Haa the Côte d’Azur, this part of France where the sun does not pray to point the tip of your nose. This part of France where every summer, a lot of French people get together in search of vitamin D.
Only you know it as much as me, when you are from a region, we take only very little time to discover the surroundings. Rather fond of setting sail and discover other countries …
I who thought for all these years have gone around, I fell from high to realize that in fact, I knew only 10% of this region much richer than we get conceived.
So if you too, thought to know the Côte d’Azur, are convinced that this region rhymes with only bling-bling rather than charm and authenticity, you will soon learn else! I will try to make you discover the Côte d’Azur as you have never seen before thanks to a nice selection of ways and places to discover the french riviera. A selection embellished with sea, sun and joie de vivre of course!
What to do on the French Riviera?
1. Furrow the Heart Riviera
Located in the Alpes Maritimes, the Riviera Heart is the grouping of several small towns in the canton of Villefranche-sur-mer. Among them, we find Villefranche-sur-Mer, Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Eze, Cap d’Ail and finally La Turbie. These 6 municipalities have something to seduce because they are all cities with strong character, endearing cities and so beautiful.
Favorite in the area
Enjoy the moment at Paloma Beach, St Jean Cap Ferrat
Small jewel of poetry, jewel of the Côte d’Azur, this beach is not frequented (in September), almost secret is a happiness. This pebble cove welcomes some connoisseurs who have come to bathe in its crystalline waters or have their taste buds dance in the beach restaurant. On the menu, local, Mediterranean flavors based on olive oil, mozzarella and basil, with a panoramic view of the cliffs of the heart riviera.
2. Go back in time aboard a vintage car
If you are tempted by the experience, I advise you to take a look at Rent a classic car. These enthusiasts have a whole bunch of vintage cars to rent by the day, for 3 days, a week or for a particular event. A rental with or without driver.
3. Make a break on the island Saint Honorat, Cannes
Like most people in this world, people think: glitter, stars, festival, bling-bling, big engine and so on! Yet Cannes is not just the steps and the red carpet. Cannes is also the Suquet, an old city with undeniable charm, without forgetting the Lérins islands. Among them, there is the Sainte Marguerite Island and the Saint-Honorat Island, just 15 minutes by shuttle boat from the Croisette.
Saint Honorat Island has the particularity of being inhabited by … Monks … Yes, this is the property of a Cistercian congregation. Île Saint-Honorat is 4km of serenity and peace between pine forest, turquoise water, vineyards and orchards. A green setting far from the Cannes as we know it! Spend the day on this island, can be as cut off from the world, away from the consumer society, in a setting that could not be more idyllic and again, just minutes from Cannes!
Do not miss it: if you are visiting Cannes during the Royal Regattas, take the time to admire these vessels filled with poetry. Seeing them go up the sails spunked me! These giants seemed to fly on the water, a real sight not to miss.
Do not hesitate to inquire on the site to know the dates of the next edition
4. Rent a Segway, Nice
Love at first sight for this city, what is Nice! Until then, I had only seen its airport, its promenade and its few shopping centers.
Take the time to discover this incredible city, this city of a thousand colors. This city where people of all horizons speak together, where all dialects coexist, this city where the sea of a unique blue elbows with the snow-capped peaks! Nice will surprise you.
Discover the city by Segway
This electric machine takes you anywhere, easily, at your own pace with this feeling of gliding euphoric. To ride in Nice by Segway allows to see and visit a maximum of things in a reduced time but also not get tired too much. Because it should not be forgotten Nice is located in the Alpes-Maritimes department in other words, Nice is not the flat country!
Take a few hours of Segway riding to learn a lot about this young French, thanks to the dedicated guides of Mobilboard who take pleasure in showing you all the most beautiful parts of the city.
Favorites
- Climb on Castle Hill and admire the view from there high
- To lose myself in the alleys of Old Nice
- Taste the specialties of the city (Socca, small stuffed, eggplant flowers fries)
- Stroll at dawn in the flower market and vegetables during Saleya
- Take the time and play water on the promenade du Paillon
5. Go to the botanistic apprenticies in the eze exotic garden
Well, let’s admit that this last way to discover the Côte d’Azur is also an excuse to visit the charming medieval village of Èze.
Eze, as I said a little earlier, is part of the heart riviera. This medieval village, located on a sugar loaf, welcomes many tourists every year. Its reputation is second to none and yet the exotic garden overlooking the village is not what we imagine at the moment when we think of Eze.
Part of the village, the garden is located on the site of the old medieval fortress 429 meters above the big blue mediteranian. Here you will find an exceptional view and a look that leads to Esterel and Corsica on a clear day! No need to be a fervent cactus admirer to enjoy this place. Dozens of succulents and other plants in this garden come from all over the world!
If you are with children, the visit can also turn to fun as the shape of some species is amazing!
I really hope that this article has allowed you to discover or rediscover this region and a whole lot of places you did not know existed.
If you know of other cool places, do not hesitate to share them in the comments!
