Marathon des Alpes Maritimes Nice-Cannes
This marathon takes place in the cooler autumn, starting in Nice and heading over a slightly varied route each year to the finish in the glamorous centre of Cannes.

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler
Medieval town with prehistoric artefacts and great hiking routes
Tende is a wonderful little town right on the Italian border with a rich heritage, fascinating architecture, prehistoric relics and plenty of outdoor activities to keep everyone happy.
From the centre of the town you can take a stroll up one of the narrow side streets that climb steeply up to the remains of the Château Lascaris, the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption, the old medieval village and spectacular views over the lower part of the town and the valley beyond. The village is steeply terraced and old stone bridges link some of the streets with little hobbit-sized tunnels running underneath others.
One of the many charming things about Tende is that it is a true community, not just a tourist destination or a monument to years gone by. All the ramshackle streets are home to local families and, consequently, the bars and restaurants are frequented by locals as well as holidaymakers.
August is a good time to visit Tende; not so busy as some of the more famous towns and they have a number of local festivals going on celebrating local traditions.
July and August see many local events taking place, such as agricultural fairs and traditional parades. Tende holds an annual celebration of the humble chestnut with the "Fête des Châtaignes" every October.
    This marathon takes place in the cooler autumn, starting in Nice and heading over a slightly varied route each year to the finish in the glamorous centre of Cannes.
    The 'Carnaval de Nice' almost rivals Rio with its extravagant and colourful parades down the Promenade des Anglais.
    The start of spring is celebrated every Sunday in May with a grand celebration in the Jardins de Cimiez.
Tende was Italian for many years (since 1860) and only became French as recently as 1947, meaning that it still has a strong Italian influence in its architecture, cuisine and way of life. The streets of Tende have an air of Italian flamboyance about them with brightly painted facades and intricate little features, mixed in with some very Provencal-style barns and wooden houses.
Tende is home to the Musée des Merveilles, a modern exhibition space showcasing discoveries that date back almost 5,000 years. Excavations have revealed prehistoric settlements and the museum featured lots of artefacts relating to their daily life. You can also find out where to hike to see prehistoric and bronze age rock carvings in their original location.
    This historic perfume factory is in the heart of the Old Town and is one of the oldest in Grasse, constructed in 1782.
    This chapel's oldest parts date from the 17th century, namely its three-sided tower. It now contains contemporary artwork made in 2005 by Jean-Michel Folon.
    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.
    The museum is located in the Chateau Sainte Hélène, the former private residence of perfume master François Coty, surrounded by a garden with rare aromatic plants. It showcases a collection of 'Naïve Art' paintings.
    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.
    The area around the Cote d'Azur is rich in prehistoric artefacts, many of which can be found in this fascinating museum.
    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.
    The jewel in the crown of La Réserve de Beaulieu hotel is this gastronomic restaurant which has one Michelin star.
    In a Regency-style dining room decorated with magnificent 18th century woodwork, Jean-Denis Rieubland proposes two menus, "Découverte" and "Chantecler".
    Gourmet restaurant of the Saint-Martin Spa & Chateau hotel to the north of Vence.
    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.
    Enjoy refined regional cuisine in an iconic setting featuring original works by Picasso, Matisse, Miró and more.
    It is this eclectic and cosmopolitan atmosphere which makes it a place very "French Riviera".
    With a Gothic interior mixed with wall frescoes and a friendly atmosphere, this is one of Nice's nicest drinking spots.
    Ma Nolan’s, Nice Port is designed to be a warm, welcoming and atmospheric venue, the perfect place to eat, drink and party.
    Located behind the Acropolis, the AMF centre is one of the largest bowling alleys in France.
    If you are looking for something a little different then this bar could be for you - you will be transported to a different country!
    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.
Tende is part of the Mercantour National Park and the surrounding countryside is perfect for rugged hikes, long mountain bike rides, rock climbing, via ferrata, canyoning and paragliding. It's also one of the best sites in the world for potholing (or “spelunking”, as it is also known), with the nearby Piaggia Bella being one of the deepest potholes in the world at -850m.
The GR52 “Grande Randonée” hiking trail passes by Tende on the way to Saorge, as well as many other routes of varying lengths. All trails in this region are marked on the map IGN (1/25,000) #3841 OT "Vallée de la Roya".
In winter you can ski at Réserve Blanche, a ski resort with over 100km of pistes straddling the French and Italian borders, just 20 minutes drive from Tende. There are also cross-country ski trails amongst the forests of Casterino, also about 20 minutes from Tende.
    Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
    Take a trip onboard 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.
    A fantastic way to experience the breathtaking scenery of 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.
    Experience the French Riviera your way with 212 yachts, using one of their sample itineraries or with a specialised itinerary created just for you, based on what you like and don't like, as well as their own expertise.
    When Lance Armstrong describes a training route as “mythical” you know it’s not going to be easy…
This half-day ride takes you on a panoramic tour via four of the region’s famous sixteen “perched villages” - ancient towns built high amongst the mountains of the Alpes-Maritime. There is a fair bit of climbing involved in this ride, 1500m over just under 60km, but there are also plenty of long flowing descents where you can drink in the magnificent views of mountains in one direction and sea in the other. The biggest climb is the first one up to Aspremont, so once you’ve nailed that you can relax and take the rest nice and easy.
    La Grande Corniche is one of the classic cycle routes of the Riviera and this ride takes you from the heart of Nice all the way to Menton on the Italian border and back.
    This intense little loop packs quite a lot into a short ride, taking you up to the serenity of the high mountains and back down to the hustle of the seafront in just 30km.
    
    A challenging ride up a steep mountain pass to a summit of 963m, the Col de Vence is a classic cycling route of the Cote d’Azur. Starting from Nice along the Promenade des Anglais, follow the cycle path past the airport to Cagnes-Sur-Mer; you’ll know you’ve reached Cagnes-Sur-Mer when you come to a long stretch of seafront and a dangling rhinoceros (you’ll understand when you see it), turn right up Avenue General Leclerc - it’s the second road after the church.
    Cap Martin is a rather exclusive peninsula between Monaco and Menton, which houses a number of large, discrete villas of the rich and famous. Happily, there is also a rather fabulous coastal walk around the headland which allows everyone to access the wonderful views of Monaco and the sea.
    This half day scenic hike circles around the north side of Mont Vial, traversing a deep bowl in the Var Valley.
    This circuit starts from Aspremont, one of the famous “perched villages” of the Cote d’Azur, and climbs up to Mont Chauve at 853m to give spectacular views of the Baie des Anges and the “collines”, or hills, surrounding Nice.
    This is a fairly easy but rewarding hike starting from Eze-sur-Mer and finishing in Beaulieu-Sur-Mer, both villages are on the train and bus line.
    This rugged coastal footpath runs from Villefranche-Sur-Mer all the way to Nice, providing excellent views of the harbour and lots of opportunities for secluded swimming and sunbathing along the way.
    This easily accessible promenade starts at the Port of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and finishes at Plage de Passable, taking you right around the peninsula of this beautiful coastline.
    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.
    Nice Diving unveils to its clients the underwater marvels of the Mediterranean ocean along the shores of the Cote d'Azur.
    Whichever excursion you choose, you will be closer to discovering the many secrets of the underwater world.
    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.
    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 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 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.
    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 Vence, 5 km from Saint-Paul,, in a residential area, beautiful contemporary villa located on a plot of 1000m2.
    This celebrated Provençal inn combines elegant accommodation with a private collection of modern art by renowned 20th-century artists.
    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.
    Tucked inside the medieval village of Saint-Paul de Vence, Hotel Le Saint Paul offers timeless charm, artistic flair, and refined hospitality in a Relais & Châteaux setting.
    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.
    Located on the famous Promenade des Anglais, this contemporary hotel features a casino, an indoor & outdoor pool and spa facilities.
    The Hotel Suisse is ideally situated between right on the beach front and offers fantastic, uninterrupted sea views right in the heart of Nice.
Getting to Tende from the Riviera is fairly straightforward; you can either hop on the Train des Merveilles from Nice or drive up on the D2204 via Sospel, the train takes just two hours and it’s a little over an hour by car. Once there, there is a free car park right in the centre of town.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    
    Located in the heart of the historic center of Nice, the Villa du Château de la Tour enjoys an exceptional location, just a 5-minute walk from the beach, restaurants, and the Museum of Fine Arts. This elegant townhouse stands out for its commanding position and rooftop terrace offering a pleasant view of the sea and the castle.
    
    
    A masterpiece of contemporary design within a lush oasis overlooking the Mediterranean.
    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.
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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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