Author: Jean-Marc Foulquier

To visit Nice and the Riviera, we suggest you to know the sites, museums and activities in Nice. You will find them in the section below, entitled Visiter Nice. Don't forget to also read our other sections What else to do in Nice and Practical informations.

Visit Nice

Nice is a very large city of 430,000 inhabitants. The city is squeezed between the Mediterranean Sea, the hills and the Var river. It was once developed in its southern part. The northern part is more recent, therefore sometimes less attractive on a tourist level. But be careful: the South is not only the coastline. You can deviate from the coast to visit the areas of the Matisse museum or the Cimiez monastery for example.
Publicité partenaire

 

 

• Promenade des Anglais in Nice
• Rauba Capeu quay
• Old Nice
• Place Massena in Nice
• The Promenade du Paillon in Nice
• Avenue Jean Médecin in Nice
• Hill of the castle in Nice
• Garibaldi place in Nice
• Port of Nice
• Saint Nicholas cathedral in Nice
• Museums of Nice
• Beaches of Nice
• Phoenix park in Nice

 

What else to do in Nice

Tastes and interests vary from person to person. It is possible that the must-sees in Nice will not satisfy you entirely. Therefore, we suggest other visits and activities, which offer the added advantage of discovering Nice in a different way.

• Remarkable stores of Nice
• Water sports in Nice
• See Corsica from Nice
• Festivals in Nice
• Christmas, New Year’s Eve in Nice
• Nice Jewish Cemetery
• Estienne d’Orves Nature Park in Nice
• Nice carnival

 

Practical informations

To find out all about it, read also our pages Practical informations

• Nice cuisine
• Restaurants in Nice
• Pass Côte d’Azur
• Public transportation in Nice
• Rental self-service bicycles in Nice
• Nice Tourist Office
• Nice parkings
• History of Nice

Let us know
your favorite restaurants
and tell us why
Thanks

 

Book everything in Nice

 

 

• Special reservations, why not?
• Book a nice transport
• Reservation for guided tours
• Book a tour around Nice
• Boat Cruise Reservations

Rentals in Nice

Nice neighborhoods
Nice rentals

Your appartment to rent in Nice       

The Museum of Illusion is set up in Nice to offer children and adults alike a unique experience of illusion.

Musée de l'illusion

This museum offers a journey to turn your head upside down. Indeed, many showcases or installations are designed to disorientate your senses, jostle your intelligence and astonish your experience of your surroundings. You won't believe your eyes. You're not in the real world anymore. And yet you are!

 

A few of a multitude of experiences to enjoy

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And so on.

The mind and senses are deceived by a multitude of physics phenomena.
Bref, a visit to the Museum of Illusion is one long moment of relaxation, pleasant surprises and exchanges.

Practical information

Musée de l'illusion
5 rue Massena (2 steps from Place Massena)

Ages 7 and up, including adults.

Hours
Monday to Thursday, 10am to 6pm.
Friday to Sunday, holidays and school vacations, 9am to 8pm.
Reservations recommended during school vacations and holidays

Official website

Or, further down the line, a long, straight umbrella will never cross a curved slot. If?how is that possible?

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And those yellow pencils under red pencils where you can't really tell which color is superimposed on the other.

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And that 3D frog that disappears when you want to grab it. You can see it, but it doesn't exist. /wp:list-item -->

And so on.

The mind and senses are deceived by a multitude of physics phenomena.
Bref, a visit to the Museum of Illusion is one long moment of relaxation, pleasant surprises and exchanges.

Practical information

Musée de l'illusion
5 rue Massena (2 steps from Place Massena)

Ages 7 and up, including adults.

Hours
Monday to Thursday, 10am to 6pm.
Friday to Sunday, holidays and school vacations, 9am to 8pm.
Reservations recommended during school vacations and holidays

Official website

For example, 2 people of similar size in a small room will appear very different sizes.

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Or, further down the line, a long, straight umbrella will never cross a curved slot. If?how is that possible?

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And those yellow pencils under red pencils where you can't really tell which color is superimposed on the other.

/wp:list-item -->

And that 3D frog that disappears when you want to grab it. You can see it, but it doesn't exist. /wp:list-item -->

And so on.

The mind and senses are deceived by a multitude of physics phenomena.
Bref, a visit to the Museum of Illusion is one long moment of relaxation, pleasant surprises and exchanges.

Practical information

Musée de l'illusion
5 rue Massena (2 steps from Place Massena)

Ages 7 and up, including adults.

Hours
Monday to Thursday, 10am to 6pm.
Friday to Sunday, holidays and school vacations, 9am to 8pm.
Reservations recommended during school vacations and holidays

Official website

• For example, 2 people of similar size in a small room will appear very different sizes.
/wp:list-item -->
• Or, further down the line, a long, straight umbrella will never cross a curved slot. If?how is that possible?
/wp:list-item -->
• And those yellow pencils under red pencils where you can't really tell which color is superimposed on the other.
/wp:list-item -->
• And that 3D frog that disappears when you want to grab it. You can see it, but it doesn't exist. /wp:list-item -->
• And so on.

The mind and senses are deceived by a multitude of physics phenomena.
Bref, a visit to the Museum of Illusion is one long moment of relaxation, pleasant surprises and exchanges.

Practical information

Musée de l'illusion
5 rue Massena (2 steps from Place Massena)

Ages 7 and up, including adults.

Hours
Monday to Thursday, 10am to 6pm.
Friday to Sunday, holidays and school vacations, 9am to 8pm.
Reservations recommended during school vacations and holidays

Official website

• For example, 2 people of similar size in a small room will appear very different sizes.
/wp:list-item -->
• Or, further down the line, a long, straight umbrella will never cross a curved slot. If?how is that possible?
/wp:list-item -->
• And those yellow pencils under red pencils where you can't really tell which color is superimposed on the other.
/wp:list-item -->
• And that 3D frog that disappears when you want to grab it. You can see it, but it doesn't exist. /wp:list-item -->
• And so on.

The mind and senses are deceived by a multitude of physics phenomena.
Bref, a visit to the Museum of Illusion is one long moment of relaxation, pleasant surprises and exchanges.

Practical information

Musée de l'illusion
5 rue Massena (2 steps from Place Massena)

Ages 7 and up, including adults.

Hours
Monday to Thursday, 10am to 6pm.
Friday to Sunday, holidays and school vacations, 9am to 8pm.
Reservations recommended during school vacations and holidays

Official website

The Gare du Sud, located in Nice's Libération district, is a former railway station that has been transformed into a gourmet, fun-filled market hall. Its forecourt is home to one of Nice's largest fruit, vegetable, meat and fish market.

The Gare du Sud

The Gare du Sud is home to a gourmet hall, i.e. numerous bars and restaurants. A large screen projects major soccer matches.
The Raoul Mille municipal library (1500m²) welcomes readers (registered or not), for reading or multimedia activities, for children and adults. Free admission.
The former railway station has been transformed from a utilitarian building into a popular leisure facility.
An outdoor merry-go-round keeps the youngsters entertained.

History of the Gare du Sud

This old station (1892) had metric gauge rails, i.e. 1 m, as was the case in the past. It was used by the Chemin de fer de Provence (hence its name). Its pediment still bears the inscription: Chemin de fer du sud de la France.
It boasts beautiful architecture.
Around it, food and other shops have sprung up, as well as a large cinema.

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Passenger reception and facade

The very high central body overlooks two lower pavilions, which rise on the sides. The ashlar facades, enhanced with small ceramics, are slightly elevated, due to the relief of the land.

Docks and tracks

The inner part, covering the platforms and tracks, is a metal construction, an immense glass roof 23m wide, 87m long, 18m high.
Originally, this hall was used for the Paris Universal Exhibition (1889). It was dismantled and rebuilt for this southern station in 1889.

End of Gare du Sud

The station was gradually abandoned by the mainline railroads, and eventually closed completely in 1991.
In 2000, the commune became the owner and opened a media library, still in operation. The remainder of the glass roof was converted into a gourmet market. And more recently (2024), into board game and multimedia rooms.

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Practical information

Gare du Sud
35 Avenue Malaussena, 06000 Nice

Served by bus and tramway, line 1, Gare du Sud stop

Open daily, 8am to 11pm.

Other informations Wikipedia

The Maeght Foundation in Saint-Paul-de-Vence was created in 1964, with modern architecture by Josep Lluís Sert. The first private art foundation, it focuses on all areas of modern and contemporary art.

Maeght Foundation in Saint-Paul-de-Vence

The Fondation Maeght presents works by Georges Braque, Alexander Calder, Marc Chagall, Christo, Alberto Giacometti, Vassily Kandinsky, Fernand Léger, Joan Miró, Antoni Tàpiès, etc.
The permanent collections include major works by the greatest artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. "Paintings, sculptures, drawings, graphic works, stained glass, installations and fountains" are partially on public display.
Some sculptures are on display, right from the entrance into a vast park.

Chapelle Saint Bernard

The Saint Bernard chapel preserves a beautiful Christ from the XIIᵉ century as well as a Way of the Cross by Raoul Ubac.

The Giacometti Courtyard

This courtyard is aptly named, since the artist himself installed here, among others, the two versions of Man Walking, Standing Woman and the various versions of Woman of Venice.

This courtyard is therefore a Giacometti museum in itself.

The Miró labyrinth

This Miró labyrinth is a magnificent journey through some twenty sculptures and ceramics by Joan Miró (aided by the Artigas, father and son). Indeed, the route is enchanting, through the estate's pine trees and architectural circulation.

Temporary exhibitions

The Fondation Maeght regularly organizes temporary exhibitions, always of course of modern and contemporary art. They provide an opportunity to (re)discover remarkable artists whose works come from other international galleries and museums.

Practical information about the Fondation Maeght

Fondation Maeght
623 Chemin des Gardettes
06570 Saint-Paul de Vence

Access via a small, steep path, a 12-15 minute walk. In July-August-September, a shuttle leaves from the Chapelle Matisse in Vence.
Open daily, 10am-6pm and 7pm in July-August
Official website

See other interests in Saint-Paul-de-Vence

The hinterland of Provence and Côte d'Azur is an area rich in history and art. Nature offers breathtaking scenery. In short, the Riviera hinterland is as attractive as the coastal towns.

What to see in the hinterland of Provence and Côte d'Azur

We recommend you visit:

• Biot
• Eze
• Grasse
• Saint-Paul-de-Vence
• Vallauris
• Vence

But also small villages or a few towns that have retained a strong authenticity:

• Coaraze
• Entrevaux
• Falicon
• Fayence
• Gassin
• Gorbio
• Gourdon
• Mougins
• Peillon
• Sainte-Agnès
• Touët-sur-Var
• Tourrettes-Levens
• Tourettes-sur-Loup
• Vallée de la Roya : Breil-sur-Roya, Saorge, Sospel
• Vésubie Valley: Lantosque, Saint-Martin-Vésubie

Practical information

The towns and villages of the hinterland are scattered over a vast area. And unfortunately (or fortunately?), not all towns and villages are easily accessible by public transport.

The train

Not all hinterland sites are well served by train. Grasse, for example, is very easy to reach. Be aware, however, that the station is just below the old town.
And beware: some station names (Golfe Juan-Vallauris, Biot-Antibes Est, for example) give the impression that these towns are served. In reality, they're more than a 30-minute walk away from the station, via steep streets.

Buses

There are many bus routes serving the hinterland in all directions. As a result, we can't give details of all these routes here. However, you should be aware that most of the sites in the Alpes-Maritimes can be reached from the larger towns, such as Nice.
Find out more from the Local tourist offices.

Visit Saint-Paul-de-Vence because it is the world's most famous little village on the Côte d'Azur. Indeed, in this village perched on a promontory, two foundations and artists' studios welcome visitors all year round. And that's not all. Here we present the essentials of Saint-Paul-de-Vence.

What to visit in Saint-Paul-de-Vence

Everything is worth visiting in Saint-Paul-de-Vence: the old village, the Maeght foundation, the CAB foundation, the Folon chapel, the artists' studios, but also the old cobbles of the Grande rue, the oil mill, the keep, etc.

Maeght Foundation

The Fondation Maeght was created in 1964 by Aimé and Marguerite Maeght, with modern architecture by Josep Lluís Sert.
The first private art foundation, it focuses on all areas of modern and contemporary art.

It exhibits the most famous artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.
See our page on the Maeght Foundation.

CAB Foundation

The CAB Foundation (Contemporary Art Brussels) is a center for contemporary art, specializing in minimal and conceptual art from the 1960s onwards. This foundation is an extension of the parent foundation in Brussels.

It maintains a permanent collection of works, but opens to the public mainly for its temporary exhibitions.
Citing, among others, the artists: Carl André, stanley brouwn, Philippe Decrauzat, Dan Flavin, Ann Veronica Janssen, Donald Judd, John McCracken, Jean-Pierre Pincemin, Claude Rutault, Keith Sonnier, Fred Sandback.

Practical information about the CAB Foundation

• 5766, chemin des Trious
• Open daily, depending on the exhibition, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (to be verified according to current temporary exhibitions).
• Official website

La Chapelle Folon

Jean-Michel Folon (1934-2005) was a Belgian artist, draughtsman (notably renowned for his illustrations and posters), painter, sculptor and more. He decorated the Chapelle Sainte-Croix or Chapelle des Pénitents blancs.
The multidisciplinary artist created 8 canvases, 4 stained glass windows, 2 sculptures and a very large mosaic. All these works can still be seen today.
With their soft hues, pastel tones and harmony of soft blue and orange-yellow, they give a great impression of tranquility. The very serene, fraternal motifs highlight the spirit of the place, when the White Penitents came to the aid of the poor.

Practical information

• Chapelle Folon
  Place de l'église
• May 1 to September 30: 10am to 12:30pm then 2pm to 6pm.
  October 1 to April 30: 10:30am to 12:30pm then 2pm to 4pm.
  Closed January 1, November and December 25.
• Official website

Cemetery

The small cemetery of Saint-Paul-de-Vence seems quite modest. However, it contains two tombs of remarkable celebrities:

• Marc Chagall (1887-1985), who lived in Saint-Paul-de-Vence from 1966 until his death. His tomb is a simple slab on the ground, partially covered with stones, according to Jewish custom.

• Aimé and Marguerite Maeght, creators of the Maeght Foundation, whose tomb is also partly covered with stones.

Artists' studios

The village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence is still home to artists' studios. Most are open to the public, and can be visited with the discretion and respect due to their location. You can visit them with the discretion and respect due to the place.
In the streets, these studios are a bit like the mirror of the galleries that exhibit famous artists.
When you visit, the art lover becomes like one of the characters in an immense tableau vivant.

The old village

The old stones of the village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence always enchant visitors. In fact, you won't know where to turn. Numerous panels provide historical and artistic information about the site. Better still: your phone will give you a multimedia complement of information, thanks to the NFC technology of most smartphones.
The cobblestones of the Grande rue are regularly arranged to form the images on the ground. We never tire of taking photos of them, and sometimes hesitate to walk on them.

Passing here and there through the alleyways, we discover a sort of bridge connecting two houses on either side of the street. These pontis were created to connect, not quite two houses, but several rooms in the same house, rooms located on either side of the street. Sort of private corridors spanning the street.

The fortifications

Situated on a rocky spur, the small village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence was once a stronghold, surrounded by ramparts.
With its towers, ramparts with machicolations and loopholes, its old keep, a large part of the feudal fortifications were completed by Vauban's developments.

All of these fortifications are worth a visit in themselves, through the town and along the outside of the ramparts.

Saint-Paul-de-Vence practical information

• Saint-Paul-de-Vence is not served by any bus. The village is accessible by car or bus.
  From Nice or Cagnes-sur-mer, line 655 (Cagne-sur-Mer-Vence by Saint Paul). Stop at St Paul Village.

• Official website

Visit Biot and discover a Provencal village, perched on a hill overlooking the sea. The traditional activities of the old village (pottery, agriculture) have declined to the benefit, on the one hand, of a Sofia Antipolis technology park and the development of the modern city, and on the other, of the blossoming of artists, such as Fernand Léger, Raymond Peynet, and the development of glassworks.

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Visit the old village of Biot

The old village of Biot is magnificent to stroll through. You'll need to take a stress-free stroll to discover and appreciate the old stones lining the little streets, the porches, the vegetation that gently invades the streets in places, the fresh arcades, the pebbled pavements, and so on. It's a whole medieval village to discover: Rue de la Calade (the descent), Place des Arcades, Rue de la vieille boucherie, Rue de la poissonnerie, Rue des Tines (the vats), Porte des Migraniers (the pomegranates, the fruit), etc.
For the record, most of the streets in the old village are steep. So take your time. Lovers of old stones and beauty won't regret it.

Musée Fernand Léger

The Fernand Léger National Museum is a magnificent space dedicated to the artist. We've developed a special page on this must-see museum, with all the relevant information, photos and video.

Visit Biot's glassworks

Since the middle of the 20th century, Biot has become the great capital of blown glass. You can watch glass being blown, demonstrating the skill of the master glassmakers. Biot glass is essentially bubbled, meaning that it uses the bubbles contained in the thickness of the glass as a decorative motif. This bubbled glass is not compulsory, but it is one of the distinguishing features of Biot glass.
There are several art glassworks in Biot. Here is a list of the most important. Some have their own store in Biot village.

• Pierini Glass Art Center
  9 chemin du Plan, route de la Mer
  Monday to Saturday 10am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 7pm (in winter until 6:30pm) and Sunday 2:30pm to 6:30pm (in winter by appointment)
• Verrerie Val de Pôme
  Chemin du Val de Pôme
  Hours: in summer from 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday (in winter 6:30pm) and Saturday from 2pm to 7pm (in winter closed on Saturday)
• Verrerie Farinelli
  465 route de la Mer
  10am to 12:30pm and 1pm to 7pm Monday to Saturday
• Nicolas Laty
• Léo Glass Dream
  399 chemin des Rouvres
  Jean-Paul Van Lith
  44 bis, impasse Saint-Sébastien

Glass Ecomuseum in Biot

This ecomusée du verre brings together a glassblowing workshop, training in the glass professions, the protection and safeguarding of knowledge and techniques, the conservation of works of art, etc.
Verrerie de Biot - Chemin des Combes - 06410 Biot
Guided tours or audioguides, on request.

Biot history and ceramics museum

This museum preserves the memory of Biot pottery, from ancient times. Indeed, Biot was once a major pottery center. The museum exhibits objects that are part of Biot's history: ornamental fountains, jars, costumes, crafts and photographs of life in days gone by.

Practical information about the Musée d'Histoire et de Céramique de Biot

• Musée d'Histoire et de Céramique de Biot
  9, rue Saint-Sébastien
  06410 Biot
• July 1 to September 30, 10 am to 6 pm. Beyond, from 2pm to 6pm.
  Except Mondays and Tuesdays, January 1, May 1 and December 25.
• Official website

Visit Biot for its artists' studios

Many artists open their studios to the public: painters, sculptors, draughtsmen, metalworkers, ceramists, jewelers, leatherworkers, photographers, etc. You can discover them in and around the old village. To find them, you can download a detailed brochure from the Biot Tourist Office.

Parc départemental de la Brague

A 480-hectare park is open to the public, featuring typical Mediterranean landscapes: pine forests, garrigues, oak groves, rockroses and myrtles. Strollers will also discover ancient remains: mills, quarries, etc.
The Parc Départemental de la Brague is crossed by the Brague river and criss-crossed by numerous hiking trails.https://www.biot-tourisme.com/randonnees-bien-etre/
These hiking trails, moreover, surround the town of Biot, well beyond the park.

Practical information about Biot

You can get to Biot by car or by bus.
By car, there's one thing you must do: park around the old village. There are several parking lots within a 5-10 minute walk of the old town center.
By train
No train, the Biot-Antibes Est station is a long way away, and it takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour to walk to the old village. From the station, it's best to take bus line 10, Biot village stop.

Plans and itineraries to download from the Tourist Office website
Official website

Visit Vallauris, a town famous for the presence of Picasso, who was himself drawn to the craft of ceramics.

In Place Paul Isnard, you can admire a famous Picasso sculpture: L'Homme au mouton. This sculpture is so much a part of Vallauris life that the square is often named: Place de l'Homme au mouton.

Old town of Vallauris

The Old Town of Vallauris has an ancient center, between rue Haute, rue des Tours, rue Clément Bel and montée Saint-Anne. It's pleasant to stroll around in a soothing atmosphere, although this old center doesn't have the charm of Vieux Grasse or Haut-de-Cagnes or Saint-Paul-de-Vence.

Grave of Jean Marais

The actor Jean Marais (1913-1998) is indissociable from films such as La Belle et la bête, the Comte de Monte Cristo, the Bossu, and so on. But he was also a director, writer, painter, sculptor and potter. It was this very art that attracted him to Vallauris, where he trained and worked the clay, without however ceasing his other artistic activities.
Not far from the Old Town, the old cemetery preserves the tomb of Jean Marais, adorned by a statue created by the artist, Jean Maris himself.

Vieux Cimetière de Vallauris
Allée du Souvenir Français
06220 Vallauris Golfe-Juan

Vallauris castle museum

The Château de Vallauris dates back to the 16th century. It was the priory of the Lérins monks, lords of Vallauris from the 11th to 18th centuries. It took on the appearance of a roofed Renaissance château, with two corner towers to the south.
The chapel is Romanesque, dating from the 13th century. It was decorated by Picasso.

Picasso Museum War and Peace

The Picasso Museum in Vallauris is very important museum, with the Picasso chapel, more precisely known as the Chapelle Picasso or The War and Peace.

Magnelli Museum and Ceramics Museum

The Magnelli and Ceramics Museums are housed in a former priory belonging to the monks of Lérins, lords of Vallauris from the 11th to 18th centuries. Note the Renaissance staircase leading up to the ceramics museum.

The Magnelli Museum

The Magnelli Museum houses important works by the Florentine painter, Alberto Magnelli (1888-1971). Visitors will discover colorful canvases in a style largely oriented towards abstract art.

Practical information

• Musée Magnelli et le musée de la céramique
  Place de la Libération
  06220 Vallauris
• From September to June, 10am to 12:15pm and 2pm to 5pm,
  every day except Tuesday, January 1, May 1, November 1 and 11, December 25.
• July to August, 10am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 6pm,
  every day except Tuesday.

The ceramics museum

On the second floor, the ceramics museum welcomes visitors. This museum features an interesting collection of utilitarian ceramics, mainly for cooking. Then there are artistic ceramics from the 1950s. They are generally very creative and colorful, in keeping with the heyday of Vallauris. Finally, the visit ends with contemporary works.
This museum regularly organizes temporary exhibitions.

Practical information

View practical information about the Musée Magnelli
Official website

Kitsh Museum

This kitsh museum showcases part of Vallauris' tourist ceramics production. The factories produced colorful souvenirs. They are not of great artistic interest, but bear witness to the town's activity, especially between the years 1950-1970.
Le Tanagra
67, Avenue Georges Clemenceau
Open during the summer season

The Lérins Islands are two islands, Sainte Marguerite and Saint Honorat, off the coast of Cannes. Accessible by boat, they are very popular in summer. Many yachts drop anchor between the two islands. There are also a number of restaurants.
Please note: there are no garbage cans on site. You must take your garbage home with you.

Lérins Islands : Sainte Marguerite

Sainte Marguerite is the larger of the two islands. It's also the most visited. The island's unspoilt nature, the Fort Royal and the Iron Mask Museum are all of interest. This island has been inhabited by Ligurians since antiquity (6th century BC). The Romans built a port here, the remains of which (houses, mosaics, shipwrecks) are now underwater. The island served as a defense for the Counts of Provence, and never again left this military role, not even under the Spanish.

Preserved nature

The island of Sainte Marguerite is 3km long and 900m wide at its longest point. It is almost entirely covered by eucalyptus and pine forests. A botanical garden features cypresses, cedars of Lebanon, palms, banana trees, numerous citrus species, fig trees, almond trees and, of course, olive trees. The garden is also planted with flowers, giving it a thousand colors in the summer months.
Paths criss-cross the island, allowing you to walk around it in about 3 hours. Numerous educational panels provide information on the flora and fauna.
Gorgeous coves dot the coast, where rocks, turquoise-blue water and the green of pine trees blend.

Royal fort

The Fort Royal was built by Richelieu (17th century), then reinforced by the Spanish, then by Vauban. It remains in a good state of preservation.
To ward off potential enemies, two furnaces were built to red-hot cannonballs. It was used to heat the cannonballs, which caused fires in addition to the usual damage.
It housed the defending armies, then later, when the threat disappeared, it was transformed into a priison, until 1880.
Thus, Protestants (after the Edict of Nantes, 1685), the Iron Mask (from 1687), Algerian political prisoners, including Abd-El-Kader's smala (from 1843), were locked up here in turn. The island also boasts a small Muslim cemetery.
All this history is still present. Visitors will discover the rooms that have become cells, as well as a number of objects and information panels on these events.
Note also that the terrace offers a magnificent panorama.

Eco-musée sous-marin des îles de Lérins

An underwater eco-museum is the artistic work of Jason deCaires Taylor. He created giant faces, copied from real Cannois faces. They were imerged

Musée du masque de fer

The Iron Mask (? - 1703) was imprisoned at the Fort Royal from 1687 to 1698. This enigmatic prisoner wore an iron mask at all times, so that no one could see his face. No one knows who he is. Adulterous brother of Louis IV? The conspirator François de Vendôme, Duc de Beaufort, suspected of being the real father of Louis XIV? Molière? Nicolas Fouquet, Superintendent of Finances? Count Ercole Mattioli, Secretary of State to the Duke of Mantua? A lover of the queen? All hypotheses have been put forward, but there is no historical evidence to identify the prisoner.
There is also no evidence that the prisoner wore this mask all the time, which could have caused him a variety of illnesses.
What seems certain is that he was an important and refined figure. Music was played in his cell. He wore fine, elegant clothes, according to Voltaire.
He was in the custody of Saint Mars, who transferred him with him to the Bastille, where he died.

The Lérins Islands: Saint Honorat

Isle Saint Honorat is smaller than Saint Marguerite. It is around 1km long and less than 500m wide. It has been inhabited by monks since the 6th century. Saint Honorat became an important center for the dissemination of Christian thought. The monks built a fortified monastery in 1863.

The monastery tower overlooks two cloisters (15th century). It housed not only the monks' activities, but also, on the upper floor, the military personnel in charge of the island's defense. The Cistercian monks produce a locally renowned wine and liqueurs.
The island also boasts a number of chapels (10th century), 7 in all, other buildings (11th century) and 2 furnaces for reddening cannonballs (1794), which visitors will discover as they wander around the island.

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Practical information

Please note: There are no garbage cans on the islands. Visitors must bring their own garbage with them and not leave it to the local authority. It's not complicated, just remember to bring a bag or box for this purpose.

• Departures from Cannes, all year round
  quai Laubeuf
• Summer departures from Nice, to Sainte Marguerite (not Saint Honorat)
  Quai des Docks (on the Château hill side)

Official website

Book your boat from Cannes

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The Suquet in Cannes is the old town of Cannes, set on a hill 66m above sea level and topped by a feudal castle. It lies entirely between boulevard Victor-Tuby, rue du docteur Pierre-Gazagnaire and rue Georges Clemenceau.

The Suquet citadel

The town was founded by the Ligurians in ancient times, and was later dominated by the Counts of Provence. A castle existed from the early 11th century, completed by the great tower in 1080. Little by little, a fortified village grew up. And so, from this medieval evolution, Suquet retains the Tour du Suquet, the church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Espérance, the chapel of Sainte-Anne and all the steep little streets.

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The Tour du Suquet

The former grand tower of the ancient château, the Tour du Suquet dates back to the 11th century. It's a perfect parallelepiped, not very original architecturally, but worth a visit. From its summit, there's a magnificent panorama of the town and the Bay of Cannes.

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The Church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Espérance

The church was completed in 1627. Originally, its interior was relatively sober. The interior walls were whitewashed. But the side chapels were entrusted to artisan brotherhoods, who were responsible for decorating them. And so, little by little, other elements came to complete the works of the brotherhoods.
Several wooden sculptures stand out:
- St. Anne, the Virgin and the Child Jesus, from the 14th century
- St. Anne, from the 15th century
- the altar of the Saint-Pierre chapel
- a beautiful wooden carved Christ from the 15th century
- etc

Also of note: the 1857 organ, the painting Mort de Joseph entre la Vierge et le Christ, in the Saint-Joseph chapel.

Saint Anne's chapel

This chapel dates from the 11th and 12th centuries. It was the former Notre-Dame-du-Puy church, which had become too small for the number of parishioners. The church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Espérance was built in 1627, and Notre-Dame-du-Puy became the chapel of Sainte-Anne. Today, it is home to the Musée des explorations du monde, formerly known as the Musée de La Castre.

Musée des explorations du monde

The Musée des explorations du monde conserves art objects from the Himalayas-Tibet, the Arctic, pre-Columbian America and Oceania, hence the museum's name, as well as Mediterranean antiquities.
It also displays 19th-century Provencal landscape paintings.

Practical information

Musée des explorations du monde
Place de la Castre - Le Suquet
06400 Cannes

Open
Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm (6pm from April to June)
Closed: May 1, November 1, November 11, December 25 and January 1.

Official museum website

La Croisette in Cannes is the long boulevard that runs alongside the sea. It's located between the beaches and luxury buildings, planted with palm trees and pines.

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The Croisette in Cannes

Over approximately 2600m, Boulevard de la Croisette links Cap de la Croisette in south-east Cannes to the old town of Le Suquet. The wide sidewalk makes it an ideal promenade, facing the Bay of Cannes. The promenade continues, well beyond the Croisette, all the way through town, to the seaside railway station.

Visiting the Croisette

Fountains, a carousel, public benches, blue chairs, a rose garden and monuments (General De Gaulle, Albert 1st King of the Belgians) line the route. There's also the Palais des festivals et des congrès, and the ports. Not forgetting some magnificent buildings on the other side, such as

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• the Villa des dunes (N°90-92),
• le Martinez (N° 73), an iconic hotel for the stars,
• the Carlton (N° 58), another iconic hotel for the stars,
• the Malmaison (N° 47), now a contemporary art center,
• the Majestic hotel (N°10),
• etc.

As you can see, this is an environment of natural beauty and luxury that leaves no one indifferent.

The Festivals and conventions palace; the french Palais des festivals et des congrès, welcomes the biggest stars to be photographed during the famous ascent of the steps. Needless to say, it's a pretty busy place for photographers. But this palace has other functions, as it is officially called the Palais des festivals et des congrès.
It can also host meetings or corporate projects.

The red carpet at the Festivals and conventions palace in Cannes

In fact, 24 red-carpeted steps have become emblematic of the Cannes International Film Festival.
These famous steps are accessible to all, and you can even climb them and have your picture taken with friends, like the star you are, outside festival periods, of course.
And, pleasant surprise, many artists' effigies await you at the top of the steps. In fact, you can even have your photo taken with a famous actor or actress. But when we tell you that at the Palais des festivals in Cannes, you're the star!

More than just the Cannes Film Festival

There are several festivals in Cannes, in addition to the famous Cannes International Film Festival:

• a Festival of Pyrotechnic Art,
• also an International Games Festival,

The Palais des festival is also a magnificent performance venue that opens its doors throughout the year for concerts, plays, comedy shows, etc.
This Palais des festival in Cannes is also home to... the Office du tourisme.

The star trail at the Palais des festivals et des congrès>

Film stars have left their handprints in aluminum casts. These casts line the Palais des Festivals. They are accessible to all. It won't be easy to see them all, as there are so many. In fact, there are more than 150 of them around the Palais and gardens.

Practical information

Palais des festivals et des congrès
1, boulevard de la Croisette
06400 Cannes

Official website

The Renoir Museum in Cagnes-sur-Mer is a vast estate planted with olive and citrus trees. It was here, from 1908 until his death, that Auguste Renoir (1841--1919) painted some of his canvases, full of color and light.

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The Renoir Museum in Cagnes-sur-mer

The museum exhibits 14 paintings by the master. Visitors can also discover some of the pieces as Renoir left them. And, more surprisingly because it's less well known, one room is devoted to Renoir's sculptures.
Towards the end of his life, Renoir was very interested in sculpture. Unfortunately, he was losing some of the use of his hands. So, he called in a young sculptor, Richard Guino, who followed Renoir's instructions and eventually, sculpted works, just as Renoir wanted them.

The garden at the Domaine des Colettes

The garden of the Renoir Museum is worth a visit. It offers a haven of peace in the heart of the city. Strollers will discover centuries-old olive trees. Behind the farmhouse, you can also visit Renoir's (reconstructed) vegetable garden.

Practical information

Musée Renoir
chemin des Collettes
06800 Cagnes-sur-Mer

Opening
June to September: 10am-1pm // 2pm-6pm (gardens open 10am-6pm).
October to March: 10am-12pm // 2pm-5pm.
April to May: 10am-12pm // 2pm-6pm.
Closed Tuesdays and 25/12, 01/01 and 01/05.

Official website

Cagnes-sur-mer boasts an old town center, Haut de Cagnes, a seaside resort, Cros-de-Cagnes, a racecourse, museums, beaches and more. It's an attractive town that appeals to lovers of beaches, history, art, sports, etc.

The Renoir museum is presented on its own page.
As well as Haut-de-Cagnes, the historic old village of Cagnes-sur-mer.
As well ass the Grimaldi castle.

Cagnes-sur-mer

The town of Cagnes lies between Nice and Antibes, on the edge of the Baie des Anges. A Promenade runs for miles alongside the sea. The beaches are made up of pebbles, some tobacco-free, others accessible, others for dogs, etc.
The town has a multiple configuration, between the present-day town, the Cros-de-Cagnes, (the old fishing village), the Haut-de-Cagnes (the old town) and the Renoir museum and its garden of hundred-year-old olive trees.

Le Cros-de-Cagnes, the old fishing port of Cagnes-sur-mer

Le Cros-de-Cagnes is an old fishing village. If tourism is replacing this activity, it's because the village has preserved a certain authenticity, far from the concrete development seen further on.
The neighborhood is home to a port, mainly small boats, including the famous pointus and a few fishing boats.
The local Italian fishermen built the Chapelle des pêcheurs (1863). This chapel has been damaged but restored time and again. Although small in size, it boasts a handsome campanile (circa 1900).The streets are those of a fine seaside resort, with restaurants, shops selling local produce, etc. Le Cros-de-Cagnes is particularly attractive. Cros-de-Cagnes is particularly lively in summer. Attend the boules games on Place Saint Pierre, stroll the shopping streets, such as Avenue des Oliviers, or the very flowery Allée des Villas fleuries.

Visit Beaulieu-sur-mer, a town best known for its Greek-style Villa Kérylos. The town also boasts two harbours, an old town center, sandy beaches and a casino.

Greek Villa Kérylos in Beaulieu

The Villa Kérylos is a world apart, with recent architecture and decoration in the ancient Greek style. Everything has been designed with this in mind, from the architecture to the furniture, crockery and decorative objects. Villa Kerylos is well worth a visit.
See our pages on Villa Kerylos.

The beaches

The fine sandy beaches offer much sought-after relaxation. Baie des Fourmis and Petite Afrique are the largest and most sought-after. Beaches are public or private.

The André Cane Berlugan Heritage Museum

This museum showcases the Berlugan life of Beaulieu-sur-mer's former inhabitants. From Roman coins, to costumes, to ancient tools, to the life of the inhabitants in days gone by.
Musée du patrimoine berlugan André Cane
27 Boulevard Marinoni
06310 Beaulieu-sur-Mer
Site officiel

The Belle-Epoque villas of Beaulieu-sur-mer

Beaulieu-sur-mer was home to an entire middle-class population, who had remarkable villas built in the Belle Epoque style.
Note that Beaulieu-sur-mer's most famous villa, the Villa Kerylos is not in the Belle Epoque style.

It still remains

• the Palais des Anglais, a former luxury hotel with a facade surprisingly topped by a lion and unicorn scumpture.
• the bandstand on Place Marinoni, with its remarkable ironwork.
• the Villa Andalousia
• the former Hotel Bristol.

A little further on, adjoining Monaco, is Cap d'Ail.
At Cap d'Ail, you'll discover numerous other Belle Epoque villas:

• le Château des Terrasses,
• Villa Lumière,
• Villa Hélios,
• the former Hotel Eden,
• the Villa les Camelias.

Practical information

Beaulieu-sur-mer is accessible by bus from several towns or by train, on the Cannes-Nice-Monaco-Menton line.

Activities in Beaulieu

How do you find the Côte d'Azur or French Riviera rental that suits you best? There are plenty of hotel and apartment rentals in Nice and on the Riviera, including in the hinterland. We offer you a vast choice, depending on the town, with a few quick notions to help you in your choices.

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