An island steeped in history and wine just off the Côte d'Azur coastline
The island of Saint Honorat is the smaller of the two inhabited Lerins islands. Its main attraction is the monastery, a wonderful stone building well worth a visit.
This island is less touristy than its neighbour Sainte Marguerite. The only occupants are monks that have lived on the island since the 5th century in their very own medieval abbey.
Only 15 minutes by boat, this is a pleasant place to explore and walk to around the pine forest or have a swim in the clear blue water.
The start of spring is celebrated every Sunday in May with a grand celebration in the Jardins de Cimiez.
The Long Night of Museums is an annual event where museums across Europe remain open late into the night, and Nice is no exception.
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.
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
The island of Saint Honorat sits in the bay of Cannes, in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. The history of this lush island is over 1,600 years, with the first monastic community settling there is 405 AD, under the guidance of Saint Honoratus and his companions. Today, 21 Cistercian monks live on the island, continuing the monastic tradition they live modestly whilst undertaking the production of wines and spirits.
The vineyard itself dates back to the Middle Ages, although it is believed to have existed previously for the purposes of the Eucharist. But it was not until the 1990's that the vineyards were revived professionally.
For the sake of preserving the balance of the island's ecosystem, the community of monks use no herbicide and the salt deposited by the sea breezes allows natural cleaning. Each year, the grapes are pampered, trimmed, de-budded and harvested entirely by hand.
The main attraction on the Island is the Abbaye de Lerins, a monastic community with a long and interesting history. You can also explore the vineyards of the winery; try a sample of these wines and maybe buy a bottle or two! The 15th century fortified monastery is a must-see attraction: climb up to the top for brilliant views and a sense of the peace and beauty of this gentle, historic isle.
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.
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.
Palm trees, sparkling blue waves and soft white sand make Plage des Bouches du Loup feel like a tropical paradise.
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.
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.
Plage de Carras is a well-equipped “handiplage”, which has facilities and lifeguards to enable people with disabilities to enter the water safely.
There is one restaurant on the island, La Tonnelle, and as it happens, it's excellent. It's only open for lunch; make sure you book ahead.
A warm welcome awaits you at La Tonnelle, the restaurant located on the unique island of Saint Honorat.
Located just off the coast of Cannes, on the island of Sainte Marguerite is the beautiful La Guerite restaurant.
This restaurant in the village of Biot has a wonderful garden setting with a private pool, fountains and old trees with a magnificent view over the coastline. Provencal-inspired cuisine with a modern twist, the menu is renewed every month.
Located a few meters from the steep streets of the village of Biot, the restaurant is housed in an authentic pottery from the sixteenth century.
Located in Villeneuve Loubet's swanky marina, this restaurant serves the creations of chef Eugénie Béziat, born in Gabon.
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.
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.
It is this eclectic and cosmopolitan atmosphere which makes it a place very "French Riviera".
If you are looking for something a little different then this bar could be for you - you will be transported to a different country!
Situated right on the seafront of the Promenade des Anglais this stunning building plays host to some of the city's biggest events.
Ma Nolan’s, Vieux Nice has a large inviting terrace, high vaulted ceilings, authentic bar counters and wooden floors.
Recently celebrating its 16th anniversary this is certainly the place to be in Nice for a gay-friendly and party atmosphere!
The Abbaye also runs their own cruises to and from the island and have various options for catered cruises and private functions depending on what you want to do and how much time you have.
You can walk around this small island in around two hours, enjoying the smell of pine forest, the stony beaches and the gorgeous views of the Mediterranean. Have a look at our walking guide. You might spot pheasants walking across the forest floor, or come across one of the ancient chapels that have fallen into disrepair over the centuries of religious settlement, (bring walking shoes as the paths can be rough). Have a picnic, swim, clamber over rockpools and snorkel in the shallows. Enjoy the peace and beauty: this island is a perfect escape to the glitz and buzz of nearby Cannes.
Experience some of the gems of the French Riviera.
A day of vineyards in the beautiful surroundings of the French Riviera at the prestigious domaines of the Bellet AOC and Cote de Provence in the Gulfe of Saint Tropez and Cannes.
Step aboard Aquaholic, a sleek twenty-nine-metre motor yacht built by Custom Line, and enjoy a refined charter experience on the French Riviera. Delivered in 2009, she showcases modern design, generous spaces, and a welcoming atmosphere throughout.
The 28m motor yacht Orion I is a stylish Mangusta build, offering a perfect balance of speed, comfort and contemporary design. Based in the South of France and available for charter across both France and Italy, she is an excellent choice for exploring the West Mediterranean in style.
Annamia is an exceptional 43m Baglietto motor yacht, offering a luxurious charter experience with expansive living spaces spread across three beautifully designed decks. Combining elegant Italian styling, impressive amenities and a highly attentive crew, she is perfectly suited to unforgettable Mediterranean charters.
Baby Magic is a beautiful 23 metre Aikon yacht for charter in France. She was first constructed in 2006 by the renowned Italian shipyard Aikon Yachts. Then in 2018 she underwent an extensive refit, including a new painted hull. Thanks to said refit, she is in great condition and certainly has a quality design. Baby Magic is based in Frejus, making her the ideal choice for cruising around the sunny South of France and the West Mediterranean waters.
Looney is a striking 22m Pershing motor yacht, offering the perfect combination of performance, style and comfort for cruising the French and Italian Riviera. Built in 2012, she stands out with her sleek silver profile and unmistakable sporty design, delivering exhilarating cruising speeds of up to 35 knots.
Jet-ski, waterskiing, wakeboard, wakesurf, parachute, canoe and paddleboard, Glisse Paradise have it all!
Discover more than 30 dive sites with the help of this diving school, located on the Port Santa Lucia in St Raphael.
Located on Carras beach in Nice, Jet Evasion rents licence-free jet skis & sea scooters.
They adapt to the overall level of the group so that everyone can spend an unforgettable day together whether you are a family of beginners or a group of experienced kayakers.
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.
Located in the harbour of Nice this diving school enables beginners, intermediates and confirmed divers to explore 25 diving sites.
The flavours of the Mediterranean have never been so well captured as in this classic Provencal villa, whose sun yellow facade, olive green shutters and azure swimming pool provide a warm welcome to those visiting this charming corner of Provence.
At Le Haut des Espinets you can chose from a fully equipped luxury apartment or a double room with a terrace and a sea view.
Perched on the picturesque village of Saint-Paul de Vence, this hotel offers luxury short-term suite rentals.
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 Vence, 5 km from Saint-Paul,, in a residential area, beautiful contemporary villa located on a plot of 1000m2.
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.
In their charming hotel in Biot, you'll find all the peace and comfort you need for a relaxing stay. Les Arcades offers 12 uniquely decorated rooms, each with its own character, right in the heart of the medieval village.
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.
This five-star Relais & Châteaux resort offers elegant rooms, exceptional facilities and a peaceful setting near Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Toile Blanche is a stylish retreat where contemporary design, Provençal elegance and immersive art come together across serene gardens and valley views.
Nestling in a wonderful Provencal garden, the Hotel offers 10 rooms/apartments of the highest standing. An exceptional comfort in an elegant décor of carefully planned features of stone and exotic woods.
This luxury guest house offers a panoramic view over the city, coastline and the sea, secluded terraces and garden with sun from sunrise to sunset and is just 10 minutes walk from the centre of Vence.
Many boat trips will pass through this island as part of the day's excursion but you can also get a ferry direct to the island if you wish to spend the day or longer there.
From the airport to the city centre, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
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.
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.
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
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.
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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