What to Do in the South of France in Winter
WHY VISIT THE FRENCH RIVIERA IN WINTER The south of France is warm in winter primarily because of its Mediterranean climate, often hovering around 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F) during the day. For those discouraged by the cold, this weather is perfect for long enjoyable walks around the towns and villages of the French Riviera. Located in southeastern France, the Maritime Alps form a natural backdrop to the French Riviera, creating a dramatic contrast between the coastal areas and the...
Cannes
Cannes is a renowned and beautiful seaside town on the French Riviera, in the South of France. History This little seaside jewel has stood the test of time, becoming a desirable destination for international travellers from 1834 onwards, after Lord Brougham (former Chancellor of England) visited the town and fell in love with it, encouraging British visitors, who were soon followed by the Russian court of Tsar Alexander III, as well as European nobility. Location Only 30 minutes from Nice...
Cannes La Croisette
The unique and world-famous Boulevard, la Croisette, follows the ancient seaside road known as the ‘chemin de la petite croix’ or the ‘road of the little cross’, from whence it derives its name. Cannes and its congresses It is best known in recent times for the many congresses that take place at the Palais des Festivals and in particular the ‘Festival International du Film’, and the countless stars that crowd the stairs and the red carpets. The frenzied invasion of the Croisette each May at...
The Neighbourhoods of Cannes
Cannes is a much-loved seaside town that steals the hearts of all who have the opportunity to visit it. From film stars to holiday makers, property investors to congress goers and of course those who choose Cannes as their home, it has been the destination of choice on the Côte d'Azur, for centuries. Located half an hour from Nice International Airport, an hour from St Tropez and Provence; Cannes is the jewel in the French Riviera's crown. Cannes is made up of various neighbourhoods. Find out...
Mougins
Perched on the hill above Cannes, the Mediaeval fortified village of Mougins enjoys truly magnificent views over the bay of Cannes, and is only 20 minute’s drive from the sandy beaches of La Croisette. Mougins is particularly easily accessible to everything the French Riviera has to offer; the surrounding villages, beaches, ski slopes of the Alps, vineyards in Provence – and all while being 20 minutes drive from Nice International Airport (the second biggest airport in France, after...
Antibes
As the name Antibes, and that of its inland neighbour Sophia Antipolis imply, this coast has a long and colourful history. Antibes itself was founded as a Greek colony and trading centre in the 5th Century BC, primarily due to its protected port which is still an important port today. By the time of Christ, Rome was in charge and Antipolis was the largest and most important town in the province of Gallia. Roman artefacts, walls and aqueducts can still be seen today, but after 500 years the...
Cap d'Antibes
Nicknamed the bay of billionaires for its extremely valuable real estate and the people who often frequent it, the Cap d’Antibes enjoys privileged and panoramic views westwards towards Cannes and the Iles de Lérins, and eastwards across the sea to the Baie des Anges and Nice, with the exquisite snow-covered Alps just behind. Although traces of its history date back to the Iron Age, Antibes as we know it was founded as a Greek colony in the 4th Century BC. They named it Antipolis. But...
Juan-les-Pins
Part of the Commune of Antibes, Juan-les-Pins is strategically situated between Antibes and Golfe Juan, and equally strategically between Nice and Cannes, and just 15 kms from the Nice International Airport. It is without doubt a fabulous location for a home on the French Riviera. Unlike the neighbouring towns of Antibes whose documented history dates to when it was an ancient Greek colony in the 5th century B.C.; and Golfe Juan which was made famous when Napoleon landed at the little port...
Valbonne
With a beautiful and perfectly preserved walled town at its heart, Valbonne is an much-loved area by locals and ex-pats alike, with the population of Valbonne (including its surrounds) being around 14 000. Included in the affluent and international population of greater Valbonne are many who work in the “Silicon Valley” of France, Sophia Antipolis, a technological science park and education centre conceived and built in the 1970’s. Sophia Antipolis, adjacent to Valbonne, has contributed...
Grasse
Grasse, the perfume capital of France, is perched in the hills overlooking Cannes and Mougins, just half an hour from Cannes. It is also well served by busses, and a recently established rail link. Started in March 2005, the rail line connects Grasse to Cannes in 25 minutes, and then on to Antibes, Nice, Monaco, Menton, and Ventimiglia in Italy. Grasse has been the home and perfume capital of France and the world since the 17th century and still accounts for two thirds of France’s...
Iles de Lerins
A very short distance from the Croisette, just across the Bay of Cannes and clearly visible from the luxury apartments and homes along its length are the two enchanting Islands of Lérins, St. Marguerite and St. Honorat, for which ferries depart from Cannes throughout the day. In addition to the historic and cultural treasures these islands hold, the beaches and pristine azure sea are glorious and treasured by the people who know them. It is possible to walk right around either island and find...
Chateauneuf-Grasse
The charming mediaeval hilltop village of Châteauneuf-Grasse and surrounding hills, favoured by many people looking to buy a primary or a secondary home in Provence, sits amid a galaxy of famous Provençal names – of towns and villages steeped in history, art, and romance. People wanting to be on the Cote d‘Azur, but slightly away from the busier coastline value the area highly. Chateauneuf is just 4 kms from Grasse the perfume capital of France, boasting 200 years and more of tirelessly...
The French Riviera & Provence
From Saint-Tropez to Menton, and encompassing Cannes, Nice, Antibes and even Monaco, the “French Riviera” is an area of towns and villages, each one more enchanting than the next. Between the sea and the mountains, the French Riviera (otherwise known as the Côte d’Azur) is famous around the world for its exceptional and idyllic setting. Moreover, with 12 million annual visitors, 120km of beaches and more than 300 days of sunshine per year, the French Riviera is an admired destination for...
Le Cannet - Cannes
Le Cannet is a popular residential suburb in the quiet hills overlooking Cannes and is home to exclusive residences, charming townhouses with panoramic views and some gorgeous villas. It is an extension of Super Cannes and abuts Mougins at its northernmost edge. Situated as it is just inland of Cannes, Le Cannet was considered a part of Cannes until 1774 when it was separated administratively to become its own commune. Built on the gentle slopes of seven hills, the views of Cannes, the Bay of...
Auribeau-sur-Siagne
Auribeau est un charmant village médiéval où il y a très peu de voiture, donc très agréable pour se promener en famille. On y découvre de petites ruelles, des passages couverts et même des fortifications datant du Moyen-Age. La rivière de la Siagne traverse le hameau d'Auribeau sur Siagne, parfaitement situé à seulement 20 minutes du centre de Cannes. En effet, Cannes est à 13 km, l'aéroport de Nice à 30 km, Grasse à 8 km, Mougins à 7 km et Valbonne à 13 km. L'Auribeau médiéval est né au...
Provence
Provence in south-eastern France extends from the lower Rhône River in the west to the Italian border in the east, and from the Mediterranean in the south to the mountains in the north. Today it mostly falls within the administrative region known as Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. The coastline has some of the earliest known sites of human habitation in Europe. Primitive stone tools dated to over 1 million years BC were found in the Grotte du Vallonnet near Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, and more...
Vence
Also known as the “City of Art”, Vence is a mediaeval walled town, which still exists today as a tight, walled defensive circle of medieval buildings. They appear much as they would have appeared hundreds of years ago, with five very different gates still in daily use by thousands of people who come and go, day and night. It is filled with interesting and historic sights and monuments to a fascinating and tumultuous and very artistic history. There are for example engravings on the facades...