When you think of the French Riviera, you may picture Mediterranean beaches, luxury yachts, Cannes Film Festival and the glamorous streets of Saint-Tropez. But just beyond the coastline lies another side of the Côte d’Azur: vineyards, Provençal wine estates and fascinating local wine traditions.

Whether you are staying in Nice, Cannes, Antibes or Saint-Tropez, visiting a vineyard is a wonderful way to experience the region beyond the beaches.

From the historic vineyards of Bellet in the hills above Nice to Provence estates around the Var, here are some of the best wineries to consider for a French Riviera wine experience.

1. Château de Bellet – Nice

For visitors staying in Nice, Château de Bellet is one of the most convenient places to discover local wine.

Located in the hills west of Nice, the estate is part of the Bellet wine appellation, one of France's oldest wine regions. The vineyards benefit from the Mediterranean climate while their elevated position provides beautiful views of the surrounding hills and coastline.

The estate offers guided visits, vineyard experiences and wine tastings. Its historic chapel is also home to a tasting room and boutique.

Why visit: Historic estate, local Bellet wines, beautiful setting and easy access from Nice.

Good for: First-time visitors and travellers who want a genuine vineyard experience without travelling far from Nice.

 

2. Château de Crémat – Nice

Château de Crémat is another important stop in the Bellet wine region.

The château sits among the vineyards on the hills above Nice and offers visitors the opportunity to discover the estate, its wines and the history of the Bellet appellation.

The Bellet wine region is particularly interesting because of its location between the Mediterranean Sea and the foothills of the Alps. The combination of altitude, sunshine and sea influence creates a distinctive local terroir.

Why visit: Beautiful château, vineyard setting and an excellent introduction to Bellet wines.

Good for: Couples, small groups and visitors looking for a picturesque wine experience close to Nice.

 

3. Domaine de la Source – Bellet

Domaine de la Source is located in the heart of the Bellet vineyards and provides a more intimate alternative to some of the larger estates.

The domaine offers visitors the opportunity to discover local wines directly from the producer and experience the smaller-scale character of the Bellet appellation.

For wine enthusiasts, visiting smaller estates can provide a more personal experience and a better opportunity to learn about the vineyard, winemaking techniques and local grape varieties.

Why visit: Authentic local atmosphere and a chance to explore Bellet wine at producer level.

Good for: Wine lovers looking for a more intimate experience.

 

4. Domaine de Vinceline – Bellet

Also located on the hills above Nice, Domaine de Vinceline is another producer worth including in a Bellet wine itinerary.

The estate provides an opportunity to explore the local terroir and discover wines produced in this small but distinctive appellation.

A visit can easily be combined with other Bellet estates, making it possible to spend an entire day exploring the vineyards above Nice.

Why visit: Smaller-scale wine experience and an opportunity to discover the Bellet terroir.

Good for: Visitors who want to explore several local producers rather than visiting only one château.

 

5. Collet Bovis – Bellet

Collet Bovis is another vineyard located in the Bellet area.

Its location makes it particularly convenient for visitors planning a multi-estate wine itinerary around Nice.

The Bellet vineyards are relatively compact compared with larger wine regions in France, making it possible to discover several producers in the same area.

Why visit: Convenient location and an opportunity to explore several Bellet producers.

Good for: Wine enthusiasts planning a dedicated vineyard day from Nice.

 

6. Domaine des Hautes Collines – Saint-Jeannet

If you are prepared to travel slightly inland from Nice, Domaine des Hautes Collines in Saint-Jeannet offers a different experience.

The estate is located in the hills of Saint-Jeannet rather than within the Bellet appellation. The setting gives visitors a chance to combine wine tasting with the spectacular landscapes of the Côte d’Azur hinterland.

Saint-Jeannet itself is a charming hilltop village beneath the Baou de Saint-Jeannet, making the area ideal for combining a vineyard visit with sightseeing.

Why visit: Rural scenery, hilltop villages and a more countryside-oriented experience.

Good for: Travellers who want to combine wine tasting with exploring the villages behind Nice.

 

Wineries Near Cannes

Cannes itself is not surrounded by vineyards in the same way that Nice is surrounded by the Bellet vineyards.

However, visitors staying in Cannes can easily make a day trip towards the Var and Provence wine regions. These areas offer a very different landscape from the coastline, with vineyards, forests, Provençal villages and traditional wine estates.

7. Clos des Roses – Fréjus

Located near Fréjus, Clos des Roses offers a classic Provençal wine experience in the Var.

The estate is farther from Cannes than the Bellet vineyards are from Nice, but it can work very well as part of a full-day excursion into the Var.

A visit can be combined with a trip to Fréjus, Saint-Raphaël or the spectacular Esterel coastline.

Why visit: Provençal wine, countryside scenery and a full-day escape from the coast.

Good for: Travellers looking for a complete wine and countryside excursion.

 

8. Domaine Terres Destel – Saint-Raphaël

Located in Saint-Raphaël, Domaine Terres Destel is another option for visitors travelling east from Cannes towards the Esterel and Var.

This area is particularly attractive because wine tasting can be combined with a scenic drive along the Mediterranean coast.

You can spend the morning exploring the vineyards before continuing towards the red-rock landscapes of the Esterel massif.

Why visit: Wine tasting combined with the landscapes of the Esterel and Saint-Raphaël area.

Good for: Couples and visitors looking for a combination of wine, nature and sightseeing.

 

9. Château Paquette – Fréjus

Château Paquette in Fréjus is another Provençal estate worth considering for a wine-focused day trip from Cannes.

Fréjus and the surrounding Var countryside provide a very different atmosphere from the busy coastal resorts.

A vineyard visit here can therefore become part of a wider day exploring traditional Provençal landscapes and villages.

Why visit: Provençal countryside and a traditional wine-estate experience.

Good for: Visitors looking for a quieter alternative to the busy coastal areas.

 

10. Château de Cabran – Puget-sur-Argens

Located near Puget-sur-Argens, Château de Cabran is another possibility for travellers heading from Cannes towards the Var.

The surrounding countryside offers an excellent opportunity to combine wine tasting with a scenic road trip through Provence.

For visitors with a rental car or private driver, this can be an enjoyable way to spend a day away from the coast.

Why visit: Wine tasting combined with a scenic Var excursion.

Good for: Visitors looking for a relaxed day exploring the Provençal countryside.

 

What Wine Should You Try on the French Riviera?

The French Riviera and neighbouring Provence are particularly famous for rosé, but the region produces considerably more than rosé.

When visiting the Bellet vineyards around Nice, look for local wines made from grape varieties associated with the appellation, including Rolle for white wines and traditional local varieties used for reds and rosés.

The Bellet terroir is particularly distinctive because the vineyards sit on the hills above Nice, between the Mediterranean and the mountains.

For visitors travelling towards the Var and Provence, rosé is an obvious choice, particularly during the warmer months. However, it is worth tasting the local reds and whites as well.

A vineyard tasting is a great opportunity to discover how different grape varieties, soils, altitude and proximity to the Mediterranean influence the wines of the region.

 

Can You Visit Vineyards Without a Car?

Yes, particularly around Nice.

The Bellet wine region is relatively close to the city, and there are seasonal transport options that make visiting several vineyards possible without driving.

For individual estates, however, it is important to check availability and book in advance. Some vineyards operate visits and tastings by reservation only.

For vineyards further from Nice and Cannes, hiring a private driver or joining an organised wine tour can be a convenient option.

This is particularly useful if you plan to taste several wines during the day and do not want to drive afterwards.

 

When Is the Best Time for a French Riviera Wine Tour?

Spring

Spring is a beautiful time to explore the vineyards before the peak summer season. The countryside is green, temperatures are generally comfortable and the tourist crowds are smaller.

Summer

Summer is ideal for combining a vineyard visit with lunch, sightseeing and the coast. However, vineyards can become busy, so booking tastings in advance is recommended.

September

September is one of the most interesting periods for wine enthusiasts because vineyards are entering the harvest period.

The atmosphere around the estates can be particularly lively, although the exact timing of harvest varies from year to year.

Autumn

Autumn is excellent for enjoying the countryside and cooler temperatures. The vineyards take on a different character as the season progresses.

Winter

Some estates continue to welcome visitors during winter, although opening schedules and tasting availability can be more limited.

 

A Perfect French Riviera Wine Day

If you are staying in Nice, a simple itinerary could look like:

Morning: Visit Château de Bellet

Lunch: Return towards Nice or stop at a restaurant in the hills

Afternoon: Visit Château de Crémat or another Bellet producer

Evening: Return to Nice for dinner

For visitors staying in Cannes, consider a full-day excursion towards Fréjus and Saint-Raphaël, combining a vineyard visit with the Esterel coastline.

And if you are staying in Saint-Tropez, the vineyards around Gassin, Ramatuelle and Sainte-Maxime provide another excellent wine-tourism option.