Experience French Elegance: Explore the Top 8 Most Picturesque Towns in Southeast France

Southeast France is the kind of place that lingers in your memory long after you return home. Here, the Mediterranean coastline sparkles, vineyards roll endlessly under the sun, and villages seem painted straight from a storybook. It is a region that invites you to slow down, sip a glass of wine, and savor centuries of culture and beauty. If you are dreaming of French elegance with a side of adventure, these eight towns deserve a place on your list.

A vibrant coastal town features a crescent-shaped sandy beach with clear blue waters with gently bobbing boats, charming hillside buildings, and lush greenery.

Cannes

Cannes may be famous for its glittering film festival, but the city’s allure goes beyond the red carpet. Stroll the iconic La Croisette, a palm-lined boulevard filled with boutiques and cafés, then explore the old quarter to uncover the city’s historic side. Active travelers can hike the Massif de l’Esterel for sweeping coastal views. End your day with a table at one of Cannes’ elegant restaurants where fresh Mediterranean seafood pairs perfectly with a chilled glass of Provençal rosé.

Cotignac

Cotignac is a storybook village tucked between cliffs and two medieval towers. Vineyards surround the town, producing some of the region’s most expressive wines. After exploring the dramatic Gorge du Verdon nearby, return to Cotignac’s shaded squares to sip a glass of Côte de Provence rosé while sampling goat cheese and lavender honey from local markets. The slower pace and rustic beauty capture everything travelers adore about Provence.

Menton

Near the Italian border, Menton glows with pastel houses, citrus groves, and a gentle Mediterranean climate that makes it one of the warmest spots in winter. Its annual Lemon Festival fills the town with parades, sculptures, and citrus-inspired treats like tarts and candied fruits. Wander the seaside promenade, enjoy a café lunch of fresh fish and salade niçoise, and watch how Menton effortlessly blends French and Italian flavors on every plate.

A stunning view showcases luxurious yachts, the Mediterranean Sea, elegant architecture, and a scenic hillside backdrop.

Nice

Nice is a feast for the senses. Begin at the Cours Saleya market, alive with the color and scent of flowers, herbs, and fresh produce. Climb to Colline du Château for panoramic views and a glimpse of Roman history, then head to the seafront Promenade des Anglais for people-watching and shopping. Food lovers will want to sample socca, a chickpea pancake baked in wood-fired ovens, and finish with a glass of crisp local white wine. Nice is where timeless tradition meets modern indulgence.

Peillon

High in the Alpes-Maritimes, Peillon is a fortified village where stone houses and vaulted passageways preserve a medieval atmosphere. As you explore its quiet alleys, stop at a small café for a slice of tourte de blettes, a unique local pastry made with Swiss chard, raisins, and pine nuts. Surrounded by olive groves and mountain peaks, Peillon offers both scenic beauty and a taste of authentic village life.

Villefranche-sur-Mer

Villefranche-sur-Mer charms with its deep harbor, cobblestone lanes, and seafront cafés. Explore the Citadel of St. Elmo, then wander down to the water for a leisurely lunch of grilled sardines or bouillabaisse. The relaxed pace makes it easy to spend the afternoon sipping chilled rosé while watching fishing boats sway in the harbor. It is a perfect blend of history, flavor, and coastal charm.

Antibes

Antibes combines cultural sophistication with Riviera style. Visit the Absinthe Museum for a spirited history lesson, then step into the Grimaldi Château to admire Picasso’s works. The town’s markets brim with olives, cheeses, and Provençal herbs, making it a paradise for food lovers. Pair your finds with a glass of Bandol red wine, known for its rich character, and enjoy a picnic overlooking the sea.

A charcuterie board featuring cheeses, fresh fruits, and artisan crackers, paired with red wine, creates an ideal setting for an intimate gathering.

Vence

Vence is a medieval jewel filled with history and creativity. The Cathedral of Nativity of Saint Mary and the Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs highlight its spiritual heritage, while art galleries reflect the town’s legacy of inspiring painters like Matisse. Local markets offer everything from fragrant herbs to fresh bread, and you will not want to miss sampling pissaladière, a savory onion and anchovy tart that has been part of the region’s cuisine for centuries.

Discover Southeast France Your Way

From the glitter of Cannes to the rustic charm of Cotignac, each town in Southeast France offers its own blend of history, flavor, and beauty. Whether you are drawn to medieval alleys, vineyard tastings, or long afternoons over a Provençal lunch, this region delivers experiences to savor.

Foster Perry Travel can design a journey tailored to your passions, whether that means exploring vineyard estates, joining a food market tour, or simply discovering villages where life moves at a slower, more delicious pace. Start planning your bespoke French escape today.