The Côte d'Azur

When you get off the train at Cannes station, you’re immediately plunged into the atmosphere of the Côte d’Azur. Magnificent beaches, luxury hotels and glam and glitter, which have always made the fame of the Riviera, are only a few minutes walk away. Walk down Rue des Serbes, and you’ll be on the famous Croisette with its Palais des Festivals. This is where the most famous movie stars gather together for the Festival de Cannes every year, in May. Just behind the Palais des Festivals, the Vieux-Port de Cannes is where the most prestigious yachts are moored. Worth seeing! And then the colourful quarter of Le Suquet, the town’s oldest quarter. And next, you’re on the water: the landing stage for boats to the Iles de Lérins: Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat (which is home to a monastery founded in the 5th century), is just a few metres away.

From Cannes, you can either continue the circuit along the Mediterranean coast to Juan-les-Pins or veer off into the hinterland via Mouans-Sartoux. A great opportunity to visit l’Espace de l’Art Concret, a contemporary art centre where the works claim the objectivity and independence of the language of the plastic arts (The picture has no other meaning than “itself”). Its gardens, studded with contemporary works of art, are well worth seeing and invite you to walk around: La Terrasse des Pruniers, le Sous-bois de Chênes Verts, le Bois des Transparences and many others. You’ll be charmed by the triangular a rchitecture of the Château de Mouans which, despite being 500 years old, blends perfectly with the contemporary installations of the EAC. You’ve got it, this detour through Mouans-Sartoux will be a most delightful arty break just 10 minutes on foot from the station!

Grasse, the world capital of perfume, is only 7 minutes away by train. From the station, it’s a 20-minute walk into the old town to get to the Musée International de la Parfumerie. And then it’s the Musée Fragonard, where you are plunged into the world of the famous local perfumer – A feast for the senses! In early springtime, the smells of citrus fruit invade the gardens. After having breathed in the heady fragrances, why not buy some new clothes? Cross the street to discover the Musée Provençal du Costume et du Bijou in a lovely private manor house. Enter the former home of the Marquise de Cabris which houses a unique collection of clothes and jewellery: 100% Provencal skirts, chatelaines and earrings!

On the train again, this time for Juan-les-Pins. And the start of a stunning show: from the train which travels along beside beaches and creeks, you get a panoramic view over the Mediterranean. In the distance, the deep blue of the sea blends with the bright blue sky. 10 minutes of pure pleasure! When you arrive in Juan-les-Pins, it’s off to the pine forest – a mere 10-minute walk. Welcome to the green heart of the town with its hundred-year umbrella pines and squirrels racing about as free as the birds! This is where the Festival Jazz à Juan, an absolute must for jazz lovers, is held every year in July.
Next stop: Antibes. The station is a few metres from the harbour. From there, it’s an easy walk into the old town, the gem of the Riviera, through La Porte Marine. Protected by the ramparts, old Antibes is full of detail with facades, old doors, terraces of cafes and passageways all adding to the charm. From the cathedral, walk up the steps leading up to the Château Grimaldi, which is currently the Musée Picasso. Its terrace, dotted with works of art and open onto the sea, offers a stunning sight. And then move on to the surprising Commune Libre du Safranier: organized around three main streets, this quarter has elected its own mayor since 1966!

This is a short distance: a mere 10-minute train ride to get to Cagnes-sur-Mer, the next stop in this escapade on the Côte d’Azur. When you get to Cagnes-sur-Mer station, walk about twenty minutes until you get to the medieval town, also known as Haut-de-Cagnes. This quarter of the town, which is listed as a “historic site”, is perched at the top of the Colline du Château, and has retained its full authenticity, offering some beautiful views over the Mediterranean and the Mercantour. Before leaving, open the door of the Musée Renoir, and enter into the world of the impressionist painter who spent the last 12 years of his life in Cagnes-sur-Mer.

From Nice-Ville, the city’s main station, walk about 20 minutes down Avenue Jean Médecin to get to the famous Promenade des Anglais which is lined with majestic luxury hotels. On the way, stop off at Place Masséna, the heart of the town, with its beautiful ochre and red arcades. Then walk on to Place Garibaldi, where, comfortably installed on one of the many terraces of the cafes and restaurants you can admire the magnificent facades with their warm colours. If you’re feeling motivated, climb up to the top of the Colline de Cimiez and get a breathtaking panoramic view of Nice. A lovely way to end this trip along the Mediterranean coast.