Explore the French Riviera from Villa Soha
From Villa Soha, the very best of the French Riviera is just a short drive away. Each destination has its own unique character: the timeless glamour of Cannes, the understated elegance of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, the vibrant energy of Nice, or the prestige of Monaco.
Rather than overwhelming you with a long list of places to visit, we've chosen to share the destinations we genuinely love, along with our personal recommendations and favourite spots in each one.
Now it's up to you to create your own journey, discovering the French Riviera at your own pace and according to your interests.
Cannes, So Much More Than the Film Festival
Just a few minutes from Villa Soha, Cannes embodies the timeless glamour of the French Riviera. The famous Croisette, lined with palm trees and legendary luxury hotels, is perfect for a leisurely stroll along the Mediterranean. No visit would be complete without stopping at the Palais des Festivals, renowned worldwide for its iconic red carpet and the famous steps that take centre stage during the Cannes Film Festival.
For a completely different side of the city, head to Le Suquet, Cannes' historic old quarter perched on the hillside. Its cobbled streets, colourful façades and panoramic views over the bay reveal a more authentic and charming atmosphere. If shopping is on your agenda, Rue d'Antibes is the city's main shopping street, offering everything from international luxury brands to elegant independent boutiques.
For a taste of local life, Forville Market is a must. Fresh seafood, Provençal produce and a lively atmosphere make it the true heart of Cannes, far from the glamour of the Croisette.
From the harbour, you can also take a short boat trip to the Lérins Islands. Sainte-Marguerite Island, with its historic fort, and Saint-Honorat Island, home to a thousand-year-old abbey, offer a peaceful escape into unspoilt nature just minutes from the bustling coastline.
Our Recommendation
Start your day by exploring Forville Market, then wander through the charming streets of Le Suquet and admire the panoramic views over the bay. After lunch on a sunny terrace, enjoy a walk along the Croisette or take a boat to the beautiful Lérins Islands. At the end of the day, return to the peace and tranquillity of Villa Soha, away from the lively atmosphere of the seafront.
🚗 Cannes: 15 minutes
Nice, the Elegance of the French Riviera
Just a 35-minute drive from Villa Soha, Nice captivates visitors with its many different faces. The colourful Old Port, lined with fishing boats and yachts, leads naturally into the enchanting Old Town, a maze of lively narrow streets, Baroque churches and ochre-coloured buildings where getting lost is part of the experience.
At the heart of the historic centre, Cours Saleya hosts its famous flower and fresh produce market each morning before transforming into a lively square filled with cafés and restaurants in the evening. Nearby, the iconic Promenade des Anglais stretches for seven kilometres along the Mediterranean, where walkers, cyclists and locals gather to enjoy the sea and spectacular sunsets.
Place Masséna, with its striking black-and-white chequered pavement and contemporary sculptures, marks the meeting point between the old and modern parts of the city. Just above, Castle Hill offers one of the most breathtaking panoramas on the French Riviera, along with a beautiful waterfall set within lush gardens.
Art lovers shouldn't miss the Matisse Museum or the MAMAC (Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art), while food enthusiasts will discover a vibrant culinary scene ranging from traditional Niçois bistros to innovative fine dining restaurants.
Our Recommendation
Spend a full day exploring Nice. Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, wander through the colourful streets of the Old Town, enjoy lunch on Cours Saleya, then make your way up to Castle Hill for one of the finest views on the French Riviera. In the evening, return to Villa Soha in around 35 minutes and enjoy a peaceful night in a quiet, green setting.
🚗 Nice: 35 minutes
Antibes, Where History, the Sea and Art Come Together
Less than 30 minutes from Villa Soha, Antibes is one of the French Riviera's most captivating destinations. Surrounded by ancient ramparts overlooking the Mediterranean, the historic old town invites you to wander through its cobbled streets, colourful façades, charming shaded squares and lively café terraces.
Port Vauban, the largest marina in Europe, offers an impressive spectacle where traditional sailing boats share the harbour with some of the world's most spectacular superyachts. At the entrance to the port stands The Nomad, the iconic sculpture that has become one of Antibes' best-known landmarks. From the ramparts, you'll enjoy magnificent views across the Mediterranean towards the Alps.
Art lovers should not miss the Picasso Museum, housed in the historic Château Grimaldi, where Pablo Picasso lived and worked in 1946. The museum displays an outstanding collection of his works alongside temporary exhibitions.
Be sure to visit the lively Provençal Market in the heart of the old town. Its colourful stalls are filled with local produce, aromatic herbs, cheeses, fresh fruit and Mediterranean specialities.
For those who enjoy walking, the coastal path offers one of the most beautiful seaside walks on the French Riviera, winding past hidden coves, dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Our Recommendation
Arrive in the late morning to explore the Provençal Market, then visit the remarkable Picasso Museum. In the evening, enjoy the sunset from the ancient ramparts before dining in one of the charming restaurants tucked away in the old town's narrow streets. Afterwards, return to the peace and tranquillity of Villa Soha.
🚗 Antibes: 25 minutes
Grasse, the World Capital of Perfume
Just 20 minutes from Villa Soha, Grasse is an essential stop for anyone wishing to discover one of Provence's most celebrated traditions. Known around the world as the capital of perfume, the town is as captivating for its rich heritage as it is for its exceptional craftsmanship.
Wander through the cobbled streets of the historic old town, where shaded squares, colourful façades and flower-lined stairways create an authentic Provençal atmosphere. Overlooking the centre stands the 13th-century Notre-Dame-du-Puy Cathedral, home to several remarkable paintings, including works by Peter Paul Rubens.
The International Perfume Museum offers a fascinating journey through the history of fragrance, revealing how Grasse became the birthplace of the modern perfume industry.
For a truly memorable experience, the renowned perfume houses Fragonard and Molinard offer guided tours of their workshops, as well as perfume-making classes. Under the guidance of an expert, you can create your own unique fragrance and take home a very personal souvenir of your stay on the French Riviera.
Blending history, craftsmanship and the Provençal art of living, Grasse is the perfect destination for a day trip just a short drive from Villa Soha.
Our Recommendation
Arrive in the morning to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the old town, then take part in a perfume-making workshop before relaxing over lunch on one of the charming terraces in the historic centre.
🚗 Grasse: 20 minutes
Saint-Paul-de-Vence, an Artists' Haven
Just 30 minutes from Villa Soha, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is one of the French Riviera's most iconic and beloved villages. Surrounded by beautifully preserved medieval ramparts, it offers a timeless atmosphere with its cobbled streets, shaded squares, artists' studios and renowned art galleries.
For more than a century, Saint-Paul-de-Vence has inspired painters, writers and sculptors from around the world. Just outside the village lies the celebrated Fondation Maeght, one of Europe's most prestigious museums of modern and contemporary art. Its remarkable sculpture gardens feature masterpieces by Miró, Giacometti, Calder and Chagall, all displayed in an exceptional natural setting.
Contemporary art enthusiasts should also visit the Fondation CAB, housed in an elegant villa surrounded by Mediterranean gardens. Dedicated to minimalist and conceptual art, it presents rotating exhibitions by leading international artists within a striking architectural space.
From the ancient ramparts, you'll enjoy breathtaking views over the rolling hills of Provence and the Mediterranean coastline—an ideal place to pause and soak in the scenery.
Our Recommendation
Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to experience the village at its most peaceful. Wander through its charming streets, explore its galleries and museums, then end your visit with a drink on a sunny terrace before returning to Villa Soha.
🚗 Saint-Paul-de-Vence: 30 minutes
Valbonne, the Charm of a Provençal Village
Less than 15 minutes from Villa Soha, Valbonne is one of the most authentic villages in the French Riviera countryside. Unlike many hilltop villages, it stands out for its distinctive grid layout, inherited from its 16th-century foundation, making it both pleasant and easy to explore on foot.
Its cobbled streets, colourful shuttered houses and lively café terraces create a welcoming atmosphere throughout the year. At the heart of the village, Place des Arcades is lined with restaurants, cafés and charming independent boutiques, making it the perfect place to relax and soak up the Provençal way of life.
Every Friday morning, Valbonne hosts one of the finest Provençal markets in the region. Local producers, artisans, flowers, olives, cheeses and Mediterranean specialities fill the streets, creating a vibrant and authentic atmosphere.
Just a few minutes away lies Sophia Antipolis, Europe's leading technology park, making Valbonne a popular destination for both holidaymakers and business travellers.
Our Recommendation
If you're staying at Villa Soha on a Friday, don't miss the Valbonne market. Arrive around 9:00 a.m. to enjoy the lively atmosphere, stop for a coffee beneath the arcades, then take your time exploring the village's charming streets and artisan shops.
🚗 Valbonne: 12 minutes
Èze, a Balcony Over the Mediterranean
Perched more than 400 metres above sea level between Nice and Monaco, Èze is one of the French Riviera's most spectacular villages. Often described as a true balcony over the Mediterranean, it offers breathtaking panoramic views that rank among the most iconic on the Côte d'Azur.
Its medieval cobbled streets, lined with stone houses, colourful bougainvillea and art galleries, invite visitors on a timeless stroll. Around every corner, a new view unfolds, revealing either the sparkling Mediterranean or the surrounding hills.
At the highest point of the village lies the remarkable Exotic Garden of Èze, created on the ruins of an ancient medieval fortress. Filled with cacti, succulents and contemporary sculptures, the garden rewards visitors with extraordinary views stretching towards Cap Ferrat, Monaco and, on clear days, as far as the Italian coastline.
For more active visitors, the famous Nietzsche Path links the village to the seaside, winding through beautiful Mediterranean landscapes.
Our Recommendation
Arrive early in the morning to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before the crowds arrive. Visit the Exotic Garden, then take your time over lunch on a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean. And whatever you do, don't miss a coffee on the terrace of La Chèvre d'Or—the view is simply unforgettable.
🚗 Èze: 45 minutes
Monaco, Where Prestige Meets the Mediterranean
Less than an hour from Villa Soha, Monaco offers a remarkable blend of elegance, history and spectacular architecture. Despite its small size, the Principality is home to an impressive collection of world-famous landmarks.
Begin your visit in Monaco-Ville, known locally as Le Rocher, the historic heart of the Principality. Here you'll find the Prince's Palace, charming medieval streets and the Cathedral of Monaco, where Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace are laid to rest.
Below, Port Hercule is lined with luxury yachts, sailing boats and hosts prestigious international events throughout the year. Just a short walk away, the legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo and its beautifully landscaped gardens remain among the most iconic sights on the French Riviera.
Don't miss the outstanding Oceanographic Museum, dramatically perched on the cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean. Its impressive aquarium is home to hundreds of marine species and offers an engaging experience for visitors of all ages.
With its elegant gardens, luxury boutiques, Belle Époque architecture and breathtaking sea views, Monaco promises a fascinating day of exploration.
Our Recommendation
Leave your car in one of Monaco's public car parks and explore the Principality on foot. Thanks to its network of free public lifts and escalators, getting around between the different districts is surprisingly easy.
🚗 Monaco: 55 minutes
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, an exceptional peninsula
Renowned for its unspoiled surroundings and prestigious villas, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is one of the most elegant destinations on the Côte d'Azur. This lush peninsula charms visitors with its peaceful atmosphere, turquoise-watered coves, and magnificent gardens.
The must-see attraction remains the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, a sumptuous Renaissance-style mansion surrounded by nine themed gardens offering exceptional views over the Mediterranean.
The charming port of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, with its restaurants and terraces, makes a pleasant starting point for exploring the peninsula.
Nature lovers will enjoy the famous coastal path, a roughly two-hour walk that runs along the cliffs, past historic villas and small hidden beaches. Throughout the walk, the scenery alternates between umbrella pines, crystal-clear waters, and spectacular views.
The beaches of Paloma, Passable, and Cros Dei Pin also offer wonderful spots for a swim in an idyllic setting.
Our Recommendation
Combine a visit to the Villa Ephrussi with a walk along the coastal path before having lunch facing the port.
🚗 Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: 50 min
Menton, the colorful pearl of the Riviera
Nestled between sea and mountains, just a few kilometers from the Italian border, Menton charms visitors with its mild, sunny atmosphere. Often considered the mildest town in France thanks to its exceptional microclimate, it offers a unique blend of French culture and Italian influences.
Its old town, built on a hillside, invites you to wander through narrow streets, pastel-colored façades, and flower-lined stairways. Overlooking the town, the Saint-Michel-Archange Basilica offers a magnificent panorama over the bay and the rooftops of Menton.
The seafront promenade, lush gardens such as the Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden or the Serre de la Madone Garden, as well as its many beaches, make Menton an ideal destination for a day of discovery.
It's impossible to talk about Menton without mentioning its famous lemons, celebrated every year during the spectacular Lemon Festival, which draws visitors from around the world with its huge sculptures made from citrus fruits.
Our Recommendation
Start your visit at the Halles market to discover local specialties, then get lost in the streets of the old town before ending the day admiring the sunset from the seafront promenade.
🚗 Menton: 1 h 05
Saint-Tropez, between authenticity and legend
World-famous for its glamour, Saint-Tropez has nonetheless kept the soul of an authentic Provençal village. Behind the yachts and luxury boutiques lie colorful streets, lively squares, and a rich heritage well worth a full day's visit.
Start your discovery at the Vieux Port, where traditional pointus fishing boats sit alongside the world's most beautiful yachts. Then wander through the streets of the old town to Place des Lices, famous for its Provençal market and games of pétanque in the shade of the plane trees.
Take the time to climb up to the Citadelle de Saint-Tropez, which offers a superb panorama over the gulf and houses the maritime history museum.
Beach lovers can then head to the famous Pampelonne beach, just a few kilometers away, or discover quieter coves along the coast.
Saint-Tropez also charms visitors with its art galleries, iconic cafés, and unique atmosphere, blending elegance, tradition, and the easy Provençal way of life.
Our Recommendation
Visit in spring or September to fully enjoy the Tropezian atmosphere, away from the summer crowds.
🚗 Saint-Tropez: 1 h 30
Gourdon, a hilltop village
Perched at nearly 800 meters above sea level, Gourdon is considered one of the most beautiful villages in France. Overlooking the Loup gorges and offering a spectacular panorama all the way to the Mediterranean, this medieval village charms visitors with its authenticity and peaceful atmosphere. Its cobbled streets, stone houses, artisan shops, and château surrounded by magnificent gardens invite you to wander at leisure. It's also an ideal stop for discovering local specialties, admiring exceptional viewpoints, or heading off for a hike in the hinterland. Easily accessible from Villa Soha, Gourdon makes a must-do getaway for anyone wishing to discover a wilder, more unspoiled side of the Côte d'Azur.
Our Recommendation
Visit in the morning or late afternoon to fully enjoy the light over the Loup gorges and avoid the summer crowds. If you take the Gorges du Loup road, plan a stop at the Courmes waterfall or Pont-du-Loup: the journey there is almost as beautiful as the destination itself...
🚗 Gourdon: about 35 minutes