Discover Alpes-Maritimes | A Visitor's Introduction to Alpes-Maritimes

Why is Alpes-Maritimes Worth a Visit?

Alpes-Maritimes is worth visiting for its incredible diversity—where else can you swim in the sea and ski in the mountains on the same day? This is a land of contrasts: glittering Riviera cities with Belle Époque hotels, rugged mountain ranges criss-crossed by hiking trails, sleepy perched villages untouched by time, and lush valleys filled with olive groves and lavender. The region offers experiences for all seasons and all types of travellers, whether you're relaxing on a beach, exploring medieval streets, or climbing to alpine lakes.

Its rich cultural heritage includes everything from Roman ruins to Picasso's studios, traditional Provençal markets to international film festivals. With Italian influence to the east, Provençal traditions to the west, and a cosmopolitan spirit throughout, the Alpes-Maritimes is a vibrant and elegant place to explore, full of sunshine, colour, and life.

Alpes-Maritimes Highlights: Things to See and Do in Alpes-Maritimes

Nice

Nice is the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes and one of the most attractive cities on the Mediterranean. Stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais, admire the deep blue Baie des Anges, and explore the narrow streets and Baroque churches of the Old Town. The city is rich in art and culture, with highlights including the Musée Matisse, Musée Marc Chagall, and the newly expanded MAMAC (Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art). The Cours Saleya market bursts with flowers, local produce, and the scent of fresh socca and olives.

Cannes

Cannes is synonymous with glamour and the film industry, but it also has a charming old quarter (Le Suquet), a lively market, and excellent beaches. Walk along the Croisette for luxury boutiques and grand hotels, or take a boat trip to the Îles de Lérins, just offshore. Even outside festival season, Cannes has a stylish yet relaxed vibe, with clear waters, elegant restaurants, and cultural events year-round.

Antibes and Juan-les-Pins

Antibes offers a blend of old-world charm and contemporary cool. Its fortified Old Town hugs the sea and features cobbled streets, local markets, and the Picasso Museum housed in the Château Grimaldi. Nearby, the Cap d’Antibes coastal path offers spectacular views. Juan-les-Pins, on the western side of the cap, is famed for its jazz heritage and lively beach clubs. In summer, the Jazz à Juan festival draws international artists to this breezy, pine-scented resort.

Grasse

Known as the perfume capital of the world, Grasse lies inland, perched on hills above the Riviera. The historic town is full of narrow alleys, Provençal houses, and artisan perfumeries. Visit the Musée International de la Parfumerie and tour fragrance houses like Fragonard or Molinard to learn how scents are made and try blending your own. Grasse is also surrounded by beautiful countryside ideal for walking and lavender photography in summer.

Èze

Perched on a clifftop between Nice and Monaco, Èze is a breathtaking medieval village with narrow stone lanes, art galleries and jaw-dropping views of the coast. The Exotic Garden at the very top offers a panoramic view that is one of the best on the Riviera. The Fragonard perfume factory here also welcomes visitors. For the fit and adventurous, the Nietzsche Path is a scenic hike down from Èze to the sea.

Menton

Near the Italian border, Menton is known for its pastel architecture, gentle climate and citrus groves. The town is elegant and understated, with quiet beaches, lush gardens and a rich cultural scene. The annual Lemon Festival in February features huge sculptures made entirely of citrus fruit. Visit the Jean Cocteau Museum, the exotic gardens, or simply relax along the promenade with a gelato and a sea view.

The Mercantour National Park

Heading into the mountains, the Mercantour National Park is one of France’s most biodiverse and unspoilt natural areas. It offers rugged peaks, glacial lakes, waterfalls, and extensive hiking trails. The Vallée des Merveilles (Valley of Marvels) is home to thousands of prehistoric rock carvings. Wildlife is abundant, including marmots, ibex, golden eagles and even wolves. It’s ideal for hikers, photographers and those seeking alpine peace.

Saint-Paul de Vence

Saint-Paul de Vence is a beautifully preserved hilltop village known for its art galleries and bohemian heritage. Artists such as Chagall, Matisse and Miró lived or visited here, and the town still buzzes with creativity. The Fondation Maeght, just outside the village, is one of the most important modern art museums in France. With its cobbled lanes, stone buildings and olive trees, Saint-Paul is picture-perfect Provence.

Gourdon

Clinging dramatically to a rocky cliff, Gourdon is one of the most striking villages in the region. It has a charming square, artisan shops, and panoramic views over the Loup Valley all the way to the sea. The surrounding area offers excellent walking trails, and the nearby Saut du Loup waterfall is a beautiful detour.

Gorges du Loup and Gorges de Daluis

For lovers of dramatic scenery, the Gorges du Loup and Gorges de Daluis are spectacular natural wonders. These deep, narrow canyons offer opportunities for hiking, canyoning, and scenic drives through red rock formations and hidden waterfalls. The nearby village of Pont-du-Loup is also a great spot for visiting a traditional candy factory or enjoying a riverside picnic.

Skiing in the Southern Alps

The Alpes-Maritimes isn’t just about the coast. In winter, you can ski in resorts like Isola 2000, Auron, and Valberg, which are all within two hours’ drive from the Riviera. These resorts offer great snow, modern facilities and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. It’s not uncommon to ski in the morning and have a seafood dinner by the sea in the evening.

Practical Advice for Visitors

Getting There

The Alpes-Maritimes is easily reached via Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, which has flights from across Europe and beyond. The TGV high-speed train stops in Nice and Cannes, with regional trains connecting towns along the coast and inland. Driving offers the greatest flexibility for exploring hilltop villages and mountain areas. Coastal towns are linked by regular trains, buses and ferries, but a car is highly recommended for rural areas.

Parking

Parking can be a challenge in busy Riviera towns during summer, so use underground car parks or park-and-ride schemes where available. Inland villages generally have public car parks, though space may be limited on weekends and during festivals. Be aware of narrow roads and one-way systems in older towns.

Dining

The region’s cuisine is a blend of French and Italian influences with Mediterranean flair. Local dishes include salade niçoise, pissaladière (onion tart), socca (chickpea pancake), daube provençale (slow-cooked beef), and fresh seafood. Nice is a gastronomic hotspot, with Michelin-starred restaurants and traditional bistros alike. Inland, try mountain fare such as wild boar stew and goat’s cheese. Don’t miss the local rosé wines and liqueurs made from herbs, citrus and flowers.

Shopping

Markets are at the heart of life here. Visit Cours Saleya in Nice for flowers and local produce, or Marché Forville in Cannes for gourmet delights. Inland, village markets sell lavender, honey, olive oil, soaps and ceramics. Art lovers will find galleries throughout Saint-Paul de Vence, Èze and Mougins. Fashion and luxury shopping is best in Cannes, Monaco, and Nice’s Rue Paradis.

When to Visit

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are ideal times to visit, with warm temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is hot and busy—great for beaches and festivals, but book accommodation well in advance. Winter is quiet on the coast but active in the mountains, making it a good time for skiing or tranquil getaways in sunny Menton or inland villages.

Local Events

There are dozens of festivals across the Alpes-Maritimes. The Cannes Film Festival in May is the most famous, drawing global celebrities and media. Nice Carnival in February is one of the biggest in Europe, with giant floats and flower battles. The Menton Lemon Festival, the Jazz à Juan in Antibes, and fireworks displays across the Riviera during Bastille Day (14 July) all bring colour and energy to the region.

Exploring Beyond Alpes-Maritimes

From here, it’s easy to visit Monaco for a day of high-end glamour or cross into Italy to explore markets in Ventimiglia or the Ligurian coast. Inland, the Verdon Gorge in neighbouring Var is a spectacular destination for kayaking and hiking. For a deeper mountain escape, the Ubaye Valley and Queyras regional park are a few hours north and offer even more dramatic alpine scenery.

The Alpes-Maritimes is one of France’s most irresistible regions, offering sun-drenched glamour, rustic charm, and wild mountain landscapes all within a couple of hours’ travel. Whether you’re wandering through flower-filled old towns, climbing to alpine viewpoints, or simply enjoying a long lunch by the sea, this region invites you to slow down and savour the good life—Provençal style.