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Did you know that the south of France is not just about the idyllic beaches of the French Riviera? This part of the country is also home to charming mountain villages that offer luxury rentals and breathtaking views for those seeking a high-end escape. Let’s explore the top 10 mountain destinations you should visit during your autumn travels in southern France.
Nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is one of the most famous ski resorts in the world, attracting millions of tourists each season. If you prefer fewer crowds and aren’t necessarily a fan of skiing, but enjoy mountain hiking, autumn is a great time to visit this place. With pleasant temperatures (though rain is possible, especially in November), Chamonix in the off-season also offers luxury mountain chalets at good prices.
Love luxury in a mountain setting? Courchevel is perfect for you. Even in autumn, this resort offers the finest alpine chalets and luxury villas for rent in southern France. Known for its appeal to celebrities and the wealthy, Courchevel boasts exclusive boutiques and gourmet restaurants, including Michelin-starred options. The combination of breathtaking alpine scenery and unparalleled luxury makes it a premier destination for those seeking both adventure and indulgence.
Saint-Véran is one of the highest villages in Europe, sitting at over 2,000 metres above sea level, and is part of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (The Most Beautiful Villages of France) Association. Surrounded by the Queyras Regional Natural Park, its beautifully preserved traditional houses and cobblestone streets create a magical atmosphere. In autumn, the village is surrounded by the stunning colours of fall, making it a perfect destination for mountain hikes and a peaceful escape from city life.
Èze offers the best of both worlds: a mountain retreat and easy access to the sea. Located between Nice and Monaco, this mediaeval village is just a few kilometres from the paradise beaches, offering spectacular views of the Mediterranean from over 400 metres above sea level. Èze also serves as an excellent base for exploring the secrets of the French Riviera, with luxury rentals available at attractive autumn rates.
Just an hour from Saint-Véran, you can find Mont-Dauphin, a UNESCO World Heritage site with 17th-century fortifications. This mountain village offers a unique blend of history, nature, and the rustic charm of elegant mountain houses with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. In autumn, the landscape is ablaze with colour, providing a fairy-tale backdrop for long hikes and stunning photography.
Montgenèvre is a picturesque mountain village located near the Italian border, offering a blend of French and Italian alpine culture. This ski resort features elegant boutique hotels and luxury residences where you can relax after autumn hikes and climbs, all set against stunning alpine scenery. With its unique cultural fusion and breathtaking landscapes, Montgenèvre provides the perfect escape for those seeking serenity and sophistication in equal measure.
Tourrettes is a hidden gem that is located less than an hour’s drive from the luxury rentals in Cannes. Just 20 km from the sea, this village offers breathtaking views of the plains between the southern Alps and the Esterel massif. Surrounded by beautiful autumn trails through forests ablaze with colour, Tourrettes is also home to a popular aerodrome, the Terre Blanche Golf Resort, skydiving centres, historic chateaux, luxury rentals, and vineyards offering exquisite local wine tastings.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a perfect choice for those who want to be close to Nice and resorts like Antibes but also desire some peace away from the tourist crowds. Perched on a small hill, this village is less than 10 km from the sea, yet offers plenty of mountain charm. It’s also an ideal base for visiting nearby vineyards and hiking the surrounding trails with stunning views of the French Riviera. In the autumn, you’ll find available classic luxury villas in southern France – a perfect place for recharging before heading back to reality.
Listed in 1997 as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (The Most Beautiful Villages of France), Sainte-Agnès offers a similar vibe to Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Sitting over 800 metres above sea level, it’s just a few kilometres from the charming town of Menton and a little over half an hour from the majestic villas of Monaco. The area also boasts beautiful mountain trails, perfect for autumn hikes thanks to the mild Mediterranean climate.
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