The French Riviera has long become a symbol of luxury vacation: Russian aristocrats and representatives of the creative intelligentsia came here back in the 19th century. It’s not surprising, since the Côte d’Azur is a place of unique beauty and rich culture, which is considered one of the best holiday destinations in the world.
You can start your journey from Nice Cote d’Azur airport. There are currently no direct flights from Russia there; you can fly with a transfer in Turkey, Algeria, Qatar or Morocco. The cities of the Riviera are conveniently connected by bus and train services.
The most beautiful cities
Nice
This is a real pearl of the Cote d’Azur and its most interesting city. In Nice you can find everything your heart desires: pebble beaches, gourmet restaurants, museums, magnificent architecture, shady gardens, and vintage markets where treasures from world brands can be bought for next to nothing. It is not for nothing that the city received the nickname Nice-la-Belle, which means “Beautiful Nice.”
Among the must-see places in this stunning city are Promenade des Anglais (Promenade des Anglais), Castle, Cathedral, Notre Dame Cathedral, Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Colline du Chateau, Hotel Negresco and the Matisse and Chagall museums.
Where to stay in Nice:
At the three-star Holiday Inn Express — Nice — Grand Arenas (rating 9.3) – from 13,700 rubles per day*.
In the four-star Palais Saleya Boutique hôtel (rating 9.3) – from 32,000 rubles per night*.
Toulon
It is the second largest port in France, located between Nice and Marseille. Life is in full swing here (including nightlife), interesting festivals are regularly held, and restaurants serve the freshest fish and seafood. The excursion program should include the city quarter from the times of Louis XIV, the Toulon Cathedral, founded in the 11th century, and the Naval Museum. Be sure to take the cable car up Mount Faron to enjoy the panorama of the Cote d’Azur in all its splendor.
Where to stay in Toulon:
In the apartments Studio Port Moderne HyperCentre Lumineux Climatisé (rating 10) – from 7,000 rubles per day*.
At the hotel Le Jardin de Tesse Chambre d’hôtes (rating 9.2) – from 9,600 rubles per night*.
Martigues
Loved by French filmmakers and painters, this cute little seaside community will appeal to those looking for a secluded getaway. The elegant village is often called the “Venice of South France”, as it is located between the Mediterranean Sea and Lake Etang de Berre and is dotted with canals, coves and bridges. Martigues is famous for its La Venise provençale winery, which produces fine rosé, red and white wines, as well as cosmetic oils and fruit juices.
Sanary-sur-Mer
Another pleasant secluded resort, which is famous for its beautiful beaches (Portissol is considered the most beautiful), fish markets and historical heritage. For example, it is in this town that the Baobab villa is located, where Jacques Cousteau developed scuba gear, as well as the Saint-Nazaire church, built in the Gothic Revival style, the Romanesque tower and the Notre-Dame des Pitiés chapel, built in 1560 view of the bay.
Saint-Tropez
One of the most prestigious resorts on the Cote d’Azur is known for its nightlife and expensive boutiques. The cream of society relax here: wealthy people from all over the world prefer not only to lie on the beach, but also to improve their health in numerous sanatoriums and spa centers. Interestingly, until the 1950s, Saint-Tropez was an ordinary fishing village, almost unknown to the general public. It owes its popularity to cinema: after the films “And God Created Woman” with Brigitte Bardot and “The Swimming Pool” with Alain Delon and Romy Schneider, shot here, were released, tourists flocked here.
Where to stay in Saint-Tropez:
In the four-star hotel La Bastide des Salins (rating 9.6) – from 66,700 rubles per night*.
In the four-star Hotel Villa Cozy (rating 9.5) – from 78,500 rubles per night*.
Mandelieu-la-Napoule
The colorful seaside commune near Cannes is famous for its mimosa blooms. La Napoule is a small old port village, and Mandelieu is the fishing resort town that has swallowed it up. You can visit Mandelieu and enjoy golf, sailing and windsurfing, then head to La Napoule for a stroll along the promenade, a siesta in the shady gardens with a glass of rosé, or a visit to the quaint castle, some of which dates back to the 11th century.
La Ciotat
The port town, known since ancient times, is often used as a starting point for sea excursions to the surrounding picturesque bays, calanques and secluded wild beaches. It was also here that the Lumière brothers filmed the arrival of the train at the station and showed their film at the local Eden cinema, now the oldest in the world and still operating.
Cannes
The world capital of cinema, where the famous Cannes Festival is held in May, has seen almost all the movie stars and most of the world’s celebrities. Ideal beaches, luxury hotels, impeccable embankments, snow-white villas and architectural monuments – all this will greet you here. Living in Cannes for a week can be boring, but it’s worth setting aside a couple of days for a visit here – and getting to know the Croisette, the Suquet Tower, the Galeries de la Malmaison with exhibitions of contemporary art, the port and the Grand Jas cemetery park.
Where to stay in Cannes:
In the three-star hotel Hôtel Vacances Bleues Le Floréal (rating 10) – from 14,600 rubles per day*.
In the four-star hotel Villa Garbo (rating 9.5) – from 22,600 rubles per night*.
Antibes
The second largest (after Nice) resort town on the Cote d’Azur, Antibes is primarily known for the Grimaldi Castle, which now houses the Pablo Picasso Museum: the artist lived and worked there in his last years. It is included in the list of the most romantic museums in the world, and the collection includes works not only by the famous Spanish surrealist, but also paintings by Léger, Modigliani, and Picabia. The names of some famous writers are also associated with Antibes: for example, Fitzgerald described the Hotel Du Cap Eden-Roc in his novel Tender is the Night. Other interesting locations include the 16th-century Fort Carre, the Church of Immaculée Concepción, Olivette Beach and Fort Vauban.
Where to stay in Antibes:
At the four-star hotel Hôtel La Villa Port d’Antibes & Spa (score 9.2) – from 16,400 rubles per day*.
At Villa Cap d’Antibes 50m from the beach 3 bedrooms/Pool (score 10) – from 62,300 rubles per night*.
Villefranche-sur-Mer
This small town is very popular among artists and writers: Odlos Huxley and the musicians of The Rolling Stones liked to relax here. Villefranche is a real blooming oasis with white sandy beaches. It is located near a large bay in the shape of a giant bowl. There are no wide promenades with shops and restaurants: it is rather a village with small shops and several restaurants along the coast near the port, which will especially appeal to people who value privacy and avoid crowds of tourists.
Ez
This popular tourist town looks like the set of a fantasy film. Surrounded by medieval walls and once beloved by monarchs and writers, Eze has retained the charm and romance of a typical southern French village. It is worth visiting the exotic garden, specializing in growing unusual cacti, the Church of the Penitents of the White Brotherhood of the 14th century and the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the 18th century, the famous Fragonard and Gallimard perfume factories and walk along the picturesque Nietzsche trail connecting Eze with Eze-sur-Mer .
Monaco
The city-state of Monaco is one of the most expensive resorts on the Cote d’Azur, so we recommend not staying here, but visiting for the day. There is definitely something to see here, besides sports cars, expensive living space and luxurious casinos. For example, in Monte Carlo there is the famous Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, whose director was the legendary explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau: a most interesting and beautiful place where the aquarium is connected to the sea. Also be sure to visit the Prince’s Palace with a tour to learn more about the ruling dynasty and the history of the country.
Where to stay in Monaco:
In the three-star hotel Hôtel Columbus Monte Carlo (rating 8.9) – from 24,200 rubles per day*.
In the five-star hotel Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo (rating 9.6) – from 109,200 rubles per night*.
Mentone
This city completes the Cote d’Azur and is located on the border with Italy. Thanks to the mild climate and geographical features, it is always very warm here, which is why the sweetest lemons ripen in Menton, which have become the symbol of the city. It is also famous for its numerous gardens and parks, the city hall, whose wedding hall was decorated by Jean Cocteau, the bastion where the Cocteau Museum is now open, and the Russian cemetery. It is in Menton that Mirazur, recognized as the best restaurant in the world, awarded three Michelin stars, is located.
Where to stay in Menton:
In the three-star hotel Ibis Styles Menton Center (rating 9.0) – from 12,100 rubles per night*.
At the Villa Genesis hotel (rating 9.1) – from 23,900 rubles per night*.
Best beaches
Of course, tourists mainly come to the Cote d’Azur to swim in the warm Mediterranean Sea. There are many beautiful beaches on the coast with postcard views, but the most remarkable of them are located in the following locations:
Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer —a beach with panoramic views of the port and a small resort town.
Roquebrune-Cap Martin —once one of the favorite beaches of the British Queen Victoria and Grand Duchess Ksenia Alexandrovna Romanova.
Paloma – the famous beach on Cap Ferrat, famous for its crystal clear waters and views of the cliffs of Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Eze, is considered one of the best on the Cote d’Azur. The atmosphere is reminiscent of the leisurely life of aristocrats in the 60s: narrow streets with not very modern houses, wooden platforms, boats, helpful waiters. Comfortable, expensive, but without excessive glamor.
Pampelonne is located 5 km from Saint-Tropez, on a long spit of fine white sand, sharply contrasting with the color of the blue sea. This beach became popular in the 19th century, and in the middle of the last century experienced a resurgence in popularity thanks to Juliette Greco, Sartre, Picasso and Brigitte Bardot.
La Garoupe Although it is notable for its beauty, it is still considered a not very popular beach, which only adds to its attractiveness. It is located east of Cape Antibes.
Marinière —a quiet beach not far from Villefranche. On the right you can see the city of the same name, on the left side there is a wooded hill. Behind are steep cliffs. Due to its location, Mariniere is protected from strong winds and waves, although sometimes in the summer there is an invasion of jellyfish.
Mala —a secluded and almost wild corner in the vicinity of Cap d’Ail, with untouched nature around.
Juan les Pins is one of the youngest and most visited resorts on the Cote d’Azur, located in the depths of the quiet Gulf of Juan Bay.
Pointe de L’Aiguille is located near the town of Théoule-sur-Mer, in the territory of a natural park. It is surrounded by reddish rocks and shady, lush vegetation. This place is often chosen by diving enthusiasts due to the rich underwater life.
Estañol —a tiny paid beach, located in a picturesque bay between two uninhabited islands, with snow-white sand and azure sea color.
Carlton is located about 30 kilometers from Nice, in a place that was once a modest fishing village, and is now considered one of the symbols of French glamor.
Mandelieu Castle Beach is ideal for morning paddleboarding. This beach offers a beautiful view of the sunrise, and when sailing from the shore, you can also enjoy the view of the castle.
Petite Afrique —sand and pebble beach near the port of Beaulieu, surrounded by the sea, palm trees, snow-white cliffs and picturesque houses; located in a small bay, protected from winds and waves.
Passable is a cozy place overlooking Villefranche harbor. Great place for kayaking or paddling.
Beautiful nature
If lying on the beaches, contemplating the sights and the social life of the cities of the Riviera tires you, on the Cote d’Azur you can easily find places for picturesque hiking and beautiful photographs against the backdrop of nature.
Ile Sainte-Marguerite – the largest of the Lérins Islands, located near Cannes. There are few buildings, but many trees: the trails run through a mixed forest of pine and eucalyptus trees. Nature tourism is also popular on the island Saint-Honorat.
Port-Cross National Park —this is 700 hectares of paradise landscapes: rocky shores, bays with clear waters, steep cliffs, beautiful sandy beaches and oak trees forests.
Porquerolles is a pristine island with white sandy beaches, wild coves, pine forests and exceptional marine life. You can get there by ferry from Toulon. There are several hiking routes along Porquerolles: from challenging hiking trails through hills and forests to easy walking paths along the coast.
Calanques de Maupas – a wild rocky beach in a nature reserve, surrounded by dense forests, light brown rocks and huge sea reefs. You can combine hiking and snorkeling.
Rayol Arboretum is a luxurious botanical park, considered one of the best in all of France. Stroll along paved paths and admire palm trees, agaves, eucalyptus, mimosa, heather, acacias, ferns and bamboo, as well as marine species.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat —a picturesque cape dotted with hiking trails. The most picturesque of them goes from Paloma Beach to Pointe Saint-Hospice, from where you can enjoy panoramic views of the French Riviera.
Forest Park Mont Boron is located near Nice, on a hill with stunning views of the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea. An excellent place for hiking and contemplating nature: here you can find cascading waterfalls, the ruins of an ancient fortress and an ancient cemetery.
Pointe de Sardino Nature Reserve —This wild peninsula is nicknamed Little Corsica by locals because of its exotic species. Rocks, pine trees, a pond with sea water dug by the Romans, and the almost complete absence of other vacationers.
*Prices are current at the time of publication.
