Continuing our journey along the last coastal area, we drove towards the Forêt Domaniale de l’Esterel. The transition from the serene coast to the rugged hills was striking. The road gradually climbed into the Esterel Massif, where the landscape transformed dramatically. The Estérel Massif extends approximately 32 kilometres (20 miles) …

One of my French students, Mary Katherine, wanted to visit the French Riviera during her immersion homestay in Provence. It was January, a lovely month to see the Côte d’Azur. It is not beach weather, but it is generally sunny and, with the proper layers, comfortable for touring around. Plus, …

We asked Celine O’Donnell, a bilingual walking tour guide who lives in Nice, France if she would select the 2024 Summer menu for Perfectly Provence readers. Celine decided on a collection of her favourite, typical Niçoise recipes – Pissaladière, Truccha, Salade Niçoise and Tourte de Blettes. We hope you enjoy …

Thankfully, “gap year” was not something I had ever heard of when I was in school. Otherwise, I would have lobbied to spend a year, or a lifetime, in Europe. Instead, I followed the traditional and well-beaten path, graduating and then travelling through Europe on a Eurail pass for as …

The French Riviera is a dreamy travel destination, but more than a short stay is needed to experience the lifestyle. What about staying longer and exploring the region? You may have considered an extended visit to the South of France, but the logistics of living in a foreign country seem …

Provence is known for its exceptional wines and breathtaking landscapes. But did you know our region is also home to a beautiful, fragrant plant? The mimosa, a plant native to Australia, grows on our vineyard and brings a touch of lively colour and subtle fragrance. The mimosa grows mainly in …

Whether this is your first trip to the French Riviera or you are a regular visitor to the Côte d’Azur, the only problem is overwhelming choices. Where should you start? In alphabetical order, we have highlighted ten (10) of our favourite places to visit along (or near) the coast. However, …

Are you thinking of renting a boat on the French Riviera? A friend who specializes in small group tours once told us the best way to see a country’s coastline is on a boat. They were right! The viewpoint from the water provides an often unexpected and relaxing perspective. Since …

The Beginner’s Guide to the French Riviera: Stop Dreaming & Start Packing, 2nd Edition by Mary Kay Seales The Second Edition to The Beginner’s Guide to the French Riviera, with updates on restaurants, hotels, and day trips from your base in Nice or Villefranche-sur-Mer, has everything you need to help …

Are you looking for ideas on the perfect French Riviera day trip? We turned to Céline O’Donnell, a private tour guide in Nice, for her recommendations on a day trip along the coast to Italy from the city. She has lived in this Côte d’Azur city for 40 years and …