What if September were actually the best month to discover the French Riviera? Here, summer does not really end at the end of August. The sun is still shining, the Mediterranean Sea remains warm, and temperatures become milder. Most importantly, the large summer crowds begin to disappear.

This is what I like to call the Indian summer on the French Riviera: a time when you can still enjoy all the pleasures of summer, but in a much calmer atmosphere. So, what can you do on the French Riviera in September? From swimming and hilltop villages to grape harvesting in the vineyards, here are my must-do activities.

In September, the beaches of the French Riviera become a little more peaceful without losing their summer charm. In Nice, Antibes, Cannes or Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the sea is still warm enough for swimming and the days remain very pleasant.

That is actually one of the great advantages of September: you can still enjoy the beach without having to deal with the intense heat of July and August. A morning swim, lunch overlooking the sea and an evening stroll… that is what a perfect September day on the French Riviera looks like to me.

It is also a wonderful time to discover the coastline in a different way, whether by paddleboard, kayak or during a boat trip. The September light is particularly soft and beautifully highlights the colours of the Mediterranean.

And for those looking for peace and quiet, this is the perfect time to discover small coves and less crowded beaches. The French Riviera returns to a much more relaxed pace, almost as if it belonged to us again.

If there is one activity I particularly recommend in September, it is exploring the vineyards of Provence. The month generally marks the beginning of the grape harvest and offers the opportunity to discover another side of the region, far from its image of beaches and luxury hotels.

Just a few kilometres inland, the landscape quickly changes. You leave the Mediterranean behind and find yourself surrounded by hills, vineyards and small wine estates. It is the perfect opportunity to visit a winery, learn more about the work of local producers and, for wine lovers, taste a few local vintages.

The grape harvest also gives the estates a special atmosphere. You get to discover the vineyards at an important time of year, when the grapes are harvested before being transformed into wine.

Spending a day exploring the vineyards is an excellent way to slow down and discover the Provençal terroir. And after visiting an estate, there is nothing better than continuing on to a small village in the countryside for lunch on a terrace.

That is also what the Indian summer on the French Riviera is all about: being able to go from the sea to the vineyards in just a few kilometres.

September is also the perfect month to rediscover the villages of the French Riviera’s hinterland. With more comfortable temperatures, you can take your time strolling through the narrow streets of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Èze, Gourdon or Tourrettes-sur-Loup, without suffering from the intense summer heat.

I particularly enjoy these escapes at this time of year. The villages are less crowded, the terraces are quieter, and you can really take the time to notice the details: an old doorway, a small artisan shop, a hidden square or a breathtaking view over the Mediterranean.

For those who enjoy being active, September is also an excellent season for hiking. The trails of the Estérel Massif and the Mercantour offer magnificent scenery and temperatures that are much more suitable for walking than in the middle of summer.

And after a day of exploring, it is always a pleasure to return to the coast and admire the sunset. Because even though September slowly marks the arrival of autumn, summer is still very much alive on the French Riviera.