Exploring the French Riviera

3 January 2018

The Best Towns and Cities to Explore while Staying at Hotel Amarante Cannes

Found on the south coast of France, in the heart of the French Riviera, Cannes is a city that has it all, from the Palais des festivals, where you'll find the likes of the Cannes Film Festival and Cannes Golden Lions; to the Iles de Lérins, which you'll spot barely a mile off the coast.

However, even if you somehow manage to take in all the city has to offer during your stay at Hotel Amarante Cannes, you're within easy distance of plenty of other vibrant destinations up and down the coastline. We've selected five of the very best French Riviera towns and cities that you need to see when in the South of France.

1. Monte Carlo

If you're looking for glitz and glamour, Cannes can provide, with the Boulevard de la Croisette home to designer boutiques and high-end restaurants. However, few places on earth can match Monte-Carlo for its opulence and ostentatiousness. Home to the Monaco Grand Prix and the iconic Monte Carlo Casino, the city is awash with celebrities and famous faces who have settled in this glamorous corner of the South of France.

2. Saint Tropez

Continuing on the luxury theme, Saint Tropez oozes class and the quintessential coolness and laid-back attitude that makes the French Riviera so popular. If the opportunity ever presents itself, we'd thoroughly recommend cruising into Saint Tropez in a classic convertible. The town is also home to a sprawling harbour, where you'll find yachts of all shapes and sizes, as the rich and famous stop off in the town before continuing their journey along the tranquil Cote d'Azur.

3. Nice

Along with the beautiful surroundings and excellent weather, Nice also offers an array of world-class culture. Famous artists, such as Henri Matisse, Niki de Saint Phalle and Marc Chagall all hail from the city, and they all have their work displayed in the city to commemorate their talents. Another point of interest is Castle Hill. The castle may be long gone but the views from the top are spectacular. Considering all there is to see and do in Nice, it's no surprise that the city is the second most visited in the country, behind only Paris.

4. Villefranche-sur-Mer

While the three towns already mentioned are well-known tourist destinations, Villefranche-sur-Mer is a bit of a hidden gem. Nestled between Monte Carlo and Nice, this quaint seaside town is ideal if you're looking for the genuine French experience. You can quite easily enjoy a whole day of exploring the tranquil harbour and narrow streets, occasionally stopping off for a bite to eat in one of the authentic French Bistros.

5. Sainte-Maxime

While not as small as Villefranche-sur-Mer, Sainte-Maxime is another destination that is occasionally overlooked in favour of its bigger neighbours. However, there is still plenty to enjoy while visiting this picturesque town, such as its idyllic harbour, leafy promenade and lively markets. The town also has a lively cultural calendar, with exciting events taking place throughout the year, such as local festivals and sailing regattas.

It's plain to see that the French Riviera has plenty to offer even the most discerning of tourist, with its alluring mix of glamour and authentic French coastal towns. Plus, the five we've listed are just some of the many towns and villages to be found lining the turquoise-blue waters of the Cote d'Azur. The only way to discover the rest is to explore them for yourself. To start planning your trip to the French Riviera, visit our website, where you'll find all our latest offers and packages.