Famously known as the French Riviera, the scenic and stylish strip of coastline in the Côte d’Azur region buzzes with several glamorous vacation destinations. Here are a few top attractions of the area to take your pick from.

Ephrussi de Rothschild Villa and Gardens, Cap-Ferrat

Boasting a serene seaside scenery, Cap-Ferrat is a slender peninsula between Monaco and Nice, with a coastline dotted with vacation homes and fancy villas. One of the outstanding open-to-all villas is the Rothschild Villa, built for wealthy banker Baron Alphonse de Rothschild’s daughter Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild. Designed in an Italian palazzo style, the façade is a delicate shade of pastel pink. The Grand Salon is an extravagance with opulent floral-motif décor and Louis XVI furnishings and the eight distinctly different and magnificent gardens offer delightful experiences.

Saint-Tropez

This celebrated beach holiday destination charms the visitors with lush Mediterranean scenery and a relaxing small-town vibe. Once a humble fishing village, Saint-Tropez gained prominence due to famous actress Brigitte Bardot during the 1950s. With winding cobblestone streets and shady squares, the historic village offers an alluring old-world appeal, cleverly mixed with high-end fashion boutiques and fancy restaurants. Tourists looking to admire the provincial ambiance of Côte d’Azur can enjoy the fishing boats and outdoor cafes in Vieux Port while the more jet-setting crowd can revel in the chic atmospheres with luxury yachts.

Antibes Beaches

Surrounded by a beautiful coastline, Antibes is an atmospheric seaside town in Côte d’Azur. The coastline of Antibes is prized for its unspoiled natural beauty and a large selection of beaches from private to public. The beaches in the areas of Juan-les-Pins and Cap d’Antibes peninsula are popular for their fine sandy shores. The pine tree groves and the 3.7 km long hiking trail of Chemin des Douaniers with majestic sea views are the two most beloved highlights of the region. Also, to satiate the French cuisine lovers, there are several chic bistros, cafés with outdoor terraces and fine-dining establishments to choose from.

Love the water and want to get a whiff of the balmy ocean life? Jump on to a Paddleboard, the newest water sport that’s gaining momentum the world over. It’s cheaper than taking your boat out and needs less equipment than kayaking. Probably why Stand Up Paddleboarding, also known as SUP, is a growing rage currently that stands at a global market of £7 billion! Read on to know how to get afloat on your own.

Begin by Choosing the Right Paddleboard

A stop by your local coastal adventure company would be the best bet to guide you to buy the right equipment. All-round paddleboards are the most preferred option, which are inflatable and come rolled up in compact bags to make it easy to haul in a car boot. Touring SUPs are usually longer and narrower for easier momentum in the waters, while. Yoga SUPs have larger, gripper pads on the surface. Also, it is important to find the right size of the paddle to help you maneuver. Paddles are usually customized to your arm length.

Stand Up and Get Going!

The first few tries of paddleboarding are going to be rough, so be prepared to fall flat and splash around before you find your balance! But climbing back on is extremely easy, so fear not! Start in clear and calm waters. Center yourself first in a kneeling position, taking a few strokes at a time, with the cure of the paddle towards you. Then stand up one leg at a time slowly with your knees bent a bit and keep your core straight. And keep paddling, keep going!

Safety Measures!

• Do take some time to check the tide times and currents, as well as changing weather conditions. Even if on the lake, do keep wind patterns.

• Tie your belongings to elastic straps usually provided on inflatable paddleboards.

• Carry enough water to stay hydrated, and don’t leave the sunscreen behind!

• Carry a waterproof pouch for your money, phone, or other belongings.

• Keep spare clothes or jackets.