Although the Cote d’Azur region in France is known for its stunning coastal resorts, it is also home to picture-perfect hilltop destinations that are worth leaving the beaches for.
Inland side trips a few kilometers from Nice provide beautiful scenery and great shopping! Rent a car and go for a scenic drive. You’ll find beautiful chapels, picturesque medieval towns, splendid artwork and spectacular vistas.
First up is the historical town of Vence located a mere 13 miles from Nice. With the towering peak of Baous standing sentry as a background, you will enjoy charming medieval houses and exploring the cobble stone streets on foot.
You can wander aimlessly and still manage to find the lovely 16th century public square with the centuries-old ash tree at its center. Visit the marvelous Chapelle du Rosaire – born out of Matisse’s genius, and relish the remarkable collection of modern and contemporary art in Chateau de Villeneuve.
Also worth visiting is the compelling fortified village of St. Paul de Vence. It is only one hour away from Nice if you take Bus No. 400. This beautiful hilltop community of charming medieval houses, pretty squares and a long list of celebrity residents is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. Be sure to explore the impressive collection of local art work in the many art galleries and boutiques and you just might find something extraordinary to take home with you. Also, do not miss a visit to the Fondation Maeght, located just outside the village, for a look at the impressive collection of contemporary art on display. A stroll around the village’s walls to enjoy the breathtaking sea views is my favorite way to enjoy this place!.
For avid shoppers, a visit to the hilltop village of Biot cannot be missed. Walk along its cobbled streets flanked by brightly colored houses and soak up the charming atmosphere. Visit the exquisite shops and marvel at the beauty of superbly crafted pottery and glasswork.
If you are interested in learning how the remarkable glass handicrafts are made, check out La Verrerie de Biot and witness the glass-blowers dexterity. There are also several museums to visit in the area such as the Musee Histoire et Ceramique Biotoises for Biot’s rich artisan heritage, the Fernand Leger Museum for a look at hundreds of the artist’s masterpieces, and the Bonsai Arboretum to marvel at its collection of hundreds of miniature plants.
Other hilltop villages, worth your time exploring, include the spectacular village of Gourdon with its beautiful 12th century chateau surrounded by lush gardens. If you love a scrumptious meal, a side trip to the verdant village of Mougins is a must. It boasts some of the finest restaurants in Cote d’Azur! Add to that a picturesque setting and you have the perfect formula for an enjoyable side trip.
Finally, perfume enthusiasts definitely should not miss the famous village of Grasse. Its fields are carpeted with blossoms and its air carries with it a sweet smell of flowers. Its fields of roses, jasmine and hyacinths may no longer be as vast as they were a decade ago but the Place aux Aires is still as charming. You might also want to visit the famous perfumeries of Fragonard, Galimard and Molinard while you are here.
