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.
Ancient hilltop village in the heart of the Vallée de la Roya
Saorge is a wonderful medieval village perched high on a rock overlooking the magnificent Gorges de Saorge and the Vallée de la Roya; it's classed as one of the 40 most beautiful villages in France.
It sits in the concave face of a steep mountainside, looking out as if from the seats of an amphitheatre. It was in a perfect defensive position during turbulent times and was considered to be an unassailable stronghold, guarded by no less than three castles.
Many of the houses are from the 15th - 17th century and tower as many as five stories over the tiny courtyards. They are mostly ochre with some blue stone and red slate roofs; look out for the intricate details such as carved lintels, painted murals, sundials and engravings.
A stroll round the streets will reveal some beautiful gardens and vegetable patches on impressively steep ground, mostly tended by elderly people with a remarkable resistance to gravity.
Saturday is market day and is a great opportunity to buy some local produce such as cheese, honey, olives and wine as well as various crafts that make lovely souvenirs.
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.
Saorge was first recorded in the 10th century as Saurgio and you can find Roman inscriptions on many of the buildings.
The narrow cobbled streets twist their way up to the top of the village, passing through tunnels and old vaulted passages to get to the ancient Franciscan Monastery.
The trompe-l'oeil facade and frescoed cloisters are worth the walk, as is the fantastic view down over the village with its slate roofs and tiled bell towers. Look down below the village and you’ll see the Romanesque bell tower of Madona del Poggio, an 11th century church that was built by Cistercian monks from the Iles de Lérins just off the coast of Cannes.
In 1992, wolves naturally returned to France. It all happened not far from here, in the Mercantour National Park. This park has been created to tell the story of man and the wolf and allow visitors to see wolf packs up close.
This factory for perfume, soap and cosmetics, has very modern laboratories and workshops. Discover the secrets of manufacturing perfumes and cosmetics.
A small collection of some of Matisse's works and items from his own personal collection and that of his descendants are housed in an impressive 17th century Genoese mansion.
Guarding the Bay of Angels, this 19th-century tower is where composer Hector Berlioz created the opening of the famous King Lear overture in 1831, whilst staying here.
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.
Eze's exotic gardens were created after the Second World War, in the ruins of Eze castle. Located on steep terrain, it boasts wonderful panoramic views of the sea, the Esterel mountains and the Saint-Tropez gulf.
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.
Tucked away amongst the maze of streets and alleyways are a few little shops and cafés; the square at the entrance to the village is the hub with a couple of little shops and bars where the locals like to gather for a pastis or two.
In a Regency-style dining room decorated with magnificent 18th century woodwork, Jean-Denis Rieubland proposes two menus, "Découverte" and "Chantecler".
The jewel in the crown of La Réserve de Beaulieu hotel is this gastronomic restaurant which has one Michelin star.
Enjoy refined regional cuisine in an iconic setting featuring original works by Picasso, Matisse, Miró and more.
Michelin-starred chef, Didier Anies, recognised as Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 2000, has created a gourmet cuisine at this restaurant; one which is unfussy, full of flavour and low key yet elegant.
Toile Blanche Le Restaurant offers fresh, seasonal dishes inspired by the Mediterranean, where simplicity meets creative flair.
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.
It is this eclectic and cosmopolitan atmosphere which makes it a place very "French Riviera".
Ma Nolan’s, Nice Port is designed to be a warm, welcoming and atmospheric venue, the perfect place to eat, drink and party.
Situated right on the seafront of the Promenade des Anglais this stunning building plays host to some of the city's biggest events.
Originally set up by Russian jazz musician Dimitri Shapko, this venue plays host to local and international jazz, soul and R&B.
Located in Vieux Nice, this bar serves breakfast, lunch, tapas and drinks. A great place to soak up the sun while enjoying a meal.
Reopened in December 2014 and restored to its original elegance with a touch of modern glamour this is 'must see' building as well as fantastic entertainment venue.
The GR52 “Grande Randonée” hiking trail passes right through Saorge and climbs up to the monastery and into the mountains on the way to La Brigue.
There are various other routes offering endless possibilities and adventures in the Roya valley; routes are marked on the map IGN (1/25,000) #3841 OT "Vallée de la Roya", or look out for the many signposts around the village.
Saorge is home to Bendola, the biggest canyon in the Alpes Maritimes, where you can go abseiling down waterfalls and plunging into swirling torrents. Other local activities include mountain biking, rock climbing and trout fishing.
This company is based in Nice and offers a wide range of road bikes.
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
Based in Nice, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
Enjoy a wonderful, peaceful and fume-free journey along the French Riviera on a solar powered motor boat with a professional skipper.
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
A bike trip for advanced riders, where you can enjoy some of the most scenic roads of the French Alps.
So'Mar, built by Tansu in 2014, was the winner of the World Superyacht Awards 2015. This stunning yacht is perfect for long cruises and offers a luxurious experience throughout the Med.
M/Y Kissmi showcases the quality and class of the Mangusta range, built with meticulous attention to detail by world renowned Italian shipyard Overmarine. Based in Golfe Juan, she is perfectly located for exploring the enchanting wonders of the Lérin Islands, or for venturing further along the stunning coastline towards either Monaco or Saint Tropez. In just four hours, Kissmi can bring you to the marvellous mountainous Mediterranean island of Corsica. Kissmi is simply perfect for day tips or weekends cruising on the glistening Med.
The 82m superyacht O’Mega is one of the largest yachts available for charter in the world. With a length of 82.5m (270’ 8”) and a beam of 11.6m (38’1”), O’Mega is an incredibly spacious yacht, exuding luxury, sophistication and fun.
M/Y Aquaholic is a stunning example of modern yacht design and luxury. This custom 29.5m yacht for charter in Saint Tropez offers a dazzling array of amenities that will make your stay on-board one to remember. Built in just 2009, she boats a soothing and fresh interior.
Gota is a beautiful SanLorenzo 82′, built in 2007 and immaculately maintained. The ideal Ibiza superyacht charter, she is available for Balearics cruising for your next holiday at sea.
Discover the luxury of a ‘Good Times’ yacht charter, a stunning yacht designed to offer an impressive charter experience. At 21.45 meters (70′ 4″) in length, Good Times provides ample space and comfort for your journey along the French Riviera and beyond. Built-in 2016 by Jeanneau, this charter yacht promises both elegance and performance.
Paddleboarding along the coast is a fun for the whole family!
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.
Jet-ski, waterskiing, wakeboard, wakesurf, parachute, canoe and paddleboard, Glisse Paradise have it all!
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.
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 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.
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.
In the commune of Colomars, 10 km from the sea, in a residential area, beautiful villa on a plot of 1500m².
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.
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 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 commune of Colomars, 10 km from the sea, in a residential area, beautiful villa on a plot of 1500m².
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.
This hotel has been entirely renovated, combining the historical ambience of its past, plus the modern conveniences of an international luxury hotel.
Exquisite and intimate, the rooms and suites of Château Eze cling to the side of the ancient rock walls of Eze, a thousand-year-old Medieval village more than 400 metres above the Mediterranean Sea.
Boasting remarkable sea views of St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, this luxurious hotel is listed among the 500 World's Best Hotels.
Located on the famous Promenade des Anglais, this contemporary hotel features a casino, an indoor & outdoor pool and spa facilities.
Classic French opulence with Mediterranean charm, all nestled between the mountains and the blue waters of the Riviera.
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.
The most enjoyable way to get to Saorge is on the Train des Merveilles that runs daily from Nice to Cuneo, stopping at many villages along the way. The train stops at Fontan-Saorge, approximately 1km (downhill) from the village.
If you want to come by car you can follow the D2204 from Nice or the D2566 from Menton, both of which pass by Sospel.
From the airport to the city centre, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
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.
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 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.
In immediate proximity to the port of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and its beautiful beaches, this exceptional 129 sq m apartment embodies the elegance and exclusive lifestyle of the French Riviera.
Provençal villa with swimming pool and landscaped garden
2 bedroom apartment on penultimate floor with sea view
South-facing terrace flat in the heart of the city, a stone's throw from the tramway and shops.
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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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