La Fete de Mai (Spring Festival)
The start of spring is celebrated every Sunday in May with a grand celebration in the Jardins de Cimiez.
Visit an olive mill, discover ancient ruins and go canyoning
A lovely old town with a river running through it, overlooked by vast mountains and surrounded by terraced olive groves.
The streets are so narrow that it can be difficult to step back and take a good look at the buildings; to gain a little perspective, scramble up to the ruins of the old castle behind the town. You'll find a little path called Montée du Caste leading up from the town, and then it's a short scramble through an overgrown path to a tatty excuse for a flag at the top. All that remains of the castle is a few stones and half-buried walls but the views are excellent and it's a nice place to take a picnic.
If you have a couple of hours to spare and a decent pair of shoes you can hike up to the Tour Cruella, a 13th century fortified tower that looks over the town. It's named after a bird of prey and has nothing to do with Dalmatian puppies.
Rue Pasteur is the main street that runs through the centre of the village; a narrow pedestrian passageway lined with small shops where you can buy fresh bread, meat, cheeses and other local goods. Small alleyways link it to parallel streets where tall narrow houses almost seem to lean in over your head.
The river that runs through Breil-sur-Roya widens out when it passes the town and a hydro-electric dam at one end forms a lovely little lake where you'll often see locals fishing for trout.
The start of spring is celebrated every Sunday in May with a grand celebration in the Jardins de Cimiez.
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
Exceptional locations around France, including Nice, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
Wandering the backstreets will reveal all sorts of relics from the past; old bread ovens, stone water troughs, ancient passages. Ask at the tourist office for a town map and you'll find all the main points of interest listed so that you can embark on a self-guided walking tour.
The building that looks like a castle beside the river is, in fact, a church. Sancta Maria des Albis was built in the 17th century and looks completely different on one side than on the other. While the back looks like a fortified castle, the front dominates a tiny little square and has a warm red façade, with a smaller Chapelle de la Miséricorde beside it. Look up to see the brightly coloured tiles on the bells towers, they're so high that you can't really get a good perspective on them from the front so walk around a bit and view them from different angles.
This 16th-century Franciscan monastery includes a church, a 17th-century chapel and a small museum explaining the Franciscan way of life throughout the centuries.
Founded by Jean Baptiste Barla in 1850 (locals know it as Museum Barla), this museum showcases a rich collection of zoological, botanical and geological specimens.
Located on the island of Saint Honorat, the abbey is still occupied by monks. It's possible to receive a guided tour and re-charge your spiritual batteries.
Grasse is the world capital of perfumes. At this museum you can discover the ancient tradition of parfumerie and learn how to create your own, unique scent.
Just outside Saint-Paul de Vence lies one of France's most famous modern and contemporary art museums. Surrounded by pleasant gardens, this is a nice place to spend your afternoon.
This museum moved to its current location in 1989 though it has been open since 1960. It houses a variety of objects, from ancient times to the Middle Ages, including the Roman town of Cemenelum.
Plage Buse is a pretty and undulating stretch of pebbly coastline tucked away to the west of the Roquebrune Cap Martin peninsula.
This family-friendly beach is easy to get to but not so easy to find, which is perhaps why it always stays fairly quiet even in peak season.
Plage Marquet is the most easterly of the Cap d’Ail beaches and is right on the border with Monaco.
This is a small and secluded beach with two excellent restaurants and safe swimming. Plage Mala is a little haven.
Located just beneath Restaurant La Pinede along the Sentier Littoral, Plage Gramaglia is more a series of rocky coves than a traditional beach.
Eze-Sur-Mer has only one beach but it’s a lovely one; great for swimming as the water comes very high up the beach and it's in a calm bay.
Place Biancheri is the main square, with the Office de Tourisme and a couple of little restaurants to choose from. It doesn't have a huge amount going on but it's in a nice spot and is a good place to sit with a coffee and watch daily life unfold.
In a Regency-style dining room decorated with magnificent 18th century woodwork, Jean-Denis Rieubland proposes two menus, "Découverte" and "Chantecler".
La Table de Pierre offers refined, garden-led cuisine by Chef Emmanuel Lehrer in a romantic setting with views over the estate.
The Cap Estel gourmet restaurant or "La Table de Patrick Raingeard" as it is known has one Michelin star.
Laurent Paccini is the chef at this Relais & Châteaux hotel and brings the food of different cultures to his excellent Mediterranean restaurant in Saint-Paul de Vence.
Gourmet restaurant of the Saint-Martin Spa & Chateau hotel to the north of Vence.
This gourmet restaurant offers panoramic views across the Mediterranean and gained two Michelin stars in 2011.
It is this eclectic and cosmopolitan atmosphere which makes it a place very "French Riviera".
This local and friendly wine bar is the perfect place to stop for a midday snack or to try some of the local wines from the region.
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.
With a Gothic interior mixed with wall frescoes and a friendly atmosphere, this is one of Nice's nicest drinking spots.
Ma Nolan’s, Vieux Nice has a large inviting terrace, high vaulted ceilings, authentic bar counters and wooden floors.
Originally set up by Russian jazz musician Dimitri Shapko, this venue plays host to local and international jazz, soul and R&B.
There are a number of activity companies in Breil-sur-Roya where you can book yourself in for some river rafting, canyoning, via ferrata, mountain biking and many other outdoor adventures.
There are plenty of good hiking routes leading out of Breil and into the wilderness of the Vallée de la Roya. You can walk to Sospel in about five hours, from where you can pick up the Train des Merveilles to take you back to Nice, or Saorge and Tende are also wonderful places to trek to.
The GR52 trail that goes from Geneva in the Haute-Savoie to Nice in the Alpes-Maritimes passes through Breil, look out for the red and white markers painted on rocks, walls and trees. You can find all routes on map IGN #3841 OT Vallée de la Roya.
Other activities in the village include a tour of the olive mill where you can find out how olive oil is pressed and taste some tapenade, or a visit to the Ecomusée, a museum of rare and vintage vehicles ranging from locomotives to old tramcars.
A trip for intermediate riders, where you can enjoy some of the most scenic roads in Provence.
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
Enjoy a wonderful, peaceful and fume-free journey along the French Riviera on a solar powered motor boat with a professional skipper.
This company is based in Nice and offers a wide range of road bikes.
Based in Nice, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
Using the supremely popular Ferretti 881 as design inspiration, the 881 RPH achieves the laudable feat of exceeding the structural merit of the original 881. With the power and finesse of this stunning superyacht culminating in the new upper deck that showcases an impressive pilot house. With opulent interior design, phenomenal exterior space and a wealth of invigorating toys, Maxi Beer will surpass your wildest dreams for the perfect Mediterranean yacht charter. Available for charter in the West Mediterranean now.
With impressive specifications, this yacht is the ideal combination of luxury and performance.
Cannes charter yacht Antisan offers elegance on the French Riviera for up to 40 guests cruising and 11 guests sleeping. Due to her rare licence to cruise with 40 guests, her attractive style and an excellent crew, Antisan is a highly desirable private yacht for charter in Cannes.
A Sea Shell yacht charter is what you need as it is a highly sought-after yacht and for obvious reasons. This spectacular 34.00m yacht built by Fittipaldi provides for the ultimate luxury cruise and yachting experience for all on board. Sea Shell has a home berth in Cannes in the South of France but can take you many different places around the Mediterranean. The Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Catalonia, Corsica, Costa del Sol, Italy (including Sardinia and Sicily), the Provence Coast & Marseille and of course the beautiful French Riviera. What better way to explore these beautiful parts of the world?
A one of a kind Pershing Motor Yacht, Looney is an excellent choice of yacht to cruise the French or Italian Riviera. Being the perfect 21m in length, this superb vessel can cruise at an impressive average speed of 35 knots per hour. What better way to explore these coastlines in style? Designed and manufactured by Pershing, Looney’s sleek and silver exterior is just one of the many eye-catching features of this fantastic yacht. Since first on the water in 2012, Looney has never failed to attract attention as she whizzes through waves like a silver bullet.
Columbus A is a stunning Ferretti 800 superyacht. This yacht for charter in Antibes and along the French Riviera highlights Ferretti’s expertise in design and performance. She is the ultimate way to enjoy a luxurious Mediterranean yacht charter adventure.
Fly at 50 metres above the sea by yourself or with friends security attached, enjoy a spectacular view of the gorgeous Baie des Anges, mountains and surroundings.
Paddleboarding along the coast is a fun for the whole family!
Nice Diving unveils to its clients the underwater marvels of the Mediterranean ocean along the shores of the Cote d'Azur.
For those looking for an adrenalin rush, Nice Rafting is the place to go to!
In the commune of Colomars, 10 km from the sea, in a residential area, beautiful villa on a plot of 1500m².
In Vence, 5 km from Saint-Paul,, in a residential area, beautiful contemporary villa located on a plot of 1000m2.
In the heart of the French Riviera, 10 km from the beach and 13 km from the airport, this villa is set in lush greenery and nature.
The villa in La Roquette-sur-Var has 4 bedrooms and has capacity for 8 people.
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.
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.
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.
The villa in La Roquette-sur-Var has 4 bedrooms and has capacity for 8 people.
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.
In Nice, in the residential area of Saint Pancrace, beautiful villa situated on a plot of 1Ha in edge of forest of which 2000m ² done up.
In the heart of the French Riviera, 10 km from the beach and 13 km from the airport, this villa is set in lush greenery and nature.
In the commune of Colomars, 10 km from the sea, in a residential area, beautiful villa on a plot of 1500m².
Situated on its own two-hectare peninsula jutting into the Mediterranean Sea, the hotel has wonderful panoramic views. With only 28 rooms spread over four separate locations, it is a very private and luxurious place to stay.
Charming hotel with a secluded tropical garden set in the heart of Nice within a walking distance to the city's main attractions.
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.
Former 13th-century Cistercian monastery tastefully renovated offering 5 beautifully decorated en-suite rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant and a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean.
Toile Blanche is a stylish retreat where contemporary design, Provençal elegance and immersive art come together across serene gardens and valley views.
Classic French opulence with Mediterranean charm, all nestled between the mountains and the blue waters of the Riviera.
Breil-sur-Roya is easy to get to on the Train des Merveilles, which runs directly from Nice. If you want to drive you can take the N2204 via Sospel, the D2566 from Menton or the E74 from Vintimiglia in Italy.
From the airport to the city centre, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
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.
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.
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
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.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
At the entrance of Villefranche-sur-Mer, in a well-maintained residence with a swimming pool, close to shops, restaurants, and beaches, this ground-floor apartment features a spacious corner garden, offering both privacy and a peaceful atmosphere.
A beautiful apartment with a panoramic sea view close to Monaco.
Le Chauvain, 16 renovated apartments in the centre of Nice.
Set in the prestigious heart of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, this elegant stone-built residence of approximately 622 sq m offers timeless Riviera charm and exceptional potential for modernisation. Built at the turn of the 20th century and significantly extended during the 1920s and 1970s the property has been in the same family for over 40 years. With architectural heritage and historic ties to the British aristocracy, it represents a rare opportunity to create a truly bespoke home.
Find out all about what is happening in Nice and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, fabulous beaches, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in this cosmopolitan city.
See allLatest News & ReviewsYou will not be short of entertainment in this beautiful French Riviera town throughout the year. The most popular public events take place along the Promenade des Anglais, including the Carnival in February, the Bastille celebrations in July and the Nice marathon in November. There are also plenty of live music and cultural festivals.
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