Exceptional Towns and villages

Behind the luxury hotels edging the Croisette boulevard, known from the film festival, the old centre of Cannes spreads in terraces against the hill of Suquet. Here you’ll find a pleasant and surprising interlacing of houses. The sloping and shaded streets set in contrast to the lovely, sunny beaches. The Lérins islands, far away from the vibrant Côte d’Azur, are definitely worth a visit.

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From the top of the hill, culminating 655 metres, Tourour dominates the Prealps on the one side and the plains of the Var on the other side. This medieval village was built around a stunning Norman church from the 11th century. During a visit to the village, you’ll discover a 16th century castle, the Grimaud tower built in the 12th century, an old olive oil mill and the remainders of a Cistercian abbey.

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This village, set on a hill dominating the bay of Saint-Tropez, is listed as one of the most beautiful villages of France. It has all the assets of a Provençal village with winding streets leading to the church and the squares with lotuses that shade strollers who enjoy a refreshing drink on the terrace of one the restaurants. From the viewpoint you’ll have a 240° panorama on the forest, the Massif des Maures and the Mediterranean Sea.

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Coticnac is set against a tuffstone rock with caves. This exceptional Provençal village houses troglodytic dwellings and a square with plane trees for a stroll in the shade or a refreshing drink out on one of the terraces. From the rock that dominates Cotignac you’ll have a stunning view on the village and the surrounding hills that are covered with olive trees and Mediterranean vegetation.

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The history of Fréjus goes back to antiquity. The town’s reputation was brought by the Romans, who have left wealthy heritage. You can admire a great number of monuments like one of the biggest amphitheatres of Gaul, the golden gate, the lantern of August and an aqueduct. You’ll see them during a stroll through this pleasant town, which has managed to stay alive, thanks to the various outdoor activities like the Base Nature, a 120 ha leisure park by the sea. You’ll also find 200 km of coastal paths for mountainbike trips. On the Base Nature a yearly and world famous mountainbike event is held; the Roc d'Azur.

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The charming Provençal village of Le Thoronet is set on the banks of the Argens river, at the heart of scrubland, green oaks and olive trees. The main tourist site of the village is the Cistercian abbey, a jewel of Norman architecture. This is one of the most remarkable constructions of the Cistercian order. The game of light and shades brings a creative value to this raw structure.

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Between the Mediterranean Sea and the Provence, Grasse is set in terraces against the Prealps. The exceptional location of the town offers stunning views on the coast of Cannes. At the heart of this hilly landscape that gently slopes to the sea, this town of Art and History is known for its flower fields and perfume makers who develop scents that are used to create the world’s best known perfumes. You can visit the perfumery of Fragonard and discover all the secrets about making these lovely fragrances.

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Saint-Tropez has two faces. The town is known for the Jet Set and the vibrating nightlife. In the marina, you’ll find the yachts of stars from all over the world. But, besides the tourist sites, Saint-Tropez is a pleasant fisherman’s town with pastel coloured houses, that attracted a lot of artists for the incidence of light and the colours. During a visit to the Musée de l'Annonciade, you can discover the work of Matisse, Derain, Signac and Picasso, who were all inspired by the region.

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