Discover Nice, Menton & Monaco

 

Houses coloured in shades of yellow and orange line the bay in the Mediterranean village of Eze as it rises up away from the bay.

The eastern part of the French Riviera is a small stretch of coast but it’s packed with some of the most interesting and vibrant places in the whole of France. The Corniches from Nice to the Italian border serve Villefranche, Monaco and Menton; the very names conjure up alluring images of the French Riviera that you can hardly resist. Inland are the Gorges de la Vesubie, smaller than the Gordes du Verdon but possibly even more rugged, these are well worth a visit and only about an hour from the coast. 

Nice is often known as "La Belle". It’s the second largest city of the French Mediterranean and sits happily between the Med and the Alps, resulting not only in an awe-inspiring city but also in beautiful scenery roundabout. The city's famous Carnival is simply not to be missed! Another delightful spot is Menton with its colourful buildings, picturesque streets, numerous bars and restaurants. But probably the best known town in this region has to be Monaco. In this world-renowned sovereign city-state luxury and extravagance are the norm. This fairy-tale kingdom, well known as a tax-haven, is home to a lot of wealthy people. Whether you want to get lucky at one of many casinos, spend a month’s wage on dinner or try out your brand new supercar on the racing tracks, Monaco is the place to be. Don’t have a million to spare? Don’t worry, the city is great to visit for a day, admire the wealth, and enjoy the richness and splendour around you.

 

Things to See & Do in Nice, Menton & Monaco

Beaches & Bars

The best beaches in this area can be found in Cagnes sur Mer and Juan-les-Pins. 

The seaside village of Cagnes sur Mer is a beautiful beach destination close (but not close enough to disturb you) to the airport of Nice. The old centre of this village is a photogenic mix of coloured houses, little parks and small cobblestoned alleyways. There is a small but good array of bars and restaurants in the centre as well as along the beach promenade.

From here, art lovers should visit the nearby Renoir museum (1.5km) and music lovers should not miss the laid-back jazz restaurant 2km outside the little-explored village of La Gaude. There is also a choice of restaurants in the port of St. Laurent-du-Var. There’s bike hire at the marina (5km), tennis (2km) and several golf courses within 15km.

At Juan-les-Pins you'll find sandy beaches with a life-guard present in the Grand Plage zone during the summer months. Further along the coast you'll find more private beaches and restaurants. Juan is renowned for live music and nightlife so is an excellent location for anyone wanting to enjoy the sun, sea and sand into the evening!

The beaches at Marina Baie des Anges are approximately 5 mins walk away from the centre of Antibes. These are pebble beaches with the nearest sandy beach at the end of the Marina complex (approx 10 mins walk) and are directly across from the train station, Villeneuve Loubet. The sandy beaches of Cannes / Juan les Pins are reached by a short train journey along the coast from Villeneuve Loubet.

For swimming or sunbathing the beaches at the Marina are all within 5 mins walk.

 

Towns & Villages

Apart from the main cities and towns, of Nice, Menton and Monaco, there are many other worthwhile places to visit. These include:

  • Antibes, a pretty town with a vibrant cafe culture and also home to the Picasso museum for art and culture lovers. For families looking for a fun day out and a place to cool off, Marine Land is located close by.
  • Biot, close the coast and in contrast the larger towns, explore this medieval village with an interesting history.
  • Carros, a hilltop village with breathtaking view to the mountains and the sea.
  • Vence, a town that is a great place to visit all year round but really comes alive for the jazz festival, which usually takes place in July.
  • Villefranche-sur-Mer, a beachside town with a sheltered port and interesting history, having been invaded through the ages by the Greeks, the Romans, the Dukes of Savoy, the French and even, at the turn of the century, Imperial Russia.
  • Juan-les-Pins is actually a district of Antibes but since it has its very own ambience and attracts its own fans, it is often taken as a separate town in its own right. Here you'll find some great nightclubs, such as the New York, as well as some excellent live music venues. We recommend Le Cristal and Pam-Pam. 

 

Events & Festivals

The two main events in this area are the Monaco Grand Prix, which takes place in May and the Menton Citrus Festival: two very different events drawing very different crowds!

Juan-les-Pins is famous for, is its jazz festival and its nightlife. Since right back in the 1920s, Juan has attracted many talented artists,  musicians and writers; F. Scott Fitzgerald and Douglas Fairbanks were regular visitors here. After the Second World War, Juan became known as the 'European New Orleans' and devotees flocked here to hear the likes of Sidney Bechet. Since 2000, the base of music has widened to include funk and rock. Kool and the Gang, Charlie Winston and even Tom Jones have performed here.

 

Activities for Families

Marineland is located in Antibes: a great day out for everyone young and old with a chance to see dolphins, sea lions and killer whales.

 

Markets & Museums

Markets are a staple of French life, especially here in the South of France. The highlight of this region is the main market in Nice centre: a great way to spend a morning and stop for a lazy lunch to watch the world go by. Art lovers should visit the Renoir museum (1.5km from Cagnes sur Mer).

 

Restaurants & Bars

There are too many great restaurants in this area to name them all, but one of our favourites and one we recommend to all our customers is the Cote Sud in Menton. A recommended destination for music lovers is the laid-back jazz restaurant 2km outside Cagnes sur Mer in the little-explored village of La Gaude.

 

Sites and Attractions

If you're looking for somewhere new to explore - perhaps by bike or with a walk along the quay - we recommend the Marina and Baie des Anges in Antibes. 

Find a Villa in Nice, Menton or Monaco

Choose one of the destinations below to view our range of holiday villas, chateaux and apartment rentals. If you're not sure which area would suit your best or have specific needs, you can always contact us and one of our team will be able to help you with your search.

 

A street in Nice lined with houses painted in bright yellow and orange with green shutters and ornate metalwork on their small balconies.
Looking down on the Bay of Villefranche with pink flowers in the foreground
Sunset over the bay of Monaco with the buildings lit up from below and the Mediteranean sea behind the town.

 

VIEW ALL OUR COTE D'AZUR HOLIDAY PROPERTIES

 

Featured holiday homes in the Cote d'Azur

Villa Roses d'Antibes: looking across the terrace from a table set with 4 places to the front of this pretty art deco house with the pool and sun loungers to the left.

Villa Roses d'Antibes

  • 5 bedrooms, sleeps 10

The beautiful art deco Villa Rose d'Antibes in Cap d'Antibes is a true delight. Set within spacious Mediterranean gardens, its private heated pool offers guests the peace and quiet they are looking for, and yet you are only a few steps away from the Azur-blue Mediterranean and its sandy beaches. 5 ensuite bedrooms, aircon and WiFi throughout. Ornamental fish pond.
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Looking across the clear blue pool to the rear of a large white villa with a pristine green lawn on the left and to the right a table and chairs shaded by a large tree.

Maison Des Rêves

  • 7 bedrooms, sleeps 14

Maison Des Rêves is as the name suggests - a dream house. With large beautiful terraces overlooking stunning views of Cap d'Antibes and across the sea to Nice, a private and heated swimming pool that is a contender for the largest in the Cap. A fantastic place to spend a holiday with friends and family.
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5 blue sunloungers with umbrellas around the pool on a terrace that looks out from this Mediterranean holiday villa with Villefranche Bay in the distance.

Villa Sunsong

  • 5 bedrooms, sleeps 10

Villa Sunsong is a large and elegant villa with breathtaking sea views from the infinity pool over Villefranche and Cap Ferrat. This property boasts being divided into two fully-equipped separate apartments one apartment sleeping 6 and the other 4, the whole villa sleeps 10 in 5 bedrooms. Air conditioning in every room.
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A pretty white terrace with a nautical feel surrounds this beach-side luxury holiday villa in Garoupe.

La Garoupe

  • 4 bedrooms, sleeps 8

La Garoupe is an absolutely stunning beachfront luxury villa, unique on the Cap d'Antibes. With incredible decor, attention to detail and the most wonderful location, this villa can sleep up to 8 people in 4 bedrooms. Complete with all facilities, walking distance to everything and fully air-conditioned; this is the place for you. Small pets welcome. Perfect venue for weddings and events up to 200 guests.
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A large pool set into a private stone terrace with 4 beach loungers on the left nestles into the surrounding lush green landscape.

Bougainvillea

  • 3 bedrooms, sleeps 6

Superb villa set in beautiful gardens with panoramic views. Large heated pool (15m x 8m) and shady terraces. Calm and secluded, but not at all isolated - only 5 minutes from lovely village of Vence. Part air conditioning. Three bedrooms all with en suite bathrooms. Two bedrooms on ground floor. Children over 10 years only.
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Looking across the pool and terrace with 8 sun loungers to Villefranche bay in the background.

Grand Villa Solera

  • 6 bedrooms, sleeps 12

Beautiful villa in top class condition with a southerly panoramic view over the bay of Villefranche and 1 mile from Cap Ferrat. Completely renovated to the absolute highest standard. Easy walk to the port (4 minutes) without having to cross roads etc. Very central, yet quiet. Perfect for entertaining. Full concierge service can be made available.
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6 sunloungers positioned around a shaded private terrace and a Balinese-stype swimming pool nestled amongst mature trees with a view to the Gulf of St Tropez.

Le Haut Refren

  • 5 bedrooms, sleeps 10

Lovely Provencal Mas with Balinese style swimming pool set in extensive grounds in a commanding position with stunning panoramic views of the Gulf of St Tropez. Main house with 3 bedrooms and 2 separate studios for comfort and privacy. All bedrooms ensuite. La Garde Freinet is just a 10 minute walk and Grimaud only a 7 minute drive.
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A pool in the foreground with the terrace and sun loungers beyond and a traditional 2-storey holiday villa in the background surroundd by mature gardens with hedges and a large palm.

La Villa des Lauriers

  • 3 bedrooms, sleeps 7

Villa des Lauriers is a true gem in an incredible location, overlooking the bay of Cannes in Mougins and a short walk away from the town centre. With 3 bedrooms and 3 en suite bathrooms, this villa also has a private heated swimming pool, air conditioning, and much more. Child friendly.
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A large pool and terrace with dining area and a traditional 2-storey holiday villa with mature gardens and a large terrace on the first floor.

Villa Eucalyptus

  • 5 bedrooms, sleeps 10

Luxurious family villa near Antibes with private pool and jacuzzi. 10-minute drive to the beaches of Juan-les-Pins and 15 minutes into the centre of Antibes. Sleeps 10 guests comfortably in 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms.
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Sunloungers on a stone terrace next to a long infinity pool with panoramic views of the of l'Esterel towards the Bay of Cannes.

Infinity View, Spéracèdes

  • 6 bedrooms, sleeps 14

Infinity View is a beautifully renovated luxury villa, which offers breathtaking views over the hills of l'Esterel, towards the Bay of Cannes. There is a large private heated infinity pool (14m x 5m) with jacuzzi, both offering incredible views over the surrounding area. All bedrooms have an ensuite bathroom. Air conditioning throughout the property. Walking distance to the village of Spéracèdes for shops and restaurants.
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View from under the shade of mature trees to the pool and a cosy day bed with blue and white linen to the wooden terrace beyond.

Villa Cocoa Flower

  • 4 bedrooms, sleeps 9

Styled in an eclectic mix of Scandinavian, Loft and Caribbean beachside, this beautiful villa is part of Opio, but it just a short walk from the lively village of Valbonne in the Cote d'Azur. Air conditioning, table tennis, walking distance to amenities, private swimming pool and beautiful garden. 4 bedrooms/3 bathrooms sleeping up to 9 people.
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A cosy seated terrace that opens onto the main house looking across the valley to the bay of Cannes.

Villa Sunriette

  • 6 bedrooms, sleeps 10

The only thing better than the décor and appointments of this luxury villa in Théoule sur Mer is its location - just minutes from the beach and 10 mins from Cannes. Contemporary décor and breathtaking panoramic views. Large heated pool. Fully air conditioned. Shared tennis court just 200m away. The perfect venue for Cannes-based parties and events.
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Looking down from the house to the clear blue pool on the private terrace with sunloungers and shades and surrounded by lush gardens and a large palm.

La Villa Douce

  • 6 bedrooms, sleeps 12

La Villa Douce is a wonderful property to have a holiday in - not only is it in a fantastic location, but it also has facilities for the entire family. Heated salt-water swimming pool, home cinema, satellite TV, wifi, pool table, ping pong, football table, boules court and exercise room. Air conditioning in living areas.
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Looking across the pool to the wooden terrace and two yellow sunloungers with the Mediterranean sea and three large motorboats in the background.

Villa Sea Breeze

  • 4 bedrooms, sleeps 8

Villa Sea Breeze is quite a rare find, indeed! This property is a beachfront villa with a rustic and beautiful interior, offering stunning views over the Mediterranean, a private swimming pool and direct access to a small beach right in front of the property. Located in Sainte Maxime, it's only a 2-minute walk to various restaurants and bars.
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VIEW ALL OUR HOLIDAY VILLAS IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE