When you think of the Côte d’Azur, you imagine a 5-star hotel overlooking the sparkling sea. Very pleasant experiences. But the region has much more to offer.
Yes, it’s possible to enjoy more atypical holidays on the French Riviera: original museums, nature holidays, time travel…
Here are our suggestions for unusual weekends on the Côte d’Azur.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Unusual weekends on the Côte d’Azur: our choices
When we use the word ” unusual”, we think of original accommodation, but there are plenty of other ways to enjoy a stay that’s surprisingly unusual.
So here are some ideas for weekends away that you’d never imagine when you think of this region.
1. Èze: time travel
Why this weekend
Èze is one of the most beautiful villages in Provence and France. It is very popular during the day. But to spend a weekend here is to enjoy the narrow streets and views before and after the crowds, to hear the wind rushing through the stones, and to imagine how different generations have lived here…
This village really took us back in time!
Where to stay
The village has two luxury hotels:
- At Hotel Chateau Eza – see photos and availability
- At Hotel La Chèvre d’Or – see photos and availability
Best things to do
- Explore the maze of alleyways once the day’s crowds have gone.
- Visit the exotic garden with its cacti and waterfalls
- Discover the church and its paintings
- Relax and meditate on the magnificent views of the coast and the Mediterranean.
- See our article
How to get there
- Between Nice and Monaco
- Nice to Èze = 25min drive
- Monaco to Èze = 15min
- Cannes to Èze = 50min
- There is a large paying underground parking lot, or a parking lot further away from the village with a shuttle bus.
- You can come by bus from Nice or Monaco, or by cab.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
2. Porquerolles: cut off from the world
Why this weekend
Situated off the coast of Hyère, Porquerolles has seduced us with its unspoilt natural beauty. We rented an electric bike to explore as much as possible.
We discovered its dream beaches, with crystal-clear waters and golden sand.
But we were also fascinated by its historic forts, which bear witness to its military past.
The island is a true haven of nature, with trails winding through forests.
It’s a quiet place where you can get around on foot or on a rental bike (we recommend an electric bike, as there are some nice hills).
Where to stay
For example, you can spend the night in:
- Hotel Residence Les Medes – prices, pictures and availability
- On a docked boat – see prices, photos and availability
Best things to do
- Rent a bike or hike to explore the island (which is quite large)
- Discover the beautiful beach of Notre-Dame
- Touring batteries and forts
- Climb to the top of Fort Sainte-Agathe for spectacular views
- Enjoy silence without a car
See our article on Porquerolles (coming soon).
How to get there
Drive to the Giens peninsula south of Hyères.
From Nice = 1h50 drive
From Marseille = 1h20 drive
From Toulon = 30 min drive
Large pay parking lots are available.
Shuttle buses make the connection very frequently.
3. La Ciotat: in a calanque
Why this weekend
The Calanque de Figuerolles in La Ciotat is an unspoilt natural wonder well worth a visit. It’s one of our favorite spots on the Côte d’Azur.
Nestled between steep cliffs and surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation, this calanque offers breathtaking scenery. Its crystal-clear waters and pebble beaches make it ideal for swimming, snorkeling and relaxing in the sun.
The Figuerolles cove is also famous for its spectacular orange-red rock formations. We love the show!
Where to stay
There’s a small hotel in the calanque: it’s ideal for those seeking peace and quiet and diving in nature – see prices, photos and availability.
Best things to do
- Enjoy this natural setting early in the morning or in the evening, when the day’s visitors have left.
- Snorkeling
- Hiking around
See our article on the calanque.
How to get there
- In the city of La Ciotat
- 20min walk from the port of La Ciotat
- From Cassis = 25 min
- From Marseille = 40 min
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4. Port Grimaud: mini-Venice
Why this weekend
For something completely different, head to Port-Grimaud, the “Venice” of Provence. This small Mediterranean seaside resort is famous for its picturesque architecture, navigable canals, sandy beaches and Provencal charm. However, it’s a recent village, designed and built in the 1960s and 70s.
We particularly enjoyed climbing to the top of the church tower to admire the village and its canals from above.
Where to stay
You can find rentals in the village, or we recommend the Hotel Le Suffren – see prices, photos and availability
Best things to do
- Explore all the passages and bridges on foot…
- Appreciate the colors of the houses
- Climb to the top of the tower for beautiful views of the region
- Take a boat trip
- Enjoy the beach
Read our article on Port Grimaud (coming soon).
How to get there
- Near Saint-Tropez
- From Nice = 1h30 drive
- From Marseille = 1h40 drive
Why this weekend
When you think of a weekend on the Côte d’Azur, you don’t think of Toulon. But it’s a city that’s reinventing itself, and well worth a visit.
Here you can discover an interesting military heritage, especially on the boat tour of the harbor with the warships, and the ascent of Mont Faron with its impressive views.
Where to stay
We recommend the Hotel Okko – see photos, prices and availability.
Or see our top-rated accommodations or our selection of the best hotels.
Best things to do
- Take a boat tour of the harbour – a must!
- Visit the naval museum
- Climb to the top of Mount Faron to see the military port in its entirety
How to get there
By train or car.
From Marseille = 50min drive
From Nice = 1h45 drive
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities
- Great kayak trips in:
Saint-Tropez to the Ramatuelle reserve
Cassis to the calanques - Helicopter flight from Cannes
- Shuttle service along the coast between Nice and Saint-Tropez
- Bike tours: eBike in Nice – Mountain biking in the Esterel massif
6. Antibes: surprising museums
Why this weekend
The town of Antibes is a little less unusual, but it’s one of our favorites on the coast(see our list). A visit to the old town surrounded by ramparts is a little trip back in time, too.
But to make your weekend even more unusual, discover two surprising museums:
Musée Peynet et du Dessin Humoristique: we were pleasantly surprised by this museum, which gives us a better understanding of the history of caricature, from yesterday to today.
Postcard Museum: run by enthusiasts, it has an impressive collection of examples from all eras and styles (including cards with recorded messages!). You don’t find this kind of museum everywhere!
Where to stay
We recommend: Hotel La Villa Port d’Antibes & Spa in the center of town – see prices, pictures and availability
Read more in our article: Best hotels
Best things to do
- Walk along the ramparts and discover the surprising Le Nomade statue
- Visit the postcard museum
- Visit the Musée Peynet et du Dessin Humoristique
- Find out more about Antibes museums
And find other suggestions in our article on Antibes attractions.
How to get there
Easy access by train or from Nice Côte d’Azur airport: 25min drive.
Unusual accommodations on the Côte d’Azur
There are very few unusual accommodations on the Côte d’Azur, such as yurts, caravans or cabins in the woods. The m2 is so valuable along the coast that it’s not being developed.
We need to go further inland.
But here are a few options:
- Boat in Cannes harbour – see prices, photos and availability
- Luxury sailboat in front of the Cannes Festival Palace – see prices, photos and availability
- Houseboat in Fréjus – see prices, photos and availability
- Tentes de Trappeur Janas in La-Seyne-sur-Mer – see the campsite
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE Côte d’Azur
- Inspiration
The most beautiful landscapes in 30 photos
Best things to do on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful villages
Best beaches on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful gardens
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Most beautiful islands
Secret places
- Practical advice
Successful travel on the Côte d’Azur (coming soon)
Rent a car in Provence – in Nice – in Cannes – in Marseille – in Aix-en-Provence.
Itineraries: 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
Weekend ideas: best-of – romantic – luxury – unusual
- Where to stay
Where to stay on the Côte d’Azur
Best luxury hotels on the Côte d’Azur
Hotels by the sea
Best boutique-hotels
