The Alpes-Maritimes department is in the far south of France in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur bordering Italy and the Mediterranean Sea. Think long hot summers, year round temperate climate, the French Riviera and impossibly pretty villages and historic towns in the interior – this is an area that makes for a great holiday destination.
What to see and do in Alpes-Maritime
Alpes-Maritimes includes the famous French Riviera coastline on the Mediterranean Sea with the important towns and cities of Cannes, Nice, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Antibes. We take a look at a few of the most poplar towns…
Nice
The city of Nice is the department’s capital and a leading resort on the French Riviera. A popular choice for tourists, the pebbly beaches are made comfier by the sun beds you can hire. The city has a young and lively atmosphere with plenty of places for fun as well as relaxing. The market place, Cours de Saleya is great for bars and restaurants. The winding streets of the old town are one of the most popular attractions.
Cannes
The fashionable town of Cannes has two faces. One side is all glitz and glamorous, Ferraris and film stars. The other side is Le Suquet, the old part of the town. Here you’ll find a warren of cobbled streets and cliff top viewpoints. Whether you’re here for the gorgeous beaches, the fabulous restaurants and bars, the sunshine and celebrity spotting, Cannes makes for a great holiday break destination.
Vence
Set in the hills to the left of Nice, Vence is a lively medieval town. It has wonderful street markets and a large selection of restaurants and shops. A popular home to artists and sculptors, there are numerous galleries as well as a chapel designed and decorated by Matisse. The town is well known for its spring water which you can drink from the town fountains.
Antibes
A little further south is Antibes. Said to be home to the really rich, Antibes also boasts arguably the best market along the coast and the finest Picasso collection in its ancient seafront castle.
Eze
Between Nice and Monaco, Eze is a perched village with wonderful views over the Mediterranean Sea. It’s narrow cobbled streets feature windows boxes spilling brightly coloured flowers, pastel coloured shutters, boutiques and galleries. It’s a jewel of the French Riviera.
Grasse
Slightly inland brings you to Grasse, the perfume capital of France. The mild climate makes it a popular winter resort and it is famous for its fields of roses, jasmine and lavender.
