TOP 10 Most beautiful Villages in Côte d’Azur + Provence | French Riviera Travel Guide

There are so many stunning villages in the South of France, or – more specifically – on the French Riviera and in Provence. How do you even choose which ones to visit?! Anja + Aila take you through their top 10 villages in the two departments that form the Côte d’Azur (Alpes-Maritimes & Var) with a quick rundown of their main features, things to do, and where to eat… That way, all you have to do is make your pick! 😃

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TOP 10 VILLAGES:

#1 BORMES-LES-MIMOSAS
📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/JY7gQwRm6538wC14A
ℹ️ Tourist Office: https://en.bormeslesmimosas.com/
Fort de Brégançon:
📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/tuzVgJis6DRrgeeY8
Beautiful beaches (our favorite: L’Estagnol):
📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/guw9FoaAjaxm9AZG9

#2 COTIGNAC
📍https://goo.gl/maps/xXyQ7jNGsyjJEMgTA
Tourist Office: https://www.la-provence-verte.net/ot_cotignac/
Caves:📍The rock wall: https://goo.gl/maps/qHc6NVs3Mzz79HTt7
Abbaye du Thoronet: https://www.le-thoronet.fr/en
📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/9L6a9hPyvTEakkiV6

#3 EZE VILLAGE
📍https://goo.gl/maps/3GwEqmPEB93QDMXa9
📷 Exotic garden Eze: https://www.jardinexotique-eze.fr/en/
Tourist office: http://www.eze-tourisme.com/en/
🍽️ Château Eza (restaurant with a view): https://www.chateaueza.com/
🍽️ Chèvre d’Or (hotel/restaurant/2 Michelin stars): https://www.chevredor.com/
📍🥾Start of Nietzsche trail in Eze village (Chemin de Nietzsche): https://goo.gl/maps/aQ3dZ92mGjnvchLU6
📍🥾Start of Nietzsche trail in Eze-Bord-de-Mer (sea level):
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Suu56Q9eiHFaGPc56

#4 GOURDON
📍Gourdon: https://goo.gl/maps/DVjZ3hz3q443EB9c6
📍📷 Place Victoria/view point: https://goo.gl/maps/JsodFbnE1kpRX2qz5
Tourist office: https://www.gourdon06.fr/en
🍦Ice Cream place “Le Glacier de Gourdon” (closed in winter): https://goo.gl/maps/pkSyaEnTgW8pigkz9
📍Meadow for picnic: https://goo.gl/maps/rssMTni3SX4nRUTd8
🪂 paragliding: Centre de Parapente (tandem flights etc.): www.ascendance06.com

#5 SAINT-PAUL-DE-VENCE
📍Saint-Paul-de-Vence: https://goo.gl/maps/XiAJ8HjEC5PYwCiq6
Tourist office: https://www.saint-pauldevence.com/en/
🎨 Maeght Foundation: https://www.fondation-maeght.com/
📍https://goo.gl/maps/yPj1q4nJLrRpXb8KA
🍽️ Colombe d’Or: https://www.la-colombe-dor.com/indexEN.html, https://goo.gl/maps/bRVLddcfrpqSUm3b9
🪦 Chagall’s tomb: https://goo.gl/maps/XQh1a8jPvCdYjq6P9
📍🥾Fortification discovery walk: https://goo.gl/maps/VXoeG7rR5P2rJXSj6

#6 SAINT-TROPEZ
📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/1VnkQAjKpe92eUR36
Tourist office: https://www.sainttropeztourisme.com/en/
Market (Place des Lices) every Tuesday + Saturday morning:
📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/xchAnN4FVr5pCnPX7
🎨 Musée de l’Annonciade: https://www.saint-tropez.fr/culture/musee-de-lannonciade/
📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/bMNatCW9fAikNEyKA
📍Pampelonne Beach (Ramatuelle): https://maps.app.goo.gl/G3knP9ei4wExZ7xY8
🍽️ some suggestions: La Vague d’Or, Colette, Pearl Beach, La Ramade

#7 SANARY-SUR-MER
📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/LsNAvf5ezCFEagMn6
Tourist Office: https://www.sanary-tourisme.com/en/
📍Portissol Beach: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UaJo8tsj2QtGA6Wz8
Le Bard’ô: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fyMWWjCqEmx1TStk7

#8 SEILLANS
📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/8EHkMDsNaXwnoaE27
Maison Waldberg – Donations Max Ernst, Dorothea Tanning, Stan Appenzeller https://www.seillans.fr/points-d-interet/maison-waldberg-musee-max-ernst-dorothea-tanning-et-stan-appenzeller/

#9 TOURRETTES-SUR-LOUP
📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/m57EY88Kp8Tf7fYHA
Museum “La Bastide aux Violettes”:
📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/LLUx2ahknq2CLRgV6
Restaurant “Cinq”:
📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/p4Mcphe2YWRPM8nJ6
Market every Wednesday morning

#10 TOURTOUR
📍https://goo.gl/maps/Wv5NCpPhcsZHs8tC6
Restaurant “La Farigoulette”
📍https://goo.gl/maps/4Toyefs5NUmAwK9e6
Wine tasting for instance at Château Roubine: http://www.chateauroubine.com/fr/
📍https://goo.gl/maps/vrknRY1P9PQL1yGP8
📍AMPUS: https://goo.gl/maps/RW1aBAZEq7Dbq6VQ8

Music:
https://www.epidemicsound.com/

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00:00 Introduction
00:48 #1 Bormes-les-Mimosas
02:41 #2 Cotignac
04:27 #3 Eze Village
05:58 #4 Gourdon
07:16 #5 Saint-Paul-de-Vence
08:31 #6 Saint-Tropez
10:00 #7 Sanary-sur-Mer
11:10 #8 Seillans
12:17 #9 Tourrettes-sur-Loup #10 Tourtour

there are so many stunning villages on the French Riviera and in provance how do you even choose which ones to visit we’ll take you through our 10 favorite villages in the two departments that form the kazur with a quick rundown through their main features what to do and where to eat so that way all you have to do is make a pck we didn’t visit all the villages in summer so don’t be surprised if you see people in Walmer clothes and some clips just shows that most of the villages are amazing year round and since ranking them was tough we’re showing them in alphabetical order to us every single one of the villages is worth a detour we’re starting our journey in B liim MOA about a 2hour drive from n getting there by bus or by train is quite an adventure and takes forever it’s a cute little medieval village at the foot of the Massif deore and just a few kilometers away are some of the most stunning beaches of the French Riviera its special location makes B mimoa perfect for a stroll through the lovely Old Town a day on the beach wine tasting or hiking in the Hills or along the beaches it’s also a great winter destination if you want to see the Mimosa in full yellow Bloom there are a few nice restaurants to check out for something fancy try L if you want great food at decent prices Cafe PR is always a safe bet to sum it up B mimoa caters to every taste while it won’t take long to explore the small village with its Charming alleys and boutiques be sure to take some time to drive down to the Fine Sandy Beach beaches on the western side of [Music] cap right behind the beaches you’ll see Rose after Rose of vines basking in the powerful Southern French Sun The Vineyards belong to acclaimed Estates such as chatu chat maler and chatau bonon speaking of bonon French presidents traditionally spend their summer vacations at The Fortress of the same name now onto cyak expect a drive of about an hour and 45 minutes when starting from knees and just like before public transport isn’t really an option officially labeled one of the most beautiful villages in France kak’s most impressive feature is the Steep rock wall towering over the Old Town cyak won’t keep you busy all day but you should definitely take time to explore the old town and the caves in the rock wall nearby there’s an amazing Abbey and there are plenty of opportunities for wine tasting for dining we suggest staying at the main Square to enjoy the typical provinal ambients under the plain trees Anna and I had lunch at the Cafe Du last summer entirely by chance and we weren’t disappointed the prices were great with main dishes starting at under 15 so how about discovering the village first check out its boutiques and art galleries soak in the village Vibes and maybe do a wine tasting right here at the main square m offers excellent wines and some really pretty wine related products and then explore the surrounding area known as provance ver or green provance you’ll see what makes provance so special an abundance of nature with vines planted in neat Rose to your left and right Le Abby is about a 25 minute drive from cyak and we really enjoyed exploring its walls dating back to the late 12th and early 13th centuries as vage is a must SE and and from knce it’s just about 25 minutes by car or a little longer by bus along with S devance as vage is one of the most visited and arguably the most beautiful Village on the French Riviera our to-do list for you includes visiting the Exotic garden with its amazing views strolling through the village and maybe some fine dining for hiking enthusiasts there’s quite the trail [Music] as mentioned as is a great spot for fine dining cha and levor are Michelin starred restaurants in the old town definitely not cheap but an experience in every respect visiting as especially in summer means you won’t be alone but it’s really no surprise that so many tourists flock to see this stunning Village purged above the sea to avoid the crowds consider coming in spring or fall the views especially from the Exotic Garden are usually much clearer in the cooler Seasons too if you take the train to esor Dem mer down by the sea and you’re up for some physical activity how about hiking up the trail that philosopher n used to wander while deep at thought next let’s explore gon which is about an hour’s drive from unfortunately public transport takes forever we promise gon is one of the most stunning purged Villages you’ll ever see offering some of the best views of the French Riviera from above take in the views shop for souvenirs visit a castle have a picnic or hike in the surrounding mountains which are also a Hotpot for paragliders [Music] there are a few restaurants in the village some with a great View and if you have a sweet tooth you’ll get some of the best ice cream around gon sits a top of Rocky Peak 760 m above the sea and of course the tiny medieval place is considered one of France’s most beautiful Villages choose a clear day to come up here from PL Victoria you can spot n onti can and the Estel mountains the ancient chatau de gon and its spectacular Garden are open for visits and now let’s head to another famous Village s Dev just 40 minutes by car from knes you can also get there by bus sampul was once a hot spot for painters like Picasso matis and shagal and is still kind of an open air Art Museum full of galleries our checklist for you includes lots of art a trip to the cemetery having a meal or staying at laulom door and taking a walk around the ramp [Music] Parts there are several restaurants with lovely Terraces in the village the well-known Cafe La plus next to the bu court at the entrance to the Old Town serves lunch the pla for a fair priz laor not only serves nice food but lots of history and big names so as you explore the village let yourself be inspired by the artwork in the many galleries you walk by when you reach the southernmost edge of the Old Town you’ll find the cemetery where Mar shagal is buried from there you can follow the trail below the ramp parts or take a walk on the ramp parts and now for the most intern nationally acclaimed Village sope about a 2hour trip by car from knes don’t bother with public transport unless it’s a boat this former fishing Village is where the international jet said loves to spend hot summer nights strolling through the old town enjoying an overpriced drink at the Port climbing up to the Citadel Shopping and AR should be on your agenda and how about some time on the beach and taking a peek at the beautiful Cemetery as you might expect in a place where International celebrities like to hang out there are plenty of great restaurants in sope perhaps the charm of this unique location lies in its striking contrast super yachts mored in front of cute little Fisher houses in the port plain old houses filled with designer boutiques champagne parties at pompon beach versus quiet strolls through the cemetery by the Sea shopping is a lot of fun and Sr especially at the huge Market at plasti on Tuesdays and Saturdays and it’s even better during the sales days called Brad at the end of October for those of you into yting don’t miss the V srop starting at the end of September this is the furthest we’re taking to the West today to SAR Sur close to 2 hours by car from knes it is possible to reach the village by train sari is one of the sweetest places imaginable where in a dark hour of History German and Austrian artists and intellectuals sought Refuge during the Nazi [Music] era we suggest you get lost in this beautiful Village and its Port discover hidden beaches and following the footsteps of exiled Riders actually the best way to discover hidden spots including this beautiful beach in s Sur is by following the map provided by the tourist office it guides you to locations where exiled writers and artists lived almost a century ago it’s quite a walk taking you to eldis hackley’s Residence too so why not reward yourself with an operative or dinner with this view reaching seon in the heart of provance takes just an hour by car from knes public transport however is a bit of a hassle seon is yet another place officially labeled as one of the most beautiful villages in France and is also famous for being the home of surrealist painter Max an not too much much to do here apart from soaking up the village Vibes enjoying a meal under the trees and of course exploring some art and culture we had the most special lunch at PL Fred de Brun a while ago there’s also the traditional restaurant La GL de M which we’ve been visiting for decades among other nice spots other than that just soak up the laidback atmosphere and be enchanted by the ston houses lining cobt lanes and Charming squares visiting a place like seon feels like stepping into another world where time moves much more slowly time to visit tetu it takes less than an hour to drive from knes but double that time we’re taking the bus tetu is known as the village of violets but it’s also just incredibly beautiful and has excellent restaurants enjoying the village and its views is most important if you get the chance check out the Violet festival and the museum dining out is great in Ted and there are endless hiking options we were blown away by a three course dinner just a few weeks ago at this place called sank which is French for the number five but there are many other restaurants in the village some some with great views some a bit pricey but worth the Splurge just be sure to make your reservation several days in advance especially in the summer tetu is one of our all-time favorite medieval villages on the French Riviera purged quite spectacularly on a rocky spur it’s definitely too small to spend a whole day in but there are many other Villages and places to explore nearby and the the narrow alleys you’ll come across the sweetest little boutiques filled with art and handcrafted treasures and right here on gr Ru there’s this Archway that leads to the old Roman pathway ascending from below and offering amazing views and finally let’s head to tuur about an hour and 45 minutes from nce by car there’s no public transport for this trip t no as the village in the sky offers stunning views and immediately puts you in vacation mode take your time exploring the village and its views relax at ploro and when you’re ready for more consider visiting the village of onus or going wine tasting in the surrounding area The Gorge du Veron Canyon is also nearby on the main Square ploro you’ll find great local food nothing too fancy at reasonable prices last time we were here we tried La far gouet with its Terrace overlooking half of provance and we really enjoyed the food tour is another one of those places officially labeled one of the most beautiful villages in France enjoy exploring the small alleys hidden squares and the old Wash House yes it is tourist Ry but it has managed to retain its authentic provinal charm wow that was a lot of information to help you get a better sense of where everything is located here’s a map with all 10 Villages we’ve shown [Music] you thanks for watching and we hope you’ll follow in some of our footsteps if you prefer cities over villages is here are a few you should definitely explore [Music]