The 7 Best Hidden Gems on the French Riviera

The French Riviera is one of the most-visited destinations in the world, and with its sparkling blue waters, gorgeous Mediterranean beaches, and stunning towns and cities, it’s no wonder why. However, it’s also home to some well-kept secrets, often overlooked pockets of natural beauty that go under the radar in favour of vibrant cities and busier beaches. From quaint hillside villages to secluded coves and beaches, here are the 7 best hidden gems on the French Riviera.

7 Places You Didn’t Know You Needed to Visit on the French Riviera

1. Lérins Islands

Found just off the coast of Cannes, the Lérins Islands are perhaps some of the best-kept secrets on the French Riviera. They are made up of five islands (the smaller three are completely uninhabited), and make for the perfect quiet escape and getaway when you’re visiting the French Riviera.

The islands have seen human activity since at least Roman times, with one story claiming that Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, studied at the Île de Saint-Honorat Monastery in the fifth century. This Cistercian monastery was founded around the year 410, making it one of the oldest in France, and it can still be visited today.

Nowadays, the islands are known for their natural beauty, including lush greenery and gorgeous waters, perfect for an afternoon of swimming and snorkelling.

The islands themselves sit around 1km off the coast of Cannes, so they’re close enough to be easily reachable by boat, but far away enough that you can escape the lively nature of the City of Stars and enjoy a quiet day or two living at the slow pace of island life.

The beaches here are much quieter than those in nearby Cannes and other cities along the French Riviera, so if you’re looking for the ultimate island escape, go no further than the Lérins Islands.

2. Pont de la Cerisé

As far as rewarding walks go, few can top the scenery at Pont de la Cerisé. This remote area can be reached in around a 90-minute walk from nearby Gilette, and it is absolutely worth every step.

The Pont de la Cerisé name refers to the old stone bridge which connects two large rocky outcrops together, and this can still be walked on today.

However, the real treat is the natural pool underneath the bridge, which is filled with natural water which has come down from the Alps, making it clean and full of minerals.

Top up your tan on the nearby rocks or enjoy swimming in this Alpine water natural pool without the crowds around you. Perfect for a peaceful getaway, and one of the best hidden gems on the French Riviera.

3. Château de la Napoule

Originally built in the 14th century, the Château de la Napoule was a historic residence for the Counts of Villeneuve on the Seaside Road, which was the main coastal route through the French Riviera.

However, now it is a listed historic building, and visitors can spend a morning or an afternoon looking around it.

In fact, it almost looks out of place compared to the very modern settings in nearby towns and cities along the Riviera, but this seafront castle combines the beauty of medieval architecture with its stunning surrealist art inside.

If you want to visit a truly unique historical gem along the French Riviera, then a visit to Château de la Napoule is a must.

4. Paloma Beach

Slightly east of Nice on the Cap Ferrat peninsula is one of the lesser-known beaches on the French Riviera – but don’t let this put you off visiting it.

The reason that it is generally not too popular is that the peninsula it is on is home to some of the most expensive properties in the world, which have previously been owned by big names such as singer Tina Turner, Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards, actor Charlie Chaplin and and co-founder of Microsoft Paul Allen, to name just a few.

And with the stunning mountainous backdrop and the gorgeous waters of the Mediterranean Sea, it’s easy to see why this sandy beach is favoured by so many celebrities.

However, it’s fairly out of the way from the nearest major city, so it is much quieter and more secluded than the beaches of Nice, making this the perfect spot for a quiet day at the beach.

5. Gourdon

If you want panoramic views over the French Riviera, then a visit to Gourdon is a must. This historic village in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur region sits high up in the hills and looks like it has been carved directly into the rock.

From up here, visitors can see everything from the mighty Alps in one direction, to lush green forests in another, to the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea in front of them.

Experience all of the stunning natural scenery that makes the French Riviera so incredibly inviting, from one of the best viewpoints in the region.

In addition, the village is also home to Gourdon Castle, which was originally constructed in the ninth century – and where better to have a viewpoint over the landscape below, while being able to take advantage of the natural sunlight and weather to grow a range of fruits and vegetables in the castle’s gardens at the same time?

Enjoy a walk around the village and finish with a glass of locally-produced wine or an ice-cold beer while enjoying the views below.

6. Èze-sur-Mer

If peaceful French villages are your scene while you’re looking for a hidden gem on the French Riviera, then we’ve got you covered.

However, this beach isn’t your typical white-sand beach full of tourists and more – it’s known for its pebble beach, which we understand isn’t everyone’s favourite, but the beauty of this is that it drastically reduces the number of tourists who visit the beach.

Furthermore, the waters off Èze-sur-Mer are some of the clearest along the French Riviera, and the rocks that line the seabed are perfect for numerous species of fish to call home, so make sure you bring your snorkelling equipment to enjoy a day out in nature.

Afterwards, you can head up to the village of Èze and enjoy some traditional French food and wine as the sun sets over the sea.

7. Cascade de Sillans

Perhaps the best has been saved until last: Cascade de Sillans. Found in Sillans, just inland from the Côte d’Azur, the Cascade de Sillans is a gorgeous waterfall and pool which seems to go unnoticed by the majority of tourists who visit the region.

While most tourists who visit the Côte d’Azur prefer to stay in the high-end hotels and enjoy days at the beach, by going inland just a couple of kilometres, you’re greeted with the beautiful greenery of the Mediterranean, including the Cascade de Sillans, which is practically hidden until you stumble upon it.

This 44-metre high waterfall is where the River Bresque plunges off the nearby rock face and into the waters below. You can hear it while you’re hiking towards it, but don’t see it until the very last minute.

If this sounds like your own slice of paradise, then make sure to visit Cascade de Sillans next time you’re in the French Riviera.