For our spring holiday, we set off to a sun-soaked destination on the Côte d’Azur, staying within mainland France. What started as a week escape quickly transformed into a summer-like retreat as the weather shifted from rainy to warm and sunny in no time. We explored a stretch of the Côte d’Azur, known as the French Riviera, uncovering hidden gems between Antibes and Menton. This journey allowed us to experience both the renowned seaside resorts and some of France’s most beautiful villages, blending coastal charm with rich cultural discoveries.
Car: We used our own car to get around. If you’re visiting France and need to rent one, check out my tips here: [link to come].
Flight: If you need to fly to get on the French Riviera, the best airport to fly in is Nice. As you will see, this is also a very good choice as a base.
The best way to search and compare flights is Kiwi ! With Kiwi you can easily compare prices, find the cheapest routes, and book your next adventure hassle-free. In short you travel smarter for less!
Accommodation: We chose a charming “Chambre de hôtes” near the village of Tourrettes-sur-Loup. If you’re unfamiliar with this type of accomodation, you can learn more about it here.
Staying in Tourrettes-sur-Loup was ideal for our trip, placing us perfectly between the mountains and the beaches.
**Note:** A car is essential if you plan to stay in this area!
If you prefer to stay closer to Nice or Menton, be prepared for higher accommodation costs. However, you’ll spend less time driving and can even take the train between cities. Be sure to compare accommodation prices around Nice and Menton before booking.
In this post I will let you know our trip plan and how we organised our days. If you want to know more or see more photos about each place, I am preparing a blog section by town, that you will soon find on the website !
How we organised this week on the French Riviera
Day 1: We arrived in Tourrettes-sur-Loup and were immediately captivated by this charming village and our lovely accommodation!
Our journey begins in Tourrettes-sur-Loup, a charming medieval village located 27 kilometers from Nice and 25 kilometers from Antibes. Renowned for its magnificent stone houses and its cultivation of violets for over a century, this village perched on a rocky spur is an essential stop. We loved strolling through its picturesque alleys, admiring the old stone facades decorated with flowers and discovering the workshops of local artisans. Not to be missed: the delicious violet ice cream with a subtle taste at Tom’s Glacier and some violet shopping at Violettes de Tourrettes.
We were based close to this village, which meant that we got to experience it’s atmospehre every evening for a stroll or restaurant!
We stayed at Le Mazet de Tourrettes, which is a charming house built in a typicial provincial way, from old materials. You get to be surrounded by nature and each window overlooks the sea. I can not recommend more this place!!
Day 2 : On our way to Grasse, winding through the picturesque mountains!
Grasse is nestled in the hills of the French Riviera and known as the world’s perfume capital. This charming town has been at the heart of the fragrance industry for centuries, with its rich history of perfume-making still thriving today. Visitors can explore historic perfume factories, wander through its narrow, cobblestone streets, and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Beyond its aromatic allure (you can actually sense the perfumes on the streets!!), Grasse offers a delightful mix of medieval architecture, vibrant gardens, and a relaxed Provençal atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the south of France.
So, obviussly we wanted to see Grasse! We had a 17 km route to make, which serpentied through the mountains and gave us the opportunity to check out another amasing village on the list: Le Bar-sur-Loup !
After all this beauty, we finnally got to Grasse, just to get to explore even more beauty !
We started with a tour at the world famous Fragonard Factory, as it provides an interesting look into the world of perfume-making. Established in 1926, Fragonard is one of the oldest perfume houses in France. The tour takes you through the process of extracting essential oils and blending fragrances, offering insight into the traditional methods still used today. It concludes with a visit to the boutique, where you can explore a selection of perfumes and other scented products, offering a quiet glimpse into the legacy of this historic brand.
Keep in mind there are 3 Fragonard locations that you can visit:
- Fragonard Perfume Factory, Grasse: (the one we did) Located in the center town, it offers guided tours where you can learn about traditional perfume-making techniques and explore the brand’s rich history.
- Fragonard Museum and Factory, Eze: Situated in the picturesque village of Eze, this location combines a museum with a working factory. Visitors can see the production process up close and learn about the art of perfume creation in a beautiful setting overlooking the Mediterranean.
- Fragonard Boutique and Factory, Cannes: This location in the heart of Cannes provides a more urban experience, offering tours of the factory and a boutique where you can explore and purchase Fragonard’s range of fragrances and products.
After our visit, we continued with a leisurely stroll through this vibrant city. No words can do it justice, so here are some photos:
What I recommend is:
- visit the Villa Musée Jean-Honoré Fragonard
- visit the Museum of Provençal Jewelry and Costume
After visiting Grasse, we had some time left so we decided to visit the Napoule Castle – it turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip !
The Château de la Napoule, located on the coast near Cannes, is a striking medieval castle with a weird history and captivating charm. Originally built in the 14th century, it was restored in the early 20th century by American artists Henry and Marie Clews, who transformed it into a blend of Gothic architecture and artistic whimsy. Surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens and offering stunning views of the Mediterranean, the castle is not only a historical monument but also a cultural center, hosting art exhibitions and events throughout the year. A visit to Château de la Napoule is a journey through time, art, and breathtaking scenery.
I am working on a future blog post about it’s history, so subscribe to my emails or follow my facebook / instagram to know when I post !
Tip: start the walk from Plage de la Raguette to have this beautiful view.
Day 3 : Next stop, Nice !
Nice is maybe the most known city on the Coast, so we had to stroll it! We dedicated an entire day, as there is a lot to see : museums, beaches, shops, restaurants, landmarks – we walked a lot !!
Nice is renowned for its stunning Mediterranean coastline and vibrant cultural scene. With its famous Promenade des Anglais, beautiful pebble beaches, and charming old town, Nice offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. The city is known for its colorful markets, historic architecture, and excellent dining options, making it a delightful destination for both leisurely strolls and immersive experiences. Whether you’re enjoying a café in the sun or exploring its rich museums, Nice captures the essence of the Riviera’s elegance and charm.
To walk around the city, we used two applications that I recommend :
- Navaway
- CityGem
They both offer guided audio tours with live localisation. It is the best way to assure that you get to see the most that the city has to offer, and (important!) get the best perspectives on the way!
I am working on a future blog post about the most important things to know when visiting Nice and restaurant recommendations, so subscribe to my emails or follow my facebook / instagram page to know when I post and don’t miss it !
Next stops : Eze, Menton, Monaco, St Paul de Vence and more !
Comming up soon ! Subscribe to my emails or follow my facebook / instagram page to know when I post and don’t miss it !
