Alpes-Maritimes: what to do, where to stay in 2025

Alpes-Maritimes: what to do and where to stay in 2025. Discover the must-sees between sea and mountains, and the ideal address for easily exploring without stress.

Whether you dream of turquoise coves, unspoiled alpine valleys, hilltop villages or fragrant getaways to Grasse, this 2025 guide helps you plan a balanced stay, with itinerary ideas, key activities and charming accommodation in the heart of the Grasse region.

In short

• A destination with two sides: sparkling Mediterranean and wild Pre-Alps less than 1 hour away.

• Must-sees in 2025: Nice Carnival, Lemon Festival, Cannes Film Festival, Mercantour National Park, Route Napoléon.

• Ideal base: Le Relais Impérial in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, between Grasse and the Gorges du Loup.

• Experiences: perfume in Grasse, hilltop villages (Gourdon, Saint-Paul-de-Vence), hiking, canyoning, Lérins Islands.

• Simple and flexible booking: rooms, services and events just a click away.

Why choose Alpes-Maritimes in 2025?

From the beaches of La Croisette to the peaks of the Mercantour National Park, the department offers a density of experiences rarely seen in Europe within a compact area. In a single day, you can enjoy a coffee by the sea, climb to a panoramic viewpoint in Gourdon, and have a peaceful dinner in the mid-mountains.

• To plan your itinerary, consult the official resources of the Côte d'Azur France destination and the Alpes-Maritimes Department .

• The legendary Route Napoléon passes through Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, a perfect backbone for exploring without coastal traffic jams.

Things to do in the Alpes-Maritimes: sea, mountains and villages

Mediterranean coast: beaches, walks and islands

• Nice: Promenade des Anglais, Old Nice and museums. Events program on the Nice Tourist Office website .

• Cannes: seafront, shops, promenade and boat trips. The Lérins Islands offer coves, monasteries and shaded paths.

• Antibes–Juan-les-Pins: ramparts, Picasso Museum, family beaches.

Timing tip: leave early or late afternoon to enjoy the beaches in summer, then head back up to sleep in the cool of the hinterland.

Mountains and wide open spaces: Mercantour and Prealps

• Mercantour National Park: high-altitude lakes, wildlife observation, legendary mountain passes. Information and maps on the Mercantour National Park website .

• Gorges du Loup: spectacular road, waterfalls, swimming and canyoning. Presentation of the area by Côte d'Azur France – Gorges du Loup.

Hilltop villages and panoramic views

• Gourdon: ranked among the most beautiful panoramas on the Riviera.

• Saint-Paul-de-Vence: art galleries and modernity at the Maeght Foundation .

• Tourrettes-sur-Loup: capital of the violet, picturesque alleyways.

• Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey: on the Route Napoléon, starting point for countless day trips.

Grasse and the art of perfume

Grasse is the world capital of perfume, and its expertise has been listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2018. Discover its history, flower fields, and the crafts of perfumers:

• UNESCO dossier: Know-how related to perfume in the Grasse region .

• A must-see: International Perfume Museum.

Key events 2025

• Nice Carnival (February-March): illuminated floats, flower battles. See the Nice Carnival events calendar .

• Lemon Festival in Menton (February-March): citrus sculptures and parades, information on the official Lemon Festival website .

• Cannes Film Festival (May): international cinema, screenings and markets, program on theCannes Film Festival website .

Recommended routes from Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey

• “Sea + villages” day: morning in Cannes, afternoon at the Lérins Islands, sunset in Gourdon.

• “Mountain nature” day: Gorges du Loup, picnic at a viewpoint, return via Grasse.

• “Perfumes and Heritage” Day: MIP, discovery workshops, olfactory walk through the alleyways.

Excursions 2025 departing from the Imperial Relais

Excursion	Distance from the hotel	Round trip driving time	Ideal season	Don't miss it!
Grasse + International Perfume Museum	approx. 12 km	approx. 30–40 min	All year round	Collections, gardens, workshops
Gorges du Loup + Gourdon	approx. 20–30 km	approx. 50–70 min	Spring–Autumn	Waterfalls, panoramic views
Cannes + Lérins Islands	approx. 30–35 km	approx. 70–90 min + boat	Spring–Summer	Monastery walk, coves
Historic Nice	approx. 50–55 km	approx. 1 hour 40 minutes	All year round	Old Nice, promenade, museums
Mercantour National Park (southern sector)	approx. 60–80 km	approx. 2–2.5 hours	Summer–Autumn	High-altitude lakes, wildlife

Distances and times are indicative depending on traffic and season; leave early in the summer, and choose weekdays for very popular sites.

Where to stay between the sea and the mountains: Le Relais Impérial

Located 15 minutes from Grasse, on the Route Napoléon, Le Relais Impérial is a charming, quiet, and welcoming hotel and restaurant. It's an ideal base for exploring beaches, hilltop villages, and the Prealps without having to change accommodations.

• Presentation of the establishment and location: official website of the Relais Impérial .

Rooms: comfort, views and relaxation

The hotel offers 28 rooms in 5 categories for couples, families, and business travelers. Enjoy a cozy atmosphere, comfortable bedding, some with terraces overlooking the Grasse hills, and others with bathtubs for relaxing after a day of exploring.

• See categories and photos: Rooms at the Relais Impérial .

Culinary delights: bistronomy and a wood fire

Two locations on site to offer a variety of experiences:

• A bistronomic restaurant that celebrates local produce and French cuisine.

• A wood-fired pizzeria serving delicious pizzas and generous grilled meats. Both locations have terraces for al fresco lunch or dinner, summer or winter. Lunch service is from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM, and dinner service is from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM.

• Discover all services: Catering, terraces and services .

Private and professional events

Whether it's an intimate wedding, birthday, seminar or meeting, several modular spaces and personalized support allow you to design an event that reflects your style.

• Learn more and request a quote: Events at the Relais Impérial .

“Marion and Alice, the hostesses of this establishment, welcome their guests as if they were at home, with kindness and passion.”

A family home on the Napoleon Route

The Relais Impérial is part of the region's history, between traditions of hospitality and a home-like atmosphere.

• Explore the family history .

Book your 2025 stay

Choose your dates, compare categories and book directly to enjoy the best welcome.

• Book online: Secure booking platform .

Practical advice: access and getting around

• Arriving by train: Grasse, Cannes and Nice train stations are connected by TER regional trains. Timetables are available on the TER Sud – SNCF website and reservations can be made via SNCF Connect .

• Airplane: domestic and international flights at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport .

• Local bus: Sillages network for the Pays de Grasse, routes and maps on Sillages – Pays de Grasse.

• Car: ideal for exploring the valleys and villages. Park early at popular sites; use park-and-ride facilities during peak season.

FAQ – Alpes-Maritimes 2025

What is the best time to visit the Alpes-Maritimes in 2025?

The destination can be explored year-round. Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) offer mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and manageable crowds. Summer is ideal for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts; set off early and head inland in the evening to escape the heat. Winter is perfect for museums, villages, and hikes in the lower altitudes, with often sunny days along the coast. For major events (Carnival, Menton, Cannes), book your accommodation and tickets well in advance.

What to do as a family in the Alpes-Maritimes?

Combine fun activities with nature breaks: a supervised beach in the morning (Cannes, Antibes), a picnic under the pine trees, an easy walk in the Gorges du Loup, a sensory visit to the International Perfume Museum in Grasse, or a boat trip to the Lérins Islands. Inland, opt for short trails with viewpoints and pedestrian villages (Gourdon, Saint-Paul-de-Vence). Base yourself in the peaceful village of Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey to minimize travel and enjoy a variety of experiences each day.

Is it possible to explore without a car?

Yes, especially along the coast: the TER regional train connects Nice, Antibes, Cannes, and Grasse, supplemented by buses to nearby villages. For the inland areas and the Mercantour National Park, a car remains more flexible. Tip: alternate days with train and bus travel (Cannes/Antibes, Nice, Grasse) and one or two days with a rental car for exploring the gorges and high plateaus. Check the timetables on the TER Sud – SNCF website and the Sillages network website.

What easy hikes would you recommend near Grasse and Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey?

Aim for scenic loops of 1 to 2 hours: the village trail in Gourdon with views of the Mediterranean, viewpoints around the Gorges du Loup, or shaded paths in the hills around Grasse. For a more alpine day out in summer, head early to an accessible area of the Mercantour National Park and stick to marked trails suited to your fitness level. Check with local tourist offices and the weather forecast before setting off.

Key points to remember

• The Alpes-Maritimes offer a unique mix of sea and mountains, ideal for a varied stay in 2025.

• Base yourself in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey to explore without stress between the French Riviera and the Pre-Alps.

• The Relais Impérial: 28 rooms, two restaurants, terraces and event spaces.

• Must-sees: Grasse and the art of perfume, Gorges du Loup, hilltop villages, Lérins Islands.

• Events 2025: Nice Carnival, Lemon Festival, Cannes Film Festival; book your tickets in advance.

• Ready to plan? Discover the hotel, its services and book your stay on the Relais Impérial website .