The French Riviera, or as some call it, Côte d’Azur, is the Mediterranean coast of southeastern France. The French Riviera includes glamorous beach resorts such as Saint Tropez, Cannes, Monte Carlo, Nice, and many more. To this day, the area remains a popular tourist attraction for aristocrats, wealthy people, artists, and more. If you plan a trip there, French Riviera yacht rent is the best option.
Today, we will talk about the best things you can do in the French Riviera and places you should visit. The Riviera stretches along the Mediterranean coast for nearly 600 miles. Over the years it has become one of the classiest and most elegant destinations to travel in Europe. Even the Italian Riviera cannot compare to some of the elegance.
With beaches along the Mediterranean sea, you can visit cities and places that offer so many activities. Is the French Riviera worth visiting? Yes, and it is easy to visit several destinations during one trip. If you want to truly enjoy it glamorously, rent a sailing yacht and enjoy some of the beaches alongside the coast.
Nicknamed Côte dazur, it translates to “blue coast”. Many of the things you can do in the French Riviera include exploring the pristine beaches. So here we go.
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Visiting the World’s Second Smallest Country
Monaco is a micro-country. It spans an area of just 200 hectares, but it packs so many things in such a small area. Situated between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea, it is a dominating attraction in the French Riviera.
Speaking about yacht rental or catamaran charter, Monaco boasts one of the best shows in the world. If you are lucky, you might catch the Monaco Yacht Show. Or the Monaco Grand Prix. Monaco will give you views of luxury catamaran and luxury yacht like no place in the world.
The world-famous Oceanographic Museum is one of the highlights in the country. Dispersed with glamorous and striking palaces and cathedrals, you just have to visit the Prince’s Palace of Monaco. This is where the Prince resides.
And if you are into gambling, the casino at Monte Carlo is the most famous in the world. Definitely worth a visit.
Going High up at Les Baux de Provence
When you think of the French Riviera, you mostly think of pristine beaches and blue water. But there are places that offer a look into history and culture. The medieval village of Les Baux de Provence is such a place.
The French word “Baux” translates to a steep cliff. And that is how the village got its name. It sits at an elevation of almost 220-meters as it extends over a hillside.
Featuring impressive characteristics, the highlights are the cobble-stoned streets that will transport you to a bygone era.
If you enjoy walking and admiring the architecture, this village is the place to go. Located within range of the Alpines Mountain Range, the village offers some fascinating views. Go to the Chateau-Fortress area and views reach as far as Marseille.
Old and New at Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
When you sail the Mediterranean with a French Riviera yacht charter, you can visit some hidden gems. One of them is this medieval village. Old Roquebrune is a pretty medieval hilltop village. And Cap Martin is a stylish resort, one of the best in the Mediterranean Sea.
The highlight of the old medieval village is the 10th-century castle, which is the oldest feudal castle in France. The castle was built as a defense against the Saracens. In the 15th century, the Grimaldis of Monaco remodeled the castle. Sir William Ingram bought the castle in 1911, added a mock English tower, and then gave it to the town in 1921.
In the same town, tourists can visit the chic Cap Martin, a favorite among aristocrats. Celebrities like Queen Victoria and Coco Chanel have visited the place.
Nice
Nice is one of the most amazing cities on the French Riviera. Touring the area by French Riviera yacht rent, it would be a shame not to stop at Nice.
Yes, its beaches and charming Mediterranean character make Nice a popular attraction. But the most famous street, Promenade des Anglais, is what turns this city into the quintessential French Riviera resort town.
The promenade has been graced by opulent buildings, including the legendary Le Negresco hotel. It attracts crowds for sunbathing on the beaches and strolling or cycling along it.
Another popular attraction is the Jardin Albert Ier, which is situated within walking distance from the Promenade. The expensive garden was one of the first public parks in Nice. The delightful seaside location makes the park ideal for pine trees, aromatic roses, towering palms, and many more.
But let’s not forget that at the heart of the French Riviera, Nice is also a city with bustling life. Many consider Nice the capital of the Côte dazur. And if you are in love with French cuisine, Nice is a foodie town. This is the place where you can try some of the best dishes. So get your boat rental and come to Nice.
St Tropez
It is time to feel the glitz and grass at Saint Tropez. There is a reason why this coastline is one of the most sought-after.
The famous Nikki Beach is popular worldwide thanks to its incredible music program. DJs from all over the world love coming to Nikki Beach and playing their set there.
The coastal town got popular thanks to many movies. For example, The Transporter was filmed there. Tourism brings most of the income to the city.
What people do not understand about St Tropez is that the city can offer much more than perfect beaches. There is an array of museums in the city as well.
Fun fact: Saint-Tropez was a fishing village many years ago. And it is now one of the most luxurious cities in the world sought-after by celebrities and millionaires.
The Best-Kept Secret of the French Riviera
Many people come to the French Riviera by luxury yacht rent or charter yacht. But they often stay in popular places like St. Tropez, Monaco, Nice, and so on. What many do not understand is that the hidden gems of the Riviera are also amazing.
One of the best-kept secrets is Gigaro, a beach area just a 25-minute drive away from St. Tropez. It contains the start of a walking trail along the Mediterranean Sea.
Gigaro is a resort area that doesn’t have the high-end aspect of St. Tropez. Yet, it gives visitors something else. An untouched natural beauty.
With a 6-mile area of pine forests and rocky coastal inlets, the area is great for walking and enjoying nature.
Those who want to escape the decadent life of St. Tropez should always try to visit Gigaro. There, you can find some of the freshest seafood you have ever tried.
Cannes, more than just a Film Festival
Cannes is famous in the world for its prestigious Cannes Film Festival. But the city offers much more than just a film festival.
The city’s elegant main street, La Croisette Boulevard is home to some of the most popular beaches in the French Riviera.
Looking for a beautiful beach for free? Some of the beaches offer free entry like Gazagnaire Beach, La Casino Beach, and Moure Rouge Beach favored by the locals. Most of the beaches at Cannes have parasols and lounge chairs available to rent.
And if you like to enjoy architecture and beautiful buildings, nothing beats Cannes. Even Monte Carlo cannot compare with the luxurious hotels in Cannes.
