Villa Holidays in the French Riviera
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Where is the French Riviera?

The French Riviera, or Cotê d’Azur, lies in the south-east of France. The region runs from St Tropez in the west to the Italian border in the east, and stretches from the Mediterranean coast to the southern Alps. The city of Nice is situated along the coastline and is home to the region’s main airport.

When to travel to the French Riviera

As the region is protected from the colder weather by the Alps, it tends to enjoy a mild climate. Daytime temperatures here rise to the mid-teens by the end of April, while summer begins in late May and lasts until the end of September. In July and August, daytime temperatures can rise to above 30 degrees Celsius.

Nightlife

There are plenty of glamorous bars to be found in the larger towns and cities, such as St. Tropez, Cannes or Nice. The coastline is beautiful at sunset, and there are several rooftop bars where you can enjoy the view with a cocktail. It’s a quieter affair in the smaller towns and villages, with local restaurants and bars offering a more relaxed vibe. In the summer, the French Riviera plays host to several events. Attracting an array of international artists, the jazz festivals in Juan les Pins and Nice are a particular highlight.

History of the French Riviera

The region was originally known for its fishing, olive groves and the production of flowers for perfume, manufactured in Grasse. The French Riviera became popular in the early 19th century, when the wealthy European aristocrats and royalty began to arrive, including Queen Victoria who was very fond of the area. Quickly becoming the most popular destination amongst the world’s richest, you will still find luxurious villas, restaurants and super yachts here. By the end of the 19th century, several artists were attracted by the climate, bright colours and stunning scenery, including Auguste Renoir, Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso.

What to do in the French Riviera

Many of the world’s famous artists came to the French Riviera to paint, and you can see their work displayed in museums throughout the region. Nice is home to 3 of the best art museums, including Musée Matisse, Musée Marc Chagall and Musée d’Art Morderne, all offering free entry on the first Sunday of every month. You will also find a number of cobbled towns and villages throughout the region, still showing signs of their medieval history. Home to the Fondation Maeght and the nearby La Chapelle du Rosaire (designed by Henri Matisse), the medieval town of Saint Paul de Vence is well worth a visit. Festivals are common in the French Riviera, from the Film Festival in Cannes, to the smaller town events such as the Fete du Jasmin every August in Grasse.

Where to visit

There is an array of towns and cities to visit along the length of the Mediterranean coast, including the glamourous St. Tropez, Cannes, Antibes and Monaco. Cannes holds the annual Film Festival every May, while Monaco is home to the Grand Prix. Head north towards the Alps for the charming old villages of Grasse, Saint Paul de Vence, Gourdon and Biot. Packed with culture, these villages offer stunning views across the French Riviera from their high vantage points. Grasse is famous for its perfume industry and is home to the International Perfume Museum. Biot is known for glassblowing – you can visit The Glassblowers’ Studio for free to watch the masters at work. For spectacular landscapes, visit one of the 14 nature parks, each with a diverse range of flora and fauna. The capital of the French Riviera, Nice, is one of the liveliest cities in the region, with a historic Old Town and no end to shopping and dining spots.

What to eat and drink

Famous for its culinary delights, the French Riviera is a food lover’s paradise. Choose from countryside restaurants serving local specialties, or head to the coastal towns for some delicious seafood. This area is well-known for the traditional niçoise salad – don’t leave without trying it. Most towns and villages will also hold a local food market where you can buy regional specialties like goat’s cheese and fougasse, as well as other fresh breads and local delicacies. Or, if you feel like blowing the budget, why not visit one of many Michelin Star restaurants in Nice or Cannes? With numerous vineyards in the region, there is plenty of French wine for you to enjoy too – you can find a wine to pair with every dish you try. The locally produced Provençal Rosé is a firm favourite amongst locals.

Things to do for families

The French Riviera is such a diverse region, offering a plethora of things to do for the whole family. Visit one of the many beaches along the coast, or head north to one of the 14 nature parks to explore the local flora and fauna. If you like to stay active on holiday you try can hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Don’t miss the Grottes de Saint-Cézaire too – a 3 mile long network of caves almost 40 meters underground. Or, drive to the Gorges du Loup canyon, where you can try canyoning and kayaking.  There is an Aquarium in Monaco that offers a range of interactive activities for kids to enjoy. Just outside of St. Tropez you’ll find Azur Park, with over 35 attractions and rides, as well as a mini golf course. Antibes is home to Marineland, with a small zoo and aquarium, plus play park and miniature golf. For a fun day out, try Le Village des Fous which has a maze, water games and rides. You could also visit Le Bois de Lutins for its fun tree top adventure park.