Menton, or like we call it the Pearl of the Riviera is at the extreme edge of our French Riviera. Thanks to its very mild climate, it has become the city of lemons and therefore also for limoncello and lemon tart. It is also famous for its beautiful historical old town, its baroque Cathedral, its colorful market hall and its cemetery where in the 19th century many foreigners in search for recovery from TB have finally been buried. Beautifully colored façades, great views over the Sea and into Italy add to its charm.
Villefranche: Impossible to visit the French Riviera and not to make a visit in Villefranche. This picturesque village opens into one of the most beautiful Bays of France. The ochre-colored houses remind us of its Italian past and the strong fortification of the days when the danger came from the Sea. Today arrive mostly cruise ships from the Sea. Between April and November you can often see them docking during the day in the Bay. Best time to visit Villefranche is in the winter months, on days without cruise ships or in the evening after 6pm.
Biot: This village has become the center of bubble glass blowing. You can find plenty of handcraft stores in the main street and just a few corners further, you will discover a hidden labyrinth of beautiful narrow alleys and a lot of medieval ambiance. On Tuesday mornings takes place a lovely market with lots of local handcraft and specialties.
Haut de Cagnes or the Montmartre of the Côte d’Azur like we also call it, is a very charming little village on top of a hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It used the be the favorite place for many artists, the most famous among them was certainly the impressionist painter Auguste Renoir. Picturesque alleys, plenty of flowers, a square like in a movie scene and an impressive castle in the center of the village make up the landmarks of this rather quiet village.
Roquebrune: Beautifully located between the mountains and the Sea, Roquebrune offers gorgeous views across its tiled roofs. From her you can see over the coast and all the way to Monaco. It features a castle of the 10th century which can be visited and a lot of medieval charm. You might also take a short walk to see one of the oldest olive trees in the region. After 2000 years of age, this tree could tell you the story of Greeks and Romans visiting the area in the ancient days.
