The French Riviera
Between Nice and Cannes, leave the coast and enter the country side to discover the “pittoresque” villages and the local handcraft.
Above Cagnes and beside the Cros-de-Cagnes, you will be enchanted by the medieval village of Les Hauts de Cagnes, its many streets lined up with colorful houses, its Renoir museum and its 14th century castle.
Along the river, the villages of Tourettes-sur-Loup (city of the violet) and Colle-sur-loup (former capital of the rose fragrance) invite to relax through their shady and flowery streets.
A little further up and perched on a rocky peak, the fortified village of St Paul de Vence attracts tourists from around the world for its many artists’ shops, the chapel painted by local artist Folon and the museum Fondation Maeght. You can also spend some time playing the petanque on the ground at the feet of the fortifications.
Another must-see of the region, Grasse, the world capital of perfume, is worth the detour to visit the International Museum of Perfume, the Fragonard Museum and the beautiful gardens of the city.
Driving back down to the sea, a stop in the village of Mougins will allow you to admire a magnificent view over the bay of Cannes and in the village of Biot to discover the local craft workshops (especially glass) and Fernand Léger museum.
Cannes gives a more “glamorous” image of the region with its famous “Croisette”, the Palais des Festivals and the many shops you will find in the Rue d’Antibes. But it is also the starting point for tours of the Lérins islands, in particular St Honorat and its monastery, and St. Margaret where the Iron Mask was imprisoned.
Finally, Antibes-Juan-les-pins offers together a cultural heritage (Port Vauban, the city walls), a natural side (walk around the Cap d’Antoine, Exflora park) and a wonderful seaside with sand beaches.
Do not hesitate to ask Alberto for his favorite addresses.