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Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or art enthusiast, the Alpes-Maritimes promises unforgettable experiences. Nestled between the Mediterranean and the Alps, this dazzling region offers a rich tapestry of coastal charm, cultural treasures, and scenic escapes. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to see and do.
The Alpes-Maritimes is brimming with picturesque towns and villages steeped in history, culture, and Mediterranean charm. From the stunning city of Nice, a true gem of the French Riviera, to hilltop villages with awe-inspiring views, each destination offers unique discoveries and memorable experiences.
As the capital of the French Riviera, Nice enchants visitors with its timeless elegance and rich heritage. Stroll along the iconic Promenade des Anglais, wander the colorful alleyways of Old Nice, and soak in the magical seaside atmosphere.
A stroll through Old Nice and its bustling markets
The panoramic views from Castle Hill Park
Museums dedicated to Matisse and Chagall
Local specialties like socca and pissaladière
🗺️ Travel Tip: For stunning photos, head to Castle Hill at golden hour—your camera roll will thank you.
Beyond the red carpet, Cannes offers sandy beaches, luxury shopping, and a rich cultural scene. Wander the lively Croisette, explore the Le Suquet old quarter, and take a boat trip to the nearby Lérins Islands for a nature break.
Menton is a picturesque, sun-drenched city known for its mild climate, lush gardens, and authentic Mediterranean vibe. Nicknamed the “Pearl of France,” it captivates with its lively waterfront, narrow streets lined with colorful houses, and bustling markets. Don’t miss the exotic gardens like the Serre de la Madone and the Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden, or the famous Lemon Festival with its dazzling citrus sculptures.
With its storied past and seaside charm, Antibes is home to the majestic Fort Carré, a lively Provençal market, and the Picasso Museum, located in a medieval château.
Perched atop a hill, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a peaceful sanctuary for art and history lovers. Wander its cobbled streets, explore its renowned art galleries, and be enchanted by the village’s timeless medieval charm.
Located at nearly 400 meters above sea level, Èze offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean. Stroll through its narrow alleys, explore its exotic garden bursting with rare plants, and let the village’s authentic character sweep you away.
At nearly 760 meters in altitude, Gourdon stands as the highest perched village in the area. Offering breathtaking views of both the surrounding mountains and the sea, this medieval gem is not to be missed.
🌄 Local Gem: Want more perched village vibes? Explore Tourettes-sur-Loup, Coaraze, and Peillon for a true taste of mountain life.
The Alpes-Maritimes is rich in museums, heritage sites, and traditions. Here's where to dive into its unique culture:
🎨 Matisse Museum (Nice) – A deep dive into the colorful world of the artist who called Nice home.
🖼️ Picasso Museum (Antibes) – Explore Picasso’s Riviera years in a stunning seafront setting.
🏺 Musée des Merveilles (Tende) – Explore Alpine prehistory and Bronze Age engravings.
🌸 International Perfume Museum (Grasse) – Follow the scented trail of perfume-making from ancient times to today.
Dive into the colorful world of Henri Matisse, born in Nice. This museum houses an impressive collection of his works.
Housed in a former fortified castle, this museum showcases a broad collection of Picasso's paintings, sculptures, and ceramics.
The Musée des Merveilles is a guardian of Alpine heritage, featuring archaeological and ethnological artifacts that trace the history of this mountainous region.
Explore 4,000 years of perfume history, from ancient civilizations to modern luxury. Learn about famous perfume houses and the art of perfumery.
Whether you're into cinema, traditional festivals, or world-class music, this region offers a vibrant calendar of events. Here are some unmissable highlights:
🎬 Cannes Film Festival (May) – Glitz, glam, and global cinema in the world’s most famous film festival.
🎭 Nice Carnival (February) – Floats, costumes, and confetti in one of Europe’s top carnivals.
🍋 Menton Lemon Festival (February) – Citrus sculptures, parades, and zest-filled fun.
🌺 Fête des Mai (May) – Spring celebrations in villages like Grasse and Vence.
🎷 Jazz à Juan (July) – A legendary seaside jazz festival in Juan-les-Pins.
⚔️ Biot Medieval Festival (Summer) – Knights, markets, and reenactments that bring the Middle Ages to life.
Each May, Cannes becomes the global capital of cinema. Experience film premieres, red carpet moments, and soak in the glamorous atmosphere.
One of the biggest carnivals in the world, featuring vibrant parades, flower battles, and elaborately decorated floats. A truly dazzling event held every winter.
Held each February, this unique festival transforms the city into a citrus wonderland, with giant sculptures made of lemons and oranges parading through the streets.
An age-old tradition celebrated in villages like Grasse, Vence, and Saint-Paul-de-Vence, featuring flowered floats, folk dancing, and traditional performances.
Every summer, this festival delights music lovers with open-air concerts, jam sessions, and a festive seaside vibe.
Step back into the Middle Ages as the town of Biot transforms into a 13th-century medieval city for a weekend, complete with re-enactments, markets, and dazzling shows.
From snow-capped peaks to lush valleys, Mercantour is a hiker’s paradise. Explore the Vallée des Merveilles and its 40,000 Bronze Age carvings.
Discover scenic trails along the coast—from Menton to Théoule-sur-Mer, every bend reveals hidden coves, cliffs, and spectacular views.
A short boat ride from Cannes, these peaceful islands are perfect for swimming, picnicking, or visiting the Fort Royal, where the Man in the Iron Mask was imprisoned.
Sainte-Agnès Castle Ruins – The highest coastal village in Europe
Boulevard de Garavan (Menton) – Unbeatable Mediterranean vistas
Col de la Madone – A favorite route for cyclists and photographers alike
Traveling with kids? The Alpes-Maritimes has plenty of fun for little (and not-so-little) explorers.
🐢 Parc Phoenix (Nice) – A lush botanical and animal park with themed greenhouses.
🚂 Train des Merveilles – A spectacular ride through the mountains, from Nice to Tende.
🎡 Village des Fous – A wacky adventure park filled with games, mazes, and challenges.
🐴 Parc du Ranch (Le Cannet) – Inflatable fun, pedal go-karts, and more for active families.
🐺 Parc Alpha (Saint-Martin-Vésubie) – Meet wolves in their natural habitat and learn about wildlife conservation.
🌌 Baume Obscure Cave – An underground adventure with incredible rock formations and light shows.
A botanical and zoological garden offering 7 hectares of sensory experiences—fun for all ages.
Parc Phoenix
Nice
This scenic train ride from Nice to Tende takes you through stunning mountain landscapes, crossing viaducts and tunnels on a route ranked among the most beautiful in the world.
With over 49 thrilling games across six themed zones, this adventure park promises laughter and fun for kids and grown-ups alike.
A play paradise with inflatable structures, pedal karts, trampolines, a mini train, and giant outdoor games.
Located in the heart of a national park, Parc Alpha offers a magical encounter with wolves in their natural mountain habitat.
This fascinating cave reveals a stunning underground world of stalactites, stalagmites, and other geological wonders shaped over millions of years.
Spring & Fall for hiking, events, and fewer crowds
Summer for beach days and festivals
Winter for skiing in the southern Alps and charming mountain villages
Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore hilltop villages and mountain roads. Public transport is reliable along the coast and connects most major towns.
