Things to Do in French Riviera

The Monastery of Cimiez includes a church, a cemetery and a convent where some Franciscan friars still live. The church has significant paintings by 15th century local artists the Brea brothers. The convent houses the Musee Franciscain which is decorated with 17th century frescoes, many documents and a recreated cell showing how the austere religious life is lived. The chapel dates from the 17th century and the lovely gardens have sweeping views across Nice.

The painter Henri Matisse is buried in the cemetery of the Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez. His grave is signposted 'sepulture Henri Matisse' from the cemetery's main entrance (next to the monastery church on av Bellanda). Raoul Dufy (1877 - 1953) is also buried here.

Set on the serene Cap Ferrat cape jutting out over the Mediterranean, the picturesque Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild holds one of the most sought after settings on the French Riviera. The pink-painted villa, once belonging to wealthy Frenchwoman Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, was designed by Belgian architect Aaron Messiah and built in the early 20th century. Today, the striking seafront palazzo is maintained by the Institut de France and is open to the public, and also hosts the annual summer opera festival: Opera Azuriales.

The villa’s grounds are the real attraction with a collection of nine exquisitely landscaped gardens. These gardens, listed by the Ministry of Culture as some of the ‘notable gardens of France,’ feature Spanish and Japanese themed gardens, a colorful rose garden, and a ‘stone garden’ decorated with ornate ‘musical fountains,’ with water features synchronized to music.

With its dramatic limestone cliffs and azure waters, the Verdon Gorge (Gorges du Verdon) is the French Riviera's answer to the Grand Canyon. If you choose to escape the manicured glamour of St. Tropez and Cannes in favor of the Verdon Canyon, whose exceptional natural beauty provides opportunities to swim, sail, sunbathe, and rock climb on routes that stretch as far as the eye can see, you'll be startled by the beauty of one of France's most delightful secrets.

The Basics
Whether you're after adventure or relaxation, the Alpes de Haute Provence region has it all. The stretch of the Verdon River that flows between Castellane and Chasteuil boasts Class I-IV rapids, making it an ideal place for thrill seekers looking for rafting. Hiking trails abound, with the 9-mile (14-km) Sentier Martel trail ranking as one of the country's top treks, while the emerald waters of the Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon lake, nestled deep within the limestone canyon, prove the perfect place to swim or sunbathe. For rock climbers, the gorge provides ample adventures with its 15-mile (25-km) network of climbing routes.

Experience the best of Provence (Verdon Gorge included) on a day trip tour from Cannes, Aix-en-Provence, or Nice that also visits the picturesque pilgrimage site of Castellane and the medieval village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, famed for its pottery industry.

• The majority of tours departing from Cannes, Aix-en-Provence, and Nice provide hotel pickup and drop-off.
• Choose between a group tour or a private tour, both available with half- and full-day options.
• Outdoor activities range from rock climbing to kayaking.
• Be sure to bring sunscreen, hiking boots, and appropriate attire for outdoor Verdon Gorge adventures.

How to Get to Verdon Gorge
A couple of hours' drive west from St Tropez, the right bank of the Verdon Gorge is easy to reach from the north (on route D952 from Castellane to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie) by car. From the south, it's better to take to its left bank (on routes D71, D90 and D955 from Aiguines to Castellane). The Verdon Gorge is more difficult to access via public transport.

When to Get There
Undoubtedly, the summer months are the perfect time to visit the Verdon Gorge. Reliable sunshine makes all outdoor activities possible, while warm temperatures also allow visitors to camp at the region's many campsites. During summer, tours always pay a visit to the scenic Valensole Plateau and Grasse to see vivid lavender fields burst into bloom.