Cannes marketThe breathtaking Alpes-Maritimes region (called the French Maritime Alps in English) is where the French Alps meet the sea. This rugged coastline, with the Alps as a dramatic backdrop, is one of France's most beautiful sights. But the Alpes-Maritimes offer much more than pretty views. Mountain peaks provide perfect spots for snow skiing or summer hiking, while the Mediterranean below is ideal for sailing or scuba diving.
Read our mini guide to Alpes-Maritimes
A rough triangle bordering Italy, the Alpes-Maritimes region includes the southernmost stretch of the French Alps and extends down the French Riviera, bringing Cannes and Nice into its grasp. The region's natural beauty is its biggest draw. In the foothills of the Alps you'll find countless hiking and biking trails, with the Parc National du Mercantour being one of the most scenic places for hiking. In winter, head to one of the Alpes-Maritimes' 15 ski resorts, like Auron or Valberg-Beuil, for excellent skiing only an hour's drive from the coast.
In summer, the coast is the undeniable centre of the action in the Alpes-Maritimes. Cannes, the most famous resort here, is known for its chic crowds and upscale feel, but there are many other beautiful seaside resorts in Alpes-Maritimes too. Head to Cap d'Ail, St. Laurent or Théoule for great beaches and a slower pace.
The Alpes-Maritimes region is also famous for its perched villages. These storybook towns were built centuries ago on the steep slopes of the lower Alps, and strolling through their narrow, cobblestone streets is pure magic. Towns like Saorge, Eze, Saint-Paul and Gourdon are all worth visiting.
The largest city and point of entry to the Alpes-Maritimes is Nice. An ideal excursion base thanks to great public transportation options, Nice is a busy, working city. Lacking the glamour of other Alpes-Maritimes centres like Cannes (which is just 20 miles down the coast), Nice is nevertheless a charming and relatively inexpensive place to stay. Founded by the Greeks, Nice is an ancient city with some interesting cultural attractions, like the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and the Museum of Fine Arts.
Monaco, just up the coast from Nice, is a major destination too. With its famous casino and infamous reputation as a playground for the rich and famous, this principality makes an ideal day trip for those based elsewhere in the Alpes-Maritimes.
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This immaculate, bright 35 m2, 2nd floor flat, sleeping 2-4, with a big balcony is situated right in the centre of Antibes, 5 minutes from the beach, the markets and the old town. more info...
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Cannes marketBoasting more than 300 days of sunshine a year, the Alpes-Maritimes is a beautiful, cheery place whether you're down by the shore or exploring the Alpine peaks. Summer is the high season on the coast, where crowds can be intense and temperatures often creep into the upper 80ºs or even higher. Winters, when the mountain ski resorts take over as the regional highlight, are cold though temperatures rarely dip below freezing near the coast. Rains can be heavy (though infrequent) in Spring and Autumn, especially March-April and October-November.
Cannes marketTravellers to the Alpes-Maritimes will likely fly into the airport at Nice, France's second-largest airport. Some 50 airlines operate flights to 90 different destinations from Nice, so getting to the Alpes-Maritimes shouldn't be difficult. The flight from London lasts about two hours. High-speed trains also serve Nice, making it possible to get here by rail from almost anywhere in Europe. The train to Paris takes just over five hours. Those who plan to drive should be prepared for long distances. Nice is 950km (590 miles) from Paris, 630km (390 miles) from Geneva and 670km (420 miles) from Barcelona.
Once in the Alpes-Maritimes region you'll be able to reach almost any large-size town or resort by bus. However, if you want more flexibility, hiring a car is the best option.
Cannes marketWith ski slopes just an hour's drive from the Mediterranean shoreline, you really are spoiled for choice when it comes to activities in the Alpes-Maritimes. In winter, 15 different resorts offer great downhill skiing, and some can point the way toward snowshoe trails too. In summer the Alpes-Maritimes region is an ideal place for hiking and mountain biking. Countless trails cut through the Alps' foothills, meaning there's something available for every skill level. The Parc National du Mercantour is one of the best hiking destinations.
On the Alpes-Maritimes' coast, take a dip in the calm waters of the Mediterranean or try a more active water sport, like sailing or scuba diving. In the resorts, especially Cannes, renting equipment or hiring a guide is easy, if often expensive.
Resort sports abound in the Alpes-Maritimes region. Golf courses like the Golf Bastide du Roi (the oldest course on the French Riviera) offer great seaside views, while tennis clubs and more informal courts are also readily available.
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