Holiday rentals and lettings in Côte d'Azur

Wedged between the Southern Alps and the Mediterranean, in a land blessed by bounty, welcome to the Côte d'Azur, or French Riviera. This is the apotheosis of elegance and luxury and purveyor of lovely beaches, dramatic coastal vistas, medieval villages and untamed wilderness. Choose from holiday rentals in the glittering capital city of Nice, the glamour of Cannes, or the opulence of Monaco. Or step back in time in the gorgeous seaside towns of Eze and Antibes. Looking for lettings inland? Grasse is a quiet, pretty medieval village which also holds the distinction of being the world’s perfume capital!

Many holiday rentals in the Côte d'Azur are typically set in attractive gardens, and many have private or shared swimming pools to cool off in the hot sunshine. They are designed so that you can soak in the view, from floor-to-ceiling windows to delightful terraces overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. In the major cities of Nice and Cannes, there are myriad luxury flats at your fingertips, right in the heart of these clinquant cities.

The Côte d'Azur stretches from Mandelieu in the west to France's border with Italy, taking in Cannes, Nice, Antibes and the principality of Monaco. Moving west to east, we start at Cannes, a shimmering town with extraordinary views and culture and, of course, the International Film Festival. Next is Antibes, which goes beyond the megayachts and picture-perfect beaches, drawing tourists to its literary and artistic history. Nice boasts a delightful maze of narrow streets full of vibrant restaurants, galleries, and independent shops. And finally, in the east, Monaco, a playground for the ultra-rich and an unparalleled destination for people watching!

Away from the coast, the land rises first into gentle, tree-lined hills, then into the rocky cliffs and gorges that mark the start of the Alps. A highlight of inland Côte d'Azur is Préalpes d'Azur Regional Natural Park, which starts around 15 miles north of Nice. It boasts more than just dramatic landscapes. The beautiful towns here are also fascinating, mixing sun-baked Provencale charm with Riviera style and expansive mountain views.

Discover the delightful range of flavours of the local cuisine from Michelin starred restaurants to traditional French establishments. Sample recipes such as pissaladière (a pizza-like dish), niçoise salad, raviolis, gnocchi, ratatouille, and farcis niçois (vegetables stuffed with meat and herbs). Check out the local markets for sunkissed locally-sourced products together with gourmet specialities such as honey and candied fruits. And, of course, try out the diverse Rosé and Red wines produced in the region, such as the fine Côtes de Provence and Coteaux Varois appellations.

Côte d'Azur is a fabulous spot for a romantic getaway or honeymoon. Take a picnic and spend a few romantic hours together at the Terrasse Frederic Nietzsche in Nice, where you will savour one of the most remarkable views of the region. Spend a day at Antibes, the honeymoon location of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, and enjoy cocktails on the terrace of Hotel du Cap Eden Roc. Dine in the gourmet restaurant of Chateau Eza in the darling ancient hilltop town of Eze.

The highlight of Cannes is the stunning palm-fringed boulevard. You can walk from the eastern end across the bay and past the old town and marina, making a great evening stroll to watch and be watched.

Enjoy a hillside meal at the Michelin Star restaurant at Villa Belrose, which overlooks Saint Tropez bay. Indulge in a seven-course dinner paired with exceptional wines chosen by the restaurant’s sommelier.

Just outside of Nice, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a medieval village with something to attract art lovers of all kinds. The village boasts a plethora of narrow streets stocked with art galleries, as well as a calm vibe, cafe culture, chilled cobbled streets and stunning vistas.

The town of Grasse exudes the scents of roses, lavender, mimosa, jasmine, and its International Perfume Museum traces the history of fragrance here since antiquity, and explores the expertise of perfume artisans. This museum is the only one of its kind in the world!

Nice’s carnival is one of the biggest in the world. Held in February, the highlight of the festival is the ‘flower fights’, where revellers throw thousands of flowers at each other and where dressing up is hugely encouraged.