©Menton 2023 Isabelle Fabre Cote D Azur France Tourisme|Isabelle Fabre / Côte d'Azur France Tourisme

Spring holidays on the Côte d'Azur

sun, nature and escapades on the Côte d'Azur
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Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons to discover the Côte d’Azur. With the Mediterranean Sea, hilltop villages, gardens in bloom and mild temperatures, the destination reveals a luminous and authentic face.

From Cannes to Menton, via Nice, Antibes, Mandelieu-La Napoule and Grasse, spring holidays are the perfect opportunity to enjoy an exceptional coastline, unspoilt nature and a unique way of life.

SPRING ON THE CÔTE D'AZUR

5 good reasons to come and enjoy it

Spring is an ideal time to discover the Côte d’Azur. With Mediterranean light, nature in bloom and pleasant temperatures, the destination lends itself particularly well to walks, cultural discoveries and nature-based escapades.

From the seaside to the hilltop villages of the hinterland, the landscapes are revealed in a different light, while the gardens, footpaths and seasonal events invite you to make the most of this time of year. Here are five good reasons to come to the Côte d’Azur in spring.

1. WITH COMPLETE PEACE OF MIND

Discover the Côte d'Azur to the rhythm of spring

Coming to the Côte d’Azur in spring means enjoying the destination in particularly pleasant conditions, before the hustle and bustle of the summer season. The towns along the coast, the ports, the villages and the sites to visit can be discovered more calmly, with more time to stroll around, admire the scenery and enjoy each stop. Markets, historic streets, terraces and seaside promenades take on a different dimension, in a calmer atmosphere that invites you to savour your stay to the full.

Randonnée à GréolièresRandonnée à Gréolières
©Côte d'Azur France Tourisme / Isabelle Fabre

    2. BREATHE THE FRESH AIR

    Between sea and nature on the Côte d'Azur

    In spring, the Côte d’Azur offers the ideal backdrop for exploring the varied landscapes between coastline and wide open spaces. The coastal paths along the Mediterranean invite you to walk close to the sea, between coves, capes, beaches and panoramic views of the horizon.

      • Sentier du littoral (coastal path) in Mandelieu-La Napoule: this seaside walk takes in the coastline around the Château de La Napoule, with its beaches, harbour and Esterel hills.
      • La Croisette in Cannes: lined with beaches, palm trees and palaces, this emblematic promenade runs alongside the sea and offers one of the best-known views of the destination.
      • Sentier du littoral (coastal path) at Cap d’Antibes: this path runs alongside the sea between cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation, with superb views over the Mediterranean.
      • Promenade des Anglais in Nice: this long seafront promenade makes the most of the Nice coastline, facing the Baie des Anges.
      • Tour du Cap-Ferrat in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: this coastal path winds through pinewoods and coves in an unspoilt natural environment.
      • Promenade Le Corbusier in Menton: this path links Menton to Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, skirting the sea and offering magnificent panoramic views of the Riviera.
    The Croisette
    The Croisette
    The Croisette stretches for 3 km, from the Palais des Festivals to Port Canto. Bordered by sand and beach restaurants on one side, and by the facades of the big hotels and...
    Cannes
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    Sentier du littoral au cap d'Antibes (Tirepoil)
    Sentier du littoral au cap d'Antibes (Tirepoil)Antibes
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    Promenade des Anglais
    Promenade des Anglais
    The iconic Promenade des Anglais is a real jewel in Nice, known across the world. The people of Nice and holidaymakers use it for a walk, exercise or a simple moment of escape,...
    Nice
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    Tour du Cap-Ferrat
    Tour du Cap-Ferrat
    The coastal path cuts a path through the limestone cliffs or along the edge of the sharp reefs from which the Cap-Ferrat lighthouse protected sailors for decades.
    Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
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    Sentier Le Corbusier (little footpath along the coastline)
    Sentier Le Corbusier (little footpath along the coastline)
    For 5 km along the seafront, take the wild trail from the tip of Cap Martin to the Monaco border, or vice versa. Sublime coastal, sea and mountain scenery. Suitable for...
    Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
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    Mandelieu_008074_HDM.jpg
    ©Mandelieu 008074 Hdm|Camille Moirenc / OTC Mandelieu
    Coastal path

    Mandelieu-La Napoule

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    Just a few kilometres away, the hills of the Côte d’Azur reveal an unspoilt natural environment, perfect for hiking and outdoor pursuits.

      • The Mercantour National Park: a wealth of Alpine valleys, forests and mountain panoramas. With its wide open spaces, discreet fauna and vibrant flora, it’s an invitation to escape to the heart of authentic nature.
      • The Préalpes d’Azur Regional Nature Park: an ideal setting for taking the time to discover a more confidential Côte d’Azur. Hiking, nature-watching and immersion in unspoilt scenery punctuate the visit.
      • Le Massif de l’Estérel: between sea and red rock, l’Estérel offers remarkable landscapes and a unique atmosphere on the Côte d’Azur. Its paths invite you to explore a land of contrasts, between pine forests, sculpted reliefs and spectacular sea views.
    sentiers de randonne mercantour
    ©Isabelle Fabre
    Mercantour National Park

    Discover the Mercantour, with its unspoilt valleys, wild nature and mountain panoramas.

    Explore
    La_Marbriere__Grasse-2020_Isabelle_FABRE_Cote_d_Azur_France_Tourisme.jpg
    ©La Marbriere Grasse 2020 Isabelle Fabre Cote D Azur France Tourisme|Isabelle Fabre / Côte d'Azur France Tourisme
    The Préalpes d'Azur Regional Nature Park

    Discover the Préalpes d’Azur, a natural landscape of gorges, plateaux and hilltop villages.

    Explore
    Camping Massif Esterel Saint Raphael
    ©Isabelle FABRE
    Esterel Massif

    Discover l’Estérel, a spectacular massif of red rock plunging into the Mediterranean.

    Explore

    3. GREEN BREAK

    Discovering the gardens of the Côte d'Azur
    news-cover-cmoirenc-130080-1920x1080-1.jpg
    ©Côte d’Azur France – Camille Moirenc
    discovering the gardens of the Côte d'Azur
    The Côte d’Azur has made them its signature. Discover the most beautiful gardens on the Côte d’Azur: gardens with a sea view, exotic gardens, gardens of...
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    In spring, the gardens of the Côte d’Azur are the perfect place to stroll and enjoy the mildness of the season. Spread between the coast and the hills, these gardens combine Mediterranean species, exotic plants and carefully designed landscapes. Some open out onto the sea, while others can be found in the heart of villages or in vast landscaped estates.

    Botanical gardens, historic gardens and gardens of note are just some of the ways to discover the richness of the destination’s plant life. These areas invite you to stroll and contemplate, while offering a different view of the landscapes of the Côte d’Azur.

    4. WALKS IN HILLTOP VILLAGES

    Between narrow streets, panoramic views and the mildness of spring

    Perched villages are one of the most emblematic landscapes on the Côte d’Azur. Clinging to the hills or the foothills of the mountains, they can be discovered through their narrow streets, little squares and viewpoints overlooking the sea or the valleys. Spring is a great time to explore these villages and take in the panoramic views.

    The villages of the Menton region offer an authentic setting just a few kilometres from the coast. Villages such as Sainte-Agnès, perched high above Menton, Castellar and Gorbio boast narrow streets, old houses and superb views over the Mediterranean. These villages invite you to discover a peaceful blend of heritage, nature and Mediterranean landscapes.

    ©Jardin Medieval De Sainte Agnes Cote D Azur France Tourisme Camille Moirenc|Camille Moirenc / Côte d'Azur France Tourisme
      ©Img 8619|Côte d'Azur France Tourisme / Emilie Coulombeau

        In the Vésubie valley, the mountain villages offer a different face of the Côte d’Azur. Saint-Martin-Vésubie, Belvédère and Roquebillière can be discovered in the heart of Alpine landscapes, between rivers, forests and peaks. In spring, these villages are ideal stopping-off points for an excursion combining nature, heritage and outdoor activities.

        The villages of the Pays des Paillons also offer a wealth of heritage and panoramic views over the surrounding valleys. Villages such as Lucéram, famous for its cots, Peillon, clinging to the mountainside, and L’Escarène will charm you with their cobbled streets, ancient churches and typically Mediterranean atmosphere. These villages offer a chance to discover an authentic region between Nice and the Côte d’Azur hills.

        Pays Des Paillons Crt Cote Dazur France Isabelle FabrePays Des Paillons Crt Cote Dazur France Isabelle Fabre
        ©Pays Des Paillons Crt Cote Dazur France Isabelle Fabre|Côte d'Azur France / Isabelle Fabre
          defaultdefault
          ©default|Côte d'Azur France Tourisme / Julien AUDIGIER
          ©Saint Paul de Vence, France, June 13, 2017: A narrow street in the old town of Saint Paul de Vence, France|Getty Images
          Eze, France - August 1, 2022: Chateau Eza hotel on slope of medieval fortress castle hill on top of historic town of Eze at French Riviera Coast of Mediterranean SeaEze, France - August 1, 2022: Chateau Eza hotel on slope of medieval fortress castle hill on top of historic town of Eze at French Riviera Coast of Mediterranean Sea
          ©Eze, France - August 1, 2022: Chateau Eza hotel on slope of medieval fortress castle hill on top of historic town of Eze at French Riviera Coast of Mediterranean Sea|Getty Images

            Èze is one of the destination’s most emblematic villages, with its perched village and medieval streets overlooking the Mediterranean.

            Gourdon, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, offers spectacular views of the Loup gorges and the coastline.

            Finally, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is renowned for its artistic heritage and its narrow streets lined with galleries, making it one of the most visited villages on the Côte d’Azur.

            5. SPRING EVENTS

            Living on the Côte d'Azur
            Spring holidays on the Côte d'Azur

            FAQ

            • Why visit the Côte d'Azur in spring?

              Spring is a great time to discover the Côte d’Azur, with mild temperatures and landscapes that change as the flowers come into bloom. It’s also a time when you can enjoy the coastline, villages and natural areas in a calmer atmosphere than in summer.

            • Which towns to visit on the Côte d'Azur in spring?

              A number of towns are ideal for a spring break, including Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Menton, Grasse and Mandelieu-la-Napoule. Don’t hesitate to discover the villages of the Côte d’Azur too. They’re well worth the diversions!

            • What events take place on the Côte d'Azur in spring?

              Spring is marked by a number of events linked to flowers and local heritage. These include Exporose in Grasse, the Orange Blossom Festival in Vallauris and the Roses and Plants Festival in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.

            • What to do on the Côte d'Azur during the spring holidays?

              The season allows you to combine different activities: visits to museums, water sports on the coast, walks in natural areas, discovering hilltop villages or outdoor activities such as zip-lining, summer tobogganing, mountain karting or paragliding.

            • Which villages to visit on the Côte d'Azur?

              The Côte d’Azur has many hilltop villages to discover in spring. In the Pays de Fayence, villages such as Fayence and Seillans dominate the hilly landscape. In the Pays Mentonnais, Sainte-Agnès and Gorbio offer views between the sea and the mountains near Menton. In the Vésubie valley, villages such as Saint-Martin-Vésubie offer access to Alpine landscapes close to the Mercantour National Park. Finally, the Pays des Paillons is home to villages such as Lucéram and L’Escarène, set between hills and valleys.

            Spring on the Côte d'Azur also means :