Highlights
Mougins
Just over four miles north of Cannes and set slightly inland, Mougins is surrounded by forests and olive groves, offering wonderful panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Esterel mountains to the west. Over the years this peaceful village has been home to a number of celebrities - including Man Ray, Yves Saint Laurent, Catherine Deneuve and Picasso, who spent the last twelve years of his life here. Mougins is renowned for its many excellent restaurants and Le Moulin de Mougins, located in an old oil mill just outside the village, is regarded by many as one of the top restaurants in France.
Eze
Eze is a picturesque medieval village positioned between Nice and Monaco, dominated by the remainder of its 12th-century castle that is still visible at the top of the hill where it was built. Set high up on a clifftop looking out towards Cap-Ferrat and Italy, it offers some of the most beautiful views over the Mediterranean Sea. The narrow streets of the village wind through the landscape and are lined with pretty little houses that have been lovingly restored and are now mostly home to galleries, craft boutiques, souvenir shops and restaurants.
Beaches
By nature, France’s Côte d’Azur is home to a selection of stunning beaches. Lie back in luxury on one of Saint Tropez’s golden swathes of sand, before cooling off in one of many exclusive beachfront bars and restaurants. Glamorous Cannes also boasts a number of popular beaches, whilst Nice is yet another sunny seaside location. The small town, St-Jean, on the opulent Cap-Ferrat peninsula − which was once owned by King Leopold II of Belgium − has a leisurely atmosphere and a village-like feel, as well as the beautiful sandy beach, Plage de Passable.
Glamour
Synonymous with glamour and exclusivity, the Côte d’Azur is renowned for its popularity with the rich and famous. Explore stunning and flamboyant St Tropez, the harbour of which is filled with sleek bars and restaurants, often hosting fashionable parties. Nice has been a magnet for affluent high-rollers and sun-seekers since the 19th century, whilst in Canne, luxurious shops, hotels and boutiques line La Croisette, the famous boulevard along the seafront and the place to see-and-be- seen. Additionally, each May, the world-famous International Film Festival is held in Cannes, during which the biggest stars descend the steps of the Palais des Festivals. If you're in the region during this time, you may just pass a film star or two.
Yachts
Due to the glamorous allure of the region, countless super-yachts frequent its many bustling harbours. In Cannes’s attractive quarter, Vieux Port, spot fishing-boats jostle bumper-to-bumper with luxury yachts, a charming meeting of old tradition and sleek glamour. Similarly, within the small, village-like St-Jean, luxury yachts in the pretty port serve to remind you that it is one of the most luxurious destinations in the Mediterranean. For a true taste of luxury, why not sail the shimmering coastline in your own sleek yacht? A number of our featured properties in the Côte d’Azur have their very own boat available for hire.
Art and Architecture
Beyond its golden beaches and inimitable glamour, the Côte d’Azur is home to an eclectic and unique art scene. In sunny Nice, explore the Musée Matisse, housing a fascinating assortment of masterpieces by Henri Matisse. An icon of Modern art, Matisse’s work is renowned for its expression, colour and originality. Outside of the glorious museum, stroll along the Promenade des Anglais or view the fascinating Baroque architectural gems in Vieux Nice - the 17th-century Cathédrale Ste-Réparate is a particular highlight.
Shopping
With luxury status, an air of French chic and a number of bustling towns, the Côte d’Azur is an excellent destination for shopping – from designer boutiques to traditional French markets. In St Tropez, quaint streets are flanked by a variety of high-end shops and cafés, snaking through the town towards La Place aux Herbes. A kaleidoscope of colour, this lively square is a great place to soak up the atmosphere of local life as stallholders display their wares of freshly-caught fish, organic fruit and vegetables and scented flowers. Nice’s alluring old town also boasts brilliant markets, whilst Cannes is filled with wonderful couture shops.