Alpes-Maritimes
Looking for an exceptional destination for your next vacation? If you're passionate about nature, culture, sport and gastronomy, the Alpes-Maritimes is your ideal destination!
Located in the magnificent Provence-Alpes-Côte d'AzurThe Alpes-Maritimes offers an unrivalled variety of landscapes and activities. Whether your heart is set on the sea or the mountains, the Alpes-Maritimes will satisfy your every desire.
In this article, we offer you a comprehensive guide to the places and activities to discover in the Alpes-Maritimes. You'll explore highlights such as Nice, Cannes, Antibes and Monaco, not forgetting little-known gems like hilltop villages, nature parks and ski resorts.
Don't miss out on unforgettable experiences such as hiking, biking, paragliding, canyoning and diving. What's more, we'll share our expert advice with you to help you plan your stay in the Alpes-Maritimes.
Must-sees in the Alpes Maritimes
Once you've savored Old Nice, let's broaden your horizons to the other treasures of the Alpes-Maritimes. From emblematic towns and charming villages to exceptional natural and cultural sites, this region has something for every taste and every budget.
Discover five essential places not to be missed.
Nice, capital of the French Riviera
Nice, the flagship city of the Alpes-Maritimes and capital of the French Riviera seduces with its abundance of attractions and activities. Discover the splendid Baie des Anges along the Promenade des Anglais, explore the Cours Saleya flower market, visit the Matisse Museum or the majestic Saint-Nicolas Orthodox Cathedral, and sample the special socca, a delicious traditional galette. An ideal starting point, Nice also boasts an international airport and an excellent public transport network.
The Principality of Monaco: luxury and glamour
Monaco, a sovereign state nestled between France and Italy, boasts a casino, the famous Formula 1 Grand Prix, the Prince's Palace and luxurious yachts. This luxury enclave promises iconic visits such as the Oceanographic Museum, the Exotic Garden, the National Museum and the Museum of Napoleonic Memorabilia. Don't miss the changing of the guard at the Palais Princier or a spellbinding show at the Casino de Monte-Carlo.
Cannes: International Film Festival and dream beaches
Cannes shines on the world stage thanks to its International Film Festival in May, when the stars of the silver screen walk the red carpet of the Palais des Festivals. But beyond the glitz and glamour of the festival, Cannes seduces with its sandy beaches, high-end boutiques, gourmet restaurants and picturesque hotels. You'll also be tempted by the historic Suquet district, the Croix-des-Gardes, the Musée de la Castre or a trip to the Îles de Lérins.
Antibes and the charm of its old port
Antibes, a city rich in heritage, boasts a charming old port populated by sailboats and fishing boats. Stroll through the charming narrow streets of the old town, and discover the Notre-Dame-de-la-Platea Cathedral, the Picasso Museum and the Fort Carré. Don't miss Marineland, Europe's largest water park, for an unforgettable encounter with dolphins, orcas, sharks and sea lions.
Grasse: the world's perfume capital
Grasse, nestled in the hinterland of the Alpes-Maritimes, renowned for its colorful fields of flowers, is world-renowned as the capital of perfume. The town is famous for its perfume factories and museums, living witnesses to the richness of this art.
The Parfumerie Fragonard, the Musée International de la Parfumerie, the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire de Provence and the Musée de la Marine are just some of the treasures Grasse has to offer visitors. Stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, discover its charming houses, refreshing fountains, lush gardens and majestic cathedral for an unforgettable experience.
The hidden treasures of the Alpes Maritimes
In addition to its famous towns and heavenly beaches, the Alpes-Maritimes also boasts some lesser-known gems, perfect for nature, history and authenticity enthusiasts.
In this section, discover four little-known sites that will captivate you with their beauty and richness.
The hilltop villages of the hinterland
The hinterland of the Alpes-Maritimes is home to perched villages offering spectacular views of the mountains and the sea. These villages, where the spirit of the Middle Ages still hovers, are a treasure trove of architecture and culture. Romanesque churches, fortresses, art museums and botanical gardens are just some of the wonders to be discovered.
The villages of Sainte-Agnès, Gourdon, Peille and Eze are among the most enchanting.
La Vallée des Merveilles: a unique prehistoric site
Located in the Mercantour massif, at an altitude of over 2,000 meters, La Vallée des Merveilles is famous for its Bronze Age rock engravings. Representing human, animal and symbolic figures, these engravings are a precious testimony to prehistory and are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Access to the site is via marked hiking trails through breathtaking scenery.
The Mercantour National Park and its unforgettable hikes
Covering more than 60,000 hectares, the Mercantour National Park is a sanctuary of biodiversity, home to an exceptional variety of plants and animals, including rare species such as the wolf, the ibex and the golden eagle. The park offers countless opportunities to immerse yourself in nature, with activities such as hiking, mountain biking and canyoning, as well as allowing the discovery of its rich cultural heritage.
The Côte d'Azur ridge route
Linking Cassis to La Ciotat via the Calanques massif, the Route des Crêtes offers breathtaking panoramas of the Mediterranean, the cliffs and the surrounding islands. Whether by car, bike or on foot, this route is a must for nature and adventure lovers, with exceptional sites such as Cap Canaille, Calanque d'En-Vau and Parc du Mugel to explore.
Activities and experiences not to be missed
If you're planning a stay in the Alpes-Maritimes, expect a multitude of enchanting activities. Let us guide you through our selection of five must-sees for a complete experience, whether you're passionate about sports, culture, gastronomy, or simply in search of new discoveries.
Water sports on the Riviera
The famous Côte d'Azur, with its pleasant climate and crystal-clear waters, is the perfect playground for water sports enthusiasts. Embark on adventures by sail, kayak, paddle, jet ski, water ski, towed buoy, or explore the depths by scuba diving. Discover a unique perspective of the coastline and its breathtaking beauty, and don't miss an eco-friendly getaway aboard a solar-powered boat.
Hiking and winter sports in the Mercantour
The Mercantour National Park is a paradise for nature lovers and winter sports enthusiasts. Its hiking trails reveal exceptional panoramas and breathtaking alpine landscapes, complemented by lakes, waterfalls and majestic forests. Its rich biodiversity is punctuated by discoveries such as the Vallée des Merveilles. For winter sports enthusiasts, Auron, Isola 2000, Valberg and La Colmiane offer superb skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing. The perfect place to reconnect with nature.
Festivals and cultural events
The Alpes-Maritimes vibrates to the rhythm of its many world-class cultural events and festivals. Be part of the Cannes International Film Festival, enjoy the nuances of jazz at the Festival de Jazz à Juan, get carried away by the festive atmosphere of the Nice Carnival, and don't miss the Fête du Citron in Menton, a colorful celebration that pays tribute to the lemon. These events are ideal for sharing joy and conviviality.
Tasting of local cuisine and regional specialities
Delights and flavors come together in the Alpes-Maritimes, a gourmet destination par excellence. Let yourself be tempted by socca, pissaladière, salade niçoise and so many other specialties that will delight your taste buds. Discover emblematic local products such as goat's cheese, honey and olive oil. Don't miss Grasse, the perfume capital, where you'll have the chance to create your own fragrance.
Luxury shopping in Monaco and Cannes
The Alpes-Maritimes embody elegance and chic, offering fabulous opportunities for luxury shopping in Monaco and Cannes. Browse the boutiques of haute couture, jewelry, leather goods and cosmetics to discover prestigious, high-end items. Admire the dazzling windows of department stores such as Printemps, Galeries Lafayette and Bon Marché.
And don't miss the sales periods, which take place twice a year, in January and July, to take advantage of attractive discounts.
Alpes Maritimes - Conclusion
It's clear that the Alpes-Maritimes offer a variety of attractions for all tastes. Whether for nature, culture, sport, gastronomy or luxury, this département has something for every visitor. From famous cities like Nice, Monaco, Cannes and Antibes to lesser-known gems such as the hilltop villages, the Vallée des Merveilles and the Mercantour National Park, the range of sites to explore is vast.
The range of activities on offer is equally impressive, from water sports and hiking to festivals, tasting local specialties and luxury shopping. The Alpes-Maritimes is an exceptional vacation destination, promising unforgettable memories.
Don't delay, plan your trip to the Alpes-Maritimes now and discover the richness and diversity of this enchanting département. You won't be disappointed!
Alpes Maritimes - FAQ
What is the number of the Alpes-Maritimes department?
The Alpes-Maritimes department number is 06. Located in southeastern France, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, its prefecture is the city of Nice.
What is the main town in the Alpes Maritimes?
Nice, the prefecture of the département, is the main city of the Alpes-Maritimes. It is the seventh most populous city in France, with a population of 348,085 in 2021.
What is the Alpes-Maritimes zone?
The Alpes-Maritimes, a French department located in the southeast of the country near the Italian border and along the Mediterranean Sea, is divided into three distinct zones: the great massifs of the north, presenting the department's highest peaks; the Grasse and Estéron Pre-Alps, characterized by imposing gorges; and to the east, the Baous chain.
Where do the Alpes Maritimes begin?
The start of the Alpes Maritimes lies on the French-Italian border, between the Larche and Tende passes, stretching all the way to the Mediterranean Sea, between the Paillon and Roya estuaries.
