Visit Cote d'Azur
The Cote d'Azur (or French Riviera) has long been one of the great attractions of France, for the glamour, sunshine, beaches and sophistication of resorts such as Nice, Saint-Tropez and Cannes - a reputation that is well earned, the Cote d'Azur is a lovely region to explore, with many less known gems to discover among the more famous.
Selected places to visit on the Cote d'Azur
Highlights of the Cote d'Azur
The Cote d'Azur is the region of south-east France that runs along the coast from Bandol, west of Toulon, to Menton and the Italian border in the east. Cote d'Azur therefore includes part of the coastal Bouches-du-Rhone department and the southern edges of the Var and Alpes-Maritimes departments. Often the section of coast closest to Italy is also known as the French Riviera.
The Mediterranean coast (Cote d'Azur / Riviera) of south-east France includes such renowned resorts as Nice, Antibes, Saint-Tropez and Cannes. Rich, exclusive, sophisticated...and often rather crowded. There are also many smaller villages and towns along the coast and in the hills slightly inland which you can explore when the beaches, shopping, crowds and glamour all becomes a bit tiring.
Bouches-du-Rhone and Var departments
Heading along the coast from west to east and starting from Marseille, the highlights start a little east from Marseille at Cassis and with a trip along the stunning Calanques of Marseille, then with the pretty resort of Carry-le-Rouet en route for Martgues.
The pleasant resort at Bandol is also well known for its fine wines, while the resorts of Sanary-sur-Mer and the port of Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer are also close to hand.
Continue via Toulon, a large town and French naval base, to the town of Hyeres, and the stunning Iles d'Hyeres (includes the Ile du Levant, Porquerolles and Port Cros) just off the coast to the east of Toulon.
Just a little way inland visit the village of Bormes-les-Mimosas and enjoy the views from the 'twin villages' of Ramatuelle and Gassin before visiting the attractive resorts at Cavalaire-sur-Mer and La Croix-Valmer.
No visit to the Cote d'Azur would be complete without visiting the glamorous and active resort of Saint Tropez, one of the most well known resorts on the Cote d'Azur, then head around the gulf of St Tropez to the 'medieval perched village meets sophisticated marina' at Grimaud and Port Grimaud.
Continuing around the Gulf from Saint-Tropez you will come to Sainte-Maxime, then perhaps continue west along the Cote d'Azur to see Frejus with its Roman remains and medieval centre, and nearby Saint Raphael. Between the two is the popular holiday village at Cap Esterel.
See also our travel guides for Bouches-du-Rhone and Var
Cote d'Azur in Alpes-Maritimes - the French Riviera
Moving now into the true 'French riviera' walk in the footsteps of the stars at Cannes, the major French riviera resort made famous by the annual Cannes Film Festival, and visit the important and popular resorts of Antibes and Juan-les-Pins. Theoule-sur-Mer and Mandalieu-la-Napoule are also nearby.
The resort of Cagnes-sur-Mer, and slightly inland to the artistic towns of Vence and the most visited village in Provence at St-Paul-de-Vence are next along the coast
Next comes the major town of Nice (one of the largest cities in France, and the most popular seaside-holiday resort in France), then on to Cap Ferrat and the attractive old town and harbour at Villefranche-sur-Mer. Continue to the principality of Monaco (including Monte Carlo) - not really part of Provence of course, but you will most likely visit Monaco during your visit to this region.
Visit the nearby villages, including Roquebrune-Cap-Martin and La Turbie, then Menton, sophisticated port town on the Cote d'Azur and close to the border with Italy. Slightly inland from Menton are the villages of Peillon and Gorbio.
See also our travel guide for Alpes-Maritimes
General Cote d'Azur information
The coastline here is very beautiful and the weather is more consistently sunny than any other part of France (Corsica excepted). From grand yachts in the ports, awesome scenery along the coast eg the Calanques at Marseille and the coast road near Nice, sunny beaches and small Provencal villages there is something for everyone on the Cote d'Azur.
This does mean the roads and beaches can be busier than elsewhere in France, although it is usually very easy to escape to the quiet winding roads just a little way inland, and while beach lovers will want to visit in high summer, those planning to explore the Cote d'Azur may prefer to avoid high summer.
You should also be aware that while many places along the coast are attractive and sophisticated that doesn't mean everywhere is! Be sure to check the details for the particular resort or town where you are planning to stay.
There are two airports on the Cote d'Azur: for flights see Nice Airport and Toulon Airport.
Map of Cote d'Azur
Page in French? See Cote d'Azur (Francais)
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