The Côte d'Azur often conjures images of glamorous coastal cities, but venture beyond the best-known cities on the French Riviera and you'll discover historic villages overflowing with character and charm.
Whether you're exploring the artistic legacy of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, visiting the esteemed perfume houses of Grasse, or immersing yourself in the beauty of Bormes-les-Mimosas' flower-lined streets, each village has its own distinct character. Our France destination specialists round up their top recommendations, and explain why these villages are some of the best places to visit in the south of France.
VILLAGES NEAR NICE
UNESCO-recognised Nice is celebrated for its architectural beauty and classic French Riviera charm. Its heritage as a trading port since Roman times is evident in the striking Italianate influences across the city. From Nice, you can easily explore the following coastal and inland villages:
ÈZE
Looking out to the aquamarine waters of the Mediterranean from its hilltop perch, the medieval village of Èze is one of the prettiest on the Côte d’Azur. The centre of the village is fully pedestrianised, allowing you to absorb the centuries of rich history as you stroll along cobbled streets and narrow alleyways. As you ascend through the village, you’ll reach the Jardin Exotique. This glorious garden is set in the grounds of a 12th century castle, and the views over the terracotta roofs to the sea beyond make it well worth the climb.
Highlights:
- As well as providing endless photo opportunities, Èze is a perfect place to find gifts for those back home with its plentiful boutiques, ateliers and small galleries.
- The weekly market in Èze takes place on Sunday morning, with stalls selling predominantly fresh produce, cheese, and a selection of local crafts.
SAINT PAUL-DE-VENCE
Saint-Paul-de-Vence was a haven for artists during in the 20th century, attracting luminaries drawn to its tranquillity and beautiful light. This ‘artist’s village’ enjoyed its heyday in the 1930s, welcoming visitors such as Picasso and Matisse. Today, the narrow lanes are lined with galleries celebrating all genres of art, while the museums of the Maeght and CAB Foundations offer world-class exhibitions.
Highlights:
- Watch the locals play pétanque in the Place du Jeu de Boules, while savouring an espresso at the Le Café de la Place.
- Take one of the cycling routes exploring the artistic and cultural heritage of the village and surrounding countryside.
- Keep an eye on the local calendar for any events, festivals, and open-air concerts that might be taking place during your stay.
VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-MER
Villefranche is a pretty seaside village with a small harbour, where yachts and traditional pointus (fishing boats) drop anchor against a backdrop of vibrant facades. Enjoy leisurely walks through streets lined with pastel-painted houses, explore historic treasures like the 16th century Citadel Saint-Elme, and watch the comings and goings of the boats from a harbourfront restaurant.
Highlights:
- You may wish to time your visit to be on a Wednesday for the food market, or on a Sunday for the antiques market.
- Discover the atmospheric Rue Obscure, a 130-metre medieval underground street dating back to the year 1260.
VILLAGES NEAR CANNES
Cannes, globally renowned for its film festival, offers far more than just celebrity allure. While the iconic red carpet of the Palais des Festivales and prestigious boutiques of La Croisette draw visitors, the old quarter of Le Suquet presents a more low-key atmosphere, typified by the covered Marché Forville. The surrounding villages echo this historical charm, including:
GRASSE
Known as the world’s perfume capital, Grasse is home to the International Museum of Perfume. Tour historic perfume houses like Fragonard, Molinard, or Galimard, and learn about the village’s centuries-old fragrance traditions. The medieval, orange-hued Old Town provides a memorable setting for lunch, while the Michelin-starred La Bastide Saint-Antoine offers exceptional dining amid beautiful gardens.
Highlights:
- Marvel at the three original Rubens paintings in the 12th century Cathedral Notre-Dame-de-Puy.
- Join the festivities at August’s Fête du Jasmin, a celebration of flowers with street parades, live music and dancing.
GOURDON
Even the journey to this pretty hilltop village is a scenic one as you ascend the winding roads of the dramatic Gorges du Loup. From its location high on a rocky outcrop, Gourdon offers panoramic views and another opportunity to step back in time to the Provence of a bygone era. In the compact historic centre, medieval streets are filled with craft shops selling glassware, perfumes and silk paintings. Also worth a visit are Les Jardins de la Butte, where terraced gardens weave among ancient ruins, perfect for hide and seek!
Highlights:
- Visit the impressive Saut du Loup waterfalls and summer lavender distillery.
- Take an underground tour in the prehistoric caves of Cougnac, just two miles from Gourdon.
MOUGINS
Shaped like a snail and crowned by a bell tower, Mougins was Picasso’s chosen retreat in his final years. The Notre-Dame-de-Vie chapel, once owned by the artist, now houses a museum space, including a remarkable collection of personal photos. The village’s narrow alleyways reveal historic fountains, honey-coloured stonework, and traditional wooden shutters at every turn.
Highlights:
- Visit Europe’s only museum dedicated to female artists, the Femmes Artistes du Musee de Mougins (FAMM).
- Despite its diminutive size, Mougins has earned a reputation as one of the culinary hotspots of the Côte d’Azur. If are looking to enjoy a special meal during your stay, our destination specialists will make recommendations for the best restaurants in town and assist you in making reservations.
VILLAGES NEAR ST TROPEZ
While St Tropez's port epitomises Riviera glamour with its super yachts and high-end boutiques, a gentler pace can easily be found in the plethora of beautiful villages scattered across the surrounding area:
RAMATUELLE
Ramatuelle sits in very good company, overlooking the bountiful vineyards that eventually lead down to the Riviera’s legendary Pampelonne beach. Just six miles outside St Tropez, this village is also popular for its colourful market scene, where you might encounter local performers in traditional Var Provençal costume.
Highlights:
- Follow in the footsteps of the movie stars of the 1960s with an afternoon on Pampelonne beach
- Work off the excesses with a scenic five-mile hike Col de Collebasse trail through gentle pine forests (particularly enjoyable in the spring).
BORMES LES MIMOSAS
“Les Mimosa” was added as a suffix to the village of Bormes in the 1960s to attract visitors to this floral haven. This romantic village becomes awash with flowers in the spring, with colourful bougainvillea, roses, and hydrangeas flourishing alongside the eponymous mimosa. During the summer you can even enjoy guided flower tours. Other activities include discovering the village’s historic churches, lively markets, and the glorious soft-sand beaches nearby.
Highlights:
- During the summer months, consider a short boat trip to the Golden Islands for their untamed natural beauty.
- If you have developed a taste for Provence honey, the nearby honey farm of La Butinerie offers guided tours and tastings.
GASSIN
Overlooking St Tropez Bay you’ll find the hilltop retreat of Gassin. While exploring the historic streets you may spot the dozen ancient gates connecting one building to another, showing you where the village was once extended past the original ramparts. Don’t miss L’Androuno, one of the narrowest streets in the world at just 29 centimetres wide.
Highlights:
- Linger for lunch at one of the local bistros on Place deï Barri.
- Be sure to sample the superb Côtes-de-Provence wine produced in the vineyards surrounding Gassin.
