Cote d'Azur

The golden stretch of Mediterranean coastline, the playground for the fashionable in the 1920s, is again popular with discerning travellers looking for a year round destination with a hint of glamour, a wonderful climate and some outstanding food. An astonishing number of great artists started to arrive in the 1880’s as word of the beguiling light and beauty of the region spread. Monet, Matisse, Leger, Renoir, Chagall, Picasso and Dufy all came here and now, because of their legacy, there is a wonderful range of galleries and museums to explore throughout the Côte d’Azur.

Juan-les-Pins

Juan-les-Pins made its name in the ‘swing’ era, when the well-heeled from Europe and America arrived here to try their luck at the casino and to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Its popularity has never waned since those heady days and its exotic pine trees and wonderful sandy beaches make it one of the most attractive towns on the Côte d’Azur.

Vence

Perched on a narrow spur between two steep valleys, Vence is a mediaeval fortified village. Its breathtaking views and maze of picturesque streets have lured renowned artists and it is home to many galleries, studios and museums.

St Paul-de-Vence

One of the oldest mediaeval towns on the French Riviera, famous for its modern and contemporary museums and galleries.

Eze

This beautiful mediaeval village stands dramatically at 1,400 feet above sea level on the Grand Corniche between Nice and Monaco.

Haut-de-Cagnes

This quiet mediaeval village is located above the main road from Nice airport to Cannes and is a world away from the glitz and glamour of the seaside resorts. A source of inspiration for numerous artists and writers, the village is a maze of cobbled alleyways and shady squares and is dominated by the magnificent Château Grimaldi with its outstanding painted Baroque ceiling and contemporary art exhibitions.

Mougins

This stunning mediaeval village is set on a hill above Cannes and was the home of Pablo Picasso whose influence encouraged many artists to settle here. In recent years it has become one of the gastronomic centres of France.

St Jean-Cap-Ferrat

The peninsula of Cap-Ferrat has been the playground of the wealthy since the 19th century and is now one of the quieter parts of the French Riviera. A series of seaside paths make it possible to walk around the Cap and you can reach Beaulieu-sur-Mer in 30 minutes on foot. A visit to Beatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild’s elegant seaside villa with its wonderful collection of tapestries, furniture, porcelain and paintings is a must.

Menton

Quieter, more sedate and definitely more affordable than Monaco, its glamorous neighbour, the seaside town of Menton is the last port of call before you cross the border into Italy. Protected by surrounding mountains, the town benefits from a superb climate and has many exotic gardens. The mediaeval centre is defined by steep, cobbled alleyways that lead down to the seafront. The Jean Cocteau Museum is well worth a visit.

Villefranche-sur-Mer

Located on a beautiful horseshoe shaped bay between Nice and Monte Carlo, this is one of the most charming and authentic towns on the Côte d’Azur. The atmospheric old town with its terracotta roofs and narrow cobbled streets dates from the 12th century. Don’t miss the Chapelle St-Pierre with its frescoes by Cocteau, or the restored citadel with four museums within the walls. The town has three beaches and is on the train line that links Cannes with Nice, Monaco and Menton.