Explore beyond the glamour of Saint-Tropez; immerse yourself in the stunning mountain villages of Southern France's charming highlands.
The French Riviera, known for its glamour and sun-soaked beaches, is also home to a collection of enchanting hilltop villages that offer a glimpse into the region's rich history and artistic heritage. From Saint-Paul-de-Vence to Peillon, these picturesque villages are a must-visit for anyone seeking a more authentic and cultural experience.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence
This charming hilltop village, surrounded by 16th-century ramparts, is one of the most famous in the area. Art galleries, small Provencal boutiques, and shaded squares can be found nestled within its medieval walls. The village has attracted artists such as Chagall, Picasso, and Prévert, as well as Yves Montand and Simone Signoret.
A walk along the ramparts offers panoramic views of the town and the surrounding Provencal landscape. The peaceful cemetery where painter Marc Chagall is buried reflects the village’s artistic heritage. The Maeght Foundation Museum, a major cultural highlight, showcases over 12,000 modern and contemporary artworks from renowned artists such as Marc Chagall, Joan Miró, Alberto Giacometti, and Pierre Bonnard.
Eze
Famous for its medieval old village perched on a cliff, Eze is a place of raw beauty and intense sunlight. Narrow cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and the exotic Jardin Exotique with spectacular views of the Mediterranean make Eze a must-visit.
Gourdon
Renowned for its hilltop position offering sweeping views of the French Riviera, Gourdon is a fortified village listed as one of the most beautiful in France. Situated on a rocky spur 700 meters high in the Loup valley, it invites visitors to walk around, admire lavender, and breathe in the invigorating mountain air. Gourdon has retained its medieval layout, with a restored castle, craftsmen's stalls, and local perfumers.
Peillon and Coaraze
Both Peillon and Coaraze are traditional perched villages typical of the region, with beautiful stone architecture, narrow streets, and panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. They offer authentic village atmospheres ideal for hiking and cultural exploration.
Coaraze
Coaraze, called the Village of the Sun, is almost 650 meters high and boasts ochre and blue facades with sundials painted by artists like Jean Cocteau and Ponce de Leon.
Each of these villages offers a unique and authentic experience, blending medieval charm with a rich cultural heritage. Whether you're exploring the art galleries of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, wandering the narrow streets of Eze, admiring the views from Gourdon's panoramic terrace, or discovering the hidden gems of Peillon and Coaraze, the French Riviera's hilltop villages are a must-visit for any traveller.
[1] Maeght Foundation [2] Saint-Paul-de-Vence Tourism [3] Eze Tourism [4] Gourdon Tourism
- In the charming hilltop village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, art galleries, fashion-and-beauty boutiques, and fine dining establishments create a delightful fusion of lifestyle elements.
- For the foodie traveler, Eze offers a variety of options for food-and-drink exploration, with local cuisine inspired by the region's freshest ingredients and Mediterranean flavors.
- The hilltop village of Coaraze, with its sun-drenched ochre and blue facades, showcases a fascinating blend of home-and-garden charm and artistic influences in its sundial designs.
