There is a magnificent panorama (with a viewpoint indicator) from Saint-Pilon in the heart of the Sainte-Beaume massif: to the north, of the Hôtellerie de la Sainte-Baume in the foreground, Mont Ventoux in the distance, the Luberon , Montagne de..

The Grande Corniche is the highest coastal road between Nice and Menton. Built on the orders of Napoleon, it follows part of the old Roman road Via Julia Augusta. Its panoramic views are unforgettable, especially from Le Vistaero restaurant and Be..

This low-lying, ravined mountain range extends to the sea with promontories, deep creeks, headlands and beaches. Its fire-red colours form a striking contrast with the indigo blue of the Mediterranean. The Corniche d’Or coastal road running between..

Seven km long, 2.5km wide and covering 1 254ha, the largest and most most eastern of the Hyères Islands was named after this village. The northern coastline boasts numerous sandy beaches bordered by pines, heather and sweet myrtle. The southern coast..

One reaches this mount (584 m) which dominates the city, by one of the few cable-cars in the world situated by the seaside: during the ascent and over the cliff road , the view over Toulon and its harbour is magnificent. Prepared paths and play area..

From the Hyères to St Raphaël, emerald-green vegetation reaches between the sea and the Gapeau and Argens valleys. Numerous resorts line the coast, affording additional viewpoints and charming landscapes; the Corniche des Maures is a magnificent road..

Between Beuil and the Var Valley, the River Cians has cut through red schist and limestone to create some of the most beautiful steep gorges in the Alps. Its powers of erosion are increased tenfold in the weakest places, and thus the river has carved..

The short crossing and walks around these well-preserved islands are bound to be a highlight of any trip to the Côte d’Azur. Inhabited in turn by monks, pirates and garrisons, the three Hyères Islands are each different but all idyllic: Le Levant is ..

With its casino, palaces and luxuriant gardens, the name Monte Carlo is synonymous with gambling and the high life. Developed in the late 19C by the Bains de Mer company, Monte Carlo is today a tightly packed haven of rich villas and buildings. To th..

A veritably uplifting landscape dotted with lovely villages ( St-Sauveur-sur-Tinée , St-Étienne-de-Tinée…), perched ever-higher up spectacular hairpin roads. These outposts of civilisation (and the frescoes and reredoses that they retain) come as a s..

Hewn by the River Var through the red schist carpeted by fresh greenery, the Daluis Gorge is of a depth, fierceness and colour that is unparalleled. The overhanging walkway offers fine views of the gorge, especially on a bright afternoon. Popular wit..

100km from Nice, at the threshold of the Mercantour National Park, the Entraunes Valley seems far from it all and for that reason is well worth a visit. Among its many available walks, choose those through the Daluis Gorge , or up the Col de la Cay..

Hidden away in Haute-Provence’s mosaic of enclosed valleys is a world of little hamlets and perched villages, each more charming than the last. From one valley to the next, rushing torrents have hewn through mountain ranges forming superb clues (go..

Heading east from Nice, the Grande Corniche heads up to the St-Michel plateau, offering views back over Nice and the Bay of Angels; to the front is La Drète fort. On the right a road leads to the Observatory of Mont-Gros , an international centre of..

Seven hectares of heavenly gardens surround the Villa Ephrussi-de-Rothschild . They follow a thematic scheme: the French garden has running water and a Temple of Love; the Spanish garden is planted with exotic species; the Florentine garden ha..

Sited on the Mas St-André estate, bought by Fernand Léger (1881-1955), for whom Andreï Svetchine constructed this sober edifice in 1960; the interior was renovated by Marc Barani in 2008. On the ground floor is a large stained-glass window inspired..

The River Vésubie rises in the Alpes Niçoises and becomes one of the most beautiful valleys in the hinterland behind Nice. Its lower course from Plan-du-Var has hewn a steep gorge prior to its joining the River Var. The Mediterranean landscape betwee..

This 3 500ha forest is situated between the valleys of the Vésubie and the Bévéra. From the south, the Col de Braus road climbs through beech, chestnut and maple trees. Beyond the Col de Turini, the D68 (Route de l’ Authion ) heads through fir tree..

Mont Vinaigre was once a haunt of brigands and the most dangerous spot in the Esterel massif. From this high point (618m) there is a fine view: from left to right, Cap-d’Antibes, Pointe de la Croisette, Cannes, the Gulf of La Napoule; straight ahead,..

During its short journey from rising on Mt Audibergue to flowing into the Mediterranean, the River Loup has over the ages hewn one of Haute-Provence’s most beautiful valleys; a vertical gorge dotted with potholes. Heading upstream, visitors will disc..