Where to stay on the Côte d’Azur?

Cannes, the ideal seaside resort

The Cannes Film Festival is the stuff of dreams: every year, hundreds of movie stars walk the red carpet to attend the famous festival, arousing the interest of tourists from all over the world. Although it is known for its Croisette, its palaces, its beaches and its port, which sees many yachts dock, the city is not just about glitz and glamour.

In the Suquet district, the curious can discover old Cannes, where the cobbled streets and old buildings have seen centuries of history unfold. There is the Château de la Castre, which has become an art museum, but also the medieval tower that dominates the city, a stone's throw from the Church of Notre-Dame-d'Espérance.

A few minutes by boat brings you to the Lérins Islands, also steeped in history and ideal for cultural visits. But it is also quite possible to leave the Croisette behind and discover other equally pleasant destinations.

It only takes 10 minutes by train to get to Antibes and enjoy its beaches, but above all its many museums. On the cape of the same name, a hiking trail awaits you, bordering the coastline and passing memorable viewpoints.

It is also possible to travel to Grasse by bus or car, less than 25 minutes from the Croisette. The city of perfumes is worth a visit, especially the historic factories of Fragonard and Galimard. And while you're there, why not take part in a workshop to create your own perfume? It will leave you with a memorable souvenir!

As you can see, there is a lot to do here and in the surrounding area. There are also many places to stay. It is the ideal place to stay if you want to easily explore Provence. On the other hand, prices rise very quickly and rooms disappear very fast. We can only advise you to book your room in advance if you want to enjoy a prime location.

A little tip, however: the further you get from the Croisette, the lower the prices! This is particularly the case in Antibes, where accommodation is cheaper.

Saint-Tropez, to stay in a combination of luxury and authenticity

In the hollow of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez stands the town of the same name, famous for its magnificent beaches and electrifying nightlife. Members of the jet set regularly come here to enjoy its Provençal atmosphere and the luxury establishments for which it is renowned. From here to Pampelonne, time stands still in favor of partying and having a good time basking in the sun with a cocktail in hand.

But it is not only renowned for its endless parties. It is, above all, an old fishing village whose Vieux-Port (old port) still charms tourists. It is also a lively place where people gather at the church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption and visit the markets to prepare delicious local dishes.

And while the village may not be as big as its reputation suggests, you can always take the car and set off to explore the vineyards of Ramatuelle, the medieval town of Grimaud and its colorful port, or the beach resort of Sainte-Maxime.

From the port of Sainte-Maxime, it is possible to cross the Gulf by ferry to reach other points of interest. However, it is advisable to take your car or rent one to take full advantage of all the destinations that the area has to offer.

This is especially the case if you want to travel a little further afield to find cheaper accommodation. In fact, accommodation within the village is mostly luxurious and therefore expensive, even very expensive. However, you can find better prices further away, in Grimaud or Sainte-Maxime, for example.

Marseille: accommodation in the Phocaean City

Marseille is the destination par excellence when you think of the South of France. Renowned for its Vieux-Port (old port) and its creeks, one cannot help but appreciate its relaxed atmosphere and its architecture, which blends the new and the old with finesse.

A true economic center since Antiquity, it bears the traces of a rich past. On every street corner, an element reminds us of the passage of time and of the increasingly diverse populations that have helped it develop and become what it is today.

In the Phocaean City, you never get bored. You can browse the museums in the morning, stroll through the markets at lunchtime, take a siesta on the beach in the afternoon and end the day on the terrace of a traditional restaurant, before dancing the night away in one of the city's many clubs.

Whether you want to visit the city of Marseille or stay there while strolling through the surrounding villages, getting around will be easy thanks to the numerous public transportation options available throughout the city and its surroundings. Within the city walls, buses, trams and metros will take you from one end of the metropolis to the other in no time at all, while St-Charles station will allow you to escape to charming neighboring destinations, either by train or regional buses.

As for accommodation, there is a wide range of places to stay for all budgets, scattered throughout the different neighborhoods. You can stay by the beach, above the quays or near the station, depending on your needs and desires.

Cassis, for a stay as close as possible to the calanques

Who hasn't wanted to dive into a postcard? Imagine finding yourself at the water's edge, in a picturesque little fishing port. The surrounding restaurants prepare local specialties, nestled in buildings with colorful facades, the sun warming your skin as you sip a drink on the terrace...

Further on, you can see the limestone cliffs overlooking the sea and pebble beaches. It's the ideal place to relax after a long hike...

You can easily visit Cassis on foot, strolling along the shimmering streets and quaysides that breathe Provence. After all, the latter is reputed to be one of the prettiest in the Mediterranean! But if you feel like seeing more, all you have to do is hop on one of the"pointus", the small boats that take you to the creeks and diving sites.

A few minutes by bus or car will take you to La Ciotat, an equally charming commune known for its pebble beaches, creeks and historic center.

As you can see, Cassis isn't just a picturesque little village, it's also the ideal place to stay for exploring the region. You can stay right in the center of town and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean and the calanques.

The town is dotted with a wide range of accommodation, but prices tend to rise quickly (especially in high season) to around €130 per night. Don't hesitate to book your accommodation in advance to benefit from the best prices and, above all, your choice of accommodation.

Accommodation in and around Monaco

The principality of Monaco is world famous for its palaces and its famous Grand Prix, which attracts around 300,000 people every year.

The seat of the Grimaldi family and their power, it is much more than just a destination for jet-setters; it is a city full of history and charm.

This history is mainly found in Monaco-Ville, nicknamed “the rock”, where the historic district overlooks the sea. Among the colorful houses are monuments whose Renaissance architecture is what makes them so charming, such as the Prince's Palace, the town hall and the cathedral.

On the other side of the port, the Monte Carlo district is home to the casino of the same name, whose reputation is second to none. It is a real must if you are visiting the principality! It is also where you will find the greatest number of luxury hotels and prestigious hotels. At their feet, luxury brands are gathered, practically at the edge of the beaches, which attest to the wealth of the sector. Numerous restaurants and bars are crowded along the quays and in the alleys, offering a wide choice of menus.

From Monaco, it takes just fifteen minutes by car to reach Menton, on the border between France and Italy, as famous for its lemons as for its beaches overlooked by the medieval quarter. There is the Basilique Saint-Michel and its 18th-century bell tower and the Chapelle des Pénitents blancs a few streets away from the beaches and the Musée Jean Cocteau.

It is fairly easy to get around within these two cities and to move from one to the other by bus, train or car. However, although there are quite a few hotels where to stay, they are also expensive, especially in the principality. If you want to stay there, you should plan for a substantial budget and, above all, book in advance. Prices in Menton and the surrounding area are already more affordable, comparable to those found along the French Riviera.

Nice, the must-see on the Côte d'Azur

The city of Nice, a Provençal city with bright colors and a particularly rich cultural and historical heritage, stands out along the Baie des Anges. Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, where imposing palaces with sea views stand, before walking through the colorful Vieux-Nice. At lunchtime, you can stop to enjoy a real salade niçoise, have a drink on a terrace, then set off again to visit the many museums and other monuments scattered throughout the city.

At night, Rue de la Préfecture comes alive, as do the beach clubs, offering an electric atmosphere where the music is in full swing and the glasses are always full. However, you only need to walk a few streets away to find peace and quiet in the city center, which is home to tourist attractions and large luxury shops. Here too, the Belle Epoque buildings are adorned with colors and look like something out of a postcard.

If you want to enjoy a panorama worthy of a postcard, you will appreciate the Square Guynemer, above the Place Garibaldi, which offers a breathtaking view of the Old Port.

It is very easy to get around thanks to the public transport system, which allows you to stay close to amenities, wherever you are. You will find cheap accommodation in the Libération district, whereas in the center prices tend to rise quickly. If you can afford it, you can also experience one of the palaces on the Promenade des Anglais: relaxation guaranteed!

The twin towns of Saint-Raphaël and Fréjus

Fréjus and Saint-Raphaël are two Var towns bordering the Bay of Saint-Raphaël. Both are renowned for their magnificent sandy beaches and Mediterranean ambience.

In Saint-Raphaël, you can stroll through the Quartier du Village, once a farming district, now famous for its flower and vegetable markets. After your shopping spree, perhaps you'd like to explore theRomanesque church of San Raféu and its archaeological museum, or perhaps you'd prefer to indulge in the water sports on offer in the calanques?

Here, as in Fréjus, numerous beaches are available for sunbathing, strolling or swimming. They're also home to all kinds of water sports that will amaze young and old alike.

But it's in Fréjus that you'll find the mostcultural activities, with its authentic Roman amphitheatre, archaeological museum and Saint-Léonce cathedral. The town is also home to three family-friendly theme parks: Luna Park, Aqualand and Fun City.

Finally, to round off your stay in the Var, you can put on your walking shoes and discover the Estérel nature park, a 32,000-hectare area renowned for its reddish rock formations and hiking trails. Between red earth and turquoise sea, this is an outing not to be missed!

Buses run regularly between the two towns, some even taking you as far as the Estérel massif. However, if you want to venture further afield, you'd better bring your own car.

If you want to stay in one of the two towns, you'll need to book in advance. Although accommodation is plentiful, their proximity to the coast means they quickly become popular. Generally speaking, you'll find the best prices in Fréjus, while its neighboring town is a little more expensive.