The cultural and natural heritage of the “Grande Côte d’Azur” is renowned, but the Nature Trails and Gardens of the French Riviera project, curated by Atout France, the Côte d’Azur Regional Tourism Committee, and the Var Tourism Development Agency, is a true innovation.
The aim is to promote the French Riviera’s gardens, from temporary displays of 200 sqm each (Antibes, Cannes, Grasse, Nice, and Menton) to private gardens, hotel estates, stunning residences, and major public parks. (www.cotedazur-tourisme.com)
Cities of the French Riviera and Var
Nice boasts 19 parks and gardens, totaling 300 hectares, along with remarkable museum gardens such as the Chagall Museum garden and the English-inspired garden at Masséna Museum. Don’t miss the Promenade du Paillon, a “green lung” stretching from the Théâtre National to the Promenade des Anglais.
Cannes features a natural heritage of 1,969 hectares, including the Lérins Islands, 300 hectares of green zones, and 8 kilometers of beaches. In addition to the islands—true jewels of the bay blending nature, culture, and history—visit the Mimosa Forest, less than a kilometer from La Croisette, a unique reserve for flora and fauna, ideal for discovery trails and wellness walks.
Grasse has a perfectly preserved medieval historic center and is famous for its long tradition of perfumery, celebrated at the International Perfume Museum. The Grasse region (Pays de Grasse) is just an hour from the sea and the Mediterranean, as well as the Alps, perfect for mountain biking, cycling routes, and canyoning.
Antibes is a natural paradise, rich in olive groves, vineyards, fruit trees, and a profusion of flowers—carnations and roses in particular. Don’t miss the gardens of Villa Eilenroc, home to 800 rose varieties, the Garoupe woodland, and Jardin Thuret with its exotic trees and shrubs.
Cagnes-sur-Mer, well known for hosting Les Collettes, Renoir’s home, stands out for its “jardins remarquables” (notable rose growers and private gardens), and the new Polygone Riviera, a stunning 70,000 sqm garden and open-air shopping center, unique in France.
Cœur Riviera unites six wonderful destinations: Villefranche-sur-Mer, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Eze, Cap d’Ail, and La Turbie, nestled between Nice and Monaco. Discover spectacular gardens here, such as Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, or the Exotic Garden of Eze. On February 13, 2017, a special event will take place: Combat Naval Fleuri, a unique floral battle at sea in Villefranche-sur-Mer.
The Var region features exceptional natural treasures and remarkable biodiversity: Parc National de Port-Cros, the Verdon Gorges, 400,000 hectares of woodland, 600 km of waterways, 3,000 plant species, and over 400 km of coastline with golden beaches, bays, and coves—from Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer to Saint-Raphaël—ensuring an unforgettable holiday.
Esterel covers a vast area of forests, rocky massifs, lakes, coves, and beaches—ideal for sports and outdoor activities, including golf with over six courses. Top sights include Roman ruins in Fréjus, the Roman-Byzantine basilica in Saint-Raphaël, the medieval castles of Callian and Tourrettes, and the region’s excellent cuisine.
Where to stay? In Bandol, at the heart of the Provençal vineyards, Dolce Frégate Provence, a 4-star hotel, offers 163 rooms and suites with Mediterranean views, indoor pool with whirlpool, sauna, fitness area, and an 18 + 9-hole golf course, considered among the best in Europe.
Château Mentone, Wines & Hospitality is a charming estate for a full immersion in the world of wine, with spacious facilities (900 sqm) suitable for groups from 10 to 200 people. The nearby area is packed with attractions: Thoronet Abbey, Salernes, the Gulf of St. Tropez, and the Verdon Gorges.
How to get to the French Riviera
Reaching the French Riviera is easy thanks to direct services from Thello, which operates night trains from Venice to Paris and daytime trains from Milan to Nice (via Genoa), offering three daily direct connections at competitive prices: maximum second-class fare of €45 per person from Milan to Nice, and Smart Offer starting from €15* for Milan-Nice.
New features include the Minigroup** fare for groups of two to five travelers, available even last-minute with 20% off. This offer can be booked right up to departure, subject to availability. Also, the Carnet 5X4, a named ticket for 5 journeys on a set route (valid for round trips) at the price of 4. Free reservation with reference code, valid for travel within 90 days from purchase.
