If you’re looking for a place that hums with energy all year, historic Nice makes a great base. Just along the coast, the glamorous hotspots of Cannes and St-Tropez draw a stylish, jet-set crowd, with museums, galleries, chic bars, fine-dining restaurants, and elegant seaside villas to match. The coastline is dotted with charming communities like Cap Ferrat, Antibes, Juan-les-Pins, and Saint-Raphaël, where Belle Époque mansions overlook narrow, winding streets. You could slip away to the dreamy Île des Porquerolles, spend your days sailing, swimming, or trying every water sport under the sun, then end the evening with fresh seafood and a glass of local rosé.
Head inland and you’ll find fragrant Grasse, art-filled Saint-Paul-de-Vence, and rolling hills perfect for hiking, cycling, or horseback riding. Adventurers might tackle the dramatic Esterel Massif for sweeping coastal views, while those in search of romance can hide away in vineyard-dotted countryside. Wherever you stay, the Côte d’Azur’s hotels often pair luxury with exceptional dining—think generous wine lists and dishes worth lingering over, making every meal as memorable as the scenery.