Alpes- Maritimes
French Holiday Homes -
Self catering holiday villas & gites in Alpes-Maritimes, France
Search the Rent in France directory for self catering holiday rental homes in Alpes-Maritimes. This region is very popular with holiday-makers travelling to France. Rent-in-France offers many self catering villas, apartments, houses and gites to rent in Alpes Maritimes. The department is very mountainous down towards the coast and because of this, the southern part is often referred to as the Maritime Alps. Home to the famous French Riviera along the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea, Alpes-Maritimes includes many towns and cities including Nice, Antibes, Cannesand Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
Places to visit in Alpes-Maritimes, France
Nice - One of the leading resorts on the French Riviera, Nice is the capital of the Alpes-Maritime department. This city is very popular with tourists and sees thousands of people visit each year due to its clean and well maintained pebble beaches, together with the young, lively and fun atmosphere Nice offers when renting holiday villas in Alpes-Maritimes. Don’t let the fun put you off though as there are plenty of places throughout the city where you can relax and unwind. Being France’s fifth largest city, there are many attractions and activities available to occupy any holidaymaker – for those who enjoy the French culture there is the opera house, national theatre or a selection of concert halls. There is also a large number of pleasant bars, restaurants and casinos across the city.
Menton - Located just before you reach the Italian border, Menton offers you a much slower paced lifestyle compared with other towns and cities in Alpes-Maritimes. Known for being the city with the highest average age this is the perfect retirement retreat due to is tranquil environment. Also famous for its lemons, this quiet seaside town is home to the annual lemon celebrations where a wonderful aroma of citrus is guaranteed to fill the air during this magnificent festival. The festival usually takes place around February or March time.
Monaco - famous for being the second smallest independent nation although it is referred to as France. This small, but impressive town covers an area of just 1.9km. It is known to many as a tax haven and although Monaco is not part of the EU, the French government have made an agreement which now means there is no queuing at the border which makes it part of mainland France. Due to this, Monaco may also be known as the smallest French speaking country. Monaco is home to what is regarded as the most prestigious automobile race in the world, The Monaco Grand Prix has been held annually in the streets of Monaco since 1929 and is perhaps one of the most demanding Formula One tracks during the season - the race at Monaco is usually held around May time.
Monte Carlo - There is plenty to do and see in the tiny resort and residential area of Monte Carlo. With two famous casinos, a number of bars and restaurants, The Musee Oceanographique and one of the best aquariums in the world - Monte Carlo is a must see on your places to visit list during your self catering holiday rental in Alpes-Maritimes, France. 
Cannes - Host to the famous Film Festival, Cannes is a popular holiday destination for the rich and famous. Voted the most pleasant place to live in France, the town is full of glitzy hotels, luxury bars and some of the worlds finest restaurants. Be sure to visit the old town when staying in an Alpes-Maritimes holiday villa or apartment. Le Suquet has some breathtaking panoramic scenery on offer, some of which you wont find anywhere else in France.
Alpes-Maritimes boasts a welcoming climate. Its summers are long and the temperature can reach an impressive 35°C and there is practically no rain from June through to the autumn. The winters remain mild although dry cold winds from the north, which can last up to nine days at a time during the autumn and spring months, can cause sharp falls in temperature.
Alpes-Maritimes is relatively easy to get by air from most countries. The main airports in the region are Nice and Marseille which both receive daily flights from the UK. Both RyanAir and Easyjet operate to these two airports from a number of airports across the UK. Alternatively, the high speed TGV trains take approximately three hours from Paris to Marseilles, this also serves both Nice and Cannes. Getting to Paris from the UK is simple with the Eurostar service direct to the French capital from London. If you want to drive then be warned that the route from Calais to Nice is around 1230km and it will take around 11 hours. These roads also become rather busy during the summer months as can be expected.
Overall the Alpes-Maritimes offers you a destination where you can experience how the other half live with its luxurious Riviera atmosphere. Its location close to the Italian border means the department has a definite Italian influence. As well as the hectic lifestyle that many of the towns offer, you can also appreciate the quieter side that Alpes-Maritime has.