Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

The French Riviera offers numerous sites beyond the main tourist routes. Medieval hilltop villages such as Èze and Saint-Paul de Vence perch above the coast, while historic fortifications like Fort Carré in Antibes preserve the region's maritime past. Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild on Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Château Grimaldi in Cagnes-sur-Mer display architectural styles from different eras. The region extends from the coastline to the backcountry. The Îles de Lérins off Cannes are accessible by ferry, Col de la Bonette reaches 9,193 feet (2,802 meters) elevation, and Vallée des Merveilles in the Mercantour preserves prehistoric rock carvings. Hiking trails cross Parc national du Mercantour and follow the coast at Cap d'Ail. The Gorges du Verdon to the north form one of Europe's deepest canyons. Museums in Nice focus on Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse and Asian art. The Musée de la Mer on Île Sainte-Marguerite documents the island fortress's history. Smaller towns like Tourrettes-sur-Loup and Le Cannet lie a few miles from the coastal cities. Lac de Saint-Cassien near Montauroux provides water sports in a rural setting.

The French Riviera between Monaco and Saint-Tropez features a diverse architectural heritage reflecting centuries of history. Visitors can explore medieval villages such as the historic center of Grasse, known as the perfume capital since the 16th century, or Saint-Paul-de-Vence, home to the Maeght Foundation and its modern art collection. The region also has Belle Époque buildings like the Negresco Hotel in Nice, along with 20th-century architectural creations such as the Palais Bulles in Théoule-sur-Mer. Mediterranean gardens are another attraction along this coastal area. The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat has nine themed gardens with vegetation suited to the local climate. The Bastide du Roy in Antibes preserves its geometric gardens and century-old olive trees. The coastline offers several vantage points overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, notably from the Le Corbusier Promenade connecting Cap Martin to Monaco over two miles, or from coves like Coco Beach where rocks and pebbles enable swimming and marine life observation.

This collection features gardens across all continents, illustrating the diversity of world flora and landscape art across eras. It includes European formal gardens, such as those of Versailles with their geometric perspectives and fountains, as well as contemporary creations like Gardens by the Bay in Singapore with its futuristic structures. Scientific botanical gardens coexist with areas dedicated to seasonal blooms, like Keukenhof in the Netherlands with its millions of spring tulips. Each site reflects its natural environment and cultural heritage. The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden displays over 7,000 species of South African flora, while the Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech combines exotic plants with colorful architecture typical of the Maghreb. Urban gardens such as those in Luxembourg, Paris, and Brooklyn, New York, demonstrate how these green spaces enhance city life. The selection also includes several UNESCO World Heritage sites, acknowledging their recognized historical and botanical significance worldwide.

Nice naturally lends itself to photography. The Mediterranean light shapes the city from morning to evening, revealing in turn the ochre facades of Old Nice, the palms lining the Promenade des Anglais, or the blue domes of Saint-Nicolas Orthodox Cathedral. From the Château hilltop, at 92 meters high, the view encompasses the entire bay, while below, Place Masséna displays its geometric paving stones and red facades. The flower market at Cours Saleya, established since the 17th century, extends to Lympia Port where yellow facades reflect in the water, each neighborhood forming a different scene. The Negresco Hotel with its pink dome marks the coastline, and the Matisse Museum shares the painter's love for the light of the South. Nice offers a variety of viewpoints, making it a preferred destination for those interested in capturing the architecture, colors, and vitality of a city oriented toward the Mediterranean.

Discover the main highlights of Cannes, from the famous Croisette and the Lérins Islands to the historic Suquet district. This collection gathers well-known sites, landmarks, natural areas, and cultural venues that contribute to the recognition of this city on the French Riviera.