Every year in July and August the French Riviera is treated to spectacular light and sound displays during the Festival of Pyrotechnics. People flock to the beach with their picnics or book the beachfront restaurants to make sure they get a good view of the competition. The themes vary from year to year but the competition amongst the countries that compete remains white hot. Look at the website to find dates for the upcoming season.

Grasse is 15 minutes from the villa and is the home to fine perfume. You can take a tour of the perfume factory at Fragonard or have a go at making your own signature scent at Molinard.

Otherwise known as the Iles de Lérins, the islands make a fantastic day trip. You can hire a private boat or take the public ferry from La Croisette in Cannes. The scenery is spectacular and there is an historic prison and monastery to discover. Take a picnic and go for a snorkel or spend a lively afternoon with friends dining at La Guerite, singing and dancing to the strolling mariachi band or DJ. Elton John did an impromptu concert after his lunch last August!

The Cote D’Azur is famous for it’s art and artists. The towns of St Paul de Vence, Mougins and Vallauris are well known for their galleries. Picasso, Matisse, Renoir, Chagall, Cezanne, Modigliani and many others took inspiration from the light and landscape of the area. The Maeght Foundation in St Paul de Vence is world renowned and we highly recommend the Renoir Museum at Cagnes Sur Mer, the Picasso museum in Vallauris and the Mougins Museum of Classical art.

Valbonne has a vibrant and bustling year round market every Friday morning in the town square. You can find seasonal produce, clothing and Provencal delicacies. The first Sunday of every month there is also an antiques market in the square. Cours Saleya in Nice holds a Flower market, a fruit and vegetable market and antique and evening markets. Marche Forville in Cannes is also a great place to find fresh produce.