Monaco, in the heart of the French Riviera

Visit three countries in a single day? It’s possible if you set off from Monaco! Just ten kilometres from the Principality, Menton reveals its colourful façades and pedestrianised streets lined with shops and restaurants. Every year, the town comes alive with the famous Lemon Festival, an explosion of colours and scents celebrating this iconic citrus fruit against a spectacular backdrop. Italy is then within sight, and the seaside resort of Sanremo, with its bustling markets and elegant charm, is the perfect stopover for a transalpine getaway on the Mediterranean coast.

To the west of Monaco, the Côte d’Azur strings together its legendary towns and villages like a string of jewels. In Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, nestled on a stunning peninsula, is an architectural masterpiece surrounded by nine magnificent themed gardens. Nice, with its Promenade des Anglais, is also home to the Matisse Museum, a vibrant tribute to the master of Fauvism, set amongst a grove of centuries-old olive trees. Antibes, with its medieval Old town, is home to the Picasso Museum, where the famous artist’s works interact with the breathtaking seaside views. Cannes, world-renowned for its prestigious Film Festival, brings the Croisette to life with unrivalled elegance and artistic vibrancy. And, of course, Saint-Tropez and its marina continue to enchant with their timeless charm.

Further inland, hilltop villages tell the story of an elegant and unspoilt Provence. La Turbie, with its Roman heritage, overlooks Monaco, offering panoramic views of both Monaco and the coast. Considered Europe’s highest coastal village, Sainte-Agnès looks down on Menton and Italy from its height of 800 metres. A little further on, Eze unfolds its cobbled streets and exceptional establishments overlooking the Mediterranean, whilst Saint-Paul de Vence, with its artistic soul, is home to the prestigious Maeght Foundation, dedicated to modern and contemporary art, set in an enchanting natural setting.

The region also harbours a wealth of natural treasures. The Mercantour National Park and its Vallée des Merveilles – which lives up to its name perfectly – reveal wild and fascinating landscapes. A veritable playground for sports enthusiasts, the Gorges du Verdon form Europe’s largest canyon and offer a breathtaking change of scenery. Off the coast of Cannes, the Lérins Islands reveal a little paradise with crystal-clear waters and unspoilt flora and fauna, perfect for moments of unique relaxation. Finally, the Estérel is an ochre-coloured mountain range plunging straight into the Mediterranean. An exceptional blend of colours for unforgettable hikes, whether by water or on land.

The Côte d’Azur is also defined by its coastal paths. From Roquebrune-Cap-Martin to Cap d’Antibes, via Cap d’Ail and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, these signposted paths offer breathtaking views in an unrivalled natural setting.

From ‘blue gold’ to ‘white gold’, it’s just a stone’s throw away! A 1½-hour drive from Monaco, several ski resorts offer snow-covered slopes in a unique setting. Valberg, Auron, Isola 2000, Limone and La Colmiane all offer unforgettable experiences in both winter and summer.