Discover the ultimate European Roadtrip
French Riviera Glamor
Nice - Marseille
Stops on this Route:
French Riviera Glamor
Stop 1: Nice 1/14
Kick off your road trip in Nice, whose famed Promenade des Anglais – named for the English expats who funded it – is the place to see and be seen. Curving its way round the bay for nearly four-and-a-half miles, it stretches from the airport to the hive of activity that is the Old Town. Explore it on foot or hire bikes, scooters or skates to join in with the locals. Save some energy for a hike in the gently rising hills around the medieval village of Eze.
French Riviera Glamor
Stop 2: Monte Carlo 2/14
Think French Riviera and the timeless glamor of Monaco and its most famous location, Monte Carlo, springs readily to mind. Check out the super yachts in the marina and the iconic casino, a familiar landmark from James Bond movies. Head also to Monaco Ville, also known as Le Rocher, a rocky outcrop near the port that has held onto its original character, with twisting medieval lanes to explore in its charming old town, as well as the principality's royal palace.
French Riviera Glamor
Stop 3: Antibes 3/14
Discover a place where old-town tradition meets waterfront opulence. The magic of Antibes lies in its mix of Roman ruins and city walls, as well its lively market-town atmosphere. Visit Garoupe Lighthouse for the best views of the Mediterranean and sample laid-back luxury at Port Vauban – Europe’s largest yachting harbor. You’ll find a superb selection of local meats, cheeses and fresh produce at the farmer’s market, while the bustling Marche Provencal is the place to go for crafts and ceramics.
French Riviera Glamor
Stop 4: Cannes 4/14
Assuming you’re not in town for the world-famous movie festival, Cannes still has plenty to offer. The Promenade de la Croisette provides a mile-long stretch that takes in boutiques, cafes and clubs along the shore. Be sure to stop at Castre Museum, housed inside a medieval castle, to see paintings, musical instruments and more that will whisk you through the city’s storied past. If all that sounds too strenuous, simply set up camp on one of the public beaches – Plage de la Bocca and Plage du Midi being the favorites.
French Riviera Glamor
Stop 5: Château de la Napoule 5/14
Not only an impressive landmark in its own right, Château de la Napoule is listed by the French Ministry of Culture as having one of the nation’s most Notable Gardens. The 14th-century castle is home to the Clews Center for the Arts, named after the castle’s last occupants, Henry and Mary Clews, an American couple who restored it in the 1920s. This quirky castle hosts a revolving program of talks, workshops and exhibitions, and welcomes artists from around the world.
French Riviera Glamor
Stop 6: Saint-Raphaël 6/14
The charming coastal escape of Saint-Raphaël is a one-time summertime haunt of some of the world’s greatest writers and artists. Out to sea, a medieval-style tower stands alone on a small, rocky island called Île d'Or – thought to be the inspiration for one of Tintin’s most famous adventures, The Black Island. Head out of town to explore the rugged rocks of the Esterel mountains, taking one of the marked trails to see landmarks including the Bear Peak, Cap du Dramont and Cap Roux.
French Riviera Glamor
Stop 7: Sainte-Maxime 7/14
Sainte-Maxime packs in numerous old-style traditions, like the Provencal market in the Old Town, alongside a host of leisure activities including golf and watersports, as well as shopping in a range of upmarket stores. La Plage des Eléphants, named in honor of the Babar character, whose author lived in Sainte-Maxime, is just one of the town’s beautiful beaches. Take the family to nearby Aqualand for a great selection of waterslides and pools, or discover the taste of the Mediterranean at the Domaine de La Pierre Plantée olive grove.
French Riviera Glamor
Stop 8: Saint-Tropez 8/14
The most famous spot on the French Riviera, St Tropez cast off its image as a sleepy fishing village to become one of the most glamorous resorts in mainland Europe, if not the world. Don’t let that distract you from taking in some Mediterranean charm as you stroll through the quiet warren of narrow streets. On the hilltop, the Citadel is a magnificent structure that’s also home to a fine museum detailing the region’s seafaring history. The world-famous Pampelonne Beach is just a few miles away – your best chance to spot some celebrities sunning themselves on the Riviera.
French Riviera Glamor
Stop 9: Le Lavandou 9/14
More stunning views await you in Le Lavandou – along with some potentially quieter spots as you leave St Tropez behind. A huge selection of restaurants and cafes dot the streets, while the sandy beach offers up family entertainment and boat excursions. A hike along the coastal path linking scenic St Clair to Le Lavandou harbor comes highly recommended, as does a trip to the Villa Théo heritage center to see some fantastic pieces of Neo-Impressionism.
French Riviera Glamor
Stop 10: Hyères 10/14
Settled by the Ancient Greeks in the 4th century BC, Hyères is perhaps best known for its favorable weather conditions, which help the local palm trees to flourish. You’ll see plenty of them as you cruise the quiet streets and take in the ancient atmosphere. Take a 10-minute boat ride to Porquerolles and divide your time between leisurely hiking and luxury sunbathing on either side of the island. And be sure to fit in a trip to Fort St. Agatha for a fascinating window into the region’s past.
French Riviera Glamor
Stop 11: Toulon 11/14
Home of the French naval fleet and a bustling destination, Toulon is perhaps best known for featuring heavily in the classic work Les Miserables. Its location made the city an important strategic point on the Mediterranean coast, occupied at various points by the Ancient Greeks, Romans and Saracens. With more than half a dozen major museums in town, along with an alluring mix of architectural styles, it’s the perfect place to soak up the diverse influences that inspired the whole of the French Riviera.
French Riviera Glamor
Stop 12: La Ciotat 12/14
Train Pulling into a Station is one of the most famous examples of early movie-making – and its creators, the iconic Lumière brothers, filmed it right here in La Ciotat. Visit the train station to find out more. Then take a walk through Parc du Mugel, another entry in the list of Notable Gardens of France, to see the purple-hued lavender garden and tropical plants. There’s also a beach on this rocky inlet, offering a small slice of Riviera magic.
French Riviera Glamor
Stop 13: Cassis 13/14
Another town that was once a key strategic port on the Mediterranean frontline, the residents of Cassis at one point hid from invaders behind fortified walls, only to later emerge and begin building tranquil beauty outside them. Every street and corner reveals new layers of old-world charm – discover Roman remains and other antiquities at the museum, before taking a seat by the harbor and soaking up the sun. If you’re here for the night, enjoy dinner accompanied by a glass of crisp Cassis wine – not to be confused with the Burgundy liqueur.
French Riviera Glamor
Stop 14: Marseille 14/14
End your Riviera adventure with a trip to one of France’s liveliest destinations. The first place to start in Marseille is the busy Vieux Port with its stylish cafes and restaurants serving up local seafood. Standing guard over it all is the magnificent 17th-century Fort Saint-Jean, but the city’s best-known symbol is the Notre-Dame de la Garde. Named after the hill on which it sits, this beautiful basilica offers incredible views of the city as well as ornate decoration within. Afterwards, take a stroll along the Canebière, browsing its fashionable boutiques.
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