Travel
6 of the Most Stunning Locations on the Cote d’Azur
My coronary heart sings once I consider the gorgeous locations on the Côte d’Azur. Maybe as a result of I spent many childhood summers in St. Tropez and Port Grimaud, the language feels like music to my ears and the view of the bay is balm for my soul.
In case you’re considering of exploring the area, listed here are probably the most lovely locations on the Cote d’Azur to go to.
Right here’s a fast abstract:
6 of probably the most lovely locations on the Cote d’Azur
Don’t overlook so as to add a number of of those locations on the Cote d’Azur to your French Riviera itinerary.
Additionally take a look at: Best Things to do in Nice, France
1. Prairies de la Mer
There’s a particular magic that emanates from the tranquil place by the ocean that I made the hub of my week-long discovery tour on the Cote d’Azur: The “Prairies de la Mer,” a Polynesian-style village of picket huts.
I begin the day right here with my toes within the sand, I finish the day right here with my toes within the sand. I watch the solar sink slowly into the horizon, bathing all the things in an orange-red mild.
Dutch, French and Germans wish to trip on this village, which has 2 different offshoots on the well-known seaside of Pampelonne – the “Kontiki” and the “Toison d’Or“, which all collectively belong to the Riviera Villages. Whereas the seaside of Pampelonne has extra of a “see and be seen” really feel to it, the “Prairies de la Mer” is situated proper subsequent to the lagoon city of Port Grimaud, designed by architect Francoise Spoerry within the Provençal-Mediterranean model and constructed from 1966.
Prairies de la Mer provides a meter-long sandy seaside with water sports activities services, a big boating space, a spa, a youngsters’s and youngsters’ space, outlets and supermarkets, great cafés, bars and eating places, a present stage with night concert events, tennis, paddle and volleyball courts, a health space, a pony membership and bicycle leases.
Even pets are welcome on this pleasant and enjoyable village.
2. Port Grimaud
Port Grimaud is one in every of my favourite childhood locations within the Cote d’Azur as a result of it’s small, colourful, sheltered from wind and waves, like Venice surrounded by water and a dream for each sailor’s coronary heart. As a result of its structure provides virtually each inhabitant a dock for a ship proper in entrance of the door.
Eating places and ice cream parlors, a twice-weekly market on the village sq. and lots of small outlets invite you to walk and store. Touristy, sure, I admit! However touristy with allure!
Particularly within the night and at evening, the lagoon metropolis with its bridges and boats is de facto fabulous.
3. Grimaud
A small runs between the holiday village of Prairies de la Mer and the mountain village of Grimaud six instances a day.
Grimaud is taken into account some of the lovely villages in Provence. Strolling right here provides perception into the French lifestyle. Above all, the lavender fields across the village, the Romanesque church buildings and the ruined fortress that towers over the village have a allure all on their very own.
4. Ramatuelle
Stunning and unique with its cobbled and winding streets, Ramatuelle can also be lovely.
Situated just some kilometers from Port Grimaud and St. Tropez, this small city provides breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.
From the linden tree, you enter the previous city by an archway. There, you’ll be greeted by probably the most well-known pâtisserie of the place, the café “La Tarte Tropezienne“. The well-known Tarte Tropezienne, which seems like an outsized Berliner or Krebbel, is a “should” and an actual deal with in each conceivable taste and dimension.
The morning is one of the best time to discover Ramatuelle, as a result of at 11 o’clock the winding streets with their pastel-colored homes are nonetheless abandoned.
5. Plage de Pampelonne
From Ramatuelle, it’s price going to the Plage de Pampelonne. With its wonderful white sand and turquoise water, it provides an actual Caribbean feeling.
Because the Fifties, the wealthy and delightful of the world have flocked right here, in addition to anybody else who loves solar, sand and sea.
Plage de Pampelonne is likely one of the largest and hottest seashores of the Cote d’Azur – stretching for five kilometers. Along with the vacation villages of Kontiki and Toison d’Or, you’ll additionally discover well-known seaside golf equipment similar to “Membership 55,” which provides solar loungers and seaside life on the seaside, or a bit of additional away from the ocean underneath pine timber for shady hours within the restaurant.
Though you won’t anticipate it, there are nonetheless parking areas accessible at lunchtime, just some minutes stroll from the seaside. Parking at des Barraques is very really useful. It is rather near Nikki Seaside and Verde Seaside.
A go to to Verde Seaside just isn’t solely a deal with for the abdomen, but additionally for the eyes. It seems a bit like a film set when the wealthy and delightful arrive on boats at 1:30 a.m., inflicting a number of waiters to secretly roll their eyes when tables are requested to be moved for the fourth time or shifted a number of centimeters.
6. St. Tropez
From Port Grimaud, you’ll be able to attain St. Tropez by boat each 1 hour in spring and fall and each half hour in summer time from the Capitainerie.
Watch out, the return journey is way more tough. Fairly than selecting to return through the “Vieux Port,” go on to the brand new “Estacade Port.” That method, you’ll be able to keep away from ready in lengthy traces within the blazing warmth.
Gastronomically and when it comes to the number of outlets, St. Tropez provides all the things a vacationer’s coronary heart needs. The market with its flowers and lots of handmade merchandise, soaps, wooden carvings and meals can also be an expertise.
When there isn’t any market on the Place de Lices. As an alternative, the well-known French sport of pétanque is performed underneath the big airplane timber, and the eating places across the market sq. supply hearty meals.
Rue Georges Clemenceau can also be dwelling to one of many well-known cafés, “La Tarte Tropezienne“. Not solely are the truffles to die for, however being a buyer there made me really feel like a queen. With a lot time, persistence, leisure and love I’ve by no means had a cake wrapped for me and I nonetheless thanks for this nice gesture of appreciation!
Even when you already know that the eating places within the harbor are sometimes vacationer traps, the little Italian nook restaurant “Sicilia” on the primary line of the harbor is magical, and the pizza is tremendous scrumptious!
However after all, there are numerous different great gastronomic experiences awaiting guests to Saint-Tropez as soon as they climb the hill.
Parachuting in St. Tropez
A spotlight within the truest sense of the phrase is parachuting into the Gulf of St. Tropez. Proper on the seaside of Port Grimaud, in entrance of the Membership Prairies de la Mer, Riviera Water Sports activities provides single, tandem and even triple flights, along with many different water sports activities actions.
A rubber dinghy will take you on to the parachute boat, the place you’ll be geared up with a Go-Professional on a selfie stick and, after a bit of greater than quarter-hour at a dizzying peak – 100 meters are sufficient – you’ll be gently pulled again to the rear platform of the boat.
Merely breathtaking!
Seeing the white boats as small as pinheads in the course of the blue sea and the view over the hills across the gulf was actually one thing unforgettable.
Au revoir!
I’ve been to the Cote d’Azur so many instances, to a seaside campsite, a lodge or a membership resort, however one factor is totally sure:
I’ll return to this particular place many instances, as a result of for me, it’s the melody of happiness.
Trustees of the British MuseumThe primary go to of Hawaiian royals to London two centuries in the past will characteristic in a brand new exhibit on the British Museum.
Hawai’i: A Kingdom Crossing Oceans is a “dazzling celebration of the wealthy artistry of Hawaiian makers, previous current and future”, based on the museum.
The exhibition, which opens in January, will commemorate greater than 200 years for the reason that go to of Hawaiian King Liholiho and Queen Kamāmalu to London in 1824 when the royal delegation have been searching for an alliance and safety from the Crown.
This journey to the capital included a go to to the British Museum – the primary file of Native Hawaiian royals on the museum.
Royal Assortment Enterprises LtdThe exhibition will characteristic round 150 objects and artworks together with many by no means seen within the UK.
Among the many highlights is an ahu ʻula, a feathered cloak despatched in 1810 by the primary king of unified Hawaiʻi, Kamehameha I, to King George III.
Lent by King Charles III from the Royal Assortment, the cloak will probably be on show for the primary time in over 100 years, alongside the Hawaiian king’s authentic letter requesting assist and safety from the British Crown.
Trustees of the British MuseumGuests to the museum will probably be greeted on the steps of the Nice Courtroom by a nine-foot (2.7m) picture of the god Kū, the god of warfare and governance, dressed with a recent loincloth and standing atop a pole rediscovered inside a historic plinth.
A finely carved drum accompanied by an historic chant recounting early Polynesian migrations to Hawaii will characteristic alongside a bowl with determine, not too long ago returned from mortgage to Hawaii’s Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, that represents actions of individuals and objects between the Pacific and the UK.
The Anglo-Franco proclamation of 1843, on mortgage from The Nationwide Archives, highlights the UK and France’s formal recognition of Hawaii’s independence and emphasises diplomatic bonds between the nations.
Trustees of the British MuseumThe creation of the exhibition concerned “the meticulous conservation of ancestral treasures and the inclusion of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language) all through the area”, the British Museum mentioned.
Dr Alice Christophe, head of Oceania on the museum, mentioned the exhibit is a tribute to Native Hawaiian makers, previous and current.
She added: “It tells the story of the deep and layered relationship between Hawaii and the UK, reflecting on care, sovereignty and the complexity of allyship.
“We hope this present will spark conversations and uplift folks within the archipelago and past.”
The exhibition will run from 15 January to 25 May 2026.
France is a rustic steeped in historical past, and nowhere is that this extra evident than its fantastically preserved medieval cities.
From Alsace’s timber-framed homes to Provence’s dramatic hilltop villages.
These cities permit guests to step again in time, wander cobblestone streets, marvel at historical structure, and expertise the appeal of bygone eras.
On this listing, we’ve gathered 20 of the best-preserved medieval cities in France that you simply completely should see.
20 Greatest Medieval Cities in France To Go to
Scroll down to find the 20 finest medieval cities in France that needs to be on each historical past buff and tradition fanatic’s bucket listing!
1. Riquewihr, Alsace
Riquewihr is a picturesque village in Alsace typically described as some of the lovely in France.
Its well-preserved Sixteenth-century structure, with colourful half-timbered homes lining slender cobblestone streets, makes it really feel like stepping right into a fairy story.
Guests ought to come right here to expertise the distinctive Alsatian tradition, discover the encircling vineyards, and style the area’s well-known wines.
Don’t miss the Dolder Tower, a Thirteenth-century defensive gate, or wine cellars providing tastings. The Alsace villages are among the most picturesque places in France.
2. Eguisheim, Alsace
Eguisheim, a cute fairytale town in France, is thought for its concentric round format and vibrant floral shows.
The city’s magnificence lies in its colourful medieval homes, charming central sq., and surrounding vineyards.
Guests will take pleasure in strolling by the slender streets, visiting the Chapel of St. Leo IX, and mountain climbing the close by Three Castles path.
The city can also be well-known for its storks, which nest on rooftops throughout summer time.
3. Rocamadour, Occitanie
One in all France’s most unique towns is Rocamadour, a vertical village dramatically constructed into the face of a cliff. Its beautiful location and spiritual significance make it a must-visit place that needs to be in your France bucket list.
The city is dwelling to a number of vital spiritual websites, together with the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Guests can climb the Grand Escalier (Nice Staircase) to the château on the prime, which gives breathtaking views of the Alzou Canyon.
4. Sarlat-la-Canéda, Dordogne
Sarlat is without doubt one of the best-preserved medieval cities in France, well-known for its golden stone buildings and gastronomic delights.
Guests ought to come right here to wander the labyrinthine streets, discover the bustling market, and take pleasure in native specialties like foie gras and truffles.
Don’t miss the panoramic view from the highest of the Sainte-Marie church tower or a go to to the Manoir de Gisson.
5. Dinan, Brittany
Dinan is a walled city recognized for its spectacular ramparts, half-timbered homes, and picturesque port.
Guests will love strolling alongside the previous metropolis partitions, exploring the quaint Rue du Jerzual, and having fun with a meal at one of many cafes alongside the previous port.
The city’s magnificence is enhanced by its location overlooking the Rance River. Go to the Château de Dinan and climb the Tour de l’Horloge for panoramic views.
6. Honfleur, Normandy
Honfleur, with its picturesque previous harbor and slate-covered home facades, has lengthy been a favourite topic for artists.
Guests come for the charming ambiance, maritime historical past, and glorious seafood eating places.
Key points of interest embody the wood Church of Saint Catherine, the Eugene Boudin Museum, and the gorgeous Jardin des Personnalités.
7. Perouges, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Perouges is a superbly preserved medieval walled city that appears frozen in time. Its cobbled streets and stone homes make it a preferred movie location.
Guests ought to expertise life in a Fifteenth-century city, style the native specialty “galette de Pérouges,” and benefit from the peaceable ambiance. Don’t miss the central Place du Tilleul or the Eglise-Forteresse.
8. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Occitanie
Perched excessive above the Lot River, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a shocking medieval village that has impressed many artists. Its magnificence lies in its dramatic setting, Gothic facades, and slender alleyways.
Guests can discover quite a few artisan outlets, hike within the surrounding space, or take a ship journey on the Lot River. The village is especially magical within the night when the day-trippers have left.
9. Gordes, Provence
Gordes is a placing hilltop village within the Luberon area, well-known for its stone buildings cascading down the hillside.
Guests come for the breathtaking views, particularly at sundown, and to discover the encircling lavender fields and olive groves.
Key points of interest embody the Sixteenth-century château, the close by Sénanque Abbey, and the standard Tuesday market.
10. Locronan, Brittany
Locronan is a small city that has maintained its Renaissance appeal, with granite homes and an exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the dearth of seen trendy infrastructure, making it really feel actually timeless. The city is thought for its spiritual heritage, conventional Breton festivals, and as a filming location.
Don’t miss the Church of Saint Ronan or the native artisan workshops.
11. Cordes-sur-Ciel, Occitanie
Cordes-sur-Ciel, or “Cordes within the Sky,” is aptly named for its hilltop location, typically shrouded in morning mist. This bastide city is thought for its well-preserved Gothic structure and thriving arts scene.
Guests ought to come to discover the medieval homes, go to artisan workshops, and revel in panoramic views of the countryside. The city hosts a well-known medieval competition every July.
12. Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy
Mont Saint-Michel is without doubt one of the most iconic landmarks in France, a medieval marvel that rises dramatically from the ocean.
This UNESCO World Heritage website is a small rocky island topped by a shocking abbey and surrounded by a picturesque village.
Guests are drawn by its distinctive structure, wealthy historical past, and the fascinating phenomenon of maximum tides that isolate and join it to the mainland.
Discover the winding streets, go to the magnificent abbey, and be taught concerning the website’s significance as a pilgrimage heart.
13. Minerve, Occitanie
Minerve is a small village with a dramatic historical past, perched on a rocky peninsula between two deep gorges. Guests come for its Cathar historical past, beautiful pure setting, and glorious native wines.
Discover the village’s slender streets, go to the Twelfth-century church, and be taught concerning the Cathar siege on the small museum.
14. Monpazier, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Monpazier is without doubt one of the best-preserved bastide cities in France, recognized for its excellent grid format and exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the well-preserved medieval and Seventeenth-century structure, the lined market corridor, and the peaceable ambiance.
15. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is nestled between two rocky cliffs, with a star suspended on a series between them.
The city is known for its advantageous porcelain and proximity to the Verdon Gorge – one of many best places in the French Riviera area.
Guests ought to discover the slender streets, go to the Notre Dame de Beauvoir chapel perched above the city, and store for native ceramics.
16. Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, Occitanie
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a serene medieval village tucked right into a dramatic gorge on the pilgrim path to Santiago de Compostela.
Its UNESCO-listed Gellone Abbey, with its exceptional Romanesque structure, rises above a maze of slender streets and stone homes.
Don’t miss the abbey’s lovely cloister, the Place de la Liberté with its historical elm tree, or the satan’s bridge spanning the gorge.
17. Conques, Occitanie
Conques is a jewel of Romanesque artwork nestled in a wooded gorge in Occitanie.
Its magnificent Abbey Church of Saint Foy, with its intricate tympanum and golden reliquary, has drawn pilgrims for hundreds of years alongside the Santiago de Compostela route.
Don’t miss the treasury’s medieval goldsmith assortment, the carved capitals within the cloister, or the sundown view from the Bancarel viewpoint.
18. Najac, Occitanie
Najac is a shocking medieval fortress city perched dramatically alongside a single ridge excessive above the Aveyron River.
Its majestic Thirteenth-century royal fortress stands on the highest level, whereas the village’s stone and half-timbered homes stretch alongside the ridge in a novel linear format.
Don’t miss the Gothic church of Saint-Jean with its uncommon fortified options, the panoramic views from the fortress hold, or the traditional lined market corridor the place native farmers promote their produce.
19. Vézelay, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Vézelay is a hilltop village in Burgundy topped by its magnificent Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene.
This UNESCO World Heritage website rises majestically above the Remedy Valley, its golden stone glowing within the sundown whereas its medieval streets are lined with historic homes and ramparts.
Don’t miss the spectacular views over the Burgundian countryside, or the home the place Jules Roy lived, now a literature museum.
20. Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a remarkably preserved medieval city perched on a hilltop close to Good, remodeled into an inventive haven within the twentieth century.
Its large medieval ramparts encircle slender cobblestone streets lined with elegant stone homes, whereas up to date artwork galleries and boutiques occupy historical buildings.
Remaining Ideas on The Greatest French Medieval Cities
Exploring France’s medieval cities is like stepping right into a residing historical past e-book.
Every village gives a novel glimpse into the nation’s wealthy previous, well-preserved structure, and timeless appeal.
From the long-lasting Mont Saint-Michel to the lesser-known gems like Perouges, these cities present unforgettable experiences for historical past lovers, tradition lovers, and informal vacationers alike.
Able to plan your trip in France? Use our complete France Travel Guide to make sure you don’t miss any of the unbelievable locations.
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