Mountains & Beaches of the French Riviera

From brilliant blue waters to pebble beaches, to the rocky, tree-studded peaks of hills, mountains, and cliffs, the landscape of the French Riviera offers truly breathtaking panoramas (and opportunities to explore). Plus, with its year-round temperate climate, there’s never a bad time to visit. For many, a trip to France’s southern coast is an absolute dream come true - and if you’re lucky enough to tour this spectacular area, there are some things you really shouldn’t miss. Here are my top recommendations for beaches and hikes in the idyllic French Riviera.

Sospel

This quiet, secluded mountain town situated along the River Bévéra dates back to the 5th century, and is really a diamond in the rough. While we opted to get there via the Pope’s Blessing hike (with stunning valley views), Sospel is generally easy to access from Nice, and offers lots of walking and hiking tours. Once there, you’ll definitely want to peek inside the cathedral, which, though fairly unassuming outside, is gorgeous inside. Be sure to also stop by Le Pont Vieux - an old 13th-century toll bridge later used by the French Resistance to ferry communiques to the Italians during WWII, and now houses the tourist office. Bonus: Stop by the cute cafe La Calade for a delectable Cafe Caramel on the terrace, surrounded by awesome architecture and ruins.

San Remo

Technically part of the Italian Riviera, this bustling seaport town is only a short drive from Nice, and well worth a visit. Before heading to one of the numerous wide, sandy beaches (I recommend the crystal clear Bussana di San Remo in the east), take a stroll through the close, colorful streets of the old town (also known as La Pigna). Wander through the market to discover the highly-prized regional olive oil (whose extra-virgin grade is taken very seriously), or peruse the fragrant flower stalls for another memorable memento - after all, San Remo isn’t called the City of Flowers (la Città dei Fiori in Italian) for nothing!

Menton

Nicknamed the “Pearl of France,” this seaside paradise sits on the Franco-Italian border, and its history combines both French and Italian influences. Before rushing to one of its (superb) beaches, however, take a minute to stop and smell the flowers - literally! Menton is renowned for its impeccable gardens, and the famous Le Val Rahmeh (or Jardin botanique exotique de Menton) is one stunning example. Named for the wife of the original owner, these botanical gardens house unique and exotic flora from nearly-extinct trees native to Easter Island, to more than 400-year-old olive trees.

If you’re worried about pollen, or prefer bell towers to botany, breeze on over to the baroque Basilica of Saint-Michel-Archange, built in 1619. The interior nave is lined with columns (sometimes bedecked in crimson), and hung with opulent chandeliers - giving the church an almost operatic feel. Or, if your trip happens to fall in February, don’t miss Menton’s annual Lemon Festival, featuring massive citrus-covered sculptures, murals, and mosaics.

Of course, it’s tough to resist the call of the half-dozen nearby beaches for long - grab a towel and head for the pebbled beach of Cote d’Azur!

La Turbie

This small Savoian commune gets its name from the incredible Roman monument, the Trophy of Augustus, or Trophy of the Alps. The ruins of the monument (constructed to commemorate a historic victory) sit atop a hill overlooking the town proper, and a short walk is all that’s needed to get a good look, and to explore the museum inside, featuring a scale model of the original Trophy.

However, the history of La Turbie isn’t completely victorious - the town is also the site of the tragic 1982 car accident that resulted in the death of Princess Grace of Monaco - a blemish that is still infamous in and around the town. Generations worldwide were affected with the memory of this beloved young lady and her loss. If you want to visit her tombstone, you can do so at the cathedral on the top of Monaco's old town, where she is beautifully and royally honored.

From Nice, you can take a car, bus, or bike to La Turbie, all for under 2 hours, though with a fairly sharp rise in elevation it may be better to rely on horsepower than pedal power.

L’Esterel National Park

This 14,000-hectare protected national park consists largely of craggy red cliffs and mountains formed by volcanic igneous rock dating back to the Paleozoic era. Mostly pedestrianized, these coastal cliffs are a favorite spot for hikers, bikers, runners, and horseback riders. Individual and group tours are available from nearby Provençal towns, but you can also opt to just explore these natural wonders on your own. Some of the higher peaks boast their own unique attractions, and the picturesque Mediterranean views are well worth some cardio. If you opt for a self-led excursion, it’s free, so grab a camera and get ready to be blown away by the beauty.

Saint-Tropez

No list of French Riviera beaches would be complete without a mention of this incredibly cosmopolitan, glamorous seaside spot. With a coastline dominated by the imposing facades of huge celebrity villas and turquoise beaches dotted with windsurfers, swimmers, and sunbathers, Saint-Tropez typifies summer incarnate. However, what you may not know is that most of the typical “Saint-Tropez” beaches actually lie slightly south of the village itself - along the Baie de Pampelonne coast, nearer to Pampelonne. These sandy beaches are much longer and better equipped than the older beaches within Saint-Tropez’s city limits, and offer world-renowned amenities and clubs.

Mont Boron

Located within Nice, this mountain is home to exclusive and elegant neoclassical mansions, art deco restaurants, a 16th-century fort, and its own protected park. With walking and hiking trails, the Parc du Mont Boron is particularly worth a visit, as you can scale the mountain without too much difficulty, and spectacular panoramic views await you at the top. If the prospect of hiking seems exhausting, you can also drive to the peak. This breathtaking photo-stop is perfect for taking in the Mediterranean sunset over the French Riviera, and marveling at the glittering beauty of the sea and sky.

Had enough, or are you thirsty for more?

If you’re still craving some sun and surf, or if you’re looking for more fun attractions to explore along the French Riviera, here are some bonus tips I can personally vouch for:

Florian Candy Factory visit & tasting: Take a tour of this fantastic factory (offered in 5 languages) and taste Nicois specialties like candied fruits and crystallized flowers.
Rent a car and drive the Upper Corniche Road: This cliffside coastal road connects Nice and Menton, and offers excellent views.
Place Garibaldi: Bordered by baroque arcaded buildings, this is one of the oldest and largest squares in Nice, and is close to churches, cafes, and the National Theater.
See the Roman ruins at Cimiez Park: Also home to two art museums and an archaeology museum, this park is located in one of Nice’s nicest neighborhoods.
Try a wine tasting and learn about the process from a sommelier at Bellet Hill: The vineyards here are so renowned in the world of winemaking that Bellet has become the go-to name for many red and rosé wines from this region.
Visit the beautiful medieval town of Antibes: Still sporting the romantic ruins of its Roman roots, this coastal village also offers dramatic rocky beaches and a host of museums.