5 original places on the French Riviera to pop the question

Why visit the French Riviera

The Côte d’Azur – or French Riviera as it is commonly referred to by non-French people – is famous for epitomising an image of fabulous, sun-filled days.

It is true that the French Riviera tempts tourists with promises of cocktails on sun loungers, French cuisine and strolling through cobblestoned villages but there is so much more to the region than this.

Where to propose on the French Riviera

The region is a popular choice for weddings with venues ranging from luxury villas, castles, vineyards, private beaches, hotels and restaurants.

But what about before the big day? Where would you go to pop the question on the French Riviera?

Forget about a clichéd luxury hotel or yacht, or the Michelin-starred restaurants – here are Access Riviera’s picks for 5 original places on the French Riviera to pop the question:

1.   Orion Treehouses in Saint-Paul-de-Vence

Saint-Paul-de-Vence is one of the most visited villages on the French Riviera, and this area is home to the Orion Treehouses.

Orion Treehouses, Saint-Paul-de-Vence

A unique bed-and-breakfast resort, the treehouses blend into the surrounding forest and have a view to Saint-Paul-de-Vence village.

One of the distinctive features of the resort is a natural swimming pool that is chlorine and chemical-free.

natural swimming pool at Orion Treehouses

They also offer an eco-friendly sauna, massage with essential oils and yoga lessons to ensure your well-being and relaxation.   www.orionbb.com

2. Circuit d’Aiguille

The Massif de l’Esterel owes it’s rust-red hue to rhyolite, an igneous volcanic rock, and the contrast of the red rock to the turquoise ocean is stunning along the N98 coastal road.

Esterel rocks on the N98 coastal road

At the edge of the Esterel mountains, near Théoule-sur-Mer you will find the Circuit d’Aiguille, an easy hiking trail that leads past the red rocks to sheltered pebble beaches.

secluded beaches on the Circuit d’Aiguille

The path continues up through a forest track past mimosas and fragrant lavender ending at lookout spots most tourists don’t venture to for some seclusion and a birds-eye view over the Gulf of La Napoule.

3. Batterie de la Convention on Île Sainte-Marguerite

The Lérins Islands off the coast of Cannes are a popular tourist destination on the French Riviera.

Île Sainte-Marguerite, the larger of the two islands, is frequently visited for trips to the Musée de la Mer in Fort Royal, where the Man in the Iron Mask was imprisoned.

But few people wander over to the lesser known (and less visited) ruins at the other end of this island. You reach them by following the eucalyptus and pine-fringed Route de la Convention that dissects the middle of the island.

eucalyptus and pine-fringed pathways dissect Île Sainte-Marguerite

Take a bottle of champagne and a picnic and sit beside your own private French ruins.

A photo of me trying to break into Batterie de la Convention

4. Col de Vence

Situated between the towns of Vence and Coursegoules, the Col de Vence is an alpine hill that is popular for hiking, cyclists and pony schools.

Col de Vence in winter

The Col de Vence’s main attractions are the panoramic views across the French Riviera and the rocky terrain similar to being on the moon.

Barren and under-populated, it’s a great place for quiet moments and stargazing at the Riviera sky due to it’s light pollution.

Col de Vence moonscape

It’s also a reputed area for UFO sightings so chances are you’ll end up with a great engagement story regardless.

5. A Mongolian yurt in Villars sur Var

Villars sur Var is 45 minutes from Nice and a favoured destination for hiking, canoeing and rock climbing.

If that sounds like your idea of bliss, Yurts of Domettte rent two Mongolian yurts in a wooded park overlooking the Var river.

Yurts of Domette, Villars sur Var

It’s glamour-free but secluded, and a perfect place to swim in the Var river, and listen to birdsong while swinging in a hammock. www.yourtes-de-domette.com

Disclosure: Access Riviera does not act on behalf or have any sales or marketing affiliations to any of the companies mentioned in this article.  All opinions are my own, if you like them share on Facebook or retweet this on Twitter