The eclectic city of Nice is known the world over for its amazing local food, such as socca, pissaladière, farcis nicois and pan bagnats to name a few, its wonderful Old Town, known as Vieux Nice, with its maze of narrow alleys which are filled with delightful shops selling local treats, it's Belle Epoque architecture and museums. The Baie des Anges, is famous for the maginificent 7km Promenade des Anglais, its pebble lined beach and azur waters surrounded by the backdrop of the Alps. For amazing 360 degree views, take a walk up to la Colline du Chateau (Castle Hill) which overlooks the bay. Filled with plenty of interesting sights to visit, one could easily spend a week here trying to see them all! From the Roman amphitheatre & ruins in Cimiez to the beautiful Notre Dame de Nice cathedral, the Russian Orthodox Cathedral and last but not least, the wonderful art galleries, including the Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art, the Henri Matisse Museum and the Marc Chagall museum, Nice is not to be missed.
Antibes is a lively resort town lying between Nice and Cannes, and is known for its roaring social scene and its 16th century walled old town which overlooks Port Vauban, with its mix of sailing and luxury yachts. A museum honouring one of the most popular concoctions in France - Absinthe - can be found here along with the more classic Picasso Museum, in the former Château Grimaldi. Here in Antibes you'll find long stretches of flat, white sandy beaches lapped by gentle turquoise waters, or for somewhere a little more serence, anchor your yacht in the Baie des Milliardaires - with its rocky coastline, it is the perfect spot to snorkel in the crystal clear waters.
Cannes plays host to numerous festivals throughout the year, but is world famous for its film festival held in May, right before the Monaco Grand Prix. The palm lined Boulevard de la Croisette is home to plenty of designer boutiques, luxury hotels and spas. This glitzy resort town also brags fabulous beaches, high-end restaurants and clubs making it a thriving summer charter destination not to be missed!
Saint Tropez is a small village with a big reputation. Made famous by Brigitte Bardot in the 1950's, this sleepy little town was transformed into a chic, hedonist celebrity spot each summer. Saint Tropez is still as chic as ever, a luxury location with extraordinary villas, boutique hotels, designer shops and luxury yachts lining the quaint old town. Not forgetting its beautiful beaches, such as Pampelonne, where you can experience the best clubs and restaurants all summer long.
The wonderful Iles d'Or, made up of the island of Porquerolles, Levant and Port Cros, lie off the coast of Hyères, and are true gems of the Mediterranean. These protected islands have been given National Park status. These sparsely populated islands are perfect for cycling around, or hiking, or for something a little less strenuous, they are surrounded by sandy beaches and coves with turquoise waters which are ideal for swimming, snorkeling or SCUBA diving.
Just next to Frejus, at the foot of the Esterel Massif, lies the lovely resort town of Saint Raphael with its vibrant harbour, surrounded by beautiful beaches, and a lovely old town which is worth a stroll around, with its daily market, the 7th century Romanesque church and 13th century watch tower which offers splendid views.
Lying off the coast of Cannes is the small archipelego of the Lérins Islands, made up of the two larger islands of Ile Sainte-Marguerite and the Ile Saint-Honorat, and the two smaller, uninhabited islands of Ilot Saint-Ferreol and Ilot de la Tradelière. These unspoiled islands provide a wonderful escape from summer crowds on the Côte d'Azur coastline. Ile Sainte-Marguerite is famous for its Fort where the cell of the "Man with the Iron Mask" can be visited, along with numerous other archeaological treasures. Ile Saint-Honorat is inhabited by Cistercian monks who have inhabited the island since around AD 410.