city best known for its annual film festival. Its lively streets are lined with luxury boutiques, restaurants and cocktail bars.
In addition to the Cannes Film Festival, which takes place in May, you can enjoy cinema all year round, as the city pays tribute to it with giant frescoes on its walls depicting the biggest stars and the best memories of the network. So take a stroll around town and look for Charlie Chaplin or Marilyn Monroe!
But Cannes isn’t all glitz and glamour, it’s a historic city brimming with history and incredible scenery. I advise you to visit the Old Port and Quai Saint-Pierre. Now emblematic sites, they retrace the history of the former fishing town of Cannes. Opposite the Old Port are the Lérins Islands, a must-see when visiting Cannes. Among them, Sainte-Marguerite is the largest of the Lérins islands, offering an idyllic setting between bays and pine and eucalyptus forests. Welcome to a hiking paradise with over 22 km of trails, all offering unique scenery. A must if you decide to come to Cannes!
The town of Saint Tropez
Saint-Tropez is a picturesque town on the Côte d’Azur. It’s famous for its sandy beaches, colorful houses and luxury yachts. The port, a meeting place for fishermen, locals and tourists alike, take the time to stroll along the harbor, admiring its colorful traditional facades, then sit down at a café terrace to admire the incredible array of yachts…You also absolutely must try (realy) tarte tropéziennethe mythical sweetness of Saint-Tropez, to be enjoyed and shared without moderation!
There are dozens of variations on the cream cake with its brioche and rich grains of sugar, but the real thing in its simplest form is still a real treat!
You can also attend the Saint-Tropez bravade, a centuries-old tradition. Every year on May 16, 17 and 18, La Bravade celebrates the loyalty of Tropezians to their patron saint. Braves and locals alike dress up in traditional weapons and uniforms for the parade under the colors of the peninsula. Come to the Bravade de Saint-Tropez and share unforgettable moments with family and friends!
The town of Antibes
Come and discover the town of Antibes, famous for its marina, ancient ramparts and museums. I’d also recommend a visit to the Picasso Museum, followed by a relaxing day on one of the city’s beaches. For a delicious meal, I recommend Le Brulot. This restaurant offers local cuisine and fresh seafood in a charming setting. Enough to make the most of your stay!
The Hyères islands (Porquerolles, Port Cros and Le Levant)
The islands of Hyères are also a popular destination on the Côte d’Azur. Porquerolles, Port Cros and Le Levant all offer sandy beaches, hiking trails and scuba diving.
Situated on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Olbia’s archaeological site bears witness to the town’s ancient past. Olbia was once a fortified settlement inhabited by fishermen, farmers and soldiers. Come and discover this historic place and step back in time.
Enjoy an evening under the stars at sunset. With a breathtaking view of the Giens peninsula and the Golden Isles, the Pic des Fées Observatory is perfect for fans of interesting discoveries. It’s an excellent opportunity to observe the sky in the best possible conditions!
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