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ENJOY OUR BEST OUTINGS ON THE COTE D’AZUR IN THE MILD AUTUMN CLIMATE

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  4. ENJOY OUR BEST OUTINGS ON THE COTE D’AZUR IN THE MILD AUTUMN CLIMATE

From Monaco to the Esterel mountains, there is no shortage of things to do with families or friends when autumn comes around. As autumn’s orangey colours blend with the blue shades of the Mediterranean, this is a great time to find different ways to explore the region from east to west in an atmosphere of total calm.

AUTUMN OUTINGS IN MONACO

The Polar Mission exhibition at the Oceanographic Museum will take you on a wonderful journey from discovering the North and South poles, to the wildlife and the people who live there or who explore these regions. Objects, documents, digital content and immersive installations juggle for your attention in this 360-degree experience.  Both young and old will enjoy playing at being reporters!

Thrills and excitement are also waiting for you at the Monte Carlo E-Rally. There will be plenty of perilous corners and aggressive straights to enjoy.  But it is more than that.  The event is a real competition reserved for vehicles entirely powered by electricity or hydrogen, enabling drivers to be more sustainable in these pioneering racing cars.

If you love beautiful cars, the car collection of HSH the Prince of Monaco is a must-see.  The collection includes elegant cars, Italian cars, rally and Formula 1 cars, all in their new setting at the Port Hercule.  If you take a guided tour, you will leave with a host of anecdotes about the Prince’s collection.

Should you wish to extend your Autumn visit in Monaco, nothing is better than a visit to the new Larvotto swimming centre. People go there to stroll along the shaded promenade at the sea’s edge, lunch in the sun or enjoy a cocktail on a terrace.

Don’t forget to try the delicious local specialities from Monaco, such as barbajans, estocaficada or pissaladière.

AUTUMN OUTINGS IN MENTON

On the outskirts of the old town in Menton, the covered market in the Halles Municipales is full of Mediterranean flavours. Farmers, market farmers, cheesemongers, charcuterie sellers and fishmongers fill the stalls with their fresh food.

Don’t forget to taste a good pichade, a Menton speciality with tomatoes and onions!

If you love markets, make sure you visit the best markets on the Cote D’Azur.

Around Monaco and Menton, the Eiffel market in Beausoleil is well worth the visit. It is overflowing with tasty little treasures!

Right in the centre of Menton, you absolutely have to taste the fresh pasta at Pasta Piemonte, a deli which blends Italian tradition with know-how. Ravioli with Menton lemons or hazlenuts from Piemonte are the house specialities!

While you are there, take time out to discover the heritage of Menton and its hinterland with My Explore Bag, a new adventure game for all the family.  Armed with your rucksack, wander through the villages of the regions of Menton, Riviera & Merveilles looking for clues to track down the Holy Grail.

The mobile app, your digital compass, will lead you to unearth the secrets of the monuments you encounter along your search. Under the mild autumn skies, it is a fun outdoor game that both young and old will love!

At the foot of the Vallée des Merveilles, take time out to visit the village of Casterino.  This peaceful haven is surrounded by magnificent peaks, a wonderful place to recharge your batteries. It is small pristine paradise at the foot of the Mercantour National Park. Not far from there, you can also visit the largest site of petroglyphs in Europe. In this authentic natural setting, a true open-air museum awaits you as the Indian summer draws to a close.

On the edge of Menton, explore the Le Corbusier walk which starts at Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. The walk provides views over Carnoles’ beaches and their crystal clear waters, as well as over the Principality of Monaco and the Italian coastline. On this little walk, you will discover a wild coastline with memorable viewpoints.

AUTUMN OUTINGS IN NICE

Take to the heights in Old Nice and visit the Tour Saint François! After you have climbed the spiral staircase, awaiting you at the top is one of the most beautiful views of Nice.

During this season, you will be able to see the sun’s soft rays reflecting over the city’s ochre and red roofs.

Continue you walk to the hills of Bellet. Between sea and mountain, the Nice vineyard has a special climate enabling it to produce wines full of character. The Domaine de la Source, a vineyard full of authentic charm, is determined to produce exceptional quality AOP wines.

Come and discover the traditional know-how of the winery by taking a guided tour through the vines and then enjoy a wine tasting, all in a family setting.

A little further away, the old stone façades, fountains, wash houses and ancient oil mills exemplify the charm of these old villages around Nice.

Over just three days, from Haut de Cagnes, which inspired Renoir, to Tourette Levens and its incredible butterfly museum, and Falicon which has been able to conserve all the charm of the ancient hilltop villages, you can explore these traditional places overflowing with cultural and culinary treasures.

There is no shortage of outings to explore Nice and the Cote d’Azur with your family. Indeed, the Azurean City is teeming with activities suited to the little poppets!

Allow yourself to be tempted by the Parc Phoenix, where animals live in a pristine setting of lush vegetation. Come and experience the thrills of the Côte d’Azur hippodrome where budding jockeys will love taking a ride on a sulky bike!

Take to the heights again to admire the stars above the Côte d’Azur. Vence, St Jeannet and la Gaude have wonderful view points for contemplating the heavens.

The Col de Vence and the Col d’Eze will take you to the heart of the constellations, while the Mercantour is the perfect place to enjoy the spectacular show in nature.

In Nice, at the Côte d’Azur Observatory, you can learn more about the history and secrets of astronomy.

AUTUMN OUTINGS IN GRASSE

If you are looking for a wonderful change of scenery on the Côte d’Azur, that can be found at the Réserve des Monts d’Azur.  In the heart of the Haut-Thorenc forest, the safari on foot or in a horse and cart offers unforgettable experience amidst bison, wild horses, deer, elk and wild boar.

Autumn is the best time to visit the Réserve des Monts d’Azur, as its the rutting season for deer! Listening to and watching the bellowing stags is a magical experience that you can enjoy until mid-October.

In the mountains above Grasse, why not explore the Via Souterra?  In the parc de la Moulière, in Caille, a true journey to the centre of the Earth is awaiting you, a mix of sport and caving. Both young and old will enjoy the adventure!

Other caves to visit include Saint-Cézaire and Baume Obscure. You will be astounded by the forest of stalactites on the roof where bats roost and the underground rivers which wind through the highly usually coloured limestone.

Enjoy a pleasant walk with Frédéric Devésa. This experienced guide knows all the secrets of Grasse and the surrounding area. He will show you the natural side of the Côte d’Azur.

If you are looking for an original way to explore Grasse, jump on board the famous Citroën Traction Avant! Step back into1930s for a novel outing.

Not far from the, after a walk through the gardens of the International Perfume Museum in Mouans-Sartoux, you can follow in the footsteps of the perfumers, at a perfume creation workshop.

The star of the day: geranium! In Grasse, this plant is grown for its leaves to extract an essential oil similar to rose scent.

Finally, at the Domaine du Mas de l’Olivine enjoy learning about growing perfume plants. Over the course of a day, dive headlong into this perfume world and as part of the package, make sweets from the farm’s flowers.

AUTUMN OUTING IN ANTIBES

In the gentle autumn climate, nothing is better than strolling down the winding streets of Antibes and stopping to have a drink at an open-air café.

Old Antibes is incredibly charming, where every street corner exudes a different atmosphere.  Armed with your map, you can wander off to explore the craftsmen and women and the shopkeepers who keep the Antibes old town alive. If you take a guided tour, you will be led along the charming alleyways of old Antibes to taste the local delicacies.  You will find yourself faced with a heart-wrenching decision of choosing between tapenade and anchoïade at Antibes’ Provençal market.  Admire the magnificent historic monuments and the know-how of the local food producers. A feast for the eyes and the tastebuds!

The walled town is overflowing with museums: the archaeology museum, Peynet museum, comic museum and Fort Carré. If you are a museum buff, you really have to visit the Picasso Museum before you leave.  It is full of the works of the maestro, including Les Clés d’Antibes, which decorates a section of the museum’s wall.

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At the Antibes biscuit factory, dive into the process for making these sugary delights with regional flavours such as lemons, figs or orange blossom. Eat as much as you like!

Antibes is also a true open-air museum.  Come and discover the street art which appears on the town’s walls and façades.  A great way to see another side of the old town and get a feel for the original and colourful works!

Finally, at Cap d’Antibes, take the coastal path to explore the fauna and flora.  The path takes you deep into nature, past cliffs and coves on the edge of the peninsular, in a beautiful setting.

AUTUMN OUTINGS IN CANNES

Excellent local food awaits you in the colourful covered market hall of the Marché Forville, which lies at the foot of Le Suquet, in Cannes. Figs, pears, grapes, chestnuts, girolle mushrooms and other autumn delights will set your senses and taste buds dancing.  Take the time to wander around the old town of Le Suquet and explore its winding alleyways full of charm and authenticity. This hill is the oldest part of Cannes and where it was first established centuries ago. You will be charmed by the special atmosphere which reigns there.  From its hill, you can see right across the bay of Cannes to the Lérins islands.

If you wish, you can also take a boat trip to the island of St Honorat. In the heart of a pristine natural setting, you can stroll through the stone pines and the eucalyptus trees and lose all concept of time.  Their two scents will carry you to the heart of a wild, refreshing Mediterranean paradise.

When visiting Lérins Abbey make sure you taste the excellent wine and delicious liqueurs. They are produced by Cistercian monks and have been awarded a Protected Mediterranean Geographical Indication, a mark of excellence. In this vineyard, that has been cultivated for centuries, the pleasure of the senses takes on its full meaning. During your visit to the island, make a point of tasting the friendly, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine at La Tonnelle restaurant. In this special setting, at the water’s edge, time seems to stand still.  Here, you can enjoy dishes cooked with fresh produce as you are gently rocked by the little boats coming and going throughout the day.

The monastery tower, the Chapel of St Sauveur, the chapel of the Trinity and the two cannonball furnaces from the Napoleonic era are also some of the historic monuments to visit on St Honorat island.

If you need to take a little break, spread your towel on the beautiful beaches in Cannes.

From La Croisette to La Bocca, and of course, the beaches on Lérins island, you are spoilt for choice when looking for that perfect beach, where you can eat your lunch at the water’s edge, under the gentle autumn sun.

End your day in a spectacular way on one of the rooftop bars in Cannes.  Here, you can sip a cocktail as the sun sets over magnificent golden panoramic views which blends with the blue ocean.

AUTUMN OUTINGS IN MANDELIEU

On the banks of the Var river, the Esterel’s fire-coloured rocks rise above the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.  There is no shortage of walks in this spectacular setting. Be ready to be amazed by the walk in the Grand Duc.  This forest is known for the mimosa which covers the Tanneron hills in gold during winter and the Mimosa festival in Mandelieu-La-Napoule.

If you want to stay fit when you explore Mandelieu-La-Napoule, there is nothing better than an e-bike ride.  You can climb steep hills and explore the little country paths while enjoying the magnificent steep peaks so characteristics of Esterel.

If you wish to enjoy the typical Riviera landscape, take a boat trip on an electric catamaran! This excursion is a way to see the Côte d’Azur in a different light.

Another watery outing, this time on electric boats, can be enjoyed on the river Siagne.  Baudelaire, Aragon, Rimbaud… each boat bears a poet’s name. Soak up the serenity amid swans, ducks and greenery.

There is also a pedestrian path, which is perfect for families.  It takes you along the banks of Siagne to the beaches. When you arrive, you can taste the local food full of Mediterranean flavours with your feet in the sand.

In fact, the restaurants on the beach at Mandelieu La Napoule are open almost all year! And while we are on the topic of good food, let’s talk about the Salon Saveurs & Terroirs! In late November, more then 80 local food producers, artisans and French and Italian firms congregate at the Centre Expo Congrès de Mandelieu to celebrate gastronomy with exceptional food products. Taste, savour and meet these ambassadors of French way of living who will invite you to taste the best sweet and savoury food in their region.

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