What to do on the Côte d’Azur : Top activities and places to visit
Published on June 23, 2025 | Reading time: 7 min
By Bérénice - HOMANIE
Sommaire
Why Visit the Côte d’Azur?
The Côte d’Azur, also known as the French Riviera by British tourists, refers to a stretch of Mediterranean coastline that typically runs from Toulon to Menton. Deeply influenced by Provençal culture, it shares the region’s climate and culinary specialties, offering a more coastal and glamorous version. Many restaurants on the Côte d’Azur showcase this unique blend.
Choosing the Best Season to Enjoy the Côte d’Azur
The British aristocracy knew what they were doing: they escaped the rain and lack of sunlight on their island to seek refuge in the French Riviera during winter, where bougainvillea and mimosa bloom as early as January.
Even today, the mild climate and abundant sunshine attract visitors starting in December. In summer, despite the heat, the beaches and islands welcome water sports enthusiasts. Autumn, with its soft lighting, is the best season for photography lovers and those seeking less crowded scenic spots, while hoping to avoid stormy showers.
What to Do on the Côte d’Azur When It Rains?
From January to March, it rains an average of 9 days per month on the Côte d’Azur, but only about 3 days during the peak of summer. Whether to escape the rain or the sun, indoor activities are always a good idea. Here are a few suggestions for things to do.
Oceanographic Museum of Monaco
Built into a cliffside overlooking the Mediterranean, the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco boasts all the elegance of the Belle Époque, with grand spaces combining wood and marble. It is renowned for its exceptional collection of marine specimens and spectacular aquariums, including reconstructed coral reefs and an immersive tunnel. Children especially enjoy the touch tank, where they can feel starfish and sea cucumbers. The museum is an internationally recognized center for oceanography and marine ecology.
Another great option for exploring marine life is the Tropical Aquarium in Saint-Raphaël, better known as Parc Phoenix, where visitors can even touch rays.
Matisse Museum in Nice
The Matisse Museum in Nice offers a unique immersion into the artist's world, reflecting his deep connection to the city and the light of southern France. Located in the Cimiez district, in the heart of an olive grove, it is housed in the Villa des Arènes, a graceful 17th-century Genoese residence. Easily accessible by public transport, the museum regularly hosts thematic exhibitions that highlight its collection.
Picasso Museum in Antibes
Dedicated to the work of Pablo Picasso, the Picasso Museum in Antibes is located in the Grimaldi Castle, a historic site built on the ancient acropolis of the Greek city of Antipolis. It later became an episcopal residence and then the home of the Grimaldi family in the Middle Ages. Today, the museum holds around 245 of Picasso’s works, along with paintings by many major 20th-century artists such as Fernand Léger and Nicolas de Staël.
Carrières de Lumières in Les Baux-de-Provence
Now a must-see in Provence, the Carrières de Lumières are located at the foot of the historic village of Les Baux-de-Provence, in the heart of the Alpilles, in a mysterious setting known as the Val d’Enfer. Since 2012, the site has hosted immersive, digital, and contemporary art exhibitions. Between Arles and Avignon, visitors of all ages can enjoy a truly unique experience exploring limitless artworks and worlds while being fully immersed in the heart of Art.
Perfume Workshops at Fragonard in Grasse
The perfume workshops offered by Fragonard in Grasse provide a unique sensory journey into the world of fragrance creation, with flower distillation being the signature craft of this Côte d’Azur town. Among the workshops, the “Apprentice Perfumer” experience is especially popular, allowing participants to leave with their own personalized creation.
What to Do on the Côte d’Azur with Family? Where to Take Young Children?
Since toddlers and teens can’t spend the whole day in the water, parents also take advantage of all the cities in Côte d’Azur has to offer to explore the region and have fun as a family. Here are some of our favorite spots!
Village des Fous in Villeneuve-Loubet
The Village des Fous amusement park covers two hectares and offers a wide variety of fun and unusual activities for the whole family. Located between Nice and Antibes, the park is divided into themed zones, including one designed for toddlers and another equipped with water play areas.
Nature Walk in Parc du Mugel in La Ciotat
Classified as a “Remarkable Garden,” this park near the Calanques boasts lush vegetation combining Mediterranean and exotic species such as oleanders, prickly pears, mimosas, holm oaks, Aleppo pines, and bamboo. Clearly marked trails wind through the garden, making for walks that are accessible to all. The Jardin des Sens (Garden of the Senses) is a family favorite thanks to its interactive, multi-sensory experience.
Parc du Mugel also provides access to several pebble beaches, some of which are ideal for quiet swimming.
Where to See Wildlife on the Côte d’Azur?
Families can choose between the Monts d’Azur Biological Reserve in Thorenc (Alpes-Maritimes) and Parc Alpha in the Mercantour National Park. The first offers the chance to observe European wildlife, such as bison and Przewalski’s horses, in semi-freedom, either on foot or by carriage. At Parc Alpha, educational encounters with wolves are at the heart of the visit.
What to Do in the Evenings on the Côte d’Azur?
Nightlife on the Côte d’Azur is diverse, chic, and vibrant, blending glamorous parties, laid-back vibes, and stunning settings. Whether visitors are looking to dance the night away or enjoy a quiet evening by the sea, they’re sure to find a place that suits their mood.
Party lovers head to Nice, Cannes, Monaco, or Saint-Tropez, home to legendary clubs like Les Caves du Roy and the VIP Room. And let’s not forget the beach parties!
For a more relaxed atmosphere, Antibes, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and Menton offer charming beach bars with live music—perfect for couples. Nightlife also comes alive at evening markets and local festivals, like Jazz à Juan… and of course, the iconic Cannes Film Festival.
Must-Try Water Activities on the Côte d’Azur
While lounging on a yacht and sunbathing on the deck may seem like the ultimate water sports on the Côte d’Azur, the range of activities is much broader. The President himself was spotted jet-skiing in front of the Brégançon fortress, while those seeking peace and quiet often opt for a catamaran cruise off the coast of Nice or Cannes.
Paddleboarding is especially trendy and gaining fans in the scenic coves of Cassis. And for discovering underwater wildlife, nothing beats a scuba diving trip around the Lérins Islands, where vibrant marine life awaits beneath the surface.
Where to Stay Near the Most Stunning Spots on the Côte d’Azur
The Côte d’Azur offers a wide variety of accommodation options, from campsites to holiday clubs, as well as charming family-run inns overlooking picturesque harbors.
Yet, the beauty of the landscapes, the endless leisure possibilities, and the breathtaking sea views often inspire travelers to choose luxury villa rentals in the South of France. These exclusive properties are Mediteranean destinations in their own right, offering not only spacious bedrooms but also infinity pools, landscaped gardens, and premium services.
This is the spirit of Homanie’s exceptional offer on the Côte d’Azur: a prestigious collection of luxury villas for rent by the sea, nestled along the French Riviera. Step into a world of elegance and refinement, where panoramic Mediterranean views, jacuzzis, pool houses, and expansive outdoor living spaces come together to create the ultimate escape.
Beyond the Riviera, discover our exclusive portfolio of luxury vacation rentals in France from timeless French châteaux for rent to enchanting luxury villas in Provence, each offering a unique blend of charm, authenticity, and high-end comfort.
Seaside Escapes Between Toulon and Hyères
A remarkable estate, Homanie Cap d’Azur, is a ideal settings for grand private events, such as weddings, or upscale corporate retreats on the Riviera. Those craving intimacy can retreat to a private cove, while others seeking well-being can indulge in an outdoor jacuzzi with sea views.
To relive the elegance of the 19th-century British Riviera and enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding coastline, Homanie Toulon offers a luxurious villa in the unspoiled setting of La Seyne-sur-Mer. Surrounded by a vast landscaped park dotted with pines and olive trees, the villa also boasts direct access to Côte d’Azur beaches.
Longing for unobstructed views of the Porquerolles and Port-Cros islands? Choose Homanie Cap Bénat and experience a villa designed in perfect harmony with the surrounding vegetation. With lush gardens, cascading water features, and generous open-air spaces, every detail ensures absolute privacy and serenity.
In the Heart of the Party, in Saint-Tropez
Walking back to your villa after a night out at a chic Saint-Tropez club? It’s possible with Homanie Saint-Tropez Village, a luxury villa located just minutes from the port and the famous Place des Lices.
A little further from the crowds, the Homanie Beauvallon estate offers four exquisite homes on the edge of the Maures forest, arranged around an orchard and several terraces overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
BB and her Ramatuelle villa have long inspired cinema lovers. Homanie L’Escalet, nestled on a vast estate in the same village, boasts a rare and breathtaking sea view from its infinity pool.
A curated selection of other exceptional estates across the South of France awaits you… Let us craft your perfect escape.
