One of the life experiences I cherish the most is spending time along the Côte d’Azur. After my last visit, I have a vision of chasing sunsets on the Côte d’Azur that will burn in my memory forever.

Road trips to Nice, Antibes, and other spots along the Côte d’Azur with friends like Patricia Sands on the Memories Tours, filled my blog and me with sights and stories I’ll never forget. However, I must confess that the more I visited, the more confused I was about something relatively straightforward. Note: I’m geographically challenged. The puzzlement was, “Which seaside towns are below which hilltop villages?” To settle the question, I asked my good friend Heidi to join me and my mini Yorkie, Fanny, to map out the region’s topography. Little did I know the journey would bring such long-lasting rewards. Those seven days, I spent quality time with my friend, witnessed the most stunning sunsets I’d ever seen, and traveled with Fanny, who crossed the Rainbow Bridge not long ago.

Best Scenic Drives on the French Riviera

On day One, the quest to map out the layout of the Côte d’Azur from Cassis to Menton—and above—started in Uzès. We headed for the coast to spend our first night near St Cyr sur Mer. Along the way, we passed through the rugged hills of Cassis and then into the town of Cassis.

The Route des Crêtes set the tone for the trip with its dramatic cliffs and spectacular sea views. Winding through the Forêt Communale de la Ciotat, the road clings to the cliffs high above the Mediterranean, offering awe-inspiring vistas. It’s no wonder this stretch of road, with its dramatic drops and sharp turns, has been featured in countless TV and movie thrillers, including the classic James Bond chase scene.

 

The Journey Along the Coast and Hilltops

Coastal Towns to Visit on the Côte d’Azur

On Day Two, we stopped for breakfast in Sanary sur Mer, a harbor town with palm-lined streets, quaint shops, cozy cafés, and stunning sea views around a lively and inviting town square. The harbor, lined with traditional fishing boats known as pointus, added to the Provençal atmosphere. After exploring the town’s colorful streets, we continued along the coast, stopping in Toulon and driving onto La Pradet for a relaxing meal by the sea. Each town offered something unique — from Hyères‘ expansive coastal views to the peaceful beaches of Cavalier sur Mer. Though close together, these towns revealed the variety and charm that make the Côte d’Azur unique.

Moving upward, we drove through the Forêt Domaniale de l’Esterel, which was magical with its red volcanic rock formations glowing under the evening sun. The forest spans about 32,000 acres and blends lush woodlands with stunning Mediterranean views, making it a paradise for nature lovers.

Exploring Artists’ Venues Atop the Riviera

Our last stop on Day Two was Mougins, a town known for its rich artistic heritage. Wandering through the narrow streets, it was easy to see why Picasso and other artists were drawn to the place.

Vallauris, another artist hub famous for its pottery, continued the theme of creativity and culture into Day Three. The road led us into the hills, where the village of Gourdon offered some of the most stunning views we’d seen so far. Perched high above the coast, Gourdon’s panorama at sunset was breathtaking. The scene seemed suspended in time.

 

Must-Visit Cities on the Côte d’Azur: Nice and Menton

Nice provided a lively contrast to the hilltop villages on Day Four. With its vibrant markets and elegant promenades, Nice is a city where French and Italian influences blend seamlessly. The next stop, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, offered a quieter beauty and expansive coastal views. As the sun slipped below the horizon, the entire landscape seemed to glow, a perfect ending to another day on the Riviera.

On Day Five, we drove along the coast to Menton, known for its orange groves, lush gardens, and unique food products made with citrus. After a day of market shopping and perusing the town, we returned to Roquebrune-Cap-Martin for a spectacular sunset.

Hidden Hilltop Villages on the Côte d’Azur

On Day Six, our journey continued from the sea to the hills, taking us through La Turbie and Eze. Though thrilling, the roads that led us there gave way to peaceful stillness and cinematic views as we approached the villages high above the coastline. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, nestled against the mountains, was a fitting conclusion to our day, a journey defined by the ever-changing light of the sky.

A Scenic Finale: From Moustiers-Sainte-Marie to Uzès

Our final day, Day Seven, began in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie with a peaceful morning walk and a leisurely breakfast. Along the way out of town, we passed into a small village with stunning views of Lac de Sainte-Croix. The highlight of the find was discovering Château d’Aiguines.  Continuing, we drove through the Forêt Communale d’Aiguines, where the Verdon Gorge stole the show with its steep cliffs and winding river—an imposing sight.

As we made our way towards Uzès, our last stop was Roussillon. The village’s earthy colors were incredibly vivid at sunset.  This final stretch of the trip was a fitting end to a journey that balanced the natural beauty of the Côte d’Azur with the hues of the sunset that appeared built into ochre-colored buildings of the Luberon. The contrast gave us moments of quiet reflection.

A Journey of Discovery

Looking back, the seven-day adventure was more than a road trip; it was a journey of discovery. Connecting the coastal towns with the hilltop villages revealed a secret of the Côte d’Azur I longed to know. Each day, as the sun dipped below the horizon, we saw the majesty of this region. Whether you’re drawn to the sea, the hills, or the colors of the sky, take time to chase a few sunsets along the way. The Côte d’Azur will leave you enchanted.

 

Please join me as I visit towns along this route in future posts on Barefoot Blogger. You’re sure to love the stories and the breathtaking scenery.

The Route

Day One

Uzès

Hills of Cassis

St Cyr sur Mer 

Bandol

Town of Cassis

Route des Crêtes through Forêt Communale de la Ciotat

St. Cyr sur Mer

Day Two

St Cyr sur Mer

Sanary sur Mer – breakfast – 

Toulon

La Pradet – Lunch by the sea

Hyeres

Le Lavandou  – Up hills 

Royal Canadel sur Mer

Cavalier sur Mer – Hilly 

Sainte-Maxime – Sea level

Roquebrune-sur-Argens

Fréjus

Saint-Raphaël – Headed into Foret domaniale de Esterel

Forêt Domaniale de l’Esterel – Hills  – Sunset

Plage d’Agay – Sea level

Mougins – Hills – Overnight

Day Three

Mougins – Hills

Vallauris 

Forêt Communal de Gourdon

Gourdon – Sunset

Mougins -Overnight

Day Four

Nice – Morning

Nice – Sunset

Roquebrune-Cap-Martin – Overnight

Day Five 

Roquebrune-Cap-Martin – Morning

Menton – Sunset

Roquebrune-Cap-Martin – Overnight

Day Six

Roquebrune-Cap Martin – Morning

Beausoleil

Cap d’Ail – Seaside

La Turbie – Hills

Eze 

Gréolières 

Valderoure – Sunset 

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie – Hills – Sunset – Overnight 

Day Seven

Moustiers- Saint-Marie – Morning

Aiguines – Chateau

Forêt Communale d’Aiguines – Gorge

Roussillon – Sunset

Uzès – Home