Cruising the French Riviera
Nice
Apart from Paris, Nice is one of the most popular travel destinations in France. The clear waters, stunning coastline, and abundant sunshine create a picture-perfect seaside getaway. In Paris, you may feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of sights to see, but in Nice, you can truly relax and enjoy an extended Mediterranean holiday.
Must-Visit Attractions
Old Town (Vieux Nice)
Founded by the Greeks, Nice’s Old Town still retains its 17th and 18th-century charm. Explore the maze of narrow streets, discover hidden boutiques, experience old-fashioned French shopping in the Cours Saleya market, and indulge in traditional Nice cuisine! The town’s century-old restaurants and bars are a treasure trove for those seeking authentic local experiences.
Promenade des Anglais
The Promenade des Anglais, with its iconic crescent-shaped bay, is one of Europe’s most charming seaside resorts. The perfect arc of the bay resembles angel wings, creating a mesmerizing gradient of blues along the coastline. The beach here is unique, made of smooth pebbles where you can lie back and enjoy the luxury of sunbathing while listening to the sound of waves breaking on the stones.
Tips:
1. The Promenade des Anglais has dedicated bike and rollerblade paths. You can rent a bike or rollerblades to explore while enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery.
2. The beach is made of pebbles, so it’s best to avoid wearing high heels or shoes with thin soles.
3. Castle Hill (Colline du Château) offers the best panoramic view of the bay. If you’re into photography, visit in the morning when the light is ideal.
4. There are plenty of loungers available on the beach for rent, priced around €11 per day. The beach is divided into private and public sections, with private sections requiring an additional fee.
Cannes
Cannes is a city synonymous with fashion and celebrities. The annual Cannes Film Festival makes it the epicenter of glamour, where stars strut the red carpet. Be sure to pack your best gown and bring a photographer, and enjoy a “red carpet” experience of your own in this stylish city.
Must-Visit Attractions
Palais des Festivals
The Palais des Festivals, built in 1982, is the main venue for the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. The famous Palme d’Or is awarded here, and during events, the steps leading to the palace are covered with a red carpet. Outside event dates, the carpet is blue, so don’t miss the chance to snap a picture on the red carpet during the festival.
• Address: La Croisette, CS 30051, 06414 Cannes Cedex
• Phone: +33-4-92998400
• Transportation: A 5-minute walk from Cannes Port or a 10-minute walk from Cannes Train Station. The Palais des Festivals is not open for tours, but you can admire it from the outside.
Star Boulevard (Boulevard de la Croisette)
No trip to Cannes is complete without visiting the Star Boulevard, located next to the Palais des Festivals. Here, you’ll find over 300 handprints of stars embedded in the sidewalk. While fewer than the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, Cannes’ Star Boulevard has its own unique charm. Look out for the handprint of acclaimed director Wong Kar Wai (WKW), located at the entrance of the convention center.
Lake Sainte-Croix and the Verdon Gorge
Lake Sainte-Croix and the Verdon Gorge are among the most beautiful natural spots in the world. Every summer, visitors come here to rock climb, swim, and kayak. The towering cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and lush mountains create a serene landscape that feels like an oasis, offering a peaceful escape from the summer heat.
How to Enjoy the Area:
Rock Climbing
The Verdon Gorge’s varied terrain and steep cliffs make it a world-renowned rock climbing destination, with over 900 routes for climbers of all skill levels.
Hiking
For a more leisurely way to enjoy the area, consider hiking through the gorge’s protected reserve. The trails offer stunning views of towering peaks, cascading streams, verdant valleys, and interesting wildlife.
Lake Sainte-Croix
At the entrance to the Verdon Gorge, you can enjoy the stunning Lake Sainte-Croix. Its calm, azure waters are ideal for kayaking or pedal boating, and you can also camp by the shore to fully immerse yourself in nature.
Tips:
1. The towns within the Verdon Gorge area are scattered, so driving or joining a tour is the best way to explore.
2. If you prefer public transportation, you can take the LER bus from Avignon to Digne-les-Bains (about 3.5 hours, €15.6).
3. During July and August, a SUMIAN bus departs daily from Marseille, passing through several towns within the gorge. The journey takes about 3 hours, with tickets priced at €22.4.