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 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.
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.
Located close to the city’s harbour, this park stretches over a surface of 1 hectare.
The sculptor, Antoniucci Volti, was born in Italy in 1915 but his family lived in Villefranche-sur-Mer. His collection is housed in the town's 16th-century citadel.
Located in the Baumettes neighbourhood, this Fine Arts museum is housed in an impressive 19th-century villa and contains an important collection of paintings and sculptures.
This priory owned by Father Lemerre was converted into a museum at the end of the Second World War and houses his collection of objets d'art from the late Middle Ages and early modern period including French furniture, glass, sculptures and religious paintings.
At the edge of the sea, facing the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, the villa is a magic place that takes you back in time. Discover this French Riviera seaside palazzo, a luxurious recreation of an Ancient Greek villa.
Located in the Allianz Riviera Stadium in Nice, this museum houses more than 45,000 objects ad 400,000 dedicated to all sports, showing their history from the Antiquity to the present.
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.
La Table de Pierre offers refined, garden-led cuisine by Chef Emmanuel Lehrer in a romantic setting with views over the estate.
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.
Gourmet restaurant of the Saint-Martin Spa & Chateau hotel to the north of Vence.
Chef Bruno Cirino prepares Mediterranean dishes that carefully showcase the flavours of local produce. A light and creative cuisine that you can enjoy in their elegant dining room with vaulted ceilings and frescoes or their shaded terrace overlooking the sea.
It is this eclectic and cosmopolitan atmosphere which makes it a place very "French Riviera".
Recently celebrating its 16th anniversary this is certainly the place to be in Nice for a gay-friendly and party atmosphere!
Ma Nolan’s, Vieux Nice has a large inviting terrace, high vaulted ceilings, authentic bar counters and wooden floors.
Situated right on the seafront of the Promenade des Anglais this stunning building plays host to some of the city's biggest events.
Located in Vieux Nice, this bar serves breakfast, lunch, tapas and drinks. A great place to soak up the sun while enjoying a meal.
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.
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.
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.
Based in Nice, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
Take a trip on board this luxury yacht along the Riviera, to any destination of your choosing.
This company is based in Nice and offers a wide range of road bikes.
Enjoy a wonderful, peaceful and fume-free journey along the French Riviera on a solar powered motor boat with a professional skipper.
Ideal for day trips or longer, to explore the coastline in style and spend time with friends and family onboard away from the crowds.
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.
Prepare to discover luxury and sophistication aboard this Tayarrah Yacht Charter, formerly known as Syber. This exquisite yacht offers the perfect blend of style and performance, ensuring an unforgettable yacht charter experience. With its sleek interior design and cosy ambience, Tayarrah sets the stage for an unforgettable yacht charter experience on the Mediterranean.
With a fantastically accurate name, So Chic is an elegant luxury yacht charter built by Azimut. Based on the French Riviera, with this luxury yacht charter you are free to explore the magical mediterranean.
Why rent Fortuna Star? She is part of the incredibly popular Sunseeker Manhattan range – notorious for their excellent use of space. Well looked after by the excellent crew and with a 2020 refit of teak and some upholstery, she is in prime condition for charter.
Famous Benetti Charter Yacht, Starfire has one of the best reputations on the yacht charter market. She has over 80% repeat clientele; a credit to her excellent, long standing crew of 12. Quality Italian design and a great array of features for guests. Mediterranean and Caribbean cruising.
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.
This company are based in Breil sur Roya and offer a huge range of outdoor sports and activities for groups and individuals.
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.
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.
In Vence, 5 km from Saint-Paul,, in a residential area, beautiful contemporary villa located on a plot of 1000m2.
The villa in La Roquette-sur-Var has 4 bedrooms and has capacity for 8 people.
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.
Located on the famous Promenade des Anglais, this contemporary hotel features a casino, an indoor & outdoor pool and spa facilities.
This hotel has been entirely renovated, combining the historical ambience of its past, plus the modern conveniences of an international luxury hotel.
This five-star Relais & Châteaux resort offers elegant rooms, exceptional facilities and a peaceful setting near Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Boasting remarkable sea views of St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, this luxurious hotel is listed among the 500 World's Best Hotels.
The 5-star Luxury Boscolo Exedra Nice is located in the centre of Nice, a few minutes from the old town, the boutiques of Place Masséna, the famous Promenade Des Anglais and the Conference Center.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
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.
Le Chauvain, 16 renovated apartments in the centre of Nice.
Le Chauvain, 16 renovated apartments in the centre of Nice.
Set in a private estate with 24-hour security, this seafront townhouse offers a rare and sought-after living environment. The estate offers its residents exclusive features such as a funicular railway with direct access to the sea and perfectly manicured landscaped gardens.
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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