Although in a quiet residential area close to the parc de Valmasque for walks and wildlife, la Maison d'Eté provides the ideal setting for exploring the Riviera.

Marinas- the Mediterranean coastline is dotted with many marinas where one can walk freely and admire the yachts. The marinas often have areas with bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a welcone drink. Why not visit Port Vauban at Antibes- the biggest marina in Europe- renowned for its "Millionaire's Quay"

Beaches- Between Nice and Antibes the beaches are pebbles. West of Antibes there are sandy beaches There are Beach Clubs offering restaurant and bar facilities as well as matresses and parasols

Outings at Sea

Water Sports are available up and down the coast

Marineland- an area close to Antibes where there is a water park, adventure golf and other attractions as well as the aquariums and dolphin and killer whale shows- a must for a special family treat.

Golf -There are seral golf courses in the area the closest being the Cannes/Mougins Golf Club

Artists and Galleries

The Cote d'Azur has been the backcloth for many works of art over the generations-some of the more famous artists and museums to visit are listed below

Picasso Museum-Antibes

Ferdinand Leger- Biot

Matisee and Chagall- Nice

Renoir- Cagnes sur Mer

St Paul de Vence, a beautifully restored medieval village houses a world of art . Small galleries and shops line the historic village- well worth a visit

Gardens of the Riviera- There are some beautiful gardens to visit which boast some very exotic plants

Shopping- Shop til you drop! There are some very exclusive shops along the coast -with the big fashion houses in Monte Carlo, Nice and Cannes. Juan Les Pins is packed with boutiques. There are beautifully dressed shop windows in all the towns, inviting customers to view a wide range of goods at all budgets.

Markets- there are numerous markets in the area selling not only food products but arts and crafts and provencal gifts. A market worth a trip is the famous flower market in Nice in the Cours Saleya- this takes place each morning except Monday

Perfumes- Not only can you visit the perfumeries you can also create your own perfume

Arts and Crafts-There are many craftsmen operating on the Riviera and their wares can be found in the local markets

Glass blowing in Biot There are several glassblowing craftsmen in Biot - you can watch them at work and buy the glassware

Pottery in Vallauris- the village is lined with shops selling their crafts.

Gastronomy- to think of France is to think of food and here there is an abundance of produce, both on the market stalls and on the tables. Provençal cuisine is served in many ways- from simple bistrot dishes to highly sophisticated works of art. There are many restaurants and prices vary to suit every pocket. Black truffles are to be found in the hinterland and form a coveted ingredient in the prestigious restaurants.

Apart from the many gourmet restaurants in the area there is also access to the fresh provençal ingredients to take home and cook or take out for a picnic. Markets have an abundant supply of vividly coloured fruit and vegetables and other local produce to include local cheeses, olives, oils and vinegars. saucissons, sun dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, wines-----.
Do try some of the Niçoise specialities , to include the famous salade niçoise, socca, the pan bagnat and stuffed vegetables. Bon appetit!

Hippodrome- how about an evening race meeting? There are various themes to include fashion shows between races

Nightlife- The Riviera comes alive at night providing entertainment in many forms

Casinos

Clubs

As you can see from the foregoing- which is just a taste of what is available to do- it will take more than one visit to appreciate this area to the full.