Among the long list to discover in the region, we have prepared a selection of the most beautiful towns, villages, and cities in Cote d’Azur (French Riviera). Follow us, we’ll take you for a ride! The Cote d’Azur, a national jewel that attracts crowds in all seasons, needs no introduction. And we understand why: picturesque villages with incredible charm, a breathtaking coastline, a sunny climate 300 days a year, and gourmet gastronomy that smells of sun and vacation.
The towns and villages of Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur awaken the imagination of travelers from all over the world. It is a paradise where you can easily imagine tasting the sweetness of life. In the shade of the olive trees, we would be lulled by the song of the cicadas and the lapping of the opalescent waters. We would also happily leave our palate and nostrils prey to the flavors of aromatic plants and orange blossoms. What if the dream comes true? Embark for this sunny destination proudly sung by its children. Discover it to the rhythm of its typical villages, wild and majestic at the same time, enclosed between the hills and the vineyard slopes. Let’s discover together the 12 most beautiful towns & villages in Cote dÁzur (French Riviera).
12 Most Beautiful Towns and villages in Cote d’Azur French Riviera
1. Cannes
2. Saint Tropez
3. Saint-Paul de Vence
4. Ramatuelle
5. Les Baux-de-Provence
6. Èze
7. Peille
8. Roussillon
9. Frejus
10. Sainte-Agnès
11. Grasse
12. Saint-Raphaël
Cannes (French Riviera)
No need to introduce Cannes, the emblematic city of the Cote d’Azur which is often synonymous with glamour, glitz, and glitz. And it’s true: as you stroll along the legendary Croisette with luxury hotels and boutiques on one side and the Mediterranean on the other, you will feel like a star for a day for a few hours! However, it would be unfair to reduce it to just that: its city center is superb and its coastline, where beautiful beaches and intimate coves follow one another, is just as much. Another must-see treasure of Cannes: is the Lérins Islands. Little paradises on earth just 15 minutes away by boat, families and lovers will fall under the spell of the abbey of Saint-Honorat Island and the coves with turquoise waters of Sainte-Marguerite Island.
Saint Tropez (Cote d’Azur)
Saint-Tropez was once a small seaside village with a fishing port. Even if its fame has illuminated its aura, this village has managed to retain its old-world charm, and the silhouette of Bardot still floats in the gentleness of certain alleys. Today, Saint-Tropez offers nightlife and shopping streets that attract the biggest stars, but also onlookers. The beaches of Ramatuelle and Pampelonne are known throughout the world and always offer the desire to relax around a cocktail, on a comfortable deck chair, after a perfect swim. Another must-see on the Cote d’Azur, Saint-Tropez is the symbol of bling-bling with its huge boats moored at the port and its select restaurants and nightclubs. Whether it’s your cup of tea or not, this seaside resort is worth a visit if only for its colorful streets, its world-famous church and port, and the famous tropézienne tart! Its atmosphere changes with each season, it’s up to you to find the one you prefer.
Saint-Paul de Vence
A timeless icon and little gem of the Cote d’Azur, people come from all over the world to discover, in the footsteps of Chagall, its narrow streets full of art galleries, its walks on the curtain wall with beautiful views, its foundation Maeght, first private foundation dedicated to art in France. After a visit to the pretty town center and a walk on the curtain wall, you can indulge in the temptation of the Table du Tilleul or, at the end of the day, have a drink at sunset by the ramparts. For art lovers, the Folon Chapel with its soft and sparkling mosaics is worth a detour. While exploring the city, don’t miss out on tasting its culinary specialties! Bagnat bread, the REAL Niçoise salad, pissaladière, stuffed meats, and Niçoise stew, an explosion of flavors await your palate. Calories don’t count on vacation, so make the most of it! Saint-Paul-de-Vence enjoys an international reputation thanks in particular to the various artists who came there to seek inspiration and tranquility, such as Simone Signoret and Yves Montand or Picasso. Today, this real open-air museum also attracts visitors for its rich heritage: don’t miss the collegiate church which houses relics taken from the catacombs of Rome.
Ramatuelle (Cote d’Azur Village)
A few kilometers from Saint-Tropez, Ramatuelle is one of the most charming villages in the PACA region. Its 16 km long coastline is home to one of the most popular beaches on the Cote d’Azur: Pampelonne. In addition to this mythical bay, the surrounding area also offers a multitude of small beaches and preserved coves. Walking enthusiasts will appreciate the numerous hiking trails which allow you to discover the local flora and fauna. On the menu of the village’s restaurants, vacationers can taste typical dishes and wines from around the Mediterranean. Here, we let ourselves be captivated by the spiral mazes, the winding streets, arched passages, and religious buildings that transport us. In the background, the maquis and the vineyards perfect this haven of peace. Ramatuelle is a magnificent little medieval village adored by celebrities. Brigitte Bardot also owns her La Madrague property right next door. You will love strolling on the abandoned beach, shellfish and crustaceans… and wandering under the song of cicadas, in the maze of winding streets and arched passages. Originally discover the Ramatuelle reserve by booking your kayak tour of the latter here!
Les Baux-de-Provence (Cote d’Azur Village)
This majestic village to visit in Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur clings to a rocky spur and surveys the ravines of the Alpilles. Les Baux-de-Provence has an infinite grace, which is discovered along the labyrinthine paths. Look up: the remains of the castle are watching over you and the entire city. Here, everything is concentrated on History and unshakable fortifications. This little paradise also preserves ruins of citadels, towers, a castle chapel, and a keep opening onto an exceptional viewpoint. Mecca of medieval tourism between Aix-en-Provence and Avignon, Les Baux, although altered by its success, is still worth the visit, for its majestic environment. The majestic village of Baux-de-Provence is perched at the top of a rocky plateau overlooking the Alpilles. Overlooked by the remains of an ancient medieval fortress, it offers breathtaking landscapes. Don’t miss out on seeing the castle chapel, the keep, and the Saracen Tower, real vestiges of the tumultuous past of this village.
Èze
It is certainly one of the most beautiful villages on the Cote d’Azur. Perched on a hill, the medieval village of Èze offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Its picturesque streets pass through the fortified double gate of the town, built in the 14th century. During a getaway to Èze, a visit to the chapel of Saint-Croix, a small parish church full of charm, is a must. Place du Planet and its Italian fountain from the 1930s is also worth a detour. Between two swims, also enjoy the village’s exotic garden, listing the typical flora of the Mediterranean basin. Its stone streets, its arched passages, its shaded squares, its fountains, and the lush surrounding vegetation – banana trees, date palms, orange trees, and carob trees – make this village a charming stopover. Climb to the top for the view and the charm of the ruins of the old castle mixed with the exotic garden. Then stroll through the village with a break at the medieval Sainte-Croix chapel where the secular Brotherhood of White Penitents met. To have a beautiful view, hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the La Forna circuit leaving the village of La Turbie.
Peille
Located in the Alpes-Maritimes, in the hinterland of Menton and Monaco, Peille is one of the best-known medieval towns in the region. It was notably praised in music by Léo Ferré who took refuge there from time to time. Built entirely of local stone, you can still breathe its glorious past on every street corner. The Lascaris Palace, built on the side of a cliff in the 17th century, bears witness to this brilliantly. Here, it is nice to stroll under the olive trees, fig-trees, cypresses, and between the old stones. Peille is a village of typical character that promises stunning walks in the hinterland of Menton and Monaco. Peille is particularly famous for its Lascaris Palace, built on the side of a cliff. If its site seems harsh and wild, the place is truly seductive and warm. The feudal village becomes magical at nightfall: the clever lighting offers a spectacular panorama.
Roussillon (Cote d’Azur Village)
Classified among the “most beautiful villages in France”, Roussillon is one of the largest ocher deposits in the world. The yellow, brown, and red of the stone, the green of the pine forest and the blue of the sky form a truly flamboyant palette of colors! The village has long benefited from the trade in its natural pigments: you can discover the history of this industry by visiting the Conservatory of Ochers and Color, located in a former ocher factory. All these assets make, in our opinion, Roussillon one of the most beautiful villages in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur region. Visit Roussillon as well as other villages in this classification such as Luberon and Gordes by booking your accommodation hereday trip to Provence from Avignon.
Frejus (Cote d’Azur Town)
In the heart of the Cote d’Azur, Fréjus is home to an immense legacy of Roman occupation more than 2,000 years ago. Formerly called Forum Julii during the reign of Julius Caesar, the village seduced Emperor Augustus who installed his sailors and soldiers there. One of the region’s most beautiful legacies was born from this occupation: the plantations of vines, olive trees, and fruit trees. From this past, Fréjus also retains a multitude of buildings such as an aqueduct and an amphitheater. The magnificent Saint-Léonce Cathedral, dating from the 5th century, is also worth the detour. The village’s narrow streets are occupied by typical family restaurants, which delight fans of Mediterranean cuisine.
Sainte-Agnès
It is the highest seaside village in Europe. Sainte-Agnès dates from the 11th century and is considered one of the most beautiful medieval villages in France. A village perched at an altitude of 800 m which offers a spectacular panorama of the region and the Mediterranean Sea which extends at its feet. The castle and the medieval garden attract history buffs every year. Former defense post of the Franco-Italian border on the Maginot Line, it is also possible to visit the fort, dug into the cliff. Adjoining the Italian border, Saint-Agnès is a balcony opening onto the sea: the highest in Europe. This village, among the must-sees to visit in Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur, demonstrates a captivating authenticity. Its labyrinth of cobbled streets, narrow and strewn with pebbles, gives it a striking medieval appearance. Better yet, this maze ultimately leads to a breathtaking panorama of the Côte-d’Azur.
Grasse (Cote d’Azur Town)
Visiting Grasse means living a unique sensory experience! Capital of perfume for centuries, its manufacture is elevated to the rank of art and the perfumed city is home to some of the greatest perfumeries in the world such as Fragonard or Gallimard. Not only will you be able to discover all the secrets of perfume at the museum dedicated to it, but you will also be able to create your own. What could be better than a tailor-made scent to remember such an emblematic and essential place on the Cote d’Azur? Grasse is famous for being the city for those with a good nose. This is where a thriving perfume industry was formed over the centuries through the cultivation of violets, jasmine, and other flowers. A thousand stalls with a thousand scents, this is what awaits you during your wanderings in the streets of Grasse. It is a village that must be experienced, felt, and appreciated once in a lifetime.
Saint-Raphaël
At the foot of the Estérel massif, between Cannes and Saint-Tropez, the seaside resort of Saint-Raphaël has multiple facets. The cobbled streets of the Old Town allow you to discover its historical heritage, notably the San Raféu church, also called the Templar church, built in the 12th century. Nearby, the watchtower, built in the 13th century, offers a panorama of the entire city and the bay of Saint-Raphaël. Leaving the village, the Corniche d’Or road runs for 30 km along the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean on one side, and the red rocks of the Estérel massif on the other. Saint- Raphaël is the ideal playground to indulge in the nautical activity of your choice: boat trip, stand-up paddle, scuba diving, or swimming galore with the family on Veillat beach or in the Sainte cove.