Mougins
Just over four miles north of Cannes and set slightly inland, Mougins is surrounded by forests and olive groves, offering wonderful panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Esterel mountains to the west. Over the years this peaceful village has been home to a number of celebrities - including Man Ray, Yves Saint Laurent, Catherine Deneuve and Picasso, who spent the last twelve years of his life here. Mougins is renowned for its many excellent restaurants and Le Moulin de Mougins, located in an old oil mill just outside the village, is regarded by many as one of the top restaurants in France.
Eze
Eze is a picturesque medieval village positioned between Nice and Monaco, dominated by the remainder of its 12th-century castle that is still visible at the top of the hill where it was built. Set high up on a clifftop looking out towards Cap-Ferrat and Italy, it offers some of the most beautiful views over the Mediterranean Sea. The narrow streets of the village wind through the landscape and are lined with pretty little houses that have been lovingly restored and are now mostly home to galleries, craft boutiques, souvenir shops and restaurants.
Beaches
By nature, France’s Côte d’Azur is home to a selection of stunning beaches. Lie back in luxury on one of Saint Tropez’s golden swathes of sand, before cooling off in one of many exclusive beachfront bars and restaurants. Glamorous Cannes also boasts a number of popular beaches, whilst Nice is yet another sunny seaside location. The small town, St-Jean, on the opulent Cap-Ferrat peninsula − which was once owned by King Leopold II of Belgium − has a leisurely atmosphere and a village-like feel, as well as the beautiful sandy beach, Plage de Passable.
Glamour
Synonymous with glamour and exclusivity, the Côte d’Azur is renowned for its popularity with the rich and famous. Explore stunning and flamboyant St Tropez, the harbour of which is filled with sleek bars and restaurants, often hosting fashionable parties. Nice has been a magnet for affluent high-rollers and sun-seekers since the 19th century, whilst in Canne, luxurious shops, hotels and boutiques line La Croisette, the famous boulevard along the seafront and the place to see-and-be- seen. Additionally, each May, the world-famous International Film Festival is held in Cannes, during which the biggest stars descend the steps of the Palais des Festivals. If you're in the region during this time, you may just pass a film star or two.
Yachts
Due to the glamorous allure of the region, countless super-yachts frequent its many bustling harbours. In Cannes’s attractive quarter, Vieux Port, spot fishing-boats jostle bumper-to-bumper with luxury yachts, a charming meeting of old tradition and sleek glamour. Similarly, within the small, village-like St-Jean, luxury yachts in the pretty port serve to remind you that it is one of the most luxurious destinations in the Mediterranean. For a true taste of luxury, why not sail the shimmering coastline in your own sleek yacht? A number of our featured properties in the Côte d’Azur have their very own boat available for hire.
Art and Architecture
Beyond its golden beaches and inimitable glamour, the Côte d’Azur is home to an eclectic and unique art scene. In sunny Nice, explore the Musée Matisse, housing a fascinating assortment of masterpieces by Henri Matisse. An icon of Modern art, Matisse’s work is renowned for its expression, colour and originality. Outside of the glorious museum, stroll along the Promenade des Anglais or view the fascinating Baroque architectural gems in Vieux Nice - the 17th-century Cathédrale Ste-Réparate is a particular highlight.
Shopping
With luxury status, an air of French chic and a number of bustling towns, the Côte d’Azur is an excellent destination for shopping – from designer boutiques to traditional French markets. In St Tropez, quaint streets are flanked by a variety of high-end shops and cafés, snaking through the town towards La Place aux Herbes. A kaleidoscope of colour, this lively square is a great place to soak up the atmosphere of local life as stallholders display their wares of freshly-caught fish, organic fruit and vegetables and scented flowers. Nice’s alluring old town also boasts brilliant markets, whilst Cannes is filled with wonderful couture shops.
Film Festival
Each May, the world-famous International Film Festival, is held in Cannes and images of stars descending the steps of the Palais des Festivals are flashed across our television screens. If you're in the region during this time you may be able to see a celebrity or two in the flesh.
Travel Planning
Our Travel Consultants can advise on, arrange and pre-book many things to enhance your holiday. This includes everything from spa reservations and dinner reservations, to a range of special experiences available in our featured resorts that you may not know about.
Flight Information
British Airways from London Heathrow to Nice. UK regional departures and charter flights are also available.
Flight Time
From London Heathrow to Nice: 2 hours.
Travelling With Children or Without an Adult
Children travelling without both parents should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. Please contact the relevant Embassy for the county you are travelling to for further information.
Visa and Advance Passenger Information
All passengers must ensure they have a valid, acceptable passport, any required visa and any other documentation for both the final destination and any stop-off points en route. Please make sure that Advance Passenger Information is submitted in advance to travel for all destinations. Failure to hold correct documentation or submitting incorrect details with Advance Passenger Information or Visa applications may result in refusal of carriage or entry into a country. Please check with the relevant Embassy regarding visa requirements well in advance of your travel date. Charges may apply for some visas.
Passengers not travelling on a British Passport are advised to contact their relevant Foreign & Commonwealth office for individual Visa requirements.
For up-to-date resort information, visit www.fco.gov.uk
Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide and you should take health advice about your specific needs from your general practitioner or a specialist clinic as early as possible before travel. Those planning to become pregnant should discuss their travel plans with their healthcare provider to assess their risk of infection with Zika. For information about Zika, other mosquito-borne diseases (such as Dengue fever and Chikungunya), Lyme Disease (caused by tick bites), and to receive advice on mosquito bite avoidance measures, please visit Insect and tick bite avoidance.
In addition, we highly recommend that you seek specialist advice from your doctor and, where recommended, obtain vaccinations or tablets for protection against, for example: Malaria, Hepatitis A, Polio and Typhoid. In some cases, treatments for Malaria should begin well in advance of travel. Travellers may also be required to show Yellow Fever Certificates on arrival in certain destinations ie, some African countries. Please note that you are strongly advised against scuba-diving for 24 hours before travelling by air. We would also like to draw your attention to the risk of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and recommend that you consult with your doctor before travelling.
Visit the FCDO website and select your destination country for the very latest travel advice: Foreign Travel Advice. Additional sources of information include: Public Health England, The National Travel Health And Network Centre, Foreign And Commonwealth Office and your General Practitioner or a specialised clinic.