South of France Villas & Vacation Rentals

Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is the most convenient gateway for villas around Nice, Antibes, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Beausoleil, Villeneuve-Loubet and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin.

Marseille Provence and Toulon–Hyères airports are a useful alternative for western South of France destinations, including Saint-Tropez, Sainte-Maxime and Saint-Raphaël.

High-speed and regional trains also connect Paris with Les Arcs–Draguignan, Saint-Raphaël, Cannes, Antibes and Nice, making rail travel a practical alternative to flying.

Private car hire, transportation and airport transfers

Our optional Concierge service can arrange private car hire, airport transfers, chauffeur-driven transportation and car hire for your South of France villa vacation. Having a car offers greater flexibility for reaching beaches, hilltop villages, restaurants and coastal towns, while private drivers provide a relaxed way to explore the French Riviera without navigating or parking.

Some of the best beaches in the South of France are found along the Côte d’Azur.

Pampelonne Beach near Saint-Tropez is known for its long sandy shoreline and fashionable beach clubs, while La Garoupe in Antibes offers clear water and a scenic setting beside Cap d’Antibes.

La Mala at Cap d’Ail is surrounded by dramatic cliffs, and the coastline between Saint-Raphaël and Mandelieu features dozens of smaller coves beneath the red Estérel mountains.

Families can also enjoy the accessible beaches of Cannes, Sainte-Maxime and Juan-les-Pins.

The Côte d’Azur combines beaches, boat trips, historic towns and outdoor adventures for family villa vacations.

Some of the best family activities include:

• Spend a day on the beach in Antibes, Cannes, Sainte-Maxime or Saint-Tropez.
• Take a boat trip around the Gulf of Saint-Tropez or to the Lérins Islands.
• Explore the canals of Port Grimaud aboard a small electric boat.
• Walk through Old Nice and sample local treats at the Cours Saleya market.
• Follow the coastal trails around Cap d’Antibes or Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
• Discover the red-rock coves of the Estérel near Saint-Raphaël.
• Create a personalized fragrance in Grasse during a family perfume workshop.
• Visit Monaco for its harbor, palace, gardens and Oceanographic Museum.

The region also offers natural parks, cycling routes, cultural attractions and 100+ bookable activities through the Côte d’Azur France Pass.

The Côte d’Azur is widely considered one of the nicest parts of the South of France, although the most beautiful place depends on your preferred vacation style.

Saint-Tropez and Sainte-Maxime offer glamour, beaches and waterfront dining; Nice and Antibes combine historic quarters with Mediterranean scenery; and Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin provide a quieter, refined coastal setting.

For natural beauty, the red cliffs and turquoise coves of the Estérel are especially striking, while Grimaud pairs medieval character with panoramic views over the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.

September is one of the best months to visit the South of France, bringing warm Mediterranean weather, comfortable sightseeing conditions and fewer visitors than the July and August peak.

June is another excellent choice for long, sunny days before the busiest summer period. July and August are best for lively beach vacations and festivals, while spring and fall suit sightseeing, coastal walks and relaxed stays in Riviera towns and villages.

Across the region, March through June and September through November are ideal times to visit the South of France due to mild temperatures which are perfect for exploring.