Welcome to La Florette  a taste of the riviera's lifestyle...

Islands

 

The Îles de Lérins

In the bay of Cannes, and separated by the passage de Frioul, a favoured mooring place for yachters, the Iles de Lérins offer calm and nature in a wild and well preserved setting.

 

The île de Ste-Marguerite: the Royal Fort, the pine and eucalyptus forest, the Musée de la Mer. 

 

The île St-Honorat belongs to a community of Cistercian monks. Of note: the fortified monastery, the abbey. 

 

 

Capes

 

Cap Martin (3 km)
45 minutes of typical fauna lines the seafront walk. It invites you to follow in the footsteps of Nietzche, and above all Corbusier, whose "cabin" architectural concept you can discover on the route.

 

Cap d’Ail (3.6 km)
A magnificent interpretation path links Plage de la Mala and Plage Marquet. This coastal walk, around 1h, is a chance to discover the riches of the flora, geology and the architecture of "Belle Epoque" villas.

 

Cap Ferrat (11 km of coastal paths)
Around 2h30 for a tour of the millionaires’ peninsula, a veritable haven of peace with its sumptuous villas. Not to be missed is the Promenade de la Sainte Hospice (45 min.), lined by Aleppo pines. Another path (around 1h) links the Anse Lilong with the Plage de Passable. Creeks and limestone cliffs stud this coastal promenade with luxuriant vegetation.

 

Cap d’Antibes (2.7 km)
An exceptional coastal walk (around 1h30) along a wild coast battered by the waves. Lined with Aleppo pines, this path reaches the southern point of the peninsula between Antibes and Juan-les-pins, and its sanctuary Notre-Dame de la Garoupe, thus revealing some of the most beautiful panoramas on the coast.

 

 

Natural departement parks

 

On the Côte d'Azur you will find 14 different departmental parks which are notable for their location, beauty, the diversity of their fauna and their flora. Located on or near the coast, these natural protected spaces also offer leisure and relaxation areas.

 

Parc departemental de la grande corniche - la Turbie

 

The 660 hectares of the Grande Corniche parkland, situated in the La Trinité, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Eze and La Turbie communes stretches from the mont Leuse to mont Bataille. When the sky is clear a spectacular panoramic view can be observed extending from San Remo to St Tropez from the sommets of la Justice, la Revère and la Forna, on a really clear day Corsica can even be spotted.450 different species of vegetation have been recorded in this territory that is also one of the best sites for bird watching in the region.

 

Parc departemental Le Lac du Broc

 

A touch of turquoise at the confluence of the Estéron and the Var. This ancient 50 ha. gravel extraction zone has been restored, and the lake is fringed by Mediterranean vegetation. This lake, with excellent quality water, is home to pike and carp.

 

Parc departemental du San-Peyre - Mandelieu-La Napoule

 

Located in the Mandelieu-La Napoule commune, this 18 hectare parkland was acquired by the "Conseil Général" (Regional Council) in 1964. From its highest point a magnificent panoramic view is offered for all to see over the Golfe de la Napoule and in the distance the majestic Mercantour mountain range to the east and the red rocked Esterel mountain range to the west. This parkland, situated in an urban zone, offers the colours and fragrances of a multitude of plant species as well as the original forms of many cacti.

 

Sentier botanique du park departemental du San-Peyre - Mandelieu-La Napoule

 

Natural flora of the Estérel, with a 3.4 km walk on a gentle slope, where you can discover labelled plants, trees and shrubberies in the midst of an ancient oak forest, the forest of mimosa or shrubs.

 

Parc departemental du Vaugreniers

 

At the extreme east of the city of Nice, discover a space of beauty preserved, unveiling a unique panoramic view over the Baie des Anges and the lie of Villefranche-sur-mer. Like the Niçois writer, Louis Nucéra, you will think that "beauty that wished to remain eternal" chose to reside is this privileged little corner of the world.The mont Vinagrier, a limestone plateau reaching 370 metres in height with varying steep slopes, offers a return to nature right on the outskirts of the city.

 

Parc departemental d'Estienne d'Orves - Nice

 

A Mediterranean hill developed in the 18th century. This 14.5 ha. park covers the Colline Saint Philippe, in the very heart of the city of Nice. Ancient olive trees are laid out on terraces.  Some terraces present Mediterranean plants, replacing vegetable plots, such as vine and orange trees.

 

Parc departemental de l'Esteron - Roquesteron

 

A part of the Prealps in the Alpes-Maritimes, this departmental natural park covers a surface area of 25 hectares in the communes of Roquestéron and Roquestéron-Grasse. The limestone escarpments are dominated by a pine forest. The Proserpine is probably the most emblematic butterfly on the site, and its caterpillar loves the aristolochia that grows among the sparse lawns. This protected site is unique to the 14 departments of the south of France.
The atmosphere is the site is dominated by the Estéron. A bat, Miniopterus Screibersii feeds off the numerous insects that fly above the waves. The riverine vegetation is dominated by willows. The roots of the glutinous alder provide a refuge for the southern barbell. It is common to spot eels.

The site is also notable for its unique architectural, cultural and historical heritage, linked to the proximity of the two villages of Roquestéron and Roquestéron-Grasse, and the Romanesque parish church of Sainte-Pétronille.

 

Parc departemental de la Valmasque - Sophia Antipolis

 

Coming either from east or west in the Alpes-maritimes, it is easy to find this parkland that extends over 561 hectares within the communes of Valbonne and Mougins. Consisting of three wooded hills alternating with soft undulating vales, this parkland is an ideal place for children, welcoming families for enriching nature observation walks, fun and games and sporting tracks. Not to be missed: The Fontmerle lake that is covered in Lotus flowers during the summer.

 

 

Parc departemental de l'Esterelle - Theoule-sur-mer

 

A unique domain of 370 hectares of natural coastal land, this parkland is the eastern extreme of the somptuous Esterel mountain range within the commune of Théoule-sur-Mer. Flaming red rock of volcanic origin plunge into the deep blue of the sea, undulating hills covered in bright vegetation, the majestic, the beauty and the calm of this site can but impress.

 

Parc departemental de La Pointe de l'Aiguille - Theoule-sur-mer

 

At the eastern extreme of the Alpes-Maritimes, in the Théoule-sur-Mer commune, stop on the Esterel Corniche and take the time to explore, within the 7 hectares of parkland, the extraordinary sight of the red Esterel rock plunging into the sea where the varying shades of green and blue change according to the seasons. While there, do not forget to take in one of the four coved beaches nestled in the still water creeks.In this red rock setting a typical Mediterranean vegetation has developed.

 

Parc departemental de la Brague - Valbonne

 

The 480 hectares of parkland in La Brague stretch into the Biot and Valbonne communes, offering a beautiful green and lush space only 6 km from the sea.Following La Brague, along a magnificent 9km path, typical Mediterranean vegetation can be found with the different oak and pine trees. A discovery path of 1,3km has been created to explore the different environments and species of vegetation

 

Parc departemental du Massif du Paradou - Vallauris

 

A protected horticultural zone. Situated on a hill overlooking the Baie de Golfe Juan, this property of the Conservatoire covers 12 hectares. The Fourmigue lighthouse emerges from the waves, warning sailors of the dangers of the deep. The view offers a wide panorama, from Île Sainte-Marguerite to Cap d’Antibes.

 

Parc departemental du Plan des Noves - Vence

 

From the Baous, dominating the col de Vence a plateau of 650 hectares, acquired in 1987, a splendid view and over the Mercantour mountain range can be observed. The geological peculiarities, the climate and the ancient agricultural practices have given a unique identity to the wide open pastures of the region

 

Parc departemental de Vaugrenier - Villeneuve Loubet

 

Spread over 100 hectares in the Villeneuve-Loubet commune, this parkland, situated only a couple of metres from the sea and from the major coastal cities and roadways, is a peaceful stop to relax or to enjoy outdoor sports.Do not miss the natural soft water lake, unique in the Alpes-Maritimes.

 

Parc departemental des Rives du Loup - Villeneuve Loubet

 

A nature link between sea and mountain. This site has remained untouched and wild offering visitors a long stretch, 4 kilometres in length of exceptional nature.The crossing of the spectacular and deep gorges cut into the limestone followed by waterways lined by typical river vegetation.

 

 

Parks and Gardens

 

The diversity of its landscapes and its gentle climate have made Alpes-Maritimes a centre of the art of gardens. It was the English in the last century that, introducing exotic species, created veritable mosaics juxtaposing all the gardens of the world. 

From Natural parks to outstanding gardens, discover one of the most flourishing aspects of the Côte d’Azur.

 

Jardins de la Villa Fort France - Grasse

 

Villa built c. 1935 by the British author Lady Fortescue, with one of the fine gardens on the French Riviera, with over 500 species of plants and trees, typical of the region of Grasse or acclimated.   Parc Phoenix - Nice   A score of gardens on specific themes can be visited on this 17.5-acre site. The greenhouse, one of the world's largest, recreates seven different tropical or sub-tropical climates.   Les Jardins de la Villa Ephrussi Rothschild - St Jean Cap Ferrat   The villa is surrounded by nine magnificent themed gardens, where visitors can discover, as they walk around, a typical French garden, the luxurious vegetation of Spanish and Florentine gardens, the richness of the rose garden, the rare essences of the exotic garden or the archaeological remains of the lapidary garden…   Jardin Botanique de la Villa Thuret - Juan-Les-Pins   One of the first acclimation gardens on the Riviera, the Parc Thuret was created by biologist Gustave Thuret in 1857. Today, the property is managed by the National Agronomic Research Institute.   Jardin Botanique - Nice   Classic collections of Mediterranean flora (genista, cistus...) and acclimatization garden.   Jardin du Chateau de la Napoule - Mandelieu-La-Napoule   The gardens were designed by Mary Clews, wife of the American sculptor Henry Clews who restored the castle in Gothic style at the beginning of the century. Wandering around the alley-ways, you'll come across his sculptures in fantastic and grotesque style.   La Citronnerie (jarding prive) - Menton   La Citronneraie is located on the slopes of the Annonciade, the cradle of Menton, halfway up. At an altitude of 120 m., it faces S/E towards the rising sun, meaning it is the perfect spot for growing  citrus fruits and the acclimatisation of tropical and sub tropical plants. "Citron de Menton", comprises the perfume of its zest and the flavours of its pulp, is the most prestigious of some 80 species known to date. These tasty fruits are used by the greatest French chefs, and adorn their Michelin starred restaurant to delight the great and good of Menton. Garden classified as A REMARKABLE GARDEN.