Sunset Views Over Esterel MountainsN°001
France, France
Private pool
From $3,419 per night
Photo by SlimMars 13The Cote d'Azur, from Cannes and Nice to Cap Ferrat and Monaco
The French Riviera is the Mediterranean's most glamorous coastline, stringing together Cannes, Nice, Antibes, Cap Ferrat and Monaco against a backdrop of azure sea and coastal hills. A private villa here means Belle Epoque elegance and modern comfort with sea-view pools, close to festivals, marinas and the perched villages of the hinterland.
- Cannes, Nice, Antibes and the exclusive peninsula of Cap Ferrat
- Sea-view villas with private pools along the coast and in the hills
- A calendar of world-famous festivals and yachting events
- Perched hinterland villages like Eze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence
- Concierge for events, boat charters and private chefs
Known forGlamorous coastal towns, sea-view villas, festivals, yachting and Belle Epoque style
Best time to visitMay to September for beach and events; spring and autumn for mild days
Nearest airportNice Cote d'Azur (NCE), central to the coast
Ideal forCouples, families and groups wanting coastal glamour and culture
Contemporary Villa Retreat in MontaurouxN°002
France, France
Private pool
From $2,035 per night
LUXURY CONTEMPORARY STYLE VILLA IN CANNESN°003
French Riviera, France
Private poolSea view
From $1,144 per night
3homes available
1–8bedrooms
up to 16guests
3with a pool
French Riviera in pictures
Events not to miss in French Riviera
- February
Nice Carnival and Menton Lemon Festival
Two of the coast's most colourful winter events run together: Nice's grand carnival parades and flower battles, and Menton's extraordinary sculptures made from citrus fruit.
- May
Cannes Film Festival
The world's most famous film festival transforms Cannes for a glamorous fortnight of premieres, red carpets and yacht parties along the Croisette.
- Late May
Monaco Grand Prix
Formula One races through the streets of Monte-Carlo in the sport's most iconic event, with the harbour packed with superyachts.
- July
Nice Jazz Festival
One of Europe's original jazz festivals fills Nice with open-air concerts across warm summer evenings throughout the city.
French Riviera through the seasons
- Spring (April – May)
Gardens, festivals and the season's opening
The coast's great gardens bloom from Menton to Cap Ferrat while Cannes and Monaco stage their marquee events. The Riviera at its most photogenic and social.
- Summer (June – August)
Beach clubs and long violet evenings
High summer brings the full Riviera ritual: morning markets, beach club afternoons and dinners above the sea. A hillside villa with a pool is the classic way to live it.
- Autumn (September – October)
Warm seas and golden light
The water stays warm, the light softens and coastal paths from Antibes to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat are a pleasure again. Insiders' favourite months on the coast.
- Winter (November – March)
Mimosa, carnivals and quiet glamour
Mimosa gilds the hills from January, Nice and Menton stage their festivals, and museums and markets are wonderfully unhurried. The Riviera's original season, rediscovered.
The Area and Where to Stay
The Riviera runs from Cannes and the Esterel east through Antibes and Nice to the Cap-Ferrat and Cap-Martin peninsulas and Monaco. Cannes and Cap d'Antibes offer glamorous beachfront and grand villas; Cap Ferrat and Villefranche are exclusive and green; and Nice blends city life with a beautiful bay. Behind the coast, hill villages give views and calm. Our collection favours sea-view, private-pool villas along the coast and in the hills, supported by a local concierge.
Things to Do
Swim and sunbathe at beach clubs from Cannes to Cap Ferrat, cruise the coast by boat, and explore old towns, marinas and museums, including the art of Matisse, Picasso and the Maeght foundation. Drive the corniches for cliff-top views over Monaco, wander perched villages like Eze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence, and time a visit to one of the coast's famous events. Your concierge can arrange festival access, charters, golf and reservations.
Food and Local Flavour
Riviera cuisine blends Provencal and Italian influences, from socca and salade nicoise to just-caught fish, olive oil and rose from nearby vineyards. The coast holds Michelin-starred rooms, beach-club restaurants and market towns brimming with produce. A private chef is a relaxed way to enjoy the region's flavours by your pool, and the concierge can secure tables at the coast's most in-demand restaurants.
When to Visit
May to September is peak season, with warm seas, beach clubs and a packed events calendar, and July and August the busiest. Spring and autumn bring mild, sunny days ideal for sightseeing, gardens and the hinterland, with fewer crowds. Winter is quiet and gentle, with some venues closed. A sea-view villa with a private pool gives you a serene base in any season.
Getting There
Nice Cote d'Azur Airport (NCE) is the gateway, central to the coast with excellent connections across Europe and beyond, and quick transfers along the shore. Some guests arrive by helicopter, train or yacht. A hire car or driver helps for exploring the corniches and hill villages, and the concierge can arrange transfers, helicopter shuttles and charters.