My 9 Best Perched Villages of the Côte d’Azur

Before we dive in, a quick note: there are more than 30 perched villages scattered from Saint-Tropez to Menton (and hundreds more across southern France). These 9 are my personal top picks. They combine views, history, art, and atmosphere – the ones I return to again and again, and the ones I’d recommend if you only have a few days to explore.

Gassin – Above the Gulf of Saint-Tropez (Var)

Perched above Saint-Tropez, Gassin feels worlds away from the beach clubs of Pampelonne below. Here, life slows to a Provençal rhythm: shady squares, bougainvillea-covered houses, and cobbled lanes that twist toward sweeping views of the bay.

The village’s most famous curiosity is l’Androuno — just 29 cm wide and often called the narrowest alley in Europe. Squeeze through, then wander back to Place Deï Barri for one of the Riviera’s most peaceful sunset lookouts.

Quick Guide

🍴 Eat: Bello Visto — Provençal cuisine with a panoramic terrace.

📸 Photo Spot: Place Deï Barri at golden hour.

🥾 What to Do: Hunt down L’Androuno, stroll the botanical path, or pair your visit with a lazy afternoon at Pampelonne Beach.

Seillans – Timeless & Tranquil (Var)

Recognised as one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France, Seillans is all medieval calm and Provençal charm. Cobbled streets climb past vaulted passages, fountains, and shady squares where locals linger under plane trees. At the top, the 11th-century castle and Saint-Léger church keep watch, their stones carrying centuries of history.

Seillans also has an artistic twist: surrealist Max Ernst lived here with his wife Dorothea Tanning, leaving behind sculptures and inspiration that still ripple through the village.

It’s a place to slow down — wander, pause, and soak up the quiet rhythm of village life.

Quick Guide

🍴 Eat: La Gloire de mon Père — refined Provençal dining on a leafy terrace.
📸 Photo Spot: Fountain at Place du Thouron, framed by ochre shutters and leafy trees.
🥾 What to Do: Explore the feudal castle, browse small art galleries, or hike into the rolling Fayence hills.

Gourdon – The Eagle’s Nest (Alpes-Maritimes)

Clinging to a cliff 760m above the Loup Gorge, Gourdon more than earns its nickname: “The Eagle’s Nest.” From its belvedere you can see the Riviera spread out below, stretching to the snowy Alps – and on a clear day, even Corsica.

Royalty and Hollywood have both paused here: Queen Victoria visited in 1891 (a plaque still marks it), and the opening scenes of Les Misérables (2012) with Hugh Jackman were filmed in the village.

This is one to linger in: narrow lanes lined with artisan shops, a medieval château, and the unbeatable terrace at La Taverne Provençale.

Quick Guide

🍴 Eat: La Taverne Provençale — goat’s cheese salad with the best view in France.
📸 Photo Spot: Belvedere panorama at the village entrance.
🥾 What to Do: Uphill hike along the Chemin du Paradis from the valley below, explore craft boutiques, or drive the Loup Gorge for waterfalls and swimming holes.

Mougins – Picasso’s Village (Alpes-Maritimes)

Set among pines and olive trees, Mougins is a small circular village with an outsized reputation. Artists and chefs have long flocked here: Picasso spent the last 12 years of his life in Mougins, and today the streets are dotted with galleries, ateliers, and sculptures.

The medieval Porte Sarrazine and Saint-Jacques church recall the past, while the Museum of Classical Art and the new FAMM museum (dedicated to female artists) highlight Mougins’ creative present. And then there’s the food – Mougins once had the most Michelin stars per capita in France, and its dining scene is still exceptional.

Quick Guide

🍴 Eat: L’Amandier — Provençal classics in an elegant setting with sweeping views.
📸 Photo Spot: Place des Patriotes, where Picasso’s giant head sculpture keeps watch.
🥾 What to Do: Wander the circular lanes, browse art galleries, visit MACM or FAMM, or join a guided walk through the Valmasque forest.

Tourrettes-sur-Loup – The Violet Village (Alpes-Maritimes)

Perched on a rocky spur between Vence and Grasse, Tourrettes-sur-Loup is a village that still feels like a secret. Cobblestone streets curve past stone houses, artisan workshops, and vaulted archways, with the Mediterranean glittering in the distance.

Known as the “Village of Violets,” it celebrates the flower every March with parades, stalls, and violet-infused treats. A small museum, La Bastide aux Violettes, keeps the tradition alive year-round.

It’s as pretty as nearby Saint-Paul but far less crowded — perfect for wandering, shopping handmade ceramics, or simply enjoying a Wednesday morning market.

Quick Guide

🍴 Eat: Clovis — seasonal cuisine in an intimate setting.
📸 Photo Spot: Belvedere terrace looking over the Loup valley and coastline.
🥾 What to Do: Browse craft workshops, visit La Bastide aux Violettes, or time your visit for the annual violet festival in March.

Saint-Paul-de-Vence – The Artist’s Village (Alpes-Maritimes)

Few perched villages are as famous as Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Its ramparts, cobbled lanes, and shady squares have inspired generations of artists — Chagall is buried here, and the Fondation Maeght still showcases Miró, Giacometti, and Calder.

Celebrities have long flocked to La Colombe d’Or, the legendary inn where artists once paid with paintings (some of which still hang on the walls). It’s buzzy, beautiful, and yes – crowded in summer. Arrive early or late for a calmer experience.

Quick Guide
🍴 Eat: La Colombe d’Or — historic inn and restaurant with art on the walls.
📸 Photo Spot: The Fontaine de Saint-Paul-de-Vence in the main square — but go early for a shot without the crowds.
🥾 What to Do: Walk the medieval ramparts, browse the 40+ galleries, or visit Fondation Maeght for world-class modern art.

Èze – Riviera Drama (Alpes-Maritimes)

Perhaps the most famous perched village of the Côte d’Azur, Èze clings dramatically to the cliffs above “Billionaires’ Bay.” Its medieval lanes climb to the Jardin Exotique, where cactus gardens frame one of the most spectacular views on the Riviera. Pay the small entry fee — without it, you’ll miss the panorama.

Èze has long drawn royalty and celebrities: Prince Wilhelm of Sweden once owned the château (today Château Eza hotel), and Le Chèvre d’Or remains one of the Riviera’s most celebrated restaurants. The Nietzsche Path offers a lung-busting hike from the sea to the village.

Quick Guide
🍴 Eat: Château Eza (for views) or La Chèvre d’Or (for fine dining).
📸 Photo Spot: Jardin Exotique at the village summit.
🥾 What to Do: Hike the Nietzsche Path, shop for perfume at Fragonard, or sip coffee in the shaded lanes.

La Turbie – Overlooking Monaco (Alpes-Maritimes)

High above Monaco, La Turbie blends Riviera drama with Roman history. The village is dominated by the Trophy of Augustus, built in 6 BC to celebrate victory over local tribes — later quarried by Louis XIV’s men for building stones. Even partially restored, it’s one of the Riviera’s most remarkable monuments.

The pastel Église Saint-Michel and quiet cobbled lanes sit just below. For a dose of nature, the Tête de Chien hike delivers sweeping views across Monaco, the Riviera, and Italy.

Quick Guide

🍴 Eat: Le Coin Quotidien — Provençal dishes on a sunny terrace.
📸 Photo Spot: Tête de Chien viewpoint, looking down over Monaco’s port.
🥾 What to Do: Visit the Trophy of Augustus (closed Mondays), stroll the medieval gates, or hike into the hills.

Sainte-Agnès – Europe’s Highest Coastal Village (Alpes-Maritimes)

At 800m above sea level, Sainte-Agnès is Europe’s highest coastal village — and one of its most atmospheric. Its winding cobbled lanes are blissfully car-free, with vaulted arches, flower-decked houses, and sweeping views over Menton and the Italian border.

History is layered here: from the ruins of a 10th-century castle to the Fort Maginot, a massive WWII fortress burrowed into the hillside. Despite its drama, Sainte-Agnès remains quiet, a place where cats snooze in sunlit squares and the Mediterranean glimmers far below.

Quick Guide

🍴 Eat: Le Saint-Yves — traditional cooking with Riviera views.
📸 Photo Spot: From the castle ruins, with a 360° panorama of sea and mountains.
🥾 What to Do: Take a guided tour of Fort Maginot, explore the medieval garden, or cycle the winding ascent from Menton.

Map & Orientation

📍Below you will find an interactive map showing all the main highlights.

⭐ Tip: Click the star icon on the map title bar (“Perched Villages of the Côte d’Azur″) to save this map to your Google account for easy access later.

Suggested Itineraries

West → East: From Saint-Tropez to Saint-Paul

This two-day route is perfect if you’re starting your trip in the Saint-Tropez area. It mixes Provençal charm with Riviera drama.

Day 1

• Morning: Start in Gassin, perched just above Saint-Tropez. Wander the lanes, squeeze through L’Androuno, then enjoy coffee with a view.
• Midday: Drive inland (~1h 15) to Seillans, one of France’s Plus Beaux Villages. Pause for lunch at La Gloire de mon Père under the plane trees.
• Afternoon: Detour to Grasse, the perfume capital. Visit a perfumery (Fragonard or Molinard) or just stroll the old town before heading north to your overnight stop.

Day 2

• Morning: Begin at Gourdon, the “Eagle’s Nest.” Explore the lanes and enjoy the belvedere view.
• Midday: Short drive to Tourrettes-sur-Loup, browse artisan shops, and stop for a light lunch (or pick up treats at the Wednesday market).
• Afternoon: End in Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Walk the ramparts, browse galleries, and book dinner at La Colombe d’Or — finishing with one of the Riviera’s most iconic dining experiences.

Why it works: You start with Provençal calm near the coast, then build up to cliff-top drama and finish with art and atmosphere in Saint-Paul.

East → West: From the Italian Border to the Riviera Heart

This route works best if you’re based in Nice or Monaco, and want to combine big views with hidden gems.

Day 1

• Morning: Climb to Sainte-Agnès, Europe’s highest coastal village. Take in the castle ruins, then tour the WWII Fort Maginot.
• Lunch: Drop down to the sea at Menton for a seaside lunch (try lemon-infused dishes, the town’s speciality).
• Afternoon: Stop at La Turbie for the Trophy of Augustus and views over Monaco, then finish the day in Èze. Wander up to the Jardin Exotique for sunset light over the Riviera.

Day 2

• Morning: Drive inland to Saint-Paul-de-Vence before the crowds. Walk the lanes in peace and grab coffee by the fountain.
• Midday: Head to Tourrettes-sur-Loup for a leisurely lunch — Clovis is a favourite.
• Afternoon: Finish at Gourdon, perched above the Loup Gorge. Have an early dinner or apéritif at La Taverne Provençale with one of the most unforgettable views in France.

Why it works: It layers experiences — from Europe’s highest coastal village to Roman ruins, Riviera showstoppers, and ends with Gourdon’s eagle’s-nest view.

Best For…

💞 Most Romantic: Èze

The Jardin Exotique has heart-stopping views across “Billionaires’ Bay.” Pair it with a terrace table at Château Eza or La Chèvre d’Or for an unforgettable date.

🍴 Foodies: Mougins & Saint-Paul-de-Vence

Mougins is a Michelin-starred haven – Picasso once dined here, and chefs still flock to its kitchens. Saint-Paul’s La Colombe d’Or is legendary for its art-filled dining room where Miró and Chagall once paid in paintings.

🎨 Art Lovers: Saint-Paul-de-Vence & Tourrettes-sur-Loup

Saint-Paul boasts 40+ galleries and the Fondation Maeght, one of Europe’s best modern art museums. Tourrettes balances it with artisan workshops and the fragrant violet tradition that inspires local crafts.

🏛️ History Buffs: La Turbie & Seillans

La Turbie’s Trophy of Augustus is a 2,000-year-old reminder of Rome’s reach — and even supplied stones for village houses under Louis XIV. Seillans layers medieval lanes with the surrealist legacy of Max Ernst.

🌿 Peace & Quiet: Gassin & Sainte-Agnès

Both villages feel like time has slowed. Gassin overlooks the bustle of Saint-Tropez yet stays serene, while Sainte-Agnès — Europe’s highest coastal village — is almost untouched by tourism.

🌅 Showstopping Views: Gourdon

From the belvedere, you can see from the Alps to the Mediterranean – even Corsica on a clear day. This is the Côte d’Azur at its most jaw-dropping.

My Personal Picks

🥗 Gourdon – for Queen Victoria’s legacy, the Chemin du Paradis hike, and the goat’s cheese salad at La Taverne Provençale.

🌸 Tourrettes-sur-Loup – every bit as pretty as Saint-Paul, but calmer, with violet-scented streets.

🌴 Èze – crowds or not, the Jardin Exotique delivers views you’ll never forget.

Practical Tips & Crowd Dodging

☀️ Start Early: By 9 a.m. you can have places like Èze or Saint-Paul almost to yourself.

🍷 Lunch Break Trick: Between 12–2 p.m., the streets empty while everyone’s at lunch – a great time to explore in peace.

🌇 Golden Hour: Late afternoon light makes the stone glow, and it’s the best time for photos (and a terrace apéritif).

📅 Shoulder Seasons: Spring and autumn are ideal. September is especially perfect — warm weather, thinner crowds, and the Riviera at its most authentic.

🚗 Getting Around: A car is essential for most villages. Allow time for parking and short uphill walks into the centres.

👟 Footwear: Cobbled lanes mean comfortable shoes are a must – heels won’t thank you here.

FAQs

What is a perched village?

A village perché (perched village) is a medieval settlement built high on a hill or cliff for defence. Today, they’re known for cobbled streets, stone houses, and panoramic views.

How many perched villages are there on the Côte d’Azur?

There are around 30–40 major perched villages between Saint-Tropez and Menton, with many more smaller hamlets if you count the hinterland.

Which perched village has the best views?

• Gourdon: Alps-to-Mediterranean panorama.
• Èze: Riviera views from the Jardin Exotique.
• La Turbie: Sweeping lookout over Monaco.

Which is the highest perched village?

Sainte-Agnès at 800m — the highest coastal village in Europe.

Which villages are best for art lovers?

• Saint-Paul-de-Vence: Fondation Maeght + 40 galleries.
• Mougins: Picasso’s legacy, MACM, and FAMM museums.
• Tourrettes-sur-Loup: artisan studios and violet crafts.

Do you need a car to visit these villages?

Mostly yes. A few (like Èze and Saint-Paul) are reachable by bus from Nice, but the most rewarding way to explore is by car.

When’s the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn. September in particular offers warm weather, fewer crowds, and golden light.

The Wrap Up: Should You Visit the Perched Villages of the Côte d’Azur?

The perched villages of the Côte d’Azur are the Riviera at its most atmospheric — stone lanes, timeless views, and stories at every turn. From Gassin’s sunset terrace to Gourdon’s eagle’s-nest panorama, each village offers a different way to slow down and see the region beyond the beaches.

Whether you’re chasing art in Saint-Paul, history in La Turbie, or peace in Sainte-Agnès, there’s a hilltop escape waiting for you.

👇🏽 Download my free PDF guide to the 9 Perched Villages of the Côte d’Azur for an easy printable version to take on your trip.

And if you’re planning a Côte d’Azur adventure, don’t forget to check my other guides on Antibes hidden gems and Provence rosé wine tours for more inspiration.

✈️ Ready to Plan Your Perched Village Adventure?

👇🏽 Save this guide, share it with your travel companions, and don’t forget to pin, post, or message it to yourself for later 

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Written by Richard Hoskisson
Founder of The Cosmos Traveller
With over 30 years of travel experience across France, South Africa, the UAE and Greece – and many more far flung places – Richard helps curious travellers explore hidden gems, discover culturally-rich adventures and enrich their travel stories.
Published September 2025