Carnaval de Nice
The 'Carnaval de Nice' almost rivals Rio with its extravagant and colourful parades down the Promenade des Anglais.
An impressive walled town topped with a medieval citadel
First recorded in 1040, Entrevaux is an arresting sight - a walled medieval town surrounded by a moat, with a drawbridge entrance, towering gatehouses and a series of fortified walls leading up to a 17th century citadel perched up high above an enormous valley.
The dark cobbled streets are crammed with old buildings, many of which house artists’ workshops, bric-a-brac and other curiosities. There are plenty of cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy some local Provençal cuisine but, despite Entrevaux being quite a touristy place, they adhere to very “French” opening hours so make sure you have lunch between 12:00 and 14:00, or you’ll go hungry until dinner time.
The highlight of a trip to Entrevaux is making the short but reasonably steep climb up to the citadel. As the walled footpath zigzags up the mountainside you get fantastic views of the valley in all directions, wildflowers and brambles have crept up the walls and twist around the solid ancient stones. Once you’re at the top you can follow the numbered signs for a self-guided museum tour of the old prison cells, the bakery and the various rooms of the citadel.
Disturbingly, you can climb down rickety ladders into the pitch-black dungeons that were used to house prisoners of war in more recent years - they’re extremely creepy and you don’t need much imagination to realise how horrific it must have been to be a prisoner here.
At the other end of the scale are the commandant’s quarters with their terraces, fireplaces and sweeping views of the olive groves, pine forests, mountains and rivers of the Var. Access to the citadel is “self-service”; you must buy a token at the entrance and then let yourself in at a revolving gate. You can pick up leaflets that give you more information on the history and architecture of the site.
The 'Carnaval de Nice' almost rivals Rio with its extravagant and colourful parades down the Promenade des Anglais.
The start of spring is celebrated every Sunday in May with a grand celebration in the Jardins de Cimiez.
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
Exceptional locations around France, including Nice, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
Entrevaux was founded in the 11th century by the inhabitants of Glandèves, an ancient Roman town. Easy to defend and easy to fortify, so between the 11th - 15th century it was the perfect location for populations living with constant fear and insecurity. It was heavily fortified by King François I in the mid 16th century and again by King Louis XIV towards the end of the 17th century, in order to defend France from the Savoie invaders.
King Louis employed a man named Vauban, one of the greatest military engineers of his time, and one of the most important in Western military history, who designed and built dozens of forts and fortifications throughout France during his career, one being La Citadelle. He updated and reinforced the existing structures which were inadequate.
Its most recent and last military use was as late as WWI when it was a prison for German officers.
As well as the citadel and the town itself, Entrevaux also has a 17th century cathedral dedicated to Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption; architecture is Gothic in style but the interior has much more of a Baroque influence.
To get a taste for local life you can also visit the traditional bread oven and the oil and flour mills that have been providing the community for centuries.
For something a bit more modern, Entrevaux has a small motorbike museum tucked amongst its labyrinth of backstreets and alleyways on Rue Serpente. Open from May to September, it houses about 70 motorbikes mostly all pre-1970’s.
The former prison building and clock pavilion in the port of Nice have recently been renovated to include several exhibition spaces and galleries for the public to enjoy.
Located in the Allianz Riviera Stadium in Nice, this museum houses more than 45,000 objects ad 400,000 dedicated to all sports, showing their history from the Antiquity to the present.
This museum was set up by outstanding chef Auguste Escoffier who worked as head chef at the Savoy in London. He founded this museum which is dedicated to culinary art.
This impressive villa was built in 1906 by Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild. It overlooks the Mediterranean sea from Cap Ferrat and it is full of antique furniture, Old Master paintings, sculptures and a collection of rare porcelain, while the gardens are classified as Notable Gardens of France.
Chateau Grimaldi may take you somewhat by surprise if you are expecting the usual historical museum experience - it also holds regular exhibitions of contemporary art and isn’t afraid of displaying bizarre and sometimes challenging installations. The artworks are incongruous in such a traditional context and the collection changes regularly, so you never know quite what you’re going to get when you visit!
This astronomical observatory is located on top of mont Gros. It was built in 1881 and was designed by Charles Garnier, architect of the Paris Opera House, and Gustave Eiffel, the celebrated creator of the Eiffel Tower.
Palm trees, sparkling blue waves and soft white sand make Plage des Bouches du Loup feel like a tropical paradise.
Right beside the marina, Plage de la Batterie (also known as Plage Villeneuve-Loubet) is a pleasant pebble beach with plenty of activities on offer.
Plage du Cros de Cagnes is the main stretch of beach in Cagnes-Sur-Mer, running the length of the lively row of restaurants and bars that line the seafront.
Saint-Laurent-du-Var has one of the best-equipped waterfronts in terms of barely having to leave the beach all day - everything is right here.
This public beach sits at the western end of the Promenade des Anglais and is situated near the Lenval hospital.
Plage de Carras is a well-equipped “handiplage”, which has facilities and lifeguards to enable people with disabilities to enter the water safely.
Chef Bruno Cirino prepares Mediterranean dishes that carefully showcase the flavours of local produce. A light and creative cuisine that you can enjoy in their elegant dining room with vaulted ceilings and frescoes or their shaded terrace overlooking the sea.
La Table de Pierre offers refined, garden-led cuisine by Chef Emmanuel Lehrer in a romantic setting with views over the estate.
Enjoy refined regional cuisine in an iconic setting featuring original works by Picasso, Matisse, Miró and more.
Laurent Paccini is the chef at this Relais & Châteaux hotel and brings the food of different cultures to his excellent Mediterranean restaurant in Saint-Paul de Vence.
Michelin-starred La Bastide Saint-Antoine offers a refined retreat near Cannes, where chef Jacques Chibois creates inspired Provençal cuisine. Set in a stunning country house with lush gardens and panoramic sea views, it’s the perfect blend of gastronomy, elegance, and tranquillity.
The Cap Estel gourmet restaurant or "La Table de Patrick Raingeard" as it is known has one Michelin star.
It is this eclectic and cosmopolitan atmosphere which makes it a place very "French Riviera".
This local and friendly wine bar is the perfect place to stop for a midday snack or to try some of the local wines from the region.
This night club is one of the highest rated discos in Nice. Some of the most reputed DJs are constantly invited here to perform to the satisfaction of the public thrown in a raving dancing trance.
Located in Vieux Nice, this bar serves breakfast, lunch, tapas and drinks. A great place to soak up the sun while enjoying a meal.
A vibrant pub in the heart of Nice's busy quarter, the Old Town. Popular with locals and tourists alike but especially the International crowd.
Originally set up by Russian jazz musician Dimitri Shapko, this venue plays host to local and international jazz, soul and R&B.
To explore Entrevaux on foot, you can pick up a walking guide from the tourist office on the way in, along with various leaflets for all the different points of interest.
There is also a multitude of hiking trails leading out of Entrevaux into the mountains beyond, the map for this region is IGN (1/25,000) #3641 OT "Moyenne Var".
A fantastic way to experience the breathtaking scenery of the South of France.
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
Enjoy a wonderful, peaceful and fume-free journey along the French Riviera on a solar powered motor boat with a professional skipper.
Based in Nice, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
This company is based in Nice and offers a wide range of road bikes.
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
Paddleboarding along the coast is a fun for the whole family!
Fly at 50 metres above the sea by yourself or with friends security attached, enjoy a spectacular view of the gorgeous Baie des Anges, mountains and surroundings.
They adapt to the overall level of the group so that everyone can spend an unforgettable day together whether you are a family of beginners or a group of experienced kayakers.
Located in the harbour of Nice this diving school enables beginners, intermediates and confirmed divers to explore 25 diving sites.
The villa in La Roquette-sur-Var has 4 bedrooms and has capacity for 8 people.
In the commune of Colomars, 10 km from the sea, in a residential area, beautiful villa on a plot of 1500m².
In the heart of the French Riviera, 10 km from the beach and 13 km from the airport, this villa is set in lush greenery and nature.
Located in the town of Vence, in a quiet residential area, charming villa set in grounds of 3600 m². Private salt water swimming pool (10m x 5m – Depth 110/170 cm – Alarm), outdoor shower (hot water), pool house (barbecue, oven, gas hob), terrace with garden furniture, deckchairs and dining table. Parking for 4 cars. 2 km shops. Beach 12km.
In Nice, in the residential area of Saint Pancrace, beautiful villa situated on a plot of 1Ha in edge of forest of which 2000m ² done up.
Just outside historic Vence and a short distance from magnificent Saint Paul de Vence, this beautiful and contemporary house on a generous private plot is very quietly located for exploring all the delights of this beautiful corner of the French Riviera. The villa is located in a beautiful natural setting with views of the mountains.
Located in the town of Vence, in a quiet residential area, charming villa set in grounds of 3600 m². Private salt water swimming pool (10m x 5m – Depth 110/170 cm – Alarm), outdoor shower (hot water), pool house (barbecue, oven, gas hob), terrace with garden furniture, deckchairs and dining table. Parking for 4 cars. 2 km shops. Beach 12km.
The villa in La Roquette-sur-Var has 4 bedrooms and has capacity for 8 people.
Just outside historic Vence and a short distance from magnificent Saint Paul de Vence, this beautiful and contemporary house on a generous private plot is very quietly located for exploring all the delights of this beautiful corner of the French Riviera. The villa is located in a beautiful natural setting with views of the mountains.
In Nice, in the residential area of Saint Pancrace, beautiful villa situated on a plot of 1Ha in edge of forest of which 2000m ² done up.
In the heart of the French Riviera, 10 km from the beach and 13 km from the airport, this villa is set in lush greenery and nature.
In Vence, 5 km from Saint-Paul,, in a residential area, beautiful contemporary villa located on a plot of 1000m2.
Toile Blanche is a stylish retreat where contemporary design, Provençal elegance and immersive art come together across serene gardens and valley views.
The Hotel Suisse is ideally situated between right on the beach front and offers fantastic, uninterrupted sea views right in the heart of Nice.
Former 13th-century Cistercian monastery tastefully renovated offering 5 beautifully decorated en-suite rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant and a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean.
Famous hotel and site named after Henri Negresco with an equally famous restaurant Le Chantecler, located on the Promenade des Anglais.
Located on the famous Promenade des Anglais, this contemporary hotel features a casino, an indoor & outdoor pool and spa facilities.
Boasting remarkable sea views of St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, this luxurious hotel is listed among the 500 World's Best Hotels.
Just 60km from Nice, the quickest way to reach Entrevaux is by car along the twisting N202.
However, if you suffer from car sickness, or just want to enjoy the ride then the Chemins de Fer de Provence train line runs from Nice to Entrevaux about five times a day on the way to Dignes-les-Bains. It takes about an hour and a half and is a wonderful way to see the scenery along the way.
There is also a bus service from Nice to Beuil that stops at Entrevaux.
From the airport to the city centre, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
Heli Securite offer transfers on a helicopter from the airport to your yacht or various destinations in and around the Cannes area, St Tropez and Monaco. In addition to this they also service all of the main French ski resorts from their base in Courchevel.
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
A beautiful apartment with a panoramic sea view close to Monaco.
Located in the heart of the prestigious and secure Abbaye de Roseland residence, a true landmark in the Fabron district of Nice, this 3 bedroom apartment in the Le Baccara building enjoys an exceptional environment, combining luxury, comfort and quality of life.
Co-Exclusive: Mont Boron - located just 2 km from the Mediterranean Sea, this magnificent 306 sq m art deco villa enjoys breathtaking views of Nice and the sea. Facing southwest, it offers an exceptional living environment.
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See allLatest News & ReviewsYou will not be short of entertainment in this beautiful French Riviera town throughout the year. The most popular public events take place along the Promenade des Anglais, including the Carnival in February, the Bastille celebrations in July and the Nice marathon in November. There are also plenty of live music and cultural festivals.
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