The international atmosphere and ambience of the Côte d’Azur and the VAR annually attract twelve million people, enjoying the culture, gastronomy, nature, golf courses, mountain walks and, of course, the beaches and the blue azure sea. Those who visit a village on the French Riviera may think “I would like to buy a second home here”. But which village best suits your lifestyle? We put the most essential features of the most excellent places for you to get to know the French Riviera better. Additions and experiences are always welcome at the bottom of the comments! After that, you can use our French Riviera Property Buying and Finding Guide to help.
General atmosphere French Riviera
Whoever comes to the Côte d’Azur to party on the streets, like in Ibiza city or Salou, is getting deceived. Of course, there are parties, but everything is within the limits of a nightclub or a yacht. The ‘binge drinking’ of youngsters who are half-dead lame on the streets or at wild drug festivals where people jump from balconies, thinking ‘, I believe I can fly, is hardly the French Riviera. People preferably have a bottle of wine and good finger food on the beach to watch the stars. The ‘dining culture’ is a tradition for young and old: if you have a night out, you will always start in a restaurant. And from there you decide with friends whether to dance in a club or have a good time chilling and swimming by the sea.
French Riviera, PACA, Provence, Alpes-Maritimes, VAR or Côte d’Azur?
There are many names for the different regions that eventually all fall under the province of PACA: Provence Alps and Cote d’Azur. The area between Menton and Theoule belongs to the Alpes Maritimes and is commonly called the Côte d’Azur. From Theoule le Trayas, you are in the VAR, which is the area that passes past Toulon. Many people call this part of La Provence because the atmosphere is so romantic and peaceful. Many VAR residents want the VAR also to be named the Cote d’Azur because the Cote d’Azur has a more dynamic and richer appearance. The VAR, however, belongs with the Provence, and that area goes up to Marseille and towards the Alps. But for VAR, PACA, Côte d’Azur, or Alpes Maritimes, the bottom line is that it’s about where you feel at home. Living on the Côte d’Azur in a Provençal setting may be ‘the best of both worlds’.
Menton – French Riviera, Côte d’Azur
28.962 inhabitants
Menton is famous for the annual Lemon Festival, but the people do not look like lemons. The town has Italian influences with coloured façades, and you cross the port through the French-Italian border. Thanks to its stylish architecture and beautiful beaches, Menton, along with its Italian neighbours, has been a favourite destination for many years.
General atmosphere: quiet and civilized
Roquebrune Cap Martin – French Riviera, Côte d’Azur
12.450 inhabitants
The unknown makes it unloved, but this medieval seaside town between Menton and Monaco at 1100m altitude is worth the effort. Roquebrune Cap Martin has the best microclimate; watch the vegetation; lemons, bananas, and oranges grow all year round in the trees.
General atmosphere: quiet and civilized
Monaco – Côte d’Azur
30.581 inhabitants
Nature lovers do not have to come here; Monaco is all concrete and high-rise buildings. Despite the high millionaire density, you can still buy a pizza for 8 euros in Port Hercule and look at some of the most expensive yachts. It’s a fun day out like Disneyland, with lots of allure, expensive sports cars, and an interesting story. Watch the movie Grace of Monaco to understand the difficult relationship with France.
General atmosphere: safe and extravagant in cars
Cap d’Ail – French Riviera, Côte d’Azur
4.877 inhabitants
Perfectly hidden in a bay you will find romantic beaches where only the locals seem to swim. Turn from Nice on the way to Monaco sharply down and drink a coffee in the cozy centre. Cap d’Ail is the residence of many wealthy French who do business in Monaco but can not live there tax-wise.
General atmosphere: quiet and civilized
Eze – French Riviera, Cote d’Azur
2,550 inhabitants
Here, you will find one of the most beautiful and expensive hotel restaurants on the South French coast: Le Chèvre d’Or. But Eze also has a medieval fortress, an exotic garden and a lovely beach. A nice destination for a day of medieval hiking.
General atmosphere: quiet, authentic and civilized
Beausoleil – French Riviera, Cote d’Azur
13.718inhabitants
You may not be able to get by car because parking is practically impossible here. Beausoleil is called the Montmartre of the Côte d’Azur through the narrow streets. Beausoleil is the mecca for anyone who wants to live as close to Monaco as possible. Many luxury apartments with a broad view of the sea and the newest and most expensive residential attraction of Monaco; The Odeon Tower.
General atmosphere: lots of traffic due to high occupants density per square meter
Beaulieu sur Mer – French Riviera, Cote d’Azur
3.742 inhabitants
The romantic seaside town is exactly 7 kilometres from Nice and 7 kilometres from Monaco. Local attractions include the Casino, the Greek Villa Kérylos, and two clogged sandy beaches, La Baie des Fourmis and la Petite Afrique.
General atmosphere: stylish, beautiful beaches
Saint Jean Cap Ferrat – French Riviera, Cote d’Azur
2,014 inhabitants
The few inhabitants live here with privilege. It is a very popular place to live because of the many beautiful villas and unique sea views. You will need to view it through Google Maps because, as a passerby, the walls are high and the gates are closed. The only villa you can visit is immediately worth the effort; therefore, go to Villa Ephrussi.
General atmosphere: stylish but closed
Villefranche sur Mer – French Riviera, Cote d’Azur
5.416 inhabitants
Villefranche Sur Mer is one of the most photographed towns. It has a beautiful bay where luxury yachts wait for their owners, who are pampered in the harbour. Members of the Rolling Stones and singer Tina Turner have their villa hidden in the mountains here, but you can meet them in the village.
General atmosphere: like a classy French Riviera postcard
Cap Ferrat – French Riviera, Cote d’Azur
2,014 inhabitants
This small, originally fishing village on the peninsula gives the owners of the many very luxurious villas with large gardens a beautiful setting. Fortunately, public trails (from 30 minutes to 2 hours) lead you along cliffs and rocks with stunning views. Also lovely for a walk with the dog.
General atmosphere: chic in rugged nature
Nice – French Riviera, Cote d’Azur
344.064 inhabitants
‘Nissa la Bella, sing the inhabitants because they did not forget that Nice was once part of Italy. Nice today is the capital of the Alpes Maritimes with everything you can expect in a historic city; from trams, museums, and prehistoric caves to beautiful squares. The old town is still intact and gives an atmospheric view of ancient history. The boulevard has been recently renovated and gives the many bikers and joggers all the space.
General atmosphere: a vibrant city with many different styles
Reading tip: Top 3 attractions in Nice Côte d’Azur
Saint Laurent du Var – French Riviera, Cote d’Azur
29.942 inhabitants
Saint Laurent du Var’s main attraction is the CAP 3000, ‘ the largest shopping mall in Europe’. At the rear, you will discover the busy marina with many restaurants and clubs. The pebble beach is perfect for ‘plane spotters’; you can view the airport of Nice Airport.
General atmosphere: more ‘holiday feeling’ than on the other side of Nice
Cagnes sur Mer – French Riviera, Cote d’Azur
51,632 inhabitants
The fastest-growing village on the Côte d’Azur with the most beautiful walk and bicycle boulevard along the coast. Since 2016, Cagnes has a ‘shopping & entertainment’ centre, Polygone Riviera, which has further increased the local economy and attractiveness. The Grimaldi castle, which has narrow streets in Haut de Cagnes, is admired by the French and is called the ‘Montmartre of the Cote d’Azur’. Cagnes Sur Mer is also the place to be for the only horse race track on the French Riviera, the Hippodrome.
General atmosphere: historic at the top, lively yet small-scale atmosphere
La Colle sur Loup – South France, Cote d’Azur
7.701 inhabitants
Between all the hustle and bustle of the coast lies La Colle Sur Loup inland in a hidden green oasis. With delightful pendulum roads through the woods and mountains and a cozy medieval centre, this is a typical Provencal village, but on the Cote d’Azur.
General atmosphere: Quiet and “typically French”, as we know from a long time ago
Biot – French Riviera, Cote d’Azur
9,751 inhabitants
An art-loving village between Cannes and Nice, with a romantic village square and lots of art on the street. Biot is known for the traditional pottery and glass-blowing industry. After the internship of Pablo Picasso, Biot is still the home town of many artists.
General atmosphere: authentic and stylish by the art on the street
Saint Jeannet – French Riviera, Cote d’Azur
3.656 inhabitants
Saint Jeannet is a hidden gem that adjoins the characteristic Baou rock. In the 1960s, it seemed to have been a hippie village; the relaxed atmosphere is still present. From Saint Jeannet, you can climb the Baou to 800 meters altitude for a splendid view of Corsica and Saint Tropez.
General atmosphere: Quiet and authentic
Valbonne – French Riviera, Cote d’Azur
12,500 inhabitants
Valbonne means Good Valley, and this village is also breathtaking. Sophia Antipolis, which belongs to Valbonne, is called ‘Silicon Valley’. The area is filled with peace and tranquillity, like in the Provence, yet it is ideally located near Biot and Cannes. The Valbonne Market Square is one of the most beautiful squares of the Côte d’Azur, with cosy restaurants and the market where the whole region is coming on Friday.
General atmosphere: stylish, cosy and authentic
Vence – French Riviera, Cote d’Azur
18,536 inhabitants
It is a medieval town in southern France with a beautiful historical centre where, amongst others, artist Henry Matisse lived, whose name can be found in many places. Vence is also known for its natural drinking water, which you can drink from fountains everywhere in the village. The old railway line from 1892 that took you from Vence via Cagnes Sur Mer to Nice does not exist anymore, but remnants of the train viaduct are remotely admired from the hills.
General atmosphere: quiet, authentic and civilized
Saint Paul de Vence – French Riviera, Cote d’Azur
3,477 inhabitants
Saint-Paul de Vence is one of the oldest medieval villages and has an impressive defence wall with small streets full of restaurants and art galleries. Celebrities like Marc Chagall, Jacques Prévert, and James Baldwin came and stayed here. The big attraction is the Fondation Maeght, which has various exhibitions of modern art.
General atmosphere: authentic and busy with many tourist buses
Mougins – French Riviera, Cote d’Azur
18,391 inhabitants
A beautiful medieval village surrounded by green forests and golf courses 15 minutes from Cannes, Mougins has a rich gastronomic history. Great French chefs cooked and got all the stars, including many famous movie stars who use Mougins as a culinary destination during the Film Festival. Thanks to a wealthy English investor, Mougins now also has a top museum of classical art over a period of 5,000 years: The MACM (Musée d’Art Classique de Mougins).
Official website Mougins
General atmosphere: stylish, almost British atmosphere with a cosy centre
Antibes Juan les Pins – French Riviera, Cote d’Azur
75.568 inhabitants
Home-town of many ‘yachties’, the title for crew members in the luxury yacht boat charter industry. A cosy centre with many restaurants, cafés and a covered daily fresh market. Take a stroll on the old city wall to enjoy the sea and the view. Antibes has a large entertainment park on the east side with a fairground, mini-golf, a water slide paradise and a dolphin show. Juan Les Pins has many beach and lounge bars on the beach. Dining in the surf is very common here and an experience you should not miss.
General atmosphere: authentic, lively and international
Golfe Juan – South France, Cote d’Azur
This seaside village, which has one of the most beautiful marinas, is part of the municipality of Vallauris. Nevertheless, Golfe Juan has its very own holiday season atmosphere. Napoleon’s arrival from Elba on March 1, 1825, made this piece of beach famous in French history. And to be honest, the sandy beach is amazing.
General atmosphere: typical holiday atmosphere, less fun in winter
Vallauris – French Riviera, Cote d’Azur
27,411 inhabitants
The suburb of Cannes stands out for its inhabitants’ beautiful broad sea views from the hills. The little beach supply and the little public beach there were still temporarily hi-jacked in 2015 by Saudi King Salman, who also installed a lift from his villa because he did not want any sand in his shoes.
General atmosphere: quiet but falls between shore and ship in terms of cosiness
Cannes – South France, Cote d’Azur
72.607 inhabitants
The pearl of southern France bustles throughout the year thanks to many international events such as the Film Festival, the Lions Festival, the Midem Music Fair, the Mipem Building Fair and the Fireworks Festival. Cannes knows to preserve its original local ambience despite all the hustle and bustle.
General atmosphere: vibrant, international and cosy
Mandelieu la Napoule – French Riviera, Cote d’Azur
22.004 inhabitants
It is a cosy village famous for its annual Mimosa party. The imposing castle is open to the public and tells the romantic true story of the American couple Henry and Mary Clews. Mandelieu has many restaurants in every price range in the city centre. At the seaside marina, the sandy beaches offer a beautiful view of the Esterel Mountains. The beach is perfect for families with children.
General atmosphere: Quiet, civilized with many local beach lovers
Theoule sur Mer – French Riviera, Cote d’Azur
1,538 inhabitants
Chic and yet cosy, Theoule Sur Mer is the best. There are lots of luxury villas on the mountain and a lovely sandy beach where you can dine at Marco Polo directly at the local restaurants. Please come early because the car parks in South France are fast-full during the high season.
General atmosphere: Quiet and stylish
Agay – VAR
1.020 inhabitants
Part of the municipality of Saint Raphael and a pleasant surprise on the way from Cannes to Saint Tropez via the coastal road. In Agay, the trees are still on the white sandy beach, and the atmosphere is like in earlier times. Those who come by boat can moor at the buoys, although for a fee. But the most beautiful of Agay is the bay with the red rocks. You almost feel in Ibiza, so pristine.
General atmosphere: South French holiday feeling without blabla
Saint Raphaël – French Riviera, VAR
33,624 inhabitants
The ambience of this part of the French Riviera is different from the Cote d’Azur. In the VAR, the rhythm of life is slower because there is nothing more to do than enjoy the gastronomy, the sea, and the sandy beaches where the red Esterel mountain meets the azure sea. It is a cosy holiday town with many campsites.
General atmosphere: buzzing and busy in high season
Fréjus – French Riviera, VAR
52.193 inhabitants
Fréjus is a big seaside resort in southern France full of history. Besides the beautiful sandy beach, Fréjus offers many visitors a lot more, such as a Roman amphitheatre and ancient thermal baths. The Aqualand has the most thrilling water slides on the coast. In the surrounding area, relatively many campsites are available.
General atmosphere: authentic, busy, holiday feeling
Sainte Maxime – French Riviera, VAR
13.337 inhabitants
Sainte Maxime combines the luxury of the Côte d’Azur with the relaxed atmosphere of the VAR. Not cheap because the closer you get to Saint Tropez, the higher the prices. It is a busy destination in the summer months thanks to the cosy centre, the harbour and the lovely sandy beaches.
General atmosphere: buzzing and busy in high season
Grimaud – French Riviera, VAR
4.106 inhabitants
What Cap Ferrat is for the Cote d’Azur, is Grimaud for the VAR; Luxurious and exclusive. Large domains and super villas in beautiful green surroundings, where you can enjoy golf, horse riding, and private sandy beaches.
General atmosphere: stylish and civilized
Saint Tropez – French Riviera, VAR
4.499 inhabitants
If Louis de Funès and Brigitte Bardot had not lived, Saint Tropez was still a sleepy anonymous fishing village. French movie stars made Saint Tropez famous; who has not been here once? The square where locals play jeu de boule, the harbour with the expensive yachts and the same style cup of coffee; the jet-set image is carefully cherished in Saint Tropez with exclusive beach parties and luxury shops. Saint Tropez is always a party that you can be part of. Look here for a water taxi to Saint Tropez.
General atmosphere: Authentic, summer jet-set ambience, many friendly locals
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