French Riviera Hidden Gems: 10 Secret Spots You’ll Fall in Love With

Beyond the glitz of Cannes and the yachts of Monaco lies the real charm of the French Riviera or Côte d'Azur. Hidden among its glittering coastline, beautiful villas, and lush hills are lesser-known villages, secret beaches, and tranquil small towns that even some locals overlook. These French Riviera hidden gems are perfect if you're craving authenticity, fewer crowds, and unforgettable experiences.

If you’re planning your first trip or looking to escape the touristy places, this list is your guide to the Riviera’s secret side.

1. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat’s Coastal Path

While many visit its iconic Paloma Beach with its sandy beaches, few know about the coastal path that hugs the peninsula. This peaceful trail offers stunning views of the Mediterranean coast, winding past luxury hotels, pine trees, and hidden rocky coves where you can enjoy a private beach day or some serene beach time.2. Tourrettes-sur-Loup: The Village of Violets

Tucked in the hills, this lovely medieval town is a haven of charm with its cobblestone streets, local shops, and artisanal gift shops. Known for its violet festival and local products like olive oil, Tourrettes-sur-Loup has a truly local vibe. It’s a great place to stroll narrow streets, enjoy an impromptu picnic, and escape the Riviera’s high-end bustle.

2. Tourrettes-sur-Loup: The Village of Violets

Tucked in the hills, this lovely medieval town is a haven of charm with its cobblestone streets, local shops, and artisanal gift shops. Known for its violet festival and local products like olive oil, Tourrettes-sur-Loup has a truly local vibe. It’s a great place to stroll narrow streets, enjoy an impromptu picnic, and escape the Riviera’s high-end bustle.

3. Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden, Menton

Located near the Italian border, this quiet garden in Menton is a lush retreat filled with lush greenery and colorful blooms. It’s perfect for nature lovers wanting something beyond the beach. Most tourists skip this spot, making it one of the top hidden gems for peaceful discovery near the Italian border.

4. Saint-Honorat Island: Monks, Wine, and Silence

Part of the Lérins Islands, this serene island off Cannes is often overshadowed by its noisier neighbor, Saint-Marguerite. But Saint-Honorat is a true hidden treasure. Home to Cistercian monks, the island offers wine tasting, monastery visits, and silent walks among ancient olive groves. Art lovers can also appreciate the historic atmosphere.

5. Beaulieu-sur-Mer’s Baie des Fourmis

While Beaulieu-sur-Mer is known to yacht-goers due to its proximity to Europe's largest marina, the Baie des Fourmis beach remains a low-key escape with clear water, a Roman villa now a museum, and a peaceful promenade. It’s ideal for sunbathing or sipping rosé at a quiet rooftop bar without the crowds.

6. Gorbio: Where Time Slows Down

Just a 15-minute drive from Menton, Gorbio is a small town where donkeys roam and locals gather for pétanque. This medieval village feels like a film set with its cobbled streets, stone archways, and views stretching to the sea. Perfect for an offbeat day trip from the train station at Nice or Monaco.

7. Saint-Paul-de-Vence’s Less-Touristy Corners

Yes, Paul de Vence is popular, but venture beyond the art shops to its quiet residential lanes and olive groves. These lesser-known corners reveal a slower pace and genuine charm. Consider visiting during low season to enjoy its local products, small boutiques, and galleries in peace. Nearby, the Picasso Museum offers a dose of culture for art lovers.

8. Villefranche-sur-Mer’s Secret Lookout

While Villefranche-sur-Mer isn’t a secret, most tourists stick to the beach. Instead, hike the Chemin du Lazaret to find panoramic spots with crystal clear water below and zero foot traffic. Perfect for photographers or a sunset impromptu picnic with stunning views over the Mediterranean coast.

9. The Olive Groves of Opio

This small village near Grasse is surrounded by century-old olive groves, perfumed air, and rustic charm. Take a walking trail, enjoy olive oil tastings, or simply breathe in the silence. It’s a refreshing change from the bustling touristy places along the coast.

10. Peillon: A Vertical Wonderland

One of the Riviera’s true hidden gems, Peillon is built vertically into the cliffside with dramatic views, pastel colored houses, and a complete lack of souvenir stalls. It's like stepping into another century—ideal for your next impromptu day trip from Nice or Monaco.

Bonus: Nearby Adventures Beyond the Coast

If you want a nature break from the Côte d’Azur coastline, the spectacular Verdon Gorge is just a few hours inland and offers hiking, kayaking, and breathtaking landscapes.

Or take a boat tour around the Lérins Islands including Saint Marguerite, famous for the Iron Mask legend and its calm bays perfect for scuba diving.

Bonus Travel Tips for French Riviera Hidden Gems

• Use public transport for smaller towns (especially from Nice’s train station)
• Check Google Maps, but also ask locals for trailheads or secret viewpoints
• Visit in low season for better prices and to truly save money
• Don’t miss local shops, small boutiques, and art museums tucked in the villages
• If visiting Menton in February, don’t miss the famous Lemon Festival
• Enjoy some authentic wine tasting and discover the real taste of southern France

FAQs

What not to miss in the French Riviera?

• Walk through the cobbled streets and small villages of Èze or Gourdon—each a gorgeous village with charm and history.
• Visit art museums in Nice and Antibes that highlight both international masters and local artists.
• Stroll the old town of Nice or Cannes for authentic shopping and street-side cafés.
• Don’t miss the Cannes Film Festival season if you enjoy celebrity spotting and red carpet glamour.
• Check out beautiful beaches along the Côte d'Azur, and unwind in luxurious hotels by the sea.

What is the most beautiful part of the French Riviera?

• The stretch between Nice and Saint-Tropez is often called the most scenic part of the Côte d'Azur, thanks to its breathtaking views.
• Explore lavender fields inland near Grasse, especially in summer when the blooms are at their peak.
• The cobblestone streets of medieval towns like Èze offer panoramic sea views and a peaceful escape.
• With small streets, coastal cliffs, and yachts dotting the marinas, the area feels timeless and cinematic.
• St. Tropez, though busy, blends luxury and charm—just steer clear of tourist trap spots in high season.

What is the best kept secret in France?

• The inland small villages near the Côte d'Azur, like Tourrettes-sur-Loup, are often overlooked yet filled with charm.
• Many travelers skip the lavender fields of Valensole and Sault, which are especially magical at sunrise.
• For an uncrowded beach experience, explore less-touristy coves between Antibes and Villefranche-sur-Mer.
• Discover hidden cobbled streets and stone houses that transport you to another century—ideal for photographers and writers alike.
• Use local travel tips to bypass crowds and find cozy cafes and artisan boutiques.

Where does Leonardo DiCaprio go in the French Riviera?

• Leonardo DiCaprio is frequently spotted at events during the Cannes Film Festival, often arriving by private yacht.
• He's known to visit elite parties and luxurious hotels in and around St. Tropez.
• His preference for the Côte d'Azur includes exclusive beach clubs and private estates near Cap d’Antibes.
• Celebrities like him often retreat to two towns in particular: Cannes for glitz, and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat for privacy.

Conclusion

Forget the clichés of Saint Tropez and Monaco. The French Riviera or Côte d'Azur is full of soul, history, and surprising serenity—if you know where to look. From coastal paths and secret islands to lovely medieval towns and exotic gardens, these French Riviera hidden gems reveal a quieter, richer side of southern France that most visitors miss.

Ready to skip the crowds and discover the real Côte d'Azur? These destinations are calling.