The French Riviera
We’ve compiled the best of the best in The French Riviera - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
Sort by:
5 Recommendations
{{numTotalPoiResults}} {{ (numTotalPoiResults===1)?'Recommendation':'Recommendations' }}
0 Recommendations
Loading...
-
1. Le Sentier du Littoral
Bordering over-the-top hotels and estates, this spectacular footpath is nicknamed the Sentier Tire-poil, as the wind along it "ruffles the hair." It stretches about 5 km (3 miles) along the outermost tip of the peninsula, coming full circle around the gardens at Villa Eilenroc over to l'Anse de l'Argent Faux. Book a guided nature walk through the tourist office, or tackle the route on your own via Plage de la Garoupe, where Cole Porter and Gerald Murphy once hung out and where paved promenade affords dazzling views over the Baie de la Garoupe and the distant Alps. At the far end of the cape, however, the pavement gives way to a boulder-studded path along 50-foot cliffs, dizzying switchbacks, and thundering breakers. Continue along the path's newer portion to the cove l'Anse de l'Argent Faux, where you can catch your breath before heading up to the entrance of Villa Eilenroc. Then follow Avenue Beaumont to the cape's main road, RD2559. The walk takes about two hours, and they might be two of the most memorable of your trip, particularly if you tackle it at sunset. Except for fellow walkers on sunny days and, perhaps, a yacht out on the water, civilization disappears along most stretches. Note that signs reading Attention Mort (Beware: Death) are reminders that this path can be very dangerous, especially in stormy weather. Indeed, when storm warnings are issued, locked gates might block the route. From the station in town take Bus 2 to the Fontaine stop. To return, follow Plage de la Garoupe to Boulevard de la Garoupe, and make a left to reconnect with the bus.
Antibes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, 06600, France -
2. Villa Eilenroc
Le Sentier du Littoral passes along the beach at the Villa Eilenroc (designed by Charles Garnier, who created the Paris Opéra), which commands the tip of the peninsula from a grand garden. The site has a café and an eco-museum, as well as a scented garden at the entrance to La Rosaerie (Rose Garden). You can also catch glimpses of the distant Château de la Cröe, another legendary villa. On Wednesdays, September through June, you can wander through the villa's reception salons. Highlights include the Winter Salon's 1,001 Nights ceiling mural painted by famed Art Deco designer Jean Dunand, display cases filled with memorabilia donated by Caroline Groult-Flaubert (Antibes resident and goddaughter of the great author), and a boudoir with boiseries (decorative wooden features) from the Marquis de Sévigné's Paris mansion. Note that the villa is sometimes closed for private events; check the Antibes tourist office's website before you visit.
460 av. L.D. Beaumont, Antibes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, 06160, France04–93–67–74–33Sight Details
Rate Includes: €2 -
3. Jardin Thuret
To fully experience the Riviera's heady hothouse exoticism, visit this glorious garden, established by botanist Gustave Thuret in 1856 as a testing ground for subtropical plants and trees. Thuret was responsible for introducing the palm tree, which forever changed the look of the French Riviera. On his death, the property was left to the Ministry of Agriculture, which continues to dabble in the introduction of exotic species. Tours from 90 minutes up to three hours can be reserved in advance.
90 chemin Raymond, Antibes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, 06160, France04–92–38–64–70Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Closed weekends -
4. Phare de la Garoupe
You can sample a little of what draws famous people to this part of the world by walking up Chemin de Calvaire from the Plage de la Salis in Antibes—a distance of about 1 km (½ mile) via a challenging pathway—and taking in the extraordinary views from the hill surmounted by this old phare (lighthouse). You can also climb all 114 steps to the top. Next to the lighthouse, the 16th-century double chapel of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garoupe contains ex-votos and statues of the Virgin, all in memory of and for the protection of sailors. Reward your trek with a drink or a meal at the Bistrot du Curé next door.
Chemin de Calvaire, Antibes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, 06160, France04–22–10–60–10 -
5. Plage de la Garoupe
Thanks to its perfect oval bay, the finest, softest sand on the Riviera, magnificent views that stretch out to Antibes, and relatively calm waters, this northeast-facing beach is a real jewel—and the first in the country to impose a "No Selfie" zone. Getting the Gucci-clad spillover from the Hotel du Cap-Eden Roc, the high-end private beach clubs here open onto the sand. Quieter folk stick to the public section at the other end, where you can rent loungers online through the tourist office website for only €10 a day. There are also two snack bars. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: swimming.
Chemin de la Garoupe, Antibes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, 06160, France -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
-
{{ (numCurrentPage-1)*numPageLimit+index+1 }}.
{{ item.neighborhood }} | {{ item.first_keyword }}{{ item.review }}
{{ item.address }}{{ item.phone[0] }}{{ item.details.title }} Details
{{ item.details.content.toString() }}View Tours and Activities -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
No sights Results
Please try a broader search, or expore these popular suggestions:
There are no results for {{ strDestName }} Sights in the searched map area with the above filters. Please try a different area on the map, or broaden your search with these popular suggestions:
