Great Things to Do Near Vue Lerins
Making a splash!
Various water sports and activities are available just down the road at La Figueirette harbour, such as sailing, windsurfing and wakeboarding, kayaking and stand-up paddle, pedalos and banana boats, jet-skiing and scuba diving.
Eat out nearby
at one of the restaurants just down the hill around the harbour of La Figueirette or in the village of Théoule sur Mer (7.5km).
Soak up that sea view!
You will undoubtedly spend most of your time on the balcony terrace, relaxing with a book, enjoying a sundowner, or dining al fresco in front of the stunning panoramic vista.
Market days
Head to Théoule sur Mer (Place Général Bertrand) on Tuesday or Friday morning to mix with the locals and buy fresh ingredients from the weekly market for delicious salads and barbecues. There is also a market at Port de la Figueirette on Thursday and Sunday mornings between June to September.
Head to the beach
It takes just a few minutes to reach the sandy beach with watersports centre next to the port of La Figueirette in Miramar. There are also a number of beaches to choose from around Théoule (15 mins by car).
Boat trip to the Lérins islands
Boats depart from Mandelieu between May and September to the larger island, Sainte-Marguerite. 3km long, it is covered by 152 hectares of protected forest with plenty of walking trails. Points of interest include the bird sanctuary, the Batéguier pond, and the Royal Fort, the old State prison where the Man in the Iron Mask was held! The oldest part of the fort now houses the Museum of the Sea. The smaller island, Saint-Honorat, is only 1.5km long by 400m wide. Amongst its pine forest nestles Lérins abbey, established in the 5th century by the Cistercian monk Honorat. Boats to Saint-Honorat island depart from Cannes all year round.
Who's for golf?
Keen golfers will surely want to try their swing on the Old Course at Mandelieu, the Côte d'Azur's oldest golf course and modelled on the famous course at St Andrews in Scotland. And there is also an 18-hole course at the Riviera Golf Barbossi on the west side of Mandelieu-la Napoule, as well as several other courses in the region.
A trip to Cannes
...should start on the Promenade de la Croisette: a tree-lined avenue stretching along the Mediterranean coastline, and at the heart of all the city's action. The town's most famous hotels are to be found here, along with a great selection of designer shops and restaurants. Be sure to take in the Palais des Festivals, the hub of all the red-carpet action during the Cannes festival. Wander west of the Palais des Festivals to discover the real Cannes beneath the showbiz glitz and glamour. Stroll around the beautiful Vieux Port before following rue St-Antoine up to Le Suquet, Cannes' oldest district, for incredible views of the bay.
Parc Zoologique de Fréjus
Built in 1971, this Zoological Parc stretches over a vast 20 hectares, which can visited either by foot or in the car. It boasts over 110 different species of mammals, reptiles and birds, and is a fantastically entertaining and educational day out for all the family.
Take a scenic drive
along the 'Corniche d’Or', the iconic winding coast road between Mandelieu-La Napoule and Saint-Raphaël, above which the villa is set. The road snakes right beside the Mediterranean, hemmed in by the dramatic Esterel cliffs whose rust-red rocks contrast stunningly with the blue of the sea and sky. From the property, head west towards St Raphaël, stopping at Anthéor or Agay for lunch and perhaps a dip?
St Raphaël
Wander its authentic narrow streets and take in the atmostphere of the old port, overlooked by the distinctive domes and pink sandstone of the basilica. If you go early you can see all the activity of the fish market. Stop for lunch, perhaps the typical Provencal fish stew 'bouillabaisse'. Then stroll through the Bonaparte garden where, in summer, night markets are held.
Chateau La Napoule
This medieval fortress set in magnificent gardens was built in 1387 by the Counts of Villeneuve, but by the early 20th century had been reduced to a semi-ruin. An American artist couple, Henry and Marie Clews, bought it in 1917 and set about restoring it. Whilst Henry focussed on the restoration of the castle's architecture, Marie was the driving force behind the gardens, which are recognised as outstanding by the Ministry of Culture. There are various artworks dotted around the gardens, and Henry's own art can be seen in the chateau museum.
Mougins and its art heritage
Mougins has been considered home by many famous artists including Fernand Léger and Pablo Picasso who spent the last 12 years of his life living in the village. Picasso's studio was in the old village in a building that is now the tourist office, while the studio of Fernand Léger was above what is now the village wine shop. Today, there are many art galleries to explore in the narrow streets and the Musee d'Art Classique de Mougins should not be missed.
Hire a boat
Boats can be hired from La Figueirette harbour, so you can explore the coastline at your own pace.
Hike or bike in the Esterel mountains
Enjoy the wild natural scenery and superb viewpoints of the Estérel mountains by foot or by mountain bike. Bikes can be hired in Théoule.
Day out in Nice
Explore one of the oldest human settlements in Europe taking in the sights of the old quarter, Place Rossetti, the Russian Orthodox Cathedral and Place Massena which is the main square of the city. Held in the Cours Saleya, the daily morning Marché des Fleurs is a riot of colour and fragrances. Then why not stay on for a spot of lunch on a terrace restaurant in one of the picturesque squares. Try the traditional Niçois snack, Socca, a type of pancake made of chickpeas.