Highlights
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.