Annot combines medieval charm with modern Provençal style in a wonderfully relaxed fashion. It's also a great centre for mountain sports.
Annot
Charming village in the hills above Nice
On the scenic train line from Nice to Dignes, on arrival at Annot train station the main village is a 10-minute walk away through a pleasant residential area; it’s easy to find, just look out for the red roof tiles and head in that direction.
First of all you’ll pass by the tourist office on the main square, a wide shady area lined with tall Plane trees. Beyond is a quiet intersection where the terraces of a few different cafés and bars face a large petanque pitch beside the river Vaïre. The bridge that crosses the river is the Pont de la Donne, built in 1709 and registered as an historical monument.
On turning right at the intersection you’ll enter the old village; a fascinating tangle of medieval alleyways and beautiful stone buildings. The tiny streets all loop round to meet each other, so it's easy to double back and find yourself back where you started without realising.
Annot is not just a monument to the past, there is also lots to do and it is a popular site for rock climbers thanks to the sandstone of the Grès d'Annot.
Events in Aix-en-Provence
Annot has a regular market every Tuesday morning and a foire on Saturdays.
Events in Aix-en-Provence
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Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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Fête de la Musique
Music festival celebrated across France on the summer solstice
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
History & Culture in Aix-en-Provence
The legend of the Chambres du Roi dates back to the 10th century when Saracen marauders were sweeping France.
Apparently a Christian prince of Lower Provence was on the run from the Saracens and was granted refuge in a rocky cavern, where he and his princess lived in safety until their hiding place was revealed by a traitor and they were slaughtered by the Saracens, along with the people of Annot who had helped hide them. The entire village would have been wiped out if it were not for a plague that swept through the Saracen ranks, mysteriously stopping once all the infidels were dead.
All good stories obviously end with a ghostly presence and this one is the restless soul of the traitor, who apparently appears as a strange glowing vision as dawn breaks over the rocks.
Sights & Attractions in Aix-en-Provence
In the heart of the old village is the solid stone church of Notre-Dame, call into the smaller Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs next door to see the beautiful 17th century altar painting by François Mimault.
The stone vaulted archway that leads to the old village marks the start of the Grand Rue - the main road of Annot since the 14th century.
Beaches in Aix-en-Provence
Beaches in Nice
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Plage des Bouches du Loup Beach, Villeneuve Loubet
Sandy beach with disabled access and lifeguard in peak season
Palm trees, sparkling blue waves and soft white sand make Plage des Bouches du Loup feel like a tropical paradise.
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Plage de la Batterie Beach, Villeneuve Loubet
A pebble beach with watersports, ideal for families
Right beside the marina, Plage de la Batterie (also known as Plage Villeneuve-Loubet) is a pleasant pebble beach with plenty of activities on offer.
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Plage du Cros de Cagnes Beach, Cagnes sur Mer
Pebble beach at the centre of Cagnes sur Mer with lifeguards
Plage du Cros de Cagnes is the main stretch of beach in Cagnes-Sur-Mer, running the length of the lively row of restaurants and bars that line the seafront.
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Plage de la Pierre au Tambour Beach, Villeneuve Loubet
Pebble beach great for watersports fans with equipment to rent
Plage de la Pierre au Tambour runs from the port all the way to Antibes and has a busy road and train line running behind it, neither of which you can hear much. If you stand facing the sea and look to your right you can see Antibes and its 16th century fort sticking out from the mainland.
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Plages des Flots Bleus Beach, Saint Laurent du Var
Sand and pebble beach close to Nice airport, has disabled access
Saint-Laurent-du-Var has one of the best-equipped waterfronts in terms of barely having to leave the beach all day - everything is right here.
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Plage du Carras Beach
Pebbly beach not far from Nice centre with disabled access
Plage de Carras is a well-equipped “handiplage”, which has facilities and lifeguards to enable people with disabilities to enter the water safely.
Dining in Aix-en-Provence
The centre of Annot has a small collection of cafés, bars, bakeries and crêperies. If you want to feel like a true local then head to the Café du Commerce beside the river and sip on a pastis whilst watching the locals play petanque.
Restaurants in Aix-en-Provence
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Au Fil du Temps Restaurant
Creative, seasonal dining experience with stunning sea views near Grasse
Tucked away in the hilltop village of Magagnosc, just ten minutes from Grasse, Au Fil du Temps is a delightful address for food lovers seeking creativity, quality and a touch of elegance on the French Riviera.
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L'Oustel des Vins Winebar, Grasse
Wine tasting and gourmet dishes in the world's capital of perfume
Located in one of the small old city streets in Grasse, this small wine-bar has a nice atmosphere and a rustic decor.
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Cafe du Cycliste, Grasse
Located in Chateauneuf de Grasse, just 10 minutes from Grasse
The decor of the cafe is great, relaxed and refined with lots of bike parts decorations. Salma, JB, Stephen and Jenny will welcome you at the Cafe du Cycliste serving fresh, delicious dishes cooked with local ingredients.
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La Bastide Saint Antoine Restaurant, Grasse
Michelin-starred Provençal retreat with creative cuisine and panoramic sea views
Michelin-starred La Bastide Saint-Antoine offers a refined retreat near Cannes, where chef Jacques Chibois creates inspired Provençal cuisine. Set in a stunning country house with lush gardens and panoramic sea views, it’s the perfect blend of gastronomy, elegance, and tranquillity.
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Bistrot Gourmand Clovis Restaurant, Tourrettes-sur-Loup
Michelin-starred restaurant in the village of Tourrettes-sur-Loup
This small gourmet restaurant is located in the heart of a beautiful medieval town. Using organic and local produce, chef Julien Bousseau creates incredible dishes combining traditional French ingredients with exotic touches, picked up during his trips.
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Le Saint-Martin Restaurant, Vence
Michelin starred restaurant north of Vence
Gourmet restaurant of the Saint-Martin Spa & Chateau hotel to the north of Vence.
Nightlife in Aix-en-Provence
Bars & Clubs in Aix-en-Provence
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High Club Nightclub
Every weekend the biggest DJ's & international artists perform here
This night club is one of the highest rated discos in Nice. Some of the most reputed DJs are constantly invited here to perform to the satisfaction of the public thrown in a raving dancing trance.
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Le Bar du Negresco
Atmospheric bar of the Hotel Le Negresco on the Promenade des Anglais
It is this eclectic and cosmopolitan atmosphere which makes it a place very "French Riviera".
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La Havane Live Jazz
Live jazz and salsa music in a Cuban style bar
If you are looking for something a little different then this bar could be for you - you will be transported to a different country!
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Casino du Palais de la Mediterranee
A luxurious casino in the centre of Nice
Situated right on the seafront of the Promenade des Anglais this stunning building plays host to some of the city's biggest events.
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Cave Wilson Restaurant, Nice Centre
Wine, food to go with wine, music and dance
This is one of the oldest jazz bars on the Mediterranean - been around since 1904. The atmosphere in Cave Wilson is very pleasant, and Antoine, the owner, offers excellent wine with a plate of cheeses, bread and quality music.
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Le 6 Nightclub, Vieux Nice
Popular gay club with dj’s, cabaret, disco and more!
Recently celebrating its 16th anniversary this is certainly the place to be in Nice for a gay-friendly and party atmosphere!
Things to do in Aix-en-Provence
Call into the tourist office and pick up a town map, it has all the historical monuments listed on it so that you can go on a self-guided walking tour.
The Grès d'Annot is a site popular with rock climbers for its massive sandstone boulders, some more than 100m high. You can also see the impressive rock formations by following the Chambre du Roi; a hiking trail that starts behind the train station and loops round through forests back to the village. It takes around three hours and is reasonably flat.
There are also many other hikes signposted from the village that lead into the mountains and gorges of the Vallée du Var.
Things To Do in Aix-en-Provence
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Reserve des Mont d'Azur
Safari park where animals live in their natural habitat
Come and see bison, deer, horses, boars and hawks roaming on 700 hectares of land, just one hour from the French Riviera
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Mercantour National Park
Discover nature just an hour north of Nice
The Mercantour National Park is composed of six valleys, with peaks reaching over 3000 metres, glacial lakes, plenty of wild animals and flora unique to Europe.
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Claux Amic Golf Course, Grasse
17th century hunting estate offering a technical 18-hole golf course
This golf course is located on a charming old private hunting estate dating back to the 17th century.
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Riviera Nature, Adventure Park, Grasse
Tree top adventure park with numerous challenges & zip lines!
Try these tree top adventures, all with various levels of difficulty and with plenty of adrenalin pumping fun!
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Fun Kart, Le Bar-sur-Loup
Karting for children, adults & groups - open throughout the year
Located 30 minutes from Nice, Cannes and Antibes in a natural setting of 8 hectares, this karting set offers 3 circuits with a separate one for children, giving visitors the chance to race each other using high-tech go-karts.
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Tourist Train
Explore this historical Old Town of Grasse by train
Leaves daily throughout the summer months from the Cours Honoré Cresp plaza (across from the Palais des Congrès and main tourist office).
Watersports in Aix-en-Provence
Watersports in Aix-en-Provence
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White Water Rafting
Half day trips for 4 to 8 people suitable for all abilities from age 7
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Stand Up Paddle Boarding
2hr session including 1 hour tuition suitable for all ages and abilities
Paddleboarding along the coast is a fun for the whole family!
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Glisse Paradise Watersports, Saint Laurent du Var
Join a team of professionals for a great experience
Jet-ski, waterskiing, wakeboard, wakesurf, parachute, canoe and paddleboard, Glisse Paradise have it all!
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Jet Evasion Watersports
Jets-Skis and sea scooters, broad selection of discovery outings at sea
Located on Carras beach in Nice, Jet Evasion rents licence-free jet skis & sea scooters.
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Nikaia Watersports
A huge variety of watersports available on the Nice beachfront
The beach front of Nice is the best place for watersports and situated at the heart of the city front is the company Nikaia Watersports.
Holiday Rentals in Aix-en-Provence
Holiday Rentals in Aix-en-Provence
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Hsud0083 Villa, Vence
3 bedroom Villa in Vence. Sleeps 6
Located in the town of Vence, in a quiet residential area, charming villa set in grounds of 3600 m². Private salt water swimming pool (10m x 5m – Depth 110/170 cm – Alarm), outdoor shower (hot water), pool house (barbecue, oven, gas hob), terrace with garden furniture, deckchairs and dining table. Parking for 4 cars. 2 km shops. Beach 12km.
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Hsud0058 Villa, Saint Paul de Vence
3 bedroom Villa in Saint Paul de Vence. Sleeps 6
In Vence, 5 km from Saint-Paul,, in a residential area, beautiful contemporary villa located on a plot of 1000m2.
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Bougainvilles Villa, Vence
3 bedroom Villa in Vence. Sleeps 6
Les Bougainvilles has wonderful panoramic views towards the sea and is sited in beautifully tended terraced gardens with a large pool, just 5 minutes' drive from Vence. Secluded and calm, yet enticingly close to the bustle of the old town in Vence (3km), the glamorous Côte d'Azur coastline and historic Nice (25km).
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Roquette Villa, La Roquette-sur-Var
4 bedroom Villa in La Roquette-sur-Var. Sleeps 8
The villa in La Roquette-sur-Var has 4 bedrooms and has capacity for 8 people.
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Aurelia Villa, Vence
5 bedroom Villa in Vence. Sleeps 10
Just outside historic Vence and a short distance from magnificent Saint Paul de Vence, this beautiful and contemporary house on a generous private plot is very quietly located for exploring all the delights of this beautiful corner of the French Riviera. The villa is located in a beautiful natural setting with views of the mountains.
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La Maison aux Bonsaïs Apartment, Saint-Paul de Vence
[GRP_bedrooms_stats] Apartment in Nice. [GRP_occupancy_stats]
Perched on the picturesque village of Saint-Paul de Vence, this hotel offers luxury short-term suite rentals.
Hotels in Aix-en-Provence
Hotels in Aix-en-Provence
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La Bastide Saint Antoine Hotel, Grasse
Charming Provençal retreat with luxury suites, panoramic terrace, and Michelin-starred dining
La Bastide Saint-Antoine in Grasse sits within five hectares of lush Mediterranean gardens and olive groves. It overlooks the surrounding plains and the Bay of Cannes, offering stunning views and a feast for the senses.
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Saint-Martin Spa & Chateau, Vence
A sea breeze and a breath of fresh mountain air
Château Saint-Martin & Spa is a former 12th century Knights Templar Commandery with superb views over the sweep of the Côte d’Azur. A place of consummate natural beauty set in a 32 acre park, a high point on the French Riviera where sea and the mountains unite.
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La Maison du Frene B&B, Vence
Art-filled village house blending baroque charm and contemporary design
La Maison du Frêne is a distinctive guest house in Vence, where historic charm meets a vibrant collection of contemporary art within an eighteenth-century village home.
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La Vague de Saint Paul, St Paul de Vence
Modern 4 star hotel in St Paul de Vence
Excellent modern furnished hotel set in a unique position near Saint Paul de Vence.
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Cantemerle Hotel, Vence
Luxury hotel near Nice with spa and restaurant
Perched on the hills of Vence overlooking Saint Paul de Vence, the hotel has a panoramic view of the Mediterranean, the perfect setting for a calm and relaxing vacation in France.
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Les Messugues Hotel, Saint-Paul de Vence
Charming 3-star hotel, part of the Alain Llorca collection
Ideally situated in the South-East of France, this charming little Provençal hotel is to be found only a few minutes from the village of Saint-Paul, made famous by the artists Chagall, Renoir, Verdet, Matisse, Montand, Lino Ventura et Prèvert.
How to get to Aix-en-Provence
Annot is situated between Nice and Dignes-les-Bains and can most easily be reached on the Train des Pignes, a slow-moving but very scenic train ride through the Var valley.
If you're driving, Annot is on route D908 just off the RN202.
Transfers for Nice
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Private Airport Transfers
Effortless and reliable transfers from Nice Airport to the city centre
From the airport to the city centre, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
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Private Airport Transfers
Reliable private airport transfer & taxi service
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
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Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
Monaco - Nice Helicopter Shuttles, plus French Riviera Scenic Flights
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
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Helicopter Charter Flights
Luxury helicopter transfers to the French Riviera & the French Alps
Heli Securite offer transfers on a helicopter from the airport to your yacht or various destinations in and around the Cannes area, St Tropez and Monaco. In addition to this they also service all of the main French ski resorts from their base in Courchevel.
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Helicopter Transfers & Scenic Flights
Helicopter charter company based in Monaco with over 25 years experience
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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Private Jet & Helicopter Transfers
Aircraft & helicopter charter company based at Nice Airport in the South of France
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
Property For Sale in Aix-en-Provence
Property for Sale in Aix-en-Provence
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Villa for Sale | VAL250095
8 bedroom, 4 bathroom, 300m² Villa in Alpes-Maritimes
A characterful country house located in a green setting.
Villa for Sale | VAL250095
€3,300,000 -
Villa for Sale | val260149
5 bedroom 5 bathroom, 249.15m² Villa in Vence
Nestled in a preserved natural setting, this exceptional property perfectly embodies the refined art of Provençal living. Fully renovated with remarkable taste, from floor to ceiling, it combines timeless elegance, high-end materials, and authenticity.
Villa for Sale | val260149
€1,995,000 -
Villa for Sale | VAL250126
5 bedroom, 5 bathroom, 288m² Villa in Alpes-Maritimes
Nestled on the verdant heights of Vence, this elegant Provençal villa captivates with its timeless architecture and generous proportions. It offers 288 sq m under Carrez law and 362 sq m of living space, enhanced by an exceptional panoramic view stretching across the Mediterranean to Cap d’Antibes. Set at the heart of a vast landscaped plot of 6,194 sq m, the property is a true haven of serenity, where the authentic charm of Provence blends harmoniously with modern comfort.
Villa for Sale | VAL250126
€1,750,000 -
Villa for Sale | val260154
7 bedroom 4 bathroom, 298.47m² Villa in Vence-Vosgelade
Nestled in a privileged setting, enjoying absolute peace and quiet and an ideal south-east exposure, this sumptuous stone bastide offers approximately 300 sqm of living space, set within beautifully landscaped grounds of over 2,500 sqm.
Villa for Sale | val260154
€1,980,000 -
Villa for Sale | VAL250055
5 bedroom, 5 bathroom, 240m² Villa in Vence
An exceptional property that's located in Vence.
Villa for Sale | VAL250055
€1,580,000 -
Villa for Sale | VAL250050
6 bedroom, 5 bathroom, 551m² Villa in Alpes-Maritimes
Joint-sole agency. Ideally located in the private and sought-after area of Hauts de Saint Paul, this exceptional Provençal villa enjoys a privileged location, offering a beautiful view of the sea as well as of the emblematic village of Saint Paul de Vence, a true jewel of the French Riviera.
Villa for Sale | VAL250050
€5,980,000





















































































