The 15 most beautiful villages around Nice

Want to discover the Nicaraguan coast and its beautiful coastline in a picturesque setting? Visit our selection of the most beautiful villages around Nice!

Known worldwide as the economic and cultural capital of the Côte d’Azur Nice is a home of traditions and heritage. Between the Promenade des Anglais, the carnival of the tanks and the Nissarde cuisine, it is not surprising that the city attracts 4.5 million travelers every year. But the beauty of the French Riviera is not limited to its capital. In the vicinity of Nice, many villages scatter the reliefs of the Alps-Maritimes. If you are in search of discovery and are looking for a rare Mediterranean pepite, here is a catalogue of the most beautiful villages around Nice, to make you visit the unknown corners of the River of Genoa.

1. Cagnes-sur-Mer

At 30 min in Nice's TER, Cagnes-sur-Mer is a warm seaside resort halfway through the communes of Saint-Laurent-du-Var and Villeneuve-Loubet. With 3.5 km of pebble beaches that overlook the Mediterranean, the water temperature of its “ Baie des Anges” is so temperate that it is possible to swim all year round!

A former fishing village, the town is also set up from its own " Promenade de la Plage" and is the ideal theatre for many events and celebrations such as the " Fête de la Saint-Pierre et de la Mer" or the "Sundays Malins" in Spring.

2. Menton

At the borders of Italy and Italy the Principality of Monaco , this beautiful village around Nice enjoys a subtropical microclimate perfect for holidays in the sun in summer as well as in winter.

With the setting offered by its multi-colored buildings, its ochre alleys heated by the sun, its fine sandy beaches and the serenity of its local life, Menton is a haven of the French Riviera not to be missed.

3. Beuil

But the Alpes-Maritimes are also a paradise for lovers of alpine sports.

At the outskirts of the Cians Gorges, the village of Beuil, at the edge of a fortress, is a landmark not to be missed for the ski and hiking melts. Situated in the 2817 m of Mont Mounier, the town also attracts rich and diverse wildlife and flora. Its summer lavender recalls the sweet warmth of the Mediterranean coast.

4. Pee

For the Fears of History, Peille is one of the most beautiful villages around Nice. This small town is an authentic medieval city built on the steep cliffs of Mont Baudon. It offers a panoramic view of Nice Bay to Esterel.

Saved by the rusting of time, this village allows to go back to the Middle Ages with its preserved monuments like the church of Sainte-Marie, classified as a historic monument; Saint Sebastian chapel or Mont Agel square.

5. Mouans-Sartoux

This beautiful village around Nice is the perfect place for a quiet and relaxed holiday. Originally two separate communes, the villages of Mouans and Sartoux were gathered on 28 March 1858 by Napoleon III.

Mouans-Sartoux puts a point of honour to preserve its rural identity with its ethnographic museum “Reflets d’un monde rural”, located in the heart of the stables of its 16th century castle.

6. Sospel

In the heart of the green Bévéra valley, Sospel is surrounded by a mountainous relief. Located 20km from Menton, this town is a crossroads of the great hiking trails of the Maritime Alps.

Indeed, the village of Sospel has its cultural diversity, its quiet charm and its many sports activities. The most curious of you will be able to visit his Old Bridge, the forts of Barbonnet, Agaisen and Saint Roch and his paintings deceive the eye.

7. Eleven

Located after Nice, this beautiful village extends on the coast of Cap Roux at the point of Cabuel. The pleasant climate that reigns in the region most of the year is a lush vegetation of banana trees, dattiers, carobiers, orange trees and lemon trees.

But further away from the sea, you will find Èze Village with its many small craft shops, the gardens of the Château de la Chèvre d’Or and the church Notre-Dame de l’Assomption d’Èze.

8. Peillon

From the top of its rocky spur, Peillon is a medieval city perched at 376 m altitude.

This commune retains a singular soul, with its narrow alleys filled with stairways and arched bridges. Indeed, the baroque style is omnipresent in the village. But travellers can also visit the old oil and flour mills preserved.

9. Saint-Paul de Vence

Protégé par des ramparts édifiés sur l’ordre de François I, le village de Saint-Paul de Vence has marked the spirits of many artists such as Yves Montand, Simone Signoret or Jacques Prévert. Many works can be admired at the Maeght Foundation .

Its ancient fountains, its picturesque little streets of the village, from the Royal Gate to the South Gate, through the Rue Grande, capture visitors in a unique atmosphere, a jewel of the Côte d’Azur.

10. Grasse

Don’t let her name fool you, Grasse is a renowned commune on the French Riviera. Indeed, it is the world capital of perfume!

With its three flowers in the contest of the "Villes et Villages fleuris", this beautiful village around Nice will travel your smell. Eaux de toilettes, soaps, powders, Grasse owes its range of scents to perfumery Fragonard , Molinard and Usine and Galimard Museum.

But if you want to take a bowl of fresh air, Grasse is also the fourth largest city in the Alps-Maritimes in the green surroundings of mountains, forests and caves.

11. Tende

Once a province of Italy Tende was annexed by France in September 1947 under the conditions of the Treaty of Paris.

Located on the border, this village has the peculiarity of being built in several floors on the mountainside. Its Tour de l’Horloge and the remains of the Château des Lascaris dominate the village. The narrow alleys with greyish-stone facades bring a scenic brin to the largest commune of the Alpes-Maritimes.

12. Sainte-Agnès

In the past, this altitude village was a military post defending the Franco-Italian border on the Maginot line. Today, Sainte-Agnès is one of the most beautiful villages around Nice. It is also ranked among the "Best Villages of France". But he also boasts to be “the highest coastal village in Europe”.

With an altitude of 800m, it offers an exceptional view of the Mediterranean Sea. It also attracts holidaymakers eager for history for the remains of its fortified castle and its southern bastion of the Maginot line.

13. Tourrettes-sur-Loup

Between Nice and Cannes , this charming town is a former medieval village . At the crossroads of the sea and the mountain, it contemplates, perched on a rocky sparrow, its generous aloe vegetation and barbarian figs.

It is also called "Cité des Violettes" for its annual harvests of the homonymous flower for almost a century. It is also the opportunity to visit the commune for its celebration of the violet, which is organized in its honour in March

14. Gourdon

With its alleys, shaded houses and medieval heritage, Gourdon is the perfect village for a holiday in a picturesque setting.

Ranked among "Les Plus Beaux Détours de France", Gourdon is suspended in time, at the top of its cliff overlooking the Gorges du Loup. Take a walk in its alleys, admire the chapels and churches, and enjoy the stunning views of the Riviera from Victoria Square. At the edge of small shops, discover a renowned local craftsmanship: honey, nougat, soap, perfumes and spices, glassware... There's one for every sense!

Finally, don’t leave this eagle nest without visiting its castle. A witness to a noble heritage, many are the great families to have elected their homes. Today, the castle - very well preserved - is open to the public: you can discover its incredible architecture (including its door dating from the Renaissance, the inner courtyard and the gargoys) as well as its beautiful gardens.

15. Falicon

Let's start at the medieval village of Falicon. Indeed, the charm of this old city, jurched between Saint-André-de-la-Roche and Tourrette-Levens, lies in its beautiful stone houses or restored pastel facades.

Opinions to walkers, access to the village is made to the strength of the feet. But the site visit is worth the effort. Beautiful frescoes in trumpet-eye feature the walls of the city. You will also be impressed by its panoramic view of the Niçois coast, in the shade of its centenary oak.

Let the Mediterranean wind guide you along your journey and enjoy the rare pearls that the French Riviera can offer!