The Alpes-Maritimes department stretches from the glamorous coastline of the French Riviera to the rugged peaks of the Mercantour mountains, creating one of the most diverse landscapes in southern France.

Along the coast, the Riviera is famous for legendary destinations such as Nice, Cannes, Antibes, and Monaco, where elegant promenades, marinas, and historic seaside towns have attracted visitors for more than a century. Artists such as Matisse, Picasso, Chagall, Renoir, and Cocteau were drawn to the region by the luminous Mediterranean light and the creative atmosphere of hill villages like Saint-Paul-de-Vence.

Yet just a short drive inland, the scenery changes dramatically. Forested mountains, deep gorges, and medieval villages replace the glamorous shoreline. High in the Mercantour National Park, dramatic alpine landscapes are home to wildlife such as ibex, chamois, and lammergeier vultures.

The Alpes-Maritimes is also known for its mild winter climate, which helped attract early visitors from northern Europe and encouraged the development of the region’s perfume industry around Grasse. In winter, the mountains transform into one of the southernmost ski areas in France, offering skiing and alpine scenery only a short distance from the Mediterranean.

Together, the Riviera coast and the Alpes-Maritimes mountains create a region where luxury seaside resorts, historic hilltop villages, and wild alpine landscapes exist side by side.

👉 Local tip: Don’t limit yourself to the coast. Some of the most memorable places in the Alpes-Maritimes are the hill villages and mountain valleys just an hour inland, where you can experience a quieter and more traditional side of the Riviera.