Guide to the cities, attractions and area information
The French Riviera or Côte d'Azur is France’s most popular fun-in-the-sun destination. From famous vineyards of Bandol to city of Menton, known as the lemon capital of the Riviera, this glittering stretch of Mediterranean coastline is traversed by three cliff routes — the Low Corniche that frames beaches and coastal villages in 33 km, Middle Corniche with exceptionally pretty sea views reaching Cap Ferrat and impressive villas of Cap d'Antibes, and High Corniches (constructed by Napoléon 1er) set between the cliffs rising up to 450 metres above the Principality of Monaco.
Riviera’s history: in the footsteps of celebrities
Much loved for its mild weather, azure sea and blue sky with 300 days of sunshine per year, the French Riviera offers much more than just a first class beach resort. In the 19th century, the south coast of France became a favourite spot for aristocrats from London to Moscow who flocked to the Riviera to socialize, soak up the sun and gamble. Even royals such as Napoleon III and Queen Victoria were captivated by the splendid scenery with magnificent views over the Mediterranean coast.
With the creation of Cannes Film Festival in 1946, the Riviera gained its international reputation as a city of the rich and famous. Appearance of movie stars such as Brigitte Bardot, Sophia Loren and Grace Kelly, walking on the Festival’s red carpet, attracted media coverage from all around the world!
Today, crowds of tourists come to this sunny strip of land every year to follow in the footsteps of celebrities in Cannes, Nice and Monte Carlo. Whether you're looking for high-end resorts with entertaining nightlife, fine museums and chic boutiques or you prefer to escape from the crowds and discover perched hill towns and hidden jewels, Côte d'Azur has it all..
Top activities in the French Riviera
Go posh with the glamour set in Cannes and St Tropez, stroll Nice's palm-shaded Promenade des Anglais, check out world-class art galleries in Mougins, relax and tan on the fine sandy beaches of Mandelieu La Napoule and St-Raphaël and try your luck in classy casinos in Monte Carlo, the famous Formula 1 destination.
Feast on bouillabaisse - the traditional fish soup created by Marseille fishermen. Made from at least four types of fish and different vegetable bouillabaisse has become classic and revered dish in the South of France.
Explore natural beauties of the area! Go for the hike in rich rocky bays and red cliffs of Massive Esterel and walk in Tanneron mountains, the largest forest of mimosa trees in Europe. Get a taste of Provençal culture while visiting its sloping vineyards and enjoy the colourful scenery and beautiful scent of lavender fields.
