3 HIDDEN GEMS IN THE CÔTE D’AZUR YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF

You’ve probably read countless articles praising the beauty of the Côte d’Azur, stretching from Toulon to Menton, with its glamorous beaches, charming villages, and sparkling Mediterranean waters. Names like Èze, Menton, or Villefranche-sur-Mer are familiar with you – but there’s another side to the Rivira, quieter, more intimate and often overlooked.

I’m about to share three hidden treasures of the Côte d’Azur that you may not have heard of, yet promise breathtaking views, sun-soaked leisurely days, a touch of history and that special feeling of discovering something truly magical.

THE ESTÉREL MASSIF

It was during a train journey that the Estérel massif first revealed itself to me – an almost unreal apparition of a landscape shaped by fire and time. From that moment on, I felt compelled to learn more about this extraordinary place, one of the most striking in the region. Covering nearly 32,000 hectares, this vast mineral territory, shaped 250 million years ago, features jagged landscapes, deep canyons, and steep coves plunging into crystal-clear waters, offering breathtaking panoramas between land and sea.

The Estérel is a mosaic of scents and colors. Maritime pines, cork oaks, delicate cistus flowers, and blossoming rosemary make up a dense and vibrant maquis, where the flora expresses itself at every turn and the discreet but omnipresent fauna can be glimpsed: a wall lizard basking on the rock, the shrill cry of a hawk above the ridges. To fully appreciate its beauty, there is nothing better than exploring on foot, by mountain bike, or on horseback, along the many trails winding between passes, peaks, and canyons.

Pratical informations

• Getting there : stop at Le Trayas train station, right in the heart of the Estérel Massif, or take one of the bus lines from Saint-Raphaël towards Le Dramont or Anthéor — the latter also home to a train station, perfectly located for a refreshing swim.

THE TROPHY OF AUGUSTUS – LA TURBIE

Perched high above the Riviera, the Trophy of Augustus has watched over the Mediterranean and the Alps for more than two millennia. Built in the 1st century BC, this colossal monument celebrates Emperor Augustus’ victory over the last Alpine peoples who opposed Rome. This strategic conquest paved the way for the opening of the Via Julia Augusta, a major trade route linking the Italian peninsula to Hispania—trade being one of the pillars of Roman power at the time. A striking affirmation of Rome’s authority and a celebration of the Pax Romana, the foundation of the Roman Empire’s stability, the building stood at its peak at nearly 50 meters high, the equivalent of a fifteen-story building.

Forgotten at the end of Antiquity, when Rome’s influence declined, the Trophy has had several lives : converted into a watchtower in the Middle Ages, then rediscovered at the beginning of the 20th century, it became the subject of an ambitious research and restoration program, giving it its majestic appearance today.

Practical informations

• Open from Tuesday to Sunday (10h-18h high season | 10h-17h low season).
• Admission 7€ (complimentary entry for EU citizens under 26).

PORQUEROLLES ISLAND

Porquerolles, the jewel of the Golden Islands, lives up to its name as a haven of unspoiled nature. Just a 20-minute boat ride from the Giens Peninsula, it will charm you with its unique landscapes, sandy beaches lined with pine trees and myrtle bushes, and exceptional biodiversity. Plage d’Argent, Plage de Notre-Dame, and Le Langoustier Plage being often cited among Europe’s most beautiful coastal spots.

Cycling, the only means of transportation on the island, offers a chance to explore fragrant trails and hidden coves, while the charming, flower-filled Provençal village of Porquerolles centers around its church and welcoming terraces and Fort Sainte-Agathe and the Moulin du Bonheur are reminders of its rich history.

From vineyards and vibrant marine life (diving there is another great way to explore) to varied panoramas, Porquerolles evokes both the rugged charm of Brittany and the turquoise brilliance of the Caribbean—a place perfect for getting lost for a day or a long weekend.

Practical informations

• Getting there : from Hyères train station, make your way to the Port, where ferries run regularly—especially during the summer months. In the quieter season, head to the La Presqu’île de Giens by car or bus to catch a boat from La Tour Fondue Port, reaching Porquerolles in under 20 minutes.