
Thea Villa, Agay
Exceptional villa "feet in the water" to rent with view on the sea and on the red rocks of the Esterel, between Saint Raphael, Cannes and Saint Tropez.
© © Hugo / Fotolia
Rocky coastline south of Cannes
The stretch of coast between St Raphael and Cannes is known as the Corniche Esterel. There are many small beaches and coves along this route, some better than others.
The best way to explore this part of the coast is on one of the boat trips that take you directly from Cannes, hiring a boat for the day, or better still chartering a yacht so that you can moor up in one of the tranquil coves and spend a few days enjoying this magnificent scenery.
This area is so spectacular, thanks to the backdrop of the Massif Esterel and its forested hillsides. The Massif Esterel was produced by volcanic activity in the area and the end result is bulbous red rock mountains that thrust up against the Mediterranean sky. The vivid contrast of green forest, red rock and blue sky is reminiscent of Utah, USA and Uluru, Australia.
The beach area is made up of sand at the rear and (very) large rounded pebbles at the waters front. There is a picnic area and watersports and free parking. Around the corner from Drumont is the small resort town of Agay. Pleasant enough, it has several sandy beaches and calm, clear waters.
On the other side of the bay, you'll find a very pretty small beach - Plage Baumette - with its wonderful blue-green sea and lush vegetation. Beyond Agay is where you'll see the red rocks of the Massif Esterel. The beaches become rocky coves, accessible via steps cut into the cliffs. The Plage des Anglais has a tiny beach and pier where you can sit and enjoy the blue-green sea, the red cliffs in some peace and quiet.
Cap Antheor provides more accessible sandy-pebbly beaches, shaded by palm trees with the stunning red mountains as the backdrop. The terrain then becomes more rugged and it's back to climbing down steps to discover hidden coves where sailing boats often drop anchor. the area around Vila Dani is particularly recommended if you are lucky (or early) enough to bag a parking spot.
The final resort town at the north end of the Cornich is Theole sur Mer - a rather charming and pretty town with a couple of sandy beaches and a cute marina.
The beaches that start from St Raphael are small and sandy (coarse, gravelly sand) and sit right next to the coastal road. Plage du Veillat, Peyguiere Plage, Plage de la Pescade and Plage de Poulouris all fall into this category.
Further up (north) from St Raphael, you'll find Plage du Dramont. This is where the Allies disembarked in 1944 with 900 boats and 450,000 men.
The clear water is stunning but there are quite a lot of rocks in the water. Good for snorkelling but not so great for young children or less confident swimmers.
The beaches here are made up of a mixture of sand and some rounded pebbles.
Exceptional villa "feet in the water" to rent with view on the sea and on the red rocks of the Esterel, between Saint Raphael, Cannes and Saint Tropez.
In the town of Adrets, in a domain 15 minutes from the beaches, comfortable new villa situated on a 3000m² terraced plot with a beautiful sea view.
In the heart of Cannes, 2km from the famous Croisette and its beaches, in a private and secure residential estate with trees, magnificent character villa with a sea view.
Situated in the commune of Peymeinade, 6 km from Grasse and 20 km from Cannes, in a quiet, wooded area, beautiful villa set in 1300 m² of wooded, enclosed grounds.
Situated in the commune of Spéracedes, 20km from sandy beaches and 8km from Grasse, in a quiet residential area planted with trees.
In the heart of Cannes, 1400 m from the Croisette and the beaches, in a small secured residential estate of 12 villas, beautiful villa with sea view located on a plot of 500m ².
Exceptional view of the sea, the Bay of Cannes, Iles de Lérins, and the old quarter Le Suquet. Ideally situated, at the start of La Croisette, just steps from luxury shopping and beaches of golden sand.
Hotel America is just a minute’s walk from the Palais des Festivals, nestled between the Croisette and rue d’Antibes, and only steps away from the beaches, marinas, and casinos, offering a memorable stay in the heart of Cannes.
A charming four-star boutique hotel in the heart of Cannes, the Cavendish blends early 20th-century elegance with modern comforts - just steps from La Croisette, Le Palais des Festivals, and the city’s best beaches and boutiques.
The Majestic, a five-star icon on Cannes' Croisette, offers a blend of French elegance, breathtaking Mediterranean views, and a peaceful retreat. With luxurious rooms, exquisite dining options, a private beach, and world-class wellness facilities, it promises an unforgettable stay.
This hotel is a fully renovated ''glamour'' boutique hotel, a stone’s throw away from the Palais des Festivals, the Croisette beaches and the shops along Rue d’Antibes. It is anchored at the heart of life in Cannes.
Set in a peaceful 5,000 m² park filled with lavender, the four-star Château de la Tour Hotel offers a serene escape by the Mediterranean. Tucked away in a quiet residential area of Cannes, it’s just five minutes from the lively city centre and the famous film festival and congress venues.
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
This company is based in Cannes and offers a wide range of road bikes, with delivery available to Antibes.
Based in Cannes, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
Based in the public beach of Bijou Plage in Cannes, this swimming school on the Côte d'Azur has been in operation since 1962 and is led by Thierry, a fully qualified skiing, swimming and fitness instructor.
Soak up the sunshine and sea breeze over lunch at the Carlton Beach Club, where local flavours, fresh ingredients and a touch of French Dolce Vita come together by the water’s edge.
La Plage du Festival offers a refreshing gourmet experience in a chic and relaxed atmosphere. With its beachside setting, stunning views, and vibrant cocktails, it’s a must-visit spot in Cannes.
L'Or Bleu, a Michelin-starred restaurant, offers an unforgettable dining experience where cuisine is elevated to the level of art. Set in an elegant, contemporary setting with breathtaking views over the bay of Théoule-sur-Mer, this Relais & Châteaux establishment is the perfect place for a memorable evening.
Michelin-starred La Bastide Saint-Antoine offers a refined retreat near Cannes, where chef Jacques Chibois creates inspired Provençal cuisine. Set in a stunning country house with lush gardens and panoramic sea views, it’s the perfect blend of gastronomy, elegance, and tranquillity.
La Plage du Martinez blends relaxed elegance with gourmet flair, offering Mediterranean dishes by Chef Jean Imbert in a stunning seafront setting.
Le Fouquet's at the Hôtel Le Majestic combines Parisian charm with culinary excellence, led by Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire. A timeless spot for culture and cuisine lovers in Cannes.
Whether you’re after a timeless classic or a custom-made creation, the bar’s mixologist will craft your perfect drink with care and creativity.
Bar Fouquet’s, located on the iconic Croisette, offers a glamorous setting where you can enjoy expertly crafted signature cocktails by Emanuele Balestra. Perfect for socialising and unwinding, this contemporary space combines stylish surroundings with refreshing drinks and delightful treats.
Ma Nolan’s, Cannes is the latest addition to Ma's family! A stone's throw away from the Palais des Festivals and a two minute walk from the station it is in the perfect location.
A quirky atmosphere and an intriguing interior in this small bar and restaurant.
A fun, hip and affordable option open for lunch and dinner. With chic decor and lots of outdoor tables, this place really buzzes in the summer.
With an authentic French feel you will find yourself sitting in this cellar bar surrounded by wine, cheese, paintings by local artists, hanging hams and good food!
Les Calanques de l'Esterel are rocky inlets and coves that expand from Saint-Raphael to Mandelieu-la-Napoule and drop steeply into the limpid waters of the Mediterranean.
This beautiful church was built as part of the plans by Mayor Felix Martin to "transform" St Raphael into a more attractive town for people to live in and tourist resort. Abbot Bernard commissioned the project to architect Pierre Aublé.
Situated right next to the cloisters of the Cathedral in Fréjus, the museum houses some great examples of Roman artefacts from the ongoing excavations in the city.
Dating back to the 5th century when the baptistery was built makes it the oldest in the Provence region and one of the oldest in France. At this ancient, Merovingian style baptistery you can still see a 5th century baptismal basin for full immersion, as well as Roman columns.
A volcanic range of mountains covering around 32,000 hectares and stretching between Saint-Raphael and Theoule-sur-Mer.
Established in 1971, the Zoological Park Frejus is located in a typical Mediterranean natural landscape and enjoys the mild climate of the Riviera.
Founded in 1993, the Royal Mougins Golf Club is a course of exceptional quality. Designed by world-famous American architect, the late Robert von Hagge, the par 71, 18-hole course extends for 6,004 m through a lush, wooded vale.
A great course for beginners to experienced players, slightly hilly, the greens are linked in a calm and exotic atmosphere in the heart of the Riviera.
This beautifully situated golf club has two courses, one 18 hole and one 9 hole, plus a practice range and practice bunker.
The golf course is situated near the famous Riviera resort of Saint Raphael on the outskirts of Cap Esterel.
Set between Cannes, Nice and Grasse, the Golf Club of Opio Valbonne is one of the jewels in the crown of the Riviera.
The course of Biot Golf Club extends over 4511m, and has been designed so that it is suitable for players of all levels, but also to enhance the beauty of the site.
At the beginning of the 20th century Saint Raphaël was a grand and glamorous resort that was sadly blitzed during the Second World War, destroying many of the Belle Époque buildings, so the atmosphere of the town is not exactly Saint Tropez.
Fréjus was the first naval base in the Mediterranean for the Romans back in the first century BC, with ruins including an amphitheatre, theatre and aqueduct.
The island of Saint Honorat is the smaller of the two inhabited Lerins islands. Its main attraction is the monastery, a wonderful stone building well worth a visit.
The gorgeous island of Saint Marguerite is the largest of the islands off the coast of Cannes. Regular ferries run from Cannes and only take around 15 minutes, yet this small island made up of a quiet pine forest and pretty coves feels far separated from the glitzy boutiques and hotels of Cannes.
Mougins covers a large swathe of hillside above Cannes, and this is where the smart money lives - luxurious villas and exquisite gardens dot the landscape, just close enough to enjoy Cannes, but far enough away to avoid the craziness.
The commune is known as Vallauris Golfe-Juan, combining the traditional charm of the pottery capital of the Riviera, Vallauris, which sits inland, with the seaside resort and sandy beaches of Golfe-Juan.
Find out all about what is happening in Cannes and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, fabulous beaches, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in this glamorous city.
See allLatest News & ReviewsYou will not be short of entertainment in this beautiful French Riviera town, especially during the summer. Perhaps the best known of all the events is the highly glamorous Cannes Film Festival – certainly worth a day trip to the city just to see which celebrities you can spot. There are also markets, international fairs and plenty of cultural and musical festivals.
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