FRENCH RIVIERA & ITS HINTERLAND TRAVEL GUIDE

The Côte d’Azur feels like a postcard come to life, all blue skies, sunshine, sweet scents and effortless style. From hidden little coves to snow-covered Alpine peaks in winter, it offers a wild mix of landscapes between the sea and the mountains.

It’s a land full of contrasts, where glamorous beach resorts sit next to peaceful hilltop villages, buzzing festivals meet quiet Cistercian monasteries, and shady pine forests lead to golden beaches.

Sure, the famous seaside towns like Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Saint-Tropez and Monaco get all the spotlight with their legendary vibe, nightlife and rich culture. But just a few kilometers inland, there’s a whole other world waiting for you, one that’s authentic, easygoing and full of old-school charm. Think rolling hills in the Estérel and Maures ranges, the dramatic Verdon Gorges, vineyards in the Var, and valleys like the Tinée, Cians or Roya. You’ll come across character-filled villages like Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Gourdon, Cotignac or Saorge.

With around 300 days of sunshine a year, it’s a dream for outdoor fun: hiking, diving, cycling, coastal walks or just chilling on warm sand. And if you’re into culture, you’re covered there too, with museums dedicated to Picasso, Matisse, or Chagall, ancient ruins, Romanesque abbeys and old fortresses that all tell a story.

But the Côte d’Azur isn’t just a shiny summer hotspot packed with tourists. It’s got hidden gems for anyone willing to go off the beaten path: forgotten coves, tiny fishing harbors, secret trails, lush gardens, local markets and tons of warm, welcoming spots. And if wide open spaces are more your thing, the inland areas are calling, with fresh mountain air and the scent of wild herbs all around.

It’s a place where anything feels possible, between sea and mountains, art and nature, party vibes and peaceful moments. A destination to live in tune with the sun, the wind, the villages and the seasons.