The Locals Guide To French Riviera

Our guide to Antibes by our French Riviera local expert - Originally the Ancient Greek trading post of Antipolis, Antibes was fortified over the centuries; notably with the 17th century witnessing Vauban build the main Port and Fort Carre, where Napoleon was briefly imprisoned. There, one can enjoy the many pleasant lanes splashed with colourful flowers of the old town and the beautiful market place in Cours Massena. Greater Antibes embraces the modern beach resort of Juan-les-Pins as well as Cap D’Antibes, the exclusive green cape on which Antibes and Juan-les-Pins sit, known for its 2km long pine tree backed sandy beach. Juan -les-Pins is also famous for its outrageous night life where party madness peaks in July when the world renowned Jazz a Juan, week long festival swings into town.

Our guide to Antibes Beach by our French Riviera local expert - Antibes and Juan les Pins together, claim 25 km of coastline and 48 beaches (including the famous Cap d'Antibes). In Antibes you can choose between small sandy beaches like La Gravette or the vast stretch of sand above the Fort Carré.

Our guide to Cannes by our French Riviera local expert - British Lord Chancellor, Lord Brougham put Cannes firmly on the map when he decided to stop on route to Nice. So taken with the then small fishing village, he built a Villa and the rest as they say is history. Cannes is the town of festivals, the choice resort for the rich and famous. Busy all year round, this Ultra-Hip resort really goes party mad for 10 days each year when the world famous film festival takes place in mid-May.

Our guide to Cannes Beach Info by our French Riviera local expert - Many of the sandy beaches along La Croisette are owned by hotels or Beach Clubs, where you can rent out chaises longues, mats, and umbrellas to keep that Riviera sunshine at bay. Lovely sandy public beaches are also available to everyone in between the color-coordinated private beach umbrellas and have shower and toilet facilities available.

Our guide to Frejus Beach by our French Riviera local expert - Fréjus plage is a lesser known beach on the French Riviera but is undoubtedly a lovely beach. It is made up public and private sections of fine white sand stretching over 7km between Fréjus and Saint-Aygulf. Free parking is available at Base Nature François Léotard, on the Boulevard de la Mer near the Port. The public areas of the beach do get busy so it is advisable to get there early.

Our guide to French Riviera Regional Info by our French Riviera local expert - In a comparatively short space of time, The Riviera has changed its face. A generation or two ago it was a spot reserved for the rich and artistic. Now, The Riviera more than any other region, is where everyone and anyone can choose to come and soak up the 300 sunshine days per year and experience the glamour and ultra sleek resorts of Saint Tropez, Cannes and Monaco through to the outstanding natural beauty of the surrounding countryside.

Our guide to Juan-les-Pins Beach by our French Riviera local expert - Juan-les-Pins is the party resort. The little sister to the bigger and calmer town of Antibes. The scene along Juan's waterfront is something amazing, with thousands of sun worshipers strolling up and down the promenade or taking in the ideal tanning conditions on its endless stretch of white sand that ranks as one of the Riviera’s best. If you can find a spot on that glorious sand why not rent a beach chair from one of the nearby hotels!

Our guide to Monaco by our French Riviera local expert - If you come to the Principality of Monaco by car, you will have the pleasure of travelling on the Moyenne Corniche, one of the world's most beautiful coastal roads. On entering the country (it's the worlds smallest after Vatican City) you will discover amid the modern skyscrapers, the amazing history of the world's oldest ruling monarchy, the glamour of the Grand Prix, the glitz of the Casino and the scene of the wealthiest playground on the planet!

Our guide to Nice by our French Riviera local expert - Nice is the 5th largest town in France and considered the capital of the Riviera. Trendy but relaxed at the same time, its fun all the way, especially in the summer months.

Our guide to Nice Beach by our French Riviera local expert - Nice's beaches run along all 5km of the Baie des Anges. They are all pebble beaches, perfect for those who can't stand the sand getting everywhere. As with everywhere along the Riviera, the first thing you notice in Nice is the unbelievable calm of that impossibly blue sea. Public stretches alternate with the private beaches offering restaurants, bars, beach service, mattresses and parasols. All available to rent and enjoy for the day. Some even have hot tubs, hammocks, DJ's and their own private lifeguards.

Our guide to Saint Raphael Beach by our French Riviera local expert - The beaches, coves and creeks around Saint-Raphael span 36km of indented coastline with every different type of beach you can imagine including sand, shingle and pebble. The coastline here has supervised areas and guidelines for swimming and water-sports must be adhered to. There is also a fabulous 8km coastal path from Port Santa Lucia to Baumette Point for those who prefer to see the beaches with their walking boots on rather than basking in the sunshine on the sand. Some of the smaller coves are frequented by naturists throughout the summer.

Our guide to St Tropez by our French Riviera local expert - St Tropez’s fame was born in 1956 when a film called Et Dieu Crea la Femme (And God created woman) staring Brigitte Bardot was filmed here. Its massive success transformed St Tropez from a Riviera outpost isolated on its own little peninsula into the ultra slick jet set resort of today, a firm favorite of the modern celebrities.

Our guide to St Tropez Beach by our French Riviera local expert - The most famous beaches on the French Riviera are scattered along Pampelonne Beach, a 5-km stretch reached by the Route des Plages (Beach Road). The most famous are Les Voiles Rouges and Club 55 where you will be able to purchase a spot for the day in these exclusive clubs. During the peak summer months it is advisable to arrive early or book in advance or you might be disappointed. There are however, ample public areas along this popular beach and parking will cost around €4,20 for the day. Pampelonne beach has several exits from the Route des Plages, the more exclusive clubs populate the end closest to St Tropez, the further along you go the quieter it becomes, although in August it gets incredibly busy.

Our guide to Ste-Maxime Beach by our French Riviera local expert - Ste-Maxime is an adorable family resort with fine sandy beaches and calm water. The main and most popular beach is to the north of the main town, the wide and sandy La Nartelle but the beautiful beach stretches along the road to Grimaud and free parking is available in various car parks here.