When people think of the Côte d’Azur, the mind usually jumps straight to the glamour of Nice, Antibes or Cannes—the sweep of the coast, beach clubs and lively promenades. But just a few kilometres inland lies a different world: rolling hills dotted with perched villages and small Provençal towns that offer a quieter, more intimate take on Riviera life. We spent a week exploring this area at the end of August, before heading down to Nice to explore the coastline and would recommend this if you have a similar trip planned.
For a full itinerary including weblinks with all our recommendations on where to stay, dine and drink see our full website guide here.
Valbonne
Valbonne is a charming village that dates back to the Middle Ages, laid out in a neat grid of cobbled lanes rather than the winding alleys of many other hill towns. The stone buildings are beautifully kept, with painted shutters, little boutiques and cafés tucked into corners. At the heart of it all is the central square, a lively gathering place shaded by plane trees.
Friday is market day in Valbonne, and it’s one of the best in the region. From early morning until around 1pm, the pedestrianised streets fill with stalls selling everything from seasonal fruit and vegetables to cheese, olives, flowers and local textiles.
St Paul de Vence
St Paul de Vence is one of the most picturesque villages in the region, its cobbled alleyways winding past stone archways, shaded squares and a seemingly endless number of small galleries. It’s easy to spend an afternoon just wandering, dipping in and out of art spaces and shops, and pausing for a coffee or glass of rosé.
Perched on a hill overlooking Saint-Paul de Vence, Fondation Maeght is one of Europe’s most beautiful modern art museums—and a joy to explore. The white, angular structure is surrounded by sculpture gardens that melt into pine forest, with Calder mobiles swaying in the breeze and Giacometti’s elongated figures standing sentinel among the olive trees.
Perched on a hill overlooking Saint-Paul de Vence, Fondation Maeght is one of Europe’s most beautiful modern art museums—and a joy to explore. The white, angular structure is surrounded by sculpture gardens that melt into pine forest, with Calder mobiles swaying in the breeze and Giacometti’s elongated figures standing sentinel among the olive trees.
Gourdon
Gourdon is often called one of the most beautiful perched villages in France, and it really does live up to the title. The village sits dramatically on a rocky outcrop with a panorama stretches across the entire Côte d’Azur.
The village itself is compact and lovely to wander. Narrow cobbled lanes lead you past medieval stone houses and small squares filled with flowers in summer. Many of the buildings now house artisan boutiques—perfumeries selling scents made just down the road in Grasse, shops with handmade soaps, lavender oils and Provençal textiles, and little épiceries stocked with nougat, honey and local olive oil.
Tourettes-sur-Loup
Known as the “City of Violets” for the flowers cultivated on its surrounding terraces, Tourrettes-sur-Loup is a beautiful medieval village. The old town has a maze of winding streets paved in smooth stone and lined with artisan shops. Bougainvillea spills over ancient walls, and glimpses of the glittering Mediterranean appear between rooftops. For the best views, follow the path along the ramparts, where the panorama stretches from forested hills to the distant coastline.
Mougins
Perched high in the hills above Cannes, Mougins is a near-perfect postcard of a French hilltop village. The approach winds past olive groves and cypress trees before revealing a maze of narrow, flower-draped lanes that spiral towards the central square. It’s a place that has long attracted artists and you can sense the creative energy in the cluster of galleries and studios. Terracotta rooftops and shuttered stone houses glow in the Mediterranean light.
The villages of the Côte d’Azur might be only a few kilometres inland from Nice and Cannes, but they are a world away in terms of ambience and rhythm. Here, you’ll find a quieter, more authentic side of the Riviera. You’ll discover an area combines the glamour of the Côte d’Azur with a more intimate, laid-back rhythm, making it an ideal destination for a refined yet relaxed getaway.
For other European short break ideas, see our selection of curated trips here.
