Sunday, September 6, 2015

5 Spots to Visit on the French Riviera | TRAVEL

If you’re planning a vacation on the French Riviera, firstly, we’re jealous, and we want to come along. Secondly, it can be a little overwhelming to sort through all of the different cities, and towns in the region to determine what you’ll enjoy the most. This part of the world is dotted with a countless number of sights to explore, and sometimes that can be a little daunting.We’ve cut out the guesswork by highlighting 5 of our favorite spots to kick back in on the French Riviera.

1. Nice

One of the largest cities in France, Nice is a must-visit if you find yourself planning a getaway to this region. Understandably, your first stop here is probably going to be the beach. Though there are a lot of public beaches, there are also a number of private beaches that allow guests to access lockers, chairs, umbrellas, wait staff, etc. making the extra costs well worth it. Hi Beach and Blue Beach are two of our favorite private spots.
Once you’ve soaked up all the sun you take take, a stroll around the old city is a must. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time the moment you step foot upon the winding streets. Stop in to the famed Marché aux Fleurs, Nice’s renowned flower market, on your way there. If you need any more convincing, the Italian influence throughout the city is unmistakable. This of course means that in addition to fabulous French dining options, there are a fair share of truly incredible Italian spots to chose from as well!

2. Èze Village

Despite being less than an hour away from the big city of Nice, Èze Village feels like stepping back in time to a faraway place. While Èze Village could be lumped into Nice as a side note, we figured its uniqueness deserved its own section. Èze Village, the medieval-esque commune, sits more than 1,400 feet above the Mediterranean sea, and many of its shops and restaurants are carved out of the rocky terrain. Make the trek to the top of the village itself through winding steps, and archways to get panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and sea. After taking in the sights, head over to Parfumerie Galimard where you can make your own perfume. If you are feeling indulgent, head over to Château Eza Hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant to enjoy fantastic food with panoramic views of the water far below.

3. Cassis

Close to the larger, more populous Marseilles, Cassis is a tiny seaside town with a whole lot of charm. The city is known for its famous calanques or cliffs which you can explore in a number of different ways. Hiking, which will get you the best view, is one of our favorite options. You can visit hereto learn more about the different hiking paths as they can vary based on difficulty. Just note that paths are closed during certain parts of the summer so plan ahead. If you want to take it easier, opt for a boat tour that will take you to see a number of the famous calanques in the region. You can pick up a tour at the port at just about any time making it an easy and stress-free option. In addition to the cliffs, there are a number of wonderful beaches to visit as well. During the evenings, post up at an outdoor table at one of the restaurants right by the water for a little wine and people watching. There is often live entertainment, and a nearby outdoor market to explore as well.

4. Antibes

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The Mediterranean resort town of Antibes tops the lists of many looking to go all-out in France’s southern paradise. Antibes will live up to every one of your expectations if decadence and relaxation is what you’re after. To every visitors’ delight, the attraction of Antibes doesn’t stop at its beaches and great accommodations. Make sure you set aside some time to wander around the narrow cobble-stoned streets of the old town.
Once you have taken in your fill of the gorgeous architecture, stop by one of the many small restaurants lining the streets to grab some of the classic bistro cuisine that the country is so famous for. While you will likely be wowed by just about any place you stop in to, we recommend giving Le Broc en Bouche a try to taste your very first (or fiftieth) Foie Gras with a glass of wine.
Afterwards, head to Garoupe Lighthouse for some of the best views in the entire French Riviera, (but plan accordingly for the short hike and save your cute shoes for later)! Of course, no visit here is complete without a stop at the Musée Picasso.

5. Cannes

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If glamour is what you’re after, Cannes is your place. Known for it’s famous film festival, and as a favorite vacation spot for the rich and famous, Cannes oozes with exclusivity. Start off by taking a walk along La Croisette, the famous promenade right along the water. You’ll come across lots of dining options, window shopping, and many of the luxury cars and hotels that the city is famous for.
At some point, you’ll want to get away from the glitzier parts of the city. When that happens, we recommend heading to the Marché Forville, a great market for food and local products. On Mondays, it turns into a flea market, and with prices so high in Cannes, this may be one of your only opportunities to score a good deal! While in Cannes, make sure to carve out some time to take a ferry to the Lérins islands. These islands will offer you stunning views, and they’re a nice way to escape the crowds on the mainland.

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