At the mention of the French Riviera most people immediately picture the star studded film festival in Cannes, the luxurious yachts in Monaco, and the rocky beaches of Nice. However, the famous Cote d’Azur has many charming towns that are generally off the radar, yet worth a visit. Most of the villages and port towns along the Riviera are quite small making them perfect for day trips. If you plan to stay in the larger cities, such as, Marseille or Nice, then don’t miss out on the many hidden gems along the French Riviera. Keep reading for my list of the best kept secrets along the Cote d’Azur.
Sanary-sur-Mer
Sanary-sur-Mer is a colorful port town along the Cote d’Azur. The charming town is about an hour east of Marseille, (49km) and is famous for its farmer’s market and Rosé. If you’re like me and love a chilled glass of Rosé then don’t miss out on the Rosé wine festival that takes place every May.
Shop at the Weekly Market: Every Wednesday Sanary-sur-Mer hosts one of the largest open air markets in the area. You’ll find everything from locally sourced fruits and vegetables, to handmade jewelry, and traditional Provençal textiles and tablecloths. Whether you are looking to buy something or not I’m sure you will leave the market with some new local delicacies.
Explore the Colorful Port: The Old Port is my favorite part of the quaint seaside town, and a must see. Stroll along the harbor to see all of the docked boats, and the backdrop of colorful buildings.
Drink an Aperitif: When in France, you must do as the French do, which means taking part in the custom of aperitif. Aperitif, or apero for short, is a small drink before meals to stimulate the appetite. Have a seat at one of the many bistros and cafes along the Port for a drink with a view.
Soap Shopping: Along the many narrow streets you’ll come across more than one colorful soap shop. Scented soaps are a speciality in the South of France, and it makes for a perfect gift or souvenir. Choose one of the pre-made packs or select your favorite scents and colors.
Le Brusc
For a relaxing day at sea make your way to Le Brusc. The low key beach is located about a 45 minute drive east of Marseille. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a peaceful day outside of the city. Head there for the day, or combine it with a visit to other nearby towns, such as, Sanary-sur-Mer.
Hike Around the Nearby Islands: Slightly past the main beach there is a public parking, and a path to two small islands. Ile du Petite Gaou and Ile du Grand Gaou are a hidden oasis for all nature lovers. Follow the paths around the islands for some incredible cliffside views.
Go for a Swim: Le Brusc is a pebbled beach which means it isn’t the most comfortable for sunbathing. However, the Mediterranean sea is the perfect place to cool off during the summer months.
Lunch with a View: Along the waterfront you’ll find a few beach bars and restaurants with direct views over the water. Grab a seat, relax, and enjoy a refreshing drink. Believe me when I say the views cannot get any better!
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Although not often mentioned, Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of the most exclusive spots along the Cote d’Azur. It used to be a beloved holiday destination for some of the world’s millionaires. This small port city is very close to Nice, making it the perfect day trip while traveling along the Rivera.
Get Lost in the Old Town: Start your visit wandering the narrow streets in the Old Town. You’ll find plenty of picturesque alleys with pink, orange, and yellow houses all with bright shutters in complimentary colors. Make sure to visit Rue Obscure or “Dark Street.” The creepy passageway runs underneath the harbor front houses and dates back to 1260.
Explore the Citadel: The Saint Elme Citadel is a stone fortress dating back to the 16th century. Inside you’ll find the Town Hall, a conference center, four museums, an open air-theatre, and gardens. The best part is that all are free to enter!
Visit the Port: The port is a must while in Villefranche. Whether you want to admire the colorful houses, take a dip in the sea, or enjoy a drink along the promenade, it’s the perfect way to end your day.
Eze
The charming medieval village is perched on a hilltop cliff approximately 1400 feet above sea level. Eze is located on the Eastern coast along the French Riviera, and is about 25 minutes away from Nice.
Get Lost in the Medieval Streets: The best part of visiting Eze is wandering the small cobblestone streets. You never know when you will find a cute local shop, or the perfect photo opportunity around the corner. As the village is on a cliff prepare yourself to climb many stairs!
Tour a Perfume Factory: Just outside of Eze is the Fragonard Perfume Factory. Learn what goes into making perfume, soaps and cosmetics. The free tour takes you through the process and creation of all their products. You’ll finish the guided visit in the discounted gift shop. I personally really like Fragonard as they have nice products, and the prices are very reasonable. The factory is open for tours everyday from 9:30am-6:30pm, including Sundays and public holidays.
Take in the Views: Given that Eze is located on a hilltop cliff, the views from most parts of the town are quite stunning. However, if you would like to see the best viewpoint in the entire village head to Chateau Eza. It will probably be the most expensive coffee and croissant that you have ever had, but the panoramic views will be worth it!
La Ciotat
La Ciotat is a very sleepy town along the Cote d’Azur about 26km west of Marseille. The city is known for its colorful old port, and crystalline beaches. It is also home to the Eden Theatre, which is the world’s oldest operating cinema, and a must see for any cinema enthusiasts.
Shop at the Night Market: During the summer months, la Ciotat hosts a vast night market. The market runs everyday from 8pm to 1am in July and August and has everything you can imagine from artisan goods to local delicacies.
Sunbathe: One of the main attractions of La Ciotat is the beach that seems to extend for miles and miles. Head there early to grab a perfect spot, and spend the day relaxing while taking in some Vitamin D. Of course, don’t forget the sunscreen!
Hike a Seaside Cliff: For breathtaking views, and a bit of exercise head to Falaises Soubeyranes – Cap Canille. Here you’ll find the highest sea cliff in all of France which sits at 394 meters above sea level.
Play Pétanque: If you want to try playing a traditional French game then there is no other place than la Ciotat. Petanque is said to have been invented in la Ciotat in 1910. It is a very popular game during the summer months. It does require quite a lot of hand eye coordination, (which I do not have) but fun to try nonetheless.
Menton
Known as the “pearl of France,” Menton is one of the best kept secrets of the Riviera. The beautiful seaside city is located between Monaco and Italy, and was actually once a part of Monaco.
Stroll through the Old Quarter: Despite being a city, Menton has a very charming village feel. Pastel yellow and pink houses line the winding pebbled roads in the old town. Climb up to the Basilica of Saint-Michel-Archangel, or head down to the Old Port for some picture perfect views. Beware, the old quarter is full of steep hills and stairways, so make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes!
Discover Exotic Plants: The mild climate allows for some vibrant plant life. In fact, Menton is famous for its unique gardens and vegetation. The most well known is Val Rahmeh Botanical Gardens, which translates to valley of tranquility in Arabic. Here you will find some rare flowers and plants that include Chinese yam, Santa Cruz water lily, and Mexican weeping bamboo. If you still want to see more don’t miss out on the Serre de la Madone, or Maria Serena Gardens.
Devour the Food: As a result of its proximity to the Italian border you can actually enjoy both French and Italian cuisine in Menton. A dream come true for all foodies! Enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants along the promenade for a view of the stunning blue coast.
Calanques National Park
The majestic Calanques of the Cote d’Azur are known for their piercing blue waters, and limestone cliffs. Calanque is a French word meaning “inlet,” which describes the series of small bays that make up the National Park. The park is located near Marseille and Cassis and is easily accessible via bus or car.
Go Hiking: It is impossible to visit the Calanques and not go hiking. There are several hiking and walking trails to chose from, and the views from above the limestone cliffs are simply breathtaking. Make sure to wear appropriate shoes, and to bring plenty of water. After your hike, cool off and go for a swim in one of the bays!
Rent a Kayak: A unique and fun way to explore the different Calanques is to rent a kayak for the day, or even a few hours. The Calanques are quite large so you won’t be able to visit all of them, however a kayak does allow you to reach some of the smaller caves and coves. You can book a group excursion or explore on your own.
Enjoy a Boat Trip: One of the best ways to truly enjoy the Calanques is via boat. There are several boating tours that leave from Cassis on a daily basis. Alternatively, you can also rent a boat, and visit all of the Calanques at your own pace.
The French Riviera has so many beautiful, and charming small towns waiting to be explored. Next time you decide to plan a getaway to the Cote d’Azur, make sure to visit some of these lesser known gems. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Safe Travels,
Vip <3
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