French Riviera Hidden Gems
French Riviera hidden gems — Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Gourdon, Biot and the perched villages beyond the coast, best explored by private chauffeur.
Beyond the famous coast, the hills behind the French Riviera hide a string of perched villages and quiet corners that many visitors never reach. They are where the region feels most timeless — stone lanes, art, and views for miles. Here are some of the French Riviera's hidden gems, and how a chauffeur brings them within easy reach.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Vence
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is the most celebrated of the hilltop villages, a ring of ramparts around cobbled lanes packed with galleries — a magnet for artists from Chagall to the Fondation Maeght nearby. Neighbouring Vence adds Matisse's exquisite Rosary Chapel.
Both are a short drive inland from the coast and pair naturally into an afternoon of art and villages.
- Ramparts and galleries in Saint-Paul-de-Vence
- The Fondation Maeght art foundation
- Matisse's Rosary Chapel in Vence
- Cobbled lanes and hilltop views
Gourdon and the backcountry
Perched on a cliff above the Gorges du Loup, Gourdon is one of the most dramatic villages in France, with a view that reaches to the sea. The winding drive up through the gorge is an attraction in itself.
Further into the hills, villages like Tourrettes-sur-Loup, Coaraze and Sainte-Agnès reward those who venture off the coast with authenticity and calm.
- Clifftop Gourdon above the Gorges du Loup
- The scenic drive through the gorge
- Tourrettes-sur-Loup and the violet village
- Sainte-Agnès, one of the highest coastal villages
Biot, La Turbie and more
Biot is famous for its bubbled glassware and its medieval square, while La Turbie, high above Monaco, holds the Roman Trophy of Augustus and a stunning view over the principality.
These are the kinds of places a chauffeur makes easy — scattered across the hills, awkward by public transport, but a joy to string together on a quiet day.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best hidden gems on the French Riviera?
The perched villages inland — Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Vence, Gourdon, Tourrettes-sur-Loup, Biot and La Turbie — offer art, history and views away from the busy coast.
Is Saint-Paul-de-Vence worth visiting?
Yes. Its ramparts, galleries and the nearby Fondation Maeght make it one of the most rewarding village visits on the Riviera.
How do you reach the perched villages?
They are scattered across the hills and awkward by public transport, so a private chauffeur is the easiest way to visit several in a day.
What is La Turbie known for?
The Roman Trophy of Augustus, a monumental ancient landmark high above Monaco, with a spectacular view over the principality.
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