The cultural and natural heritage of the “Grande Cote d’Azur” is known to all, but the project Nature Itineraries and the Gardens of the French Riviera, curated by Atout France, Regional Committee for Tourism Côte d’Azur and the Development Agency Var Tourisme, is a real novelty.
The objective is to enhance the gardens of the French Riviera, from the ephemeral ones of 200 sqm each (Antibes, Cannes, Grasse, Nice and Menton) to private ones, hotel gardens, the most beautiful residences, as well as large public parks. (www.cotedazur-tourisme.com)
The cities of the French Riviera and Var
Nice has 19 parks and gardens, totaling 300 hectares and significant gardens around museums, such as the garden of the Chagall Museum, the garden of the English-inspired Masséna Museum; not to be missed is La Promenade du Paillon, a “green lung” in the heart of the city, which stretches from the Théâtre National to the Promenade des Anglais.
Cannes, has a natural heritage of 1969 hectares, including the Lérins Islands, 300 hectares classified as green zones, 8 kilometers of beaches. Besides the islands, jewels of the bay, between nature, culture, and history, the Mimosa Forest is worth a visit, less than 1 km from the Croisette, a unique reserve for fauna and flora, discovery routes, and wellness trails.
Grasse, preserves an intact medieval historic center and boasts a long history in the art of perfumery, showcased in the International Perfume Museum. The Grasse region (Pays de Grasse) is an hour’s drive from the sea, the Mediterranean, and the Alps, ideal for mountain biking, cycling itineraries, canyoning.
Antibes is a natural paradise, where olive trees, vineyards, fruit trees, and many flowers, carnations, and roses grow. Splendid are the gardens of Villa Eilenroc, with 800 varieties of rose plants, the Garoupe Forest, and the Thuret Garden, with exotic trees and shrubs.
Cagnes-sur-Mer, known for hosting Les Collettes, the home of painter Renoir, among its beauties are the gardens with the “jardins remarquables” label (rose producers, private gardens) and the new Polygone Riviera, an incredible 70,000 sqm garden and an open-air shopping center unique in France.
Cœur Riviera groups 6 splendid locations: Villefranche-sur-Mer, Saint Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Eze, Cap d’Ail, and La Turbie, enclosed between Nice and Monaco, which have splendid gardens, like those of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jean Cap-Ferrat or the exotic garden of Eze. On February 13, 2017, there will be a special event, the Combat Naval Fleuri, a floral battle on the water held in Villefranche-sur-Mer.
Var has an exceptional natural heritage, extraordinary biodiversity, the Port-Cros National Park, the Verdon Gorges, 400,000 hectares of forests, 600 km of watercourses, 3,000 plant species, and over 400 km of coastline, with golden sandy beaches, bays, and inlets, from Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer to Saint-Raphaël, for an unforgettable holiday.
Esterel includes a vast territory, with forests, rocky massifs, lakes, inlets, and beaches, perfect for sports activities, including golf, with more than 6 courses. Not to be missed are the Roman remains of Fréjus, the Roman-Byzantine Basilica of Saint-Raphaël, the medieval castles of Callian and Tourrettes, and the excellent gastronomy.
Where to stay? In Bandol, in the heart of the vineyards of Provence, Dolce Frégate Provence, 4 stars, offers 163 rooms and suites, all with Mediterranean views, an indoor pool with whirlpool tub, sauna and fitness area, and 18 + 9 hole golf, considered one of the best courses in Europe.
Château Mentone, wines & hospitality is a charming estate for a full immersion into the world of wine, with large spaces (900 sqm) suitable for hosting groups from 10 to 200 people. The rich surroundings include the Thoronet Abbey, Salernes, the gulf of St. Tropez, and the Verdon Gorges.
How to Reach the French Riviera
Getting to the French Riviera is convenient and easy, thanks to the direct connections offered by Thello, which operates and markets the night train line Venice – Paris and the day train line Milan – Nice (via Genoa), ensuring 3 daily direct connections, without changes, at affordable prices: maximum second-class fare of €45 per person from Milan to Nice and the Smart Offer starting from €15* for a Milan-Nice trip.
Among the new offers: Minigroup** fare for travel from two to five passengers, even last minute, with 20% off. This offer can be booked up to the train departure, subject to seat availability. And the Carnet 5X4, nominative, 5 trips for a specific route (valid for round trips) at the price of 4. Free booking using the Carnet reference, and travel must be completed within 90 days from the date of purchase.
