Stretching from the Italian border at Menton to the glitzy and sun-soaked shores of Saint-Tropez, the Côte d’Azur is where the Alps meet the Mediterranean, creating a paradise for outdoor sports enthusiasts. With its dazzling coastline, rugged cliffs, and wild hinterland, complete with bone dry hiking and biking trails, the French Riviera is the perfect playground for adventure seekers.
Kitesurf, sail and eFoil in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. Paddleboard along the Cap d’Antibes, dive into shipwrecks off Saint-Raphaël, or cliff-jump into the calanques near Cassis. Inland, discover a world of untamed beauty—hike the stunning trails of the Mercantour National Park, canyon through the dramatic Gorges du Loup, or climb the limestone cliffs of La Turbie and Saint-Jeannet.
From the chic harbours of Nice and Cannes to the hidden wilderness of the Esterel Massif, the Côte d’Azur is a place where adventure meets elegance. Whether you’re carving through waves, scaling cliffs, or exploring mountain trails, this legendary coastline delivers high-energy thrills against an iconic Mediterranean backdrop.
Explore the French Riviera
The Côte d’Azur is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering sun, sea and mountains, and year-round adventure. Whether you’re into hiking or biking the dry trails, free-climbing the sea cliffs, or paddleboarding the sparkling coastline, there’s something for everyone in this south-east corner of France.
Here’s a list of our favourite places to visit from Saint Tropez to Menton:
1. Antibes
Sandwiched between Cannes and Nice, Antibes is a fantastic base for both water sports and land-based activities. Carve up the bay on an eFoil at Cap d’Antibes, paddleboard along the stunning coastline, or dive into crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. Climbers will find deep water soloing spots around La Baie des Milliardaires on Cap d’Antibes. On land, hit the mountain bike trails just inland, or hike the rugged Sentier du Littoral. For the ultimate thrill, try canyoning in the Gorges du Loup a short drive away. Whether on water or land, Antibes delivers high-energy adventure with unbeatable Riviera views.
2. Biot
Biot is a charming hilltop village just 20km from Nice, offering a perfect mix of history, art, and outdoor adventure. While its cobbled streets and Provencal markets are worth exploring, the real draw for outdoor enthusiasts is the Biot to Valbonne hike. This scenic trail winds through lush Mediterranean forests and rolling hills, connecting two of the Riviera’s most picturesque villages.
For a more relaxed experience, enjoy a picnic in the shaded Jardin Frédéric Mistral park or visit Biot’s renowned glass factory to watch artisans at work. Whether you’re hiking, strolling, or simply soaking up the views, Biot is a great spot to escape the coastal crowds and experience the Cote d’Azur’s rugged interior.
3. Cagnes-sur-Mer
Cagnes-sur-Mer, nestled between Nice and Antibes, is a prime spot for outdoor adventure on the Côte d’Azur. Its calm waters and scenic coastline make it perfect for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming, with warm Mediterranean temperatures year-round. Beyond the beach, cycle the seafront promenade or hike up to Haut-de-Cagnes for stunning coastal views. For a change of pace, explore the Parc des Rives du Loup, a beautiful riverside trail connecting Cagnes with Villeneuve-Loubet. Whether gliding on the sea or exploring inland, Cagnes-sur-Mer offers the perfect mix of watersports and outdoor escapes.
4. Cannes
Cannes, renowned for its glamorous film festival, also offers a ton of outdoor activities. The city’s Mediterranean setting, just 30 minutes from Nice and backed by mountains, makes it a great destination for an active holiday.
For water sports, Palm Beach is good for wingfoiling and kitesurfing, while the Plages du Midi and Plages de la Bocca (west of the old port), offer excellent swimming and paddleboarding. And, the iconic Boulevard de la Croisette provides a scenic route to cycle, rollerblade, or stroll.
Inland, the hills behind Cannes are criss-crossed with hiking and biking trails. Venture further into the hills for paragliding and canyoning.
5. Èze
The ancient village of Èze, with its stunning views over St Jean-Cap Ferrat, is a must-visit if you’re driving the legendary Grande Corniche. Perched on a rocky peak at an altitude of 427m overlooking the Mediterranean sea, the village is centred around the ruins of a 12th century castle.
Hike the Nietzsche trail down to the sea, or paraglide from Mont Bastide down to Eze beach, where sailing, diving and sea kayaking are all popular.
5. Nice
City by the sea, but with a backdrop of mountains, the nearest ski resorts are just over an hour away. Close to the border with Italy, Nice is a bit Italian, a bit French, yet has a vibrant culture all of its own.
If you like the buzz of a city, with bars, restaurants, nightlife and transport links, Nice is a fantastic place to base yourself for an active holiday in the south of France.
Please leave a comment below if you need specific advice for your trip to the Côte d’Azur, or if you have any recommendations to help us improve this guide. Happy holidays!