The most beautiful villages to visit around Nice

The Côte d’Azur is famous for its sunny beaches and elegant towns, but it is also home to some of the most beautiful villages in France. Near Nice, you can discover picturesque places and enjoy unforgettable experiences that will make you fall in love with this exceptional region. Here are some of the most beautiful villages to visit around Nice.

Èze, a medieval village perched on the Côte d’Azur

Located just 12 kilometres from Nice, Èze is a medieval village perched on a hill with panoramic views over the Mediterranean Sea. Its cobbled streets and stone houses bear witness to its historic past. You can visit the Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs, dating from the 14th century, and the Jardin exotique, home to an impressive collection of cacti and succulents.

Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a haven of art and culture

The village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a veritable open-air museum, attracting lovers of art and culture. This charming fortified village is renowned for its art galleries, artists’ studios and historic monuments. Don’t miss strolling through the cobbled streets and visiting the Fondation Maeght, a museum of modern and contemporary art.

Must-sees in Saint-Paul-de-Vence

• La Colombe d’Or, a famous inn that has welcomed many artists over the years
• The parish church of the Conversion of Saint-Paul, dating from the 14th century
• The cemetery where the painter Marc Chagall and the writer Jacques Prévert are buried

Gourdon, a hilltop village overlooking the Gorges du Loup

Located in the hinterland of Nice, Gourdon is a magnificent hilltop village overlooking the Gorges du Loup. It offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Take a stroll through its narrow streets to discover the church of Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens, the medieval castle and local craft workshops.

Activities near Gourdon

• Hiking in the Préalpes d’Azur Regional Nature Park
• Mountain biking and kayaking in the Gorges du Loup
• Visit the caves at Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne

Tourette-Levens, an authentic village at the gateway to the Mercantour

Nestling in the hills of Nice, Tourette-Levens is an authentic village that has preserved its old-world charm. Its medieval castle, now a natural history museum, houses an impressive collection of butterflies and insects from all over the world. You can also visit the church of Saint-Grat, which contains artistic treasures such as the Bréa polyptych.

The Côte d’Azur is full of picturesque villages that are well worth a visit. These places steeped in history and beauty offer visitors an unforgettable experience, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the big coastal cities. Don’t hesitate to take the time to discover these gems around Nice during your next stay in the region.