Are you planning a trip to Cote d’Azur and besides the famous sites you’d also like to explore some hidden gems, places yet undiscovered by most travelers? If so, you’re in good hands – we’ve got a few awesome suggestions! So far we’ve lived on the French Riviera for a little more than a year and during that time we visited quite a large part of this beautiful part of France and got to know it pretty well. Without further ado, let us show you our favorite hidden gems on Cote d’Azur that enchanted us. Hope you’ll love them too!
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How to get to hidden gems on Cote d’Azur?
The fastest way of getting to all mentioned hidden gems on Cote d’Azur is by car, either yours or rented. If you don’t travel with your own car, you can easily rent the best one for your needs through the Rental Cars website.
Most of the towns and villages are also accessible by public transport – mostly by buses, rarely by trains. You can search for the connections that might interest you on the rome2rio.com or sncf-connect.com website.
If you don’t want to put too much effort into planning, you can always take advantage of the guided tours and let someone else take care of all the details. For a wide selection and well-reviewed tour options be sure to visit GetYourGuide or Viator.
Hidden gems on Cote d’Azur
Sainte-Agnes
Sainte-Agnes is the highest coastal village in Europe, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France! It’s located near Menton, a very popular destination on Cote d’Azur. Unfortunately, even despite all of that, it’s often overlooked and hard to find in most travel guides. And frankly – it’s a shame – as Sainte-Agnes is a truly delightful and picturesque village on the French Riviera. It’s just waiting for curious travelers to discover its history, fascinating secrets, and spectacular views of the surroundings.
Learn more: Sainte-Agnes, France – Things To Do In Highest Coastal Village In Europe
Valbonne
Valbonne is another well-kept secret of Cote d’Azur, located very close to popular towns like Antibes and Cannes. 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 nearby. 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 a truly charming hidden gem on Cote d’Azur.
Learn more: Valbonne Village In France – Hidden Gem of Cote d’Azur
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin is one of the most picturesque places on Cote d’Azur often overlooked by many, even despite its privileged location right between Menton and Monaco. But thanks to that, this village is a peaceful and quiet travel destination where each traveler will find something perfect for themself. Whether you want to explore a charming old town, relax on the beaches, or go on a walk in picturesque settings – you’ll find it in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin.
Learn more: 10+ Things To Do In Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France
Peillon
Peillon is one of the most authentic and well-preserved perched villages on Cote d’Azur where you can really feel like you stepped back in time. Yet, it’s also one of the hidden gems of the area, not mentioned in many guides! It is a captivating place where you’ll find typical medieval architecture, winding streets, tall stone houses, vaulted passageways, great views, and… lack of any touristy things! Really, nothing at all! Oh, and it’s located not far from Monaco and Eze village!
Learn more: Peillon, France – Perched Medieval Village Near Nice
Peille
Peille is an enchanting hidden gem on Cote d’Azur, a delightful remote hilltop village tucked away in the mountains. It’s a captivating place where you’ll step back in time for a few hours and feel like in medieval times. It’s pretty, well-preserved, peaceful, and undiscovered by many. Quaint stone houses, winding narrow streets, vaulted passageways, cozy squares, historic buildings, many friendly cats eager to be pet, and amazing views over the surroundings await you in Peille.
Learn more: Peille, France – Medieval Village Tucked In Mountains Near Nice
Mougins
Mougins is a captivating medieval village perched amongst pines, olives, and cypress trees, on the hills midway between Cannes and Grasse. There you’ll find picturesque alleys, numerous art galleries, world-renowned Michelin restaurants, magnificent views over the surroundings, and even a giant Picasso head! Yes, you’ll be wandering around the village where one of the greatest and most-influential artists of the 20th century lived and died!
Learn more: Things To Do In Mougins Village In France, The Death Place of Picasso
Explore local attractions
Bormes-les-Mimosas
Bormes-les-Mimosas is a picturesque village on Cote d’Azur located somewhere in the middle of Toulon and Saint-Tropez. It’s best known for its stunning floral displays, particularly mimosa trees that bloom in early spring. The village is not only listed as one of the most flower-decorated villages in France but also named one of the most beautiful sites of the Var department! Amazing views over the surroundings, charming medieval streets perfect for lazy strolls, and ruins of medieval castles await you there. Bormes-les-Mimosas is an amazing hidden gem on Cote d’Azur worth discovering.
Biot
Biot is a medieval village on Cote d’Azur full of history, culture, and art and is best known for its glass-blowing traditions. Unfortunately, even despite its great location on Cote d’Azur, very close to Nice and Antibes, it’s often in the shadow of other more popular towns nearby. But thanks to that, Biot is a peaceful destination that can be your quiet day trip near Nice. From the pretty alleys, art galleries, and restaurants to interesting museums and glassblowing workshops – there’s so much to do in Biot!
Learn more: 10+ Things To Do In Biot Village In The South Of France
Tourrettes-sur-Loup
Tourrettes-sur-Loup is another beautiful hidden gem on Cote d’Azur. It’s a perched village where you’ll find typical medieval architecture, winding streets, hidden corners, small art galleries, and great views of the surroundings. It’s a delightful place, as beautiful as the famed Saint Paul de Vence or Gourdon! But on the other hand, with a fairly low number of tourists, you can really feel like you stepped back in time hundreds of years.
Learn more: Tourrettes-sur-Loup, France – Medieval Village Famous For Violets
Sanary-sur-Mer
Sanary-sur-Mer is a charming and peaceful coastal town located not far from Marseille and Toulon. It’s best known for its picturesque harbor lined with colorful traditional fishing boats. In Sanary-sur-Mer you’ll also find magnificent beaches, a promenade with great sea views, and an old town full of charming streets and notable landmarks. Historical charm and seaside beauty create a truly nice blend, a pleasant place to explore on Cote d’Azur.
Hidden gems on Cote d’Azur – Summing up
That’s it, 10 amazing hidden gems on Cote d’Azur. Don’t they all look charming and inviting to explore? They might not be *yet* as popular as other places in the region but they definitely deserve your attention and some of your time. We hope this post was helpful, and now you’re one step closer to choosing hidden gems you’ll visit during your next trip to Cote d’Azur. And we certainly hope they will delight you as much as they delighted us! Enjoy!
If you are wondering which ones are our favorites, these are Sainte Agnes, Bormes-les-Mimosas, and Peillon.
