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.
Villeneuve Loubet
Coastal resort with a lovely medieval village
Situated between Nice and Cannes, Villeneuve Loubet is a delightful area split into two parts - a seaside resort with plenty of outdoor activities and a fascinating old town.
The best way to discover the old village is to take a bus or leave your car in the large “Plans” car park and walk along the river.
Starting at the mouth of the Loup (meaning “wolf”) river it's a short stroll to the old town of Villeneuve-Loubet. It's interlaced with pretty lanes which open up into characterful squares with art galleries and cafés.
There is a 13th century castle with a cobbled courtyard, ramparts and walls to explore. The village itself was rebuilt in the 16th century and has many beautiful examples of Renaissance architecture, as well as a Museum of Art and History. Guided tours are organised by the tourist office, call in to ask for details. It provides a welcome respite from the busy coastal resorts.
The beach resort of Villeneuve Loubet Plage is dominated by the purpose built, 1,000 bed apartment block which is supposed to resemble three large white waves rolling in from the sea. At 70m high, they dominate the horizon and certainly draw your attention. Whilst they may not be to everyone's taste, the architect has created that rare apartment block where every flat has a terrace and a view.
Events in [locality]
Events in Nice
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European Night of the Museums
The Long Night of Museums is an annual event where museums across Europe remain open late into the night, and Nice is no exception.
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Fête de la Musique
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
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Bastille Day
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
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European Heritage Days
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.
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Beaujolais Nouveau
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
History & Culture in [locality]
The main events in history occurred during the 20th century with the town being one of many important battle sites during World War II. It was liberated by the First Special Service Force on 26th August, 1944. The tower of the castle was damaged by a shell fired by the US Navy, and dozens of soldiers from both sides were killed or wounded.
In 2006, the bodies of fourteen Germans who were killed during the fighting were discovered in a mass grave near the town by a local medical student.
Villeneuve-Loubet is also the birthplace of the famous 19th century Provençal chef and father of “haute-cuisine”, Auguste Escoffier. The Musée de l’Arte Culinaire documents his career, with exhibits including his menus and recipes, as well as old cooking implements and kitchen devices.
Sights & Attractions in [locality]
The old town's history is fascinating. It was a battle site in WWII and was liberated in 1944.
The old village was rebuilt in the 16th century and has many beautiful examples of Renaissance architecture, as well as a Museum of Art and History. Guided tours are organised by the tourist office.
Sights in Nice
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L'Esterel National Park
A volcanic range of mountains covering around 32,000 hectares and stretching between Saint-Raphael and Theoule-sur-Mer.
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Tour Bellanda
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.
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Parfumerie Fragonard, Grasse
This historic perfume factory is in the heart of the Old Town and is one of the oldest in Grasse, constructed in 1782.
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Ephrussi de Rothschild Villa, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
This impressive villa was built in 1906 by Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild. It overlooks the Mediterranean sea from Cap Ferrat and it is full of antique furniture, Old Master paintings, sculptures and a collection of rare porcelain, while the gardens are classified as Notable Gardens of France.
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Monastere de Saorge Monastery
Beautiful baroque architecture, examples of 17th- and 18th-century frescoes and furniture and a large terraced garden.
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Parfumerie Galimard, Eze
Free guided tours of a historic perfume factory in the medieval village of Eze.
Beaches in [locality]
“Plages” means beaches and Villeneuve-Loubet is fringed by 4km of beaches, all of which hold the Blue Flag award for cleanliness.
There are three main beaches, where you can try all sorts of watersports, as well as a marina where you can hire boats.
The port area has many good restaurants and all the beaches have restaurants and snack bars. There are facilities for disabled swimmers and even, that rarest of pleasures on the Riviera…a sandy beach. Particularly good for families is the “Plage des Kids” which is equipped with table tennis, mini-golf and other entertainments.
Beaches in Nice
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Plage des Bouches du Loup Beach, Villeneuve Loubet
Palm trees, sparkling blue waves and soft white sand make Plage des Bouches du Loup feel like a tropical paradise.
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Plage de la Batterie Beach, Villeneuve Loubet
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.
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Plage du Cros de Cagnes Beach, Cagnes sur Mer
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.
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Plage de la Pierre au Tambour Beach, Villeneuve Loubet
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.
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Plages des Flots Bleus Beach, Saint Laurent du Var
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.
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Plage du Carras Beach
Plage de Carras is a well-equipped “handiplage”, which has facilities and lifeguards to enable people with disabilities to enter the water safely.
Dining in [locality]
There's a nice selection of restaurants in the marina and along the beachfront offering great sea views.
Restaurants in Nice
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Restaurant des Rois, Beaulieu Sur Mer
The jewel in the crown of La Réserve de Beaulieu hotel is this gastronomic restaurant which has one Michelin star.
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Hostellerie Jerome Restaurant, La Turbie
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.
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Le Saint-Martin Restaurant, Vence
Gourmet restaurant of the Saint-Martin Spa & Chateau hotel to the north of Vence.
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Le Cap Restaurant, Saint Jean Cap Ferrat
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.
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Chateau Eza Restaurant, Eze
Château Eza offers a Michelin recommended restaurant serving à la carte French and Mediterranean cuisine against the stunning backdrop of the French Riviera.
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La Colombe d'Or Restaurant, St Paul de Vence
Enjoy refined regional cuisine in an iconic setting featuring original works by Picasso, Matisse, Miró and more.
Nightlife in [locality]
Bars & Clubs in Nice
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Le Bar du Negresco
It is this eclectic and cosmopolitan atmosphere which makes it a place very "French Riviera".
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Wayne's Bar
A vibrant pub in the heart of Nice's busy quarter, the Old Town. Popular with locals and tourists alike but especially the International crowd.
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Nomad Bar, Vieux Nice
Located in Vieux Nice, this bar serves breakfast, lunch, tapas and drinks. A great place to soak up the sun while enjoying a meal.
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AMF Acropolis Bowling
Located behind the Acropolis, the AMF centre is one of the largest bowling alleys in France.
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Cave Wilson Restaurant, Nice Centre
This is one of the oldest jazz bars on the Mediterranean - been around since 1904. The atmosphere in Cave Wilson is very pleasant, and Antoine, the owner, offers excellent wine with a plate of cheeses, bread and quality music.
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Les 3 Diables
The ground floor with Its welcoming bar and the main room, then the mezzanine for a more intimate space and finally its back room is a discotheque.
Things to do in [locality]
As well as the beaches there are also a number of parks, most notably the Parc du Vaugrenier, a large woodland area that is home to many wild animals and Mediterranean plants as well as Roman archaeological excavations, walking paths and a childrens playground. Entry is free of charge and it's open year-round.
Villeneuve-Loubet is a great base for action-lovers, as well as being a starting point for many hikes and bike rides there are also a number of adventure parks in the area where you can test your head for heights by navigating the forest via ropes and bridges. Try Canyon Forest at the Parc Rives des Loup for courses to suit all ages.
The Golfe de Villeneuve-Loubet has undergone recent upgrades, and has a nine-hole course, restaurant, putting green, driving range, and proshop. It's not the most glamorous club on the Riviera (for those see our golfing section) but it's affordable and accessible.
Things To Do in Nice
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Road bike hire
This company is based in Nice and offers a wide range of road bikes.
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Luxury Good Times Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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Solar Powered Boat Trip
Enjoy a wonderful, peaceful and fume-free journey along the French Riviera on a solar powered motor boat with a professional skipper.
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Motorbike hire
Based in Nice, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
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Luxury Lizard Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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Sunset Boat Trip
Enjoy a wonderful, peaceful and fume-free journey along the French Riviera on a solar powered motor boat with a professional skipper.
Yachts & Sailing in [locality]
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O'mega Superyacht
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.
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Looney Motor Boat
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.
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Clara One 32m Motor Yacht
The Clara One is a classic spacious motor yacht with space for up to 150 guests while berthed making her ideal for functions or events.
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La Bellini Superyacht
Indulge in a yacht charter Sunseeker. The Sunseeker Predator 64 is a breathtaking performance motor yacht, elegantly showcasing the flawless proportions and formidable performance that have propelled British yacht builder Sunseeker to world renown. This yacht is ideally situated for week long Mediterranean escapades, or for entertaining guests during the prestigious Riviera event calendar.
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Miss Superyacht
Embark on a memorable journey with Miss, an impressive Sunseeker yacht charter Fréjus. Accommodation on-board consists of 3 cabins, 2 of which are double. All cabins are decorated with light colors, creating a pleasant sense of tranquility on-board. Air conditioning is available in all cabins. 3 bathrooms are found on-board.
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Luxury Lizard Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
Watersports in [locality]
Watersports in Nice
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Parasailing, Villefranche Sur Mer
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.
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Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Paddleboarding along the coast is a fun for the whole family!
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Nice Rafting, Breil-sur-Roya
For those looking for an adrenalin rush, Nice Rafting is the place to go to!
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Go Kayak
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.
Where to stay in [locality]
The hotel accommodation here tends to be on the budget side. Neighbouring Cagnes sur Mer has a better selection of boutique style places to stay.
Holidays Rentals in [locality]
Holiday Rentals in Nice
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Hsud0145 Villa
In the commune of Colomars, 10 km from the sea, in a residential area, beautiful villa on a plot of 1500m².
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Hsud0083 Villa, Vence
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.
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Hsud0034 Villa, La Gaude
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.
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Hsud0058 Villa, Saint Paul de Vence
In Vence, 5 km from Saint-Paul,, in a residential area, beautiful contemporary villa located on a plot of 1000m2.
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Aurelia Villa, Vence
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.
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Roquette Villa, La Roquette-sur-Var
The villa in La Roquette-sur-Var has 4 bedrooms and has capacity for 8 people.
Hotels in [locality]
Hotels in Nice
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La Reserve de Beaulieu Hotel
Classic French opulence with Mediterranean charm, all nestled between the mountains and the blue waters of the Riviera.
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Le Negresco Hotel
Famous hotel and site named after Henri Negresco with an equally famous restaurant Le Chantecler, located on the Promenade des Anglais.
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Suisse Hotel
The Hotel Suisse is ideally situated between right on the beach front and offers fantastic, uninterrupted sea views right in the heart of Nice.
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Cap Estel Hotel, Eze
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.
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Saint-Martin Spa & Chateau, Vence
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.
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Le Saint Paul Hotel, Saint-Paul de Vence
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.
How to get to [locality]
Access to Villeneuve-Loubet from Nice is very easy; either hop on the train, take the bus or hire a bike and follow the green cycle path all the way from the Promenade des Anglais, it’s flat and is an easy hour-long ride.
Transfers for Nice
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Private airport transfers
From the airport to the city centre, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
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Private Jet and Helicopter 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.
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Helicopter Charter Flights
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.
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Chabe Airport Transfers
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
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Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
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.
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Helicopter Transfers and Scenic Flights
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
Property For Sale in [locality]
Property for Sale in Nice
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House for Sale
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.
House for Sale
€9,900,000 -
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Apartment for Sale
Located in the heart of the prestigious and secure Abbaye de Roseland residence, a true landmark in the Fabron district of Nice, this 3 bedroom apartment in the Le Baccara building enjoys an exceptional environment, combining luxury, comfort and quality of life.
Apartment for Sale
€695,000 -
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Villa for Sale
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.
Villa for Sale
€5,980,000 -
