Every detail has been carefully designed to create a truly unique sensory experience, offering a radical departure from traditional architecture.

For more information:

Maison Bernard

Nice

Hidden Treasures Combining History, Architecture and Unusual Places

    4. The Archaeological Crypt - A Journey Beneath the Streets of Nice

Did you know that beneath the bustling streets of central Nice lies the remains of an ancient medieval fortified town?

It was in 2006, during the construction of the city's first tramway line, that archaeologists uncovered important remains 

of Nice's former fortifications, near Place Garibaldi.

Today, transformed into a fascinating underground museum, the Archaeological Crypt (Crypte Archéologique) covers nearly 2,000 m², making it one of the largest urban underground archaeological sites in France.

    5. Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral - A Little Piece of Russia in Nice

Just a few minutes from Nice city centre stands a rather unexpected monument: a magnificent Russian Orthodox cathedral, whose colourful onion-shaped domes look as though they have been transported straight from Moscow.

Inaugurated in 1912, Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral (Cathédrale Orthodoxe Russe Saint-Nicolas) bears witness to the significant presence of the Russian aristocracy on the French Riviera during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

At that time, Nice had become one of the favourite winter destinations of wealthy Russian families, who were drawn to the region by its mild Mediterranean climate.

    6. Palais Lascaris - A Hidden Baroque Palace in the Heart of Old Nice

As you wander through the narrow streets of Old Nice (Vieux-Nice), it is difficult to imagine that behind a relatively modest façade on Rue Droite lies one of the most beautiful Baroque palaces in the region.

Built in the mid-17th century for the powerful Lascaris-Vintimille family, Palais Lascaris is a true architectural gem, reflecting the elegance and grandeur of Nice's aristocratic past.

From the moment you step inside, you will be impressed by its monumental staircase, fresco-decorated vaulted ceilings, magnificent reception rooms and richly ornamented interiors.

The beautifully painted ceilings, tapestries, elaborate stucco decorations and antique furniture offer a fascinating glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle once enjoyed by Nice's noble families.

    7. Enjoying a Drink at Le Bethel - An Unusual Place to Relax in Nice

After a day spent exploring the historic monuments and picturesque narrow streets of Old Nice (Vieux-Nice), why not extend your visit with a stop at a truly unusual and unexpected place, far from the hustle and bustle of the tourist-filled terraces?

Just a few steps from Cours Saleya, hidden behind Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur Church, also known as the Church of the Gesù, lies a little-known gem that many visitors never discover: Le Bethel, a small community-run bar with a unique and charming atmosphere.

To reach it, you must venture through a small, discreet door to the left of the altar, inside the church. A rather surprising entrance that almost makes you feel as though you are stepping into a secret hideaway!

On the other side, you will discover a delightful little courtyard, decorated with simplicity and creativity. Reclaimed furniture, cleverly repurposed objects and quirky decorative touches create a warm, welcoming atmosphere, combining bohemian charm with an authentic local character.

People come here not only to enjoy a refreshing drink, but also to chat, make new acquaintances and exchange stories and ideas in a relaxed, friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Local residents, passing visitors and people from all walks of life can come together here, regardless of their backgrounds, in a spirit of openness, kindness and conviviality.

Far removed from the trendy establishments and traditional bars of the French Riviera, Le Bethel embraces a simple and generous spirit, where the joy of meeting people and sharing experiences matters far more than stylish surroundings or appearances.

A little tip: As Le Bethel is a community-run bar, its opening hours can vary. It mainly welcomes visitors during the summer months and September, when the weather is pleasant enough to enjoy its charming outdoor courtyard.

It is therefore advisable to check whether the bar is open before planning your visit.

For more information:

Le Bethel

    8. Le Plongeoir - A Spectacular Restaurant Suspended Above the Mediterranean Sea

Among the most unusual restaurants on the French Riviera, Le Plongeoir in Nice holds a truly special place.

Imagine enjoying lunch or dinner on an isolated rock perched above the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, with nothing but the endless sea stretching out before you and boats gently sailing past in the distance.

Located near the Port of Nice, at the foot of Boulevard Franck-Pilatte, this remarkable restaurant enjoys an absolutely extraordinary setting.Its terraces appear to be literally suspended between the sky and the sea, offering a unique dining experience unlike anything else on the French Riviera.

Menton

Three Extraordinary and Little-Known Gardens

    9. Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden - A Journey into the Tropics

Just a short walk from the Mediterranean coastline of Menton, the Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanique Val Rahmeh) is a true oasis of lush greenery.

Established in the late 19th century, this remarkable garden enjoys an exceptional microclimate, allowing plants from tropical and subtropical regions around the world to flourish.

As you wander along its peaceful, shaded pathways, you will discover majestic palm trees, banana plants, bamboo groves, aquatic plants, exotic flowers and numerous rare botanical species.

At times, it almost feels as though you are admiring an immense natural painting, where Menton, the sea and the mountains come together in perfect harmony, creating a breathtaking Mediterranean landscape.

As Les Colombières is a privately owned estate, visits are limited and must be arranged in accordance with the conditions established by the owners.

A little tip : To fully appreciate the beauty of these three exceptional gardens in Menton, Val Rahmeh, Fontana Rosa and Les Colombières, we recommend visiting during spring or summer, when the vegetation is particularly lush and many plants are in full bloom.

For more information:

The Gardens

The Grasse Region

Two Extraordinary Underground Adventures

    12. The Saint-Cézaire Cave Estate - 40 Metres Below Ground

Just a few kilometres from Grasse, in the hills above Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne, lies an extraordinary underground world, sculpted by water over millions of years.

Discovered in 1890, the Saint-Cézaire Cave (Grotte de Saint-Cézaire) takes visitors on a fascinating journey down to approximately 40 metres below ground, through a succession of spectacular natural chambers.

During the guided tour, you will discover magnificent stalactites, stalagmites, mineral columns and impressive calcite curtains, some of which appear to hang from the cave walls like enormous curtains of stone.

A wonderfully exotic, romantic and relaxing stroll, offering the delightful feeling of having travelled all the way to Japan without ever leaving the French Riviera. 

    15. The Exotic Garden and Observatory Cave - Extraordinary Plants and an Underground World

Perched high above the Principality, the Exotic Garden of Monaco (Jardin Exotique) is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular gardens on the French Riviera.

First opened to the public in 1933, the garden was created on a steep cliffside, in a particularly dramatic rocky setting.

After six years of closure for extensive renovation and safety improvements, it finally reopened on 30 March 2026.

What makes this garden truly exceptional is its extraordinary collection of succulent plants and cacti from arid regions around the world, including Mexico, Central America, the United States and Africa.

But the true charm of Chartreuse de la Verne also lies in its exceptional natural surroundings: the peaceful silence, the vast forests and the wonderful feeling of being completely cut off from the outside world.

A truly timeless experience, combining history, remarkable architecture and spirituality, which is well worth making a detour to discover.

For more information:

The Chartreuse

    17. Restaurant La Grotte in Trans-en-Provence - Dining Inside a Real Cave

Here is a truly unusual gastronomic experience: enjoying lunch or dinner inside a genuine natural cave.

Located in the charming village of Trans-en-Provence, near Draguignan, Restaurant La Grotte offers a wonderfully unique setting.

Forget the traditional restaurant dining room: here, the tables are arranged deep inside an ancient natural cave, where the rugged rock walls create a spectacular and unforgettable backdrop.

Carefully designed lighting highlights the natural shapes and textures of the stone, creating an intimate, almost mysterious atmosphere.

As for the food, Chef Philippe Funel offers creative bistronomic cuisine, prepared using carefully selected seasonal ingredients.

The menu changes regularly to showcase the freshness, quality and variety of seasonal produce, making each visit a delightful culinary discovery.

Practical Information: 

• Opening days: Open every day except Mondays and Sunday evenings
• Menus: Three set menus are available, priced at €46, €56 and €68.
• Children's menu: €19.90
• Reservations: Bookings must be made exclusively online, and a credit card pre-authorisation will be required to  

      secure your reservation.

For more information:

La Grotte restaurant

In the Mountains

Discovering Wildlife in Its Natural Environment

    18. Parc Alpha - Discovering the Wolves of the Mercantour

Near Saint-Martin-Vésubie, in the magnificent Boréon Valley, Parc Alpha invites you to discover the fascinating world of the wolf, one of the most iconic animals of the Alps.

Situated at an altitude of between 1,500 and 1,800 metres, surrounded by the breathtaking mountain scenery of the Mercantour, this wildlife park offers visitors the opportunity to observe wolves roaming through large, specially designed natural enclosures.

As you follow a scenic mountain trail, several observation points allow you to catch glimpses of these remarkable animals and gain a better understanding of their behaviour, the social structure of wolf packs and their essential role in maintaining the balance of nature.