 
    Live music at the Opéra de Nice
The wonderful Opéra de Nice venue, on the Promenade des Anglais in the old town of Nice, hosts some of the best classical music concerts in the French Riviera.

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler
A wonderful labyrinth of hidden treasures
Amongst the hundreds of medieval villages that scatter the French countryside, Touët-sur-Var stands out for its unique character and quirky architectural features.
As soon as you alight from the train, you feel like you stepped out of real life and into a Joanne Harris novel; fat black grapes, deep purple flowers and lush green leaves drip from stone walls and cling to faded wooden shutters. Climb up to the old town and you'll find yourself in a maze of ancient interlaced streets and vaulted passages, most no bigger than narrow alleyways. Inquisitive cats peer out from every nook and cranny and are so used to being photographed that they all know which side is their best.
The tightly-packed houses are often described as looking rather Tibetan! Crammed in on the side of a steep mountain, they are unusually tall and narrow with open roofs that would once have been used for drying figs in the sun.
Touët-sur-Var has a real artisan feel to it; everywhere you look you'll see painted doors, mini-murals, personalised letterboxes and so on – if you're lucky enough to get a peek behind some of the heavy wooden doors you'll find a hidden world of workshops and ateliers crammed full of curiosities. The affinity with Tibet can also been seen in artwork that has Buddhist vibes, prayer flags strung from the occasional balcony and the odd “Free Tibet” slogan painted on a wall or door.
Despite it being a popular destination, Touët-sur-Var doesn't feel at all “touristy” and you'll see more locals going about their daily routine than you will camera-wielding holidaymakers. There isn't a huge number of bars and restaurants, but the ones that exist all look like they have a regular clientèle and don't just cater to the seasonal trade. You won't find anywhere in the old town to eat, but there are a few relaxed looking places on the main road and the train station has a small restaurant with a terrace that oozes shabby Provençal charm. If you want to feel like a local, then this is the place to do it.
The village is separated into three sections: a quiet residential area on one side of the train station, a main road with shops, bars and restaurants on the other, and the old medieval village perched high up on the mountain side. It only takes half an hour or so to reach the top of the old town, but it's a steep climb up uneven staircases and through crooked passageways; above the houses is a lookout point with superb views of the Var valley stretching out for miles, the mountains on the opposite side and the red tiled roofs of the village below.
 
    The wonderful Opéra de Nice venue, on the Promenade des Anglais in the old town of Nice, hosts some of the best classical music concerts in the French Riviera.
 
    This marathon takes place in the cooler autumn, starting in Nice and heading over a slightly varied route each year to the finish in the glamorous centre of Cannes.
 
    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.
If the weather is not on your side you can visit the 12th century Romanesque church, find out how oil was produced at the old mill, or say hello to the presidents of the French Republic in the portrait gallery at the town hall. The older parts of the village are well protected from the elements and the narrow higgledy-piggledy streets are well worth a wander round, whatever the weather.
 
    This modern church dedicated to Joan of Arc was built in the 1920s in an Art Deco style with a large white central dome surrounded by three smaller domes.
 
    This grand noble residence dates to the early 17th century and was the property of the Lascaris-Vintimille family. It has an interesting collection of Baroque art and furniture.
 
    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.
 
    Located on the island of Saint Honorat, the abbey is still occupied by monks. It's possible to receive a guided tour and re-charge your spiritual batteries.
 
    Grasse is the world capital of perfumes. At this museum you can discover the ancient tradition of parfumerie and learn how to create your own, unique scent.
 
    The museum of palaeontology is located on the excavation site of the Terra Amata where there is evidence of human inhabitation going back 400,000 years.
 
    This public beach sits at the western end of the Promenade des Anglais and is situated near the Lenval hospital.
 
    This long stretch of pebble beach in Nice runs along the Baie des Anges and is backed by the Promenade des Anglais.
 
    Plage de Carras is a well-equipped “handiplage”, which has facilities and lifeguards to enable people with disabilities to enter the water safely.
 
    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.
 
    Palm trees, sparkling blue waves and soft white sand make Plage des Bouches du Loup feel like a tropical paradise.
 
    Michelin-starred chef, Didier Anies, recognised as Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 2000, has created a gourmet cuisine at this restaurant; one which is unfussy, full of flavour and low key yet elegant.
 
    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.
 
    The Cap Estel gourmet restaurant or "La Table de Patrick Raingeard" as it is known has one Michelin star.
 
    Enjoy refined regional cuisine in an iconic setting featuring original works by Picasso, Matisse, Miró and more.
 
    Château Eza offers a Michelin recommended restaurant serving à la carte French and Mediterranean cuisine against the stunning backdrop of the French Riviera.
 
    Gourmet restaurant of the Saint-Martin Spa & Chateau hotel to the north of Vence.
 
    It is this eclectic and cosmopolitan atmosphere which makes it a place very "French Riviera".
 
    An intimate pub with open mic and acoustic nights, a good atmosphere and happy hours!
 
    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.
 
    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.
 
    Ma Nolan’s, Vieux Nice has a large inviting terrace, high vaulted ceilings, authentic bar counters and wooden floors.
 
    In a simple and relaxed atmosphere, La Cave Nature is a place of tasting organic wines and specialities of the house such as sandwiches, Mediterranean products freshly prepared, and tastings of cheeses and Italian delicatessen.
There are plenty of beautiful hiking trails from Touët-sur-Var to other villages along the Chemins de Fer de Provence train line, taking you into the rugged beauty of the Gorges du Cian and along parts of the GR510.
 
    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.
 
    Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
 
    A bike trip for advanced riders, where you can enjoy some of the most scenic roads of the French Alps.
 
    This company is based in Nice and offers a wide range of road bikes.
 
    Enjoy a wonderful, peaceful and fume-free journey along the French Riviera on a solar powered motor boat with a professional skipper.
 
    A challenging ride up a steep mountain pass to a summit of 963m, the Col de Vence is a classic cycling route of the Cote d’Azur. Starting from Nice along the Promenade des Anglais, follow the cycle path past the airport to Cagnes-Sur-Mer; you’ll know you’ve reached Cagnes-Sur-Mer when you come to a long stretch of seafront and a dangling rhinoceros (you’ll understand when you see it), turn right up Avenue General Leclerc - it’s the second road after the church.
 
    This half-day ride takes you on a panoramic tour via four of the region’s famous sixteen “perched villages” - ancient towns built high amongst the mountains of the Alpes-Maritime. There is a fair bit of climbing involved in this ride, 1500m over just under 60km, but there are also plenty of long flowing descents where you can drink in the magnificent views of mountains in one direction and sea in the other. The biggest climb is the first one up to Aspremont, so once you’ve nailed that you can relax and take the rest nice and easy.
 
    This intense little loop packs quite a lot into a short ride, taking you up to the serenity of the high mountains and back down to the hustle of the seafront in just 30km.
 
    
 
    La Grande Corniche is one of the classic cycle routes of the Riviera and this ride takes you from the heart of Nice all the way to Menton on the Italian border and back.
 
    When Lance Armstrong describes a training route as “mythical” you know it’s not going to be easy…
 
    This half day scenic hike circles around the north side of Mont Vial, traversing a deep bowl in the Var Valley.
 
    This hike goes through land formally used for agriculture that now is only used for winter grazing, leaving its rich soil unused, due to the lack of a water source.
 
    The Notre-Dame des Fleurs stands on the site of an 11th century Benedictine Abbey. The building now houses the gallery Beaubourg which exhibits contemporary works of art.
 
    In the winter months the terraces surrounding the village of Tourrettes-Sur-Soup are coloured purple, while the delicately scented air flatters the nostrils. Roughly 40 families still carry on the tradition that celebrates the 'Festival of Purple' (1st sunday in March) where the town is filled with Violet Victoria and Parma Violet.
 
    This circuit starts from Aspremont, one of the famous “perched villages” of the Cote d’Azur, and climbs up to Mont Chauve at 853m to give spectacular views of the Baie des Anges and the “collines”, or hills, surrounding Nice.
 
    Nice’s flagship urban park covers 12 hectares in the heart of the city, just a few minutes walk from Promenade des Anglais. Promenade du Paillon used to be a very congested and rather ugly thoroughfare where the old bus station and multi storey car park were situated. It was demolished in 2011 and a 3 year development project took place to turn it into the oasis of green open space, safe play areas and impressive water features that we enjoy today.
 
    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.
 
    
 
    
 
    Paddleboarding along the coast is a fun for the whole family!
 
    Whichever excursion you choose, you will be closer to discovering the many secrets of the underwater world.
 
    This company are based in Breil sur Roya and offer a huge range of outdoor sports and activities for groups and individuals.
 
    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.
 
    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.
 
    The villa in La Roquette-sur-Var has 4 bedrooms and has capacity for 8 people.
 
    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 the commune of Colomars, 10 km from the sea, in a residential area, beautiful villa on a plot of 1500m².
 
    In Vence, 5 km from Saint-Paul,, in a residential area, beautiful contemporary villa located on a plot of 1000m2.
 
    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.
 
    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.
 
    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 the commune of Colomars, 10 km from the sea, in a residential area, beautiful villa on a plot of 1500m².
 
    In Vence, 5 km from Saint-Paul,, in a residential area, beautiful contemporary villa located on a plot of 1000m2.
 
    Classic French opulence with Mediterranean charm, all nestled between the mountains and the blue waters of the Riviera.
 
    Boasting remarkable sea views of St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, this luxurious hotel is listed among the 500 World's Best Hotels.
 
    Tucked inside the medieval village of Saint-Paul de Vence, Hotel Le Saint Paul offers timeless charm, artistic flair, and refined hospitality in a Relais & Châteaux setting.
 
    This hotel has been entirely renovated, combining the historical ambience of its past, plus the modern conveniences of an international luxury hotel.
 
    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.
As well as the Train des Pignes, you can also reach Touët-sur-Var by bus.
Alternatively, if you wish to drive you’ll find Touët-sur-Var 50km north west of Nice, along the RN 202 to Digne-Les-Bains.
 
    From the airport to the city centre, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
 
    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.
 
    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.
 
    Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
 
    With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
 
    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.
 
    
 
    Located in one of the most sought-after neighborhoods of St Paul de Vence, this magnificent property, facing south in a dominant position, boasts a breathtaking sea view from Cap Ferrat to Cap d'Antibes, with the iconic medieval village of St Paul de Vence in the foreground.
 
    A Belle Epoque apartment on the Promenade des Anglais.
 
    Facing Villefranche harbour, one of the most beautiful bays in the world, this exceptional 1,200 sq m development is set in a rare and sought-after location. The result of an architectural project combining the elegance of the past with modernity, this property has planning permission to create a prestigious villa, incorporating a listed building.
 
    
 
    Joint-sole agency. Ideally located in the private and sought-after area of Hauts de Saint Paul, this exceptional Provençal villa enjoys a privileged location, offering a beautiful view of the sea as well as of the emblematic village of Saint Paul de Vence, a true jewel of the French Riviera.
Find out all about what is happening in Nice and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, fabulous beaches, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in this cosmopolitan city.
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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