The medieval hilltop village of Peillon in the hinterland behind Nice

Peillon: an authentic escape to discover during your stay on the French Riviera

Thirty minutes from Nice, a medieval hilltop village recognised for slow travel.

LifestyleWhere to buy on the French Riviera
5 August 2026 · 2 min read
Sonia Mata
Sonia MataSales Assistant, Riviera Keys

While the French Riviera is known worldwide for its beaches, its coastal villages and its Mediterranean way of life, it also holds lovely surprises just a few kilometres from Nice. Among them is Peillon, a hilltop village in the hinterland behind Nice, recently named one of France’s best destinations for “slow travel”.

Just 30 minutes from Nice, this medieval village offers a moment of calm and authenticity far from the bustle of the coast. Its cobbled lanes, stone houses and unspoilt natural setting reveal another face of the French Riviera, more discreet and more traditional.

A different Riviera experience

Peillon appeals to visitors seeking a peaceful atmosphere, unspoilt landscapes and a slower pace of life. The village is surrounded by numerous hiking trails and enjoys a pleasant climate even during the summer months, thanks to its elevated position.

For our Scandinavian clients, it makes an ideal day trip: enjoying the charm of the hinterland while staying close to Nice, Monaco and the Mediterranean.

Discovering the French Riviera beyond the coast

One of the great riches of the Nice region lies in the diversity of its landscapes. In less than an hour you can move from the seaside to hilltop villages, from Provençal markets to mountain trails.

Peillon is one of those places that helps explain why so many visitors choose to return to the French Riviera year after year, and why many international buyers ultimately decide to acquire a second home here or settle permanently.

Living the French Riviera like a resident

Discovering villages such as Peillon, Èze, Saint-Paul-de-Vence or Coaraze is part of experiencing a true Mediterranean art of living. Beyond the best-known destinations, it is often these more discreet addresses that give the region all its charm and allow you to fully appreciate the exceptional quality of life the French Riviera offers.

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