The French Riviera is what dreams are made of! The beautiful Mediterranean Sea, the rich history, and the designer shops. Those things alone are enough to make anyone want to book a trip. But there is so much beauty beyond the tourist-filled streets of Cannes and Monaco. Just a short distance from these coveted towns are villages that will fill your provencal wanderlust. Check out my list of must-see hidden gems all within a short distance of the coast!

Gourdon

Offering magnificent panoramic views and a bit off the beaten track, Gourdon sits 500 meters above the Loop River. The entire village is bursting with character and history. Here, you’ll find wonderful provencal boutiques with a gorgeous range of artisan soaps and locally-made glass.

Antheor Cap-Roux

The stretch of coastal road that leads up to Antheor is known as Corniche d’Or and boast terrific views of the Cote D’Azure. Quite frankly, the drive alone is worth the trip! If there is one thing the French Riviera is not lacking it’s amazing views, but Antheor is unlike any other place. I loved taking in the beautiful contrast of the deep turquoise waters fringed with the red stone mass of Cap Roux.

Grasse

A quick drive to the hills north of Cannes, in a very unassuming village, lies the perfume capital of the world. The microclimate is ideal for growing flowers. So much so that 90% of the world’s perfumes are designed with flowers grown in this fragrant pocket of the Cote D’Azure. The entire village is brimming with never-ending fields of lavender that dominate the area’s hilly landscape. The free tour at the factory of Fragonard perfume is truly a neat experience. They let you in on the trade secrets and the history of perfume-making from its beginnings to the present day. My favorite part was creating my own signature scent at Galimard Perfumery’s “Studio des Fragrance.”

St-Paul de Vence

This beautiful medieval fortified village perched on a narrow spur between two valleys is the ideal destination for a day trip. It checks all of the stereotypical boxes of Provence – old men playing pétanque, manicured gardens, small cobblestone alleyways and scores of art galleries. Wander the main streets and soak in the atmosphere while enjoying a delicious gelato. The southern tip has a great view of the coastline and the cemetery that is home to some famous residents.

Antibes

Enclosed by a star-shaped wall of the 16th century Fort Carre, this resort town overlooks luxury yachts docked at Port Vauban Marina. This old town features all the things we know and love about the French Riviera – cobblestone roads, shops and eateries and the beautiful sea! The Marché Provençal (farmer’s market) is your go-to to find fresh fruits, veggies, and other local delights. And there is, of course, the beach. One of the few sandy beaches in the area, you will find tourists and locals basking in the sun! Right outside of town you can drive up to the Garoupe Lighthouse where you can capture beautiful panoramic views of Cannes, Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer and even Italy!

Opio

Opio is a sleepy village in the Alpes-Maritimes. This perched village is most widely known for its 15th-century olive oil mill, Moulin d’Opio, and 18-hole Opio-Valbonne golf course. The quiet town is a peaceful setting, perfect for long walks or horse-riding in the 450-hectar forest.

Finish the day indulging at Club Med Spa by the world renowned natural skincare mongul, L’ocittaine.

Voila! The hidden gems in the French Riviera! Reach out if you have questions – I’d love to hear from you!