Bonjour! Cote d’Azur, also known as the French Riviera, is one of the most enchanting regions in the south of France. It’s a coastal area stretching from Menton to somewhere near Marseille – though truth be told, there are no official borders, and everyone seems to have their own opinion of where it ends! Whether you’re looking for medieval villages, historic towns, vibrant cities, or scenic landscapes – you’ll find it all here. And one thing is certain: Cote d’Azur will capture your heart! Keep reading and discover many beautiful places to visit on Cote d’Azur.
Note. We’ve personally visited all the mentioned places while living in the area for more than 2 years now. Each one of them enchanted us in its own unique way, and we’re very excited to share them with you.
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Places to visit on Cote d’Azur – Major cities
Nice
Nice is definitely the most iconic place to visit on Cote d’Azur – and for good reason! With its laid-back vibe, turquoise waters, colorful old town, elegant architecture, and delicious cuisine, Nice offers the perfect mix of charm and vibrancy. From scenic seaside walks and buzzing markets to fascinating museums and cultural gems, there’s always something to discover. We’ve visited this wonderful city over ten times and still can’t get enough!
Marseille
Marseille is the oldest city in France and one of the most fascinating places you’ll visit on Cote d’Azur. Bold, raw, energetic, and full of character, it’s a place where ancient history, colorful streets, coastal views, and everyday local life blend into something unique. From the lively old port and historic neighborhoods to dramatic scenery and hidden coves, this Mediterranean city has so much to offer. Whether you’re looking for culture, food, nature, or experience something refreshingly different, Marseille won’t disappoint. It’s a place that rewards curiosity and invites you to look beyond first impressions.
Cannes
Cannes is the world capital of cinema, where glitz and glamour reign on the sunny shores of the French Riviera. It’s a picturesque town that perfectly blends old-world charm, luxury, and natural beauty. Iconic film festival, colorful historic old town, golden sandy beaches, turquoise waters, designer boutiques, posh parties… All of that makes Cannes one of the most famous places to visit on Cote d’Azur that attracts thousands of people each year with its irresistible mix of culture, elegance, and coastal charm.
Monaco
Monaco is the world’s second-smallest country, located along the glamorous French Riviera. It’s a fascinating destination where the level of luxury, wealth, and extravagance is beyond comparison. So if you’re dreaming of stepping into a sophisticated lifestyle for a moment, Monaco is a place to do it. From Monte Carlo’s iconic casino and the adrenaline of the Grand Prix to Michelin-starred dining, designer shopping, superyachts, and fast cars, Monaco is a world-renowned hotspot that delivers unforgettable experiences on every corner.
Places to visit on Cote d’Azur – Coastal towns
Menton
Menton is one of the most colorful and charming places to visit on Cote d’Azur. It will fill you with positive energy, Mediterranean flavors, and… lots of lemons! Whether you’re wandering through its picture-perfect old town, relaxing on the beach, admiring striking views, or indulging in delicious local cuisine, Menton offers something for every traveler. Oh, and don’t miss the famous Lemon Festival if you visit in winter – it’s truly a one-of-a-kind event you’ll remember for a long, long time!
Antibes
Antibes is a picturesque town on French Riviera that beautifully blends old-world charm, luxury, and natural beauty. With the enchanting old town set within ramparts, interesting museums, luxurious villas, a bustling port filled with superyachts, magnificent beaches, and coastal trails with striking views, it’s easy to see why Antibes captures the hearts of so many travelers. Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, or a nature enthusiast, this Cote d’Azur gem has something special just for you.
Saint Tropez
Saint Tropez is one of the most iconic places on French Riviera, made famous by classic movies. Once a quiet fishing village, it has transformed into a world-renowned destination that draws celebrities and travelers from around the globe. With its pastel-hued old town, luxurious yachts, legendary beaches, scenic coastal walks, and lively nightlife, Saint-Tropez offers the perfect blend of luxury, natural beauty, and timeless charm. It’s no wonder this glamorous town inn the southern France continues to captivate visitors year after year!
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of the most radiant and charming places on the French Riviera that will instantly lift your mood with its vibrant colors and seaside charm. It’s pretty, colorful, captivating – a delight to explore at every turn. Whether you’re wandering the winding old town streets dotted with historic sites or just relaxing on the beach with striking views, Villefranche-sur-Mer offers the perfect blend of beauty and tranquility. It’s without a doubt one of the most enchanting towns in Cote d’Azur that shouldn’t be missing from your bucket list.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Saint Jean Cap Ferrat is another stunning place to visit on French Riviera that has transformed from a sleepy fishing village into a luxurious haven for the wealthy. Often called the Peninsula of Billionaires, it’s home to some of the most expensive real estate in the world. With glamorous villas, secluded beaches, lush vegetation, breathtaking coastal views, and a charming old town, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is ready to win you over. If you’re dreaming of a luxurious getaway in the South of France, this elegant destination is sure to impress you.
Cassis
Cassis is a very charming coastal town in southern France near Marseille, located between the dramatic limestone cliffs of Calanques National Park and the sparkling Mediterranean waters. It’s a place where a colorful port, charming old town, stunning natural scenery, and laid-back vibes come together beautifully. Cassis a destination that truly impresses – no wonder that it became one of the most popular places to visit on Cote d’Azur.
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Grimaud
Grimaud is a French village with a long history and a rich cultural heritage, divided into two main parts: a hilltop medieval village and the coastal area. In Grimaud village, you’ll be transported back in time while wandering around old stone buildings and cobblestone streets. In Port Grimaud, you’ll enjoy canals and bridges, alleys and colorful houses, as well as the sea, and sand on lovely beaches. It’s such a lovely and unique destination to visit on Cote d’Azur!
Saint-Raphael
Saint Raphael is one of the most popular holiday destinations on the French Riviera, attracting thousands of visitors each year with its natural beauty and diverse attractions. This vibrant town offers three main areas to explore: the scenic coastline with golden beaches and coastal trails, the charming old town filled with historic monuments and local vibes, and the nearby Massif de l’Esterel mountain range – perfect for hiking, biking, and admiring panoramic views. Whether you’re looking to relax or stay active, Saint-Raphael has something for you!
Toulon
Toulon is a laid-back port city on the Mediterranean coast that often flies under the radar of travelers exploring French Riviera. But those who decide to stay are rewarded with beautiful coastal scenery, colorful markets, rich maritime heritage, stunning beaches, and a wonderfully local feel. If you’re looking for a unique southern French destination without the crowds, Toulon might surprise you.
La Ciotat
Often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbors, La Ciotat surprises its visitors with dramatic rugged cliffs, beautiful beaches and calanques, a lively port, and a relaxed Mediterranean vibe. This hidden gem on French Riviera is also where cinema was born and where petanque was invented. La Ciotat is a place where Provençal charm meets Riviera scenery, without the crowds. La Ciotat can be your perfect quiet getaway in southern France.
Sanary-sur-Mer
Sanary-sur-Mer is a pretty coastal town near Marseille that perfectly blends stunning scenery, rich history, and a taste of authentic southern France. With pastel-colored facades, traditional wooden fishing boats in the port, peaceful beaches, and relaxed vibes, there’s something for every traveler to enjoy in Sanary. It’s the perfect place to slow down, unwind, and savor the moment.
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Best places to visit on Cote d’Azur – Medieval villages
Eze
Eze is one of the most authentic and well-preserved medieval villages near Nice, offering a wonderful glimpse into life as it was centuries ago. This hilltop gem charms visitors with its narrow, winding streets, tall stone houses, and beautifully preserved medieval architecture. Also, don’t miss the Exotic Garden at the top, where you’ll find breathtaking views over the coastline. It’s no wonder that Eze became one of the most popular places to visit on Cote d’Azur!
Mougins
Mougins is one of the most captivating French medieval villages, set among pine, olive, and cypress trees on the hills between Cannes and Grasse. With its picturesque alleys, countless galleries, and even a giant Picasso head, Mougins is a haven for art lovers. Yes, you’ll be exploring the same streets where Pablo Picasso lived and spent his final years! Add in the stunning views and world-renowned Michelin-starred restaurants, and Mougins easily becomes a must-visit place on Cote d’Azur.
Valbonne
Valbonne is a well-kept secret of the French Riviera that unfortunately seems to be missing from most travel blogs and guides. It’s a pretty, charming, peaceful, and well-preserved little village that thanks to its distinctive street grid layout is a bit different from other villages in the area. To be honest, you won’t find dozens of exciting things to do in Valbonne, but even despite that you shouldn’t skip a visit to this village – it’s truly charming.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Saint Paul de Vence is one of the most iconic medieval villages on the French Riviera that seems to be frozen in time. Since the 1920s, it has been a strong magnet for countless artists and art lovers – including legends like Matisse, Chagall, and Picasso. Today, Saint Paul de Vence is a fairy-tale place that charms its visitors with winding cobbled streets, cozy squares, hidden corners, tall stone houses, art galleries, craft shops, and great views… No wonder that it became one of the most beloved places to visit on French Riviera!
Gourdon
Gourdon is one of the most visited hilltop villages on the French Riviera. All thanks to the fact that it has been officially named one of the most beautiful villages in France! Gourdon is perched high above the valley, offering striking views over the surroundings, along with picturesque streets lined with stone houses, small art galleries, local craft shops, and a few historical buildings. It’s a great place to step back in time for a few hours and soak in the magic of old-world charm.
Peillon
Peillon is one of the most authentic and well-preserved villages on Cote d’Azur, where you’ll truly feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Despite its charm, it remains a hidden gem of the French Riviera, rarely mentioned in most travel guides. Peillon will captivate you with its typical medieval architecture, winding streets, tall stone houses, vaulted passageways, panoramic views, and… complete lack of any touristy things! Really, nothing at all! It’s a perfect destination to escape from the crowds and undoubtedly one of the coolest places to visit on Cote d’Azur!
Sainte-Agnes
Sainte Agnes is the highest coastal village in Europe and proudly holds the title of one of the most beautiful villages in France! Unfortunately, even despite that, it remains surprisingly under the radar in most travel guides. And it’s a real shame, because Sainte Agnes is a truly delightful and picturesque village on the French Riviera, just a short distance from Nice. It’s just waiting for curious travelers to uncover its history, fascinating secrets, and spectacular views over the surroundings.
Bormes-les-Mimosas
Bormes-les-Mimosas, hidden between the hills and the sea, is a picture-perfect destination that bursts with flowers, charm, and beauty. It offers a perfect blend of cobbled streets, colorful facades, peaceful squares, scenic Mediterranean views, peaceful atmosphere, and a rich historical heritage. If you’re after a quiet escape, this hidden gem on Cote d’Azur is the place you’re looking for.
Grasse
Grasse is a fascinating French town where everything revolves around the world of scent and perfume. Known as the perfume capital of the world, Grasse is home to world-renowned perfumeries, interactive museums, hands-on perfume-making workshops, a flower fields in the surrounding hills. As you wander its charming old town, you’ll find streets lined with perfume shops and boutiques that celebrate this unique heritage. Add in wonderful countryside views, and you’ll see why Grasse stands out as one of the most unique places to visit on Cote d’Azur.
Biot
Biot is another charming village on French Riviera, best known for its rich glass-blowing tradition and vibrant art scene. Despite its great location just a short drive from Nice, it remains in the shadow of its more famous neighbours. But that’s exactly what makes Biot a little bit more special! Village offers a peaceful atmosphere where you can wander among picturesque streets, explore art galleries and museums, enjoy local cuisine, and visit unique glassblowing studios. It’s one of those lesser-known places on Cote d’Azur that makes for a truly rewarding day trip.
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
Roquebrune Cap Martin is another of the very picturesque places you can visit on Cote d’Azur. Yet, it’s often overlooked by many, even despite its privileged location right between Menton and Monaco. It’s a peaceful destination offering a perfect escape from the crowds, with something to delight every type of traveler. Whether you want to wander through the charming old town, relax on beautiful beaches, or take a scenic walk surrounded by Mediterranean views, Roquebrune has it all.
Peille
Peille is an enchanting hidden gem among the French Riviera medieval villages, a peaceful hilltop escape tucked away in the mountains. With its narrow winding streets, vaulted passageways, cozy squares, and historic stone houses, this beautifully preserved village makes you feel like stepping back in time hundreds of years. Peille is still undiscovered by mass tourism and full of stunning views over the surroundings, which only add to its quiet charm. It’s a place full of character, perfect for slow travel and quiet exploration.
Cagnes-sur-Mer
Cagnes-sur-Mer is a peaceful and underrated gem among the villages near Nice, offering a relaxing escape from the busy coastal towns of the French Riviera. It’s divided into two parts: the inland hilltop village of Haut-de-Cagnes and the seaside district of Cros-de-Cagnes – once a fishing district, now a residential/holiday area. In the historic village, you’ll find picturesque alleys, panoramic views, and an authentic, laid-back vibe. And down by the sea, you can enjoy nice beaches and lovely waterfront strolls. With an amazing blend of history, scenery, and seaside charm, Cagnes-sur-Mer makes for a wonderful place to visit on Cote d’Azur.
Tourrettes-sur-Loup
Tourrettes-sur-Loup is a perched village near Nice where you’ll find charming winding streets, hidden corners, traditional stone houses, small art galleries, and amazing views of the surroundings. Despite its beauty, Tourrettes is often overlooked and hard to find in travel guides. And it’s a shame as it’s just as captivating as its more famous neighbors like Saint-Paul de Vence or Gourdon. But its quiet presence is also part of the charm, and with fewer tourists around, you can truly soak in the old-world charm of this lovely village.
La Turbie
La Turbie is a small village on the French Riviera with a rich and fascinating history. There, you can go on a journey back thousands of years while wandering through a charming old town that still bears many marks of the Roman Empire and the legacy of Emperor Augustus. Also, thanks to its location on a higher altitude, La Turbie offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surroundings, including some views over Monaco! Especially history lovers should add this village to their list of places to visit on Cote d’Azur.
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Best places to visit on Cote d’Azur – Summing up & Our Top5
As you can see now, there are so many amazing places to visit on Cote d’Azur! Fascinating historic towns, charming medieval villages, vibrant cities, natural sites… If you’re staying longer in the area or planning a whole French Riviera road trip you definitely won’t be bored. We hope our post was helpful, and now you’re one step closer to choosing places on Cote d’Azur that will steal your heart. Enjoy!
As we’ve already mentioned at the beginning, so far we’ve spent over 2 years on the Côte d’Azur living in various places near Nice and Marseille. The whole region quickly became our favorite in France, and it just keeps drawing us back… We really enjoyed exploring all the places mentioned in the post, and we can recommend them all with a clear conscience.
If you’re wondering what our personal TOP5 is… Nice, Menton, Saint Paul de Vence, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and Cassis.
