Known the world over for its heavenly beaches of golden sand, turquoise waters and rich seaside resorts, the French Riviera attracts a wealth of tourists who are often content to stay by the sea. But there are many gems to be discovered in the hinterland. All you have to do is get lost in the hills to discover villages with their authentic, unspoilt charm. Kingdom Limousines, a company specialising in luxury transport, offers unique tours of these rare and hidden gems of the French Riviera.
Perched villages, precious and discreet
The perched villages of the French Riviera are not overly luxurious, but rather subtly elegant and beautiful. The curious will appreciate and delve into the secrets and mysteries hidden in these treasures.
Preserved historical and cultural wealth
Stone houses, narrow cobbled streets and historic monuments: the hilltop villages of the French Riviera invite you to take a trip back in time. The peaceful atmosphere adds to the feeling of stepping back in time. It’s a far cry from the busy, bustling coastline.
Culture and history buffs will find satisfaction in strolling through these villages. All steeped in history, they are home to castle ruins, centuries-old churches and other picturesque sites.
Breathtaking views
The hilltop villages offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. These are the places to go to admire unforgettable views from beautiful terraces. If you’ve got a photo shoot to do, these are the places to be, where you can get excellent light at different times of the day.
A selection of our 5 must-visit hilltop villages
There are many charming villages on the French Riviera, and we’ve put together a selection of those that stand out as much for their beauty as for the quality of their services.
Gassin: another view of Saint-Tropez
When Saint-Tropez is partying, on the peninsula, Gassin remains quiet. This picturesque village eschews the hectic pace of the famous seaside resort, but offers magnificent views over the gulf.
The wonderful gardens of Èze
The most breathtaking because it is built on a rocky ridge, Èze is particularly famous for its gardens. This village, literally suspended between the sky and the sea, is home to an exotic garden in the heart of the French Riviera. Here you can admire rare plants as well as panoramic views over the Mediterranean.
The superb medieval village of Gourdon
Fans of medieval history are always delighted to visit Gourdon. On the edge of a cliff plunging into the River Loup, the castle ruins are a particularly pleasant place to take a stroll. In the cobbled streets, it’s easy to find a well-known restaurant serving Provencal specialities.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a village of artists
If Marc Chagall is anything to go by, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is an inspiring place for painters. In fact, the village boasts a museum dedicated to the famous painter that is well worth a visit. As you stroll through the narrow streets and squares, you’ll have the chance to discover other artists exhibited in galleries.
Charming retreat at Tourrettes-sur-Loup
Nestling comfortably in its natural setting, Tourrettes-sur-Loup is a quiet, yet bustling village. The narrow streets and authentic stone houses invite you to take a stroll. The art galleries and craft shops might just be the place to discover a nugget. Don’t hesitate to sit down on a terrace for lunch: the restaurants are excellent.
Discover these villages at their best
A well-organised visit allows you to make the most of the time and the place. Here are some tips to help you organise your visit to these gems.
Each season has its own charm
The climate on the French Riviera is very mild from spring to autumn. However, each of these three seasons brings its own special touch to the places you visit.
l In spring, you can enjoy views of flowers. The blossoming flowers bring colour and fragrance to the landscape.
l In summer, the high sun highlights the ancient stones and the incomparable blue of the Mediterranean Sea. In the middle of the day, the temperatures are hard to bear, but in the evening, the sunsets delight visitors.
l In autumn, nature changes colour completely, turning brown, bronze, bright yellow and ochre. This costume adds to the medieval charm of the narrow streets and ancient buildings.
Kingdom Limousines: luxury services for exploring the French Riviera
Kingdom Limousines knows these hilltop villages inside out and trains its staff to guide you there. In limousines or SUVs, professional chauffeurs will take you to the villages you want and give you all the historical and tourist information you need. The company also takes care of the organisation, reserving your seats for restaurants and tours.
