Welcome to DesBNet - Cote D'Azur

No. of Visits 3 - Last Visited 1999

General

The French Riviera has an envious reputation for being the playground of Europe's Rich & Famous. Film & Pop Stars, Models, Racing Drivers & Business Tycoons all flock to these Mediterranean shores for some serious frolicking in the sun. There is a great deal for the less flamboyant traveller as well. You do not have to Mega Rich to explore the charms that this area has in abundance.

Geography

Occupying the Southern coastal area of France, between Marseilles & Menton, can be found the towns of Toulon, St.Tropez, Cannes, Antibes, Nice, and the Principality of Monaco. Inland are some beautiful Hill-Top villages it seems that time has forgotten. The Alpes-Maritime provide wind break to these coastal towns, and a favourable climate prevails.

Climate

Long, Hot Dry Summers, & Short, Mild Winters have ensured the popularity of this region. This balmy climate allows a broad range of vegetation to flourish, and provides the area with a unique cuisine.

History

The towns of Nice, Antibes & Marseilles were established by the Greeks as trading posts in 600bc. The area later came under Roman influence, before passing back to French rule in the 5th century. Later incursions from the Saracens, and Italians, have left traces still visible today, the area only fully returning to France in 1860. The "French Riviera" took of as a tourist destination as far back as mid 18th century.

Language & Culture

This part of France has been very popular with writers, and especially artists, due to the bright light & subjects available. Indeed, some of the world's most recognisable works of art have been inspired by the landscapes of the Côte d'Azur. Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Auguste Renoir & Marc Chagall have painted some of their greatest works in these parts.

Accommodation

From Glitzy & Glamorous, to rustic pensions, there is a wide range of accommodation to suit all needs & pockets. All major hotel chains have properties in the major towns & cities, however, for something a little more charismatic, why not try one of the smaller independent hotels available. Away from the tourist centres, these can provide comfortable & indeed charming lodgings at a fraction of the price of their counterparts.

Sight Seeing

Where do we start? With such a stunning array of coastal resorts, the interior of this region is often overlooked. Breathtaking medieval towns perch precariously atop rugged outcrops, with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. St Paul de Vence, just to the north of Nice, is just one such jewel. The town of Menton, bordering Italy, is an enchanting array of steep, narrow streets leading from the promenade, up to the town square. Nestling within a rocky cauldron, Monaco  offers a combination of Grand , Art-Deco & Modern architecture rising from the famous harbour back to the surrounding hills. Overlooking the "Gin Palace" moorings is "Le Rocher" (The Rock), dominated by the 13th century Princes Palace, the seat of the Grimaldi dynasty who rule over the principality. The era of "La belle époque" is well represented by the infamous Casino & the Café de Paris to the east of the harbour. The peninsula of Cap Ferrat is arguably home to the most exclusive properties in the area, including the tranquil Villa Ile de France (home of the Baroness Euphrussi de Rothschild), and Villa Mauresque, formerly inhabited by the author Somerset Maugham. Situated on the Baie des Anges, Nice has a unique atmosphere. The "Old Town" is a  maze of winding streets filled with Cafes, Restaurants & shops, and within a stones throw of the Promenade des Anglais, is the market place, where the fantastic local produce provides a riot of colour & smells. Further westwards lies Antibes, a picturesque town, home to the Chateau Grimaldi, which now houses the Picasso Museum.  The beach resorts of Juan les Pins, Cannes & St.Tropez etc. have all gained popularity with tourists enamoured by the lifestyle that is so apparent within these parts.

Beaches

The area from Nice to the Italian border has few beaches, and these are predominantly pebbled. For sandy beaches, Juan les Pins, Cannes & St.Tropez are most appropriate. Most beaches have both public & private areas (mainly owned by hotels & restaurateurs).

Local Transport

The French National Railways (SNCF) provide a rail service that extends from Ventimiglia in Italy, to Mandelieu just past Cannes. There is also an extensive bus network in the area. For a great way to see the coastline from Nice to Menton, try the route 100 bus.

Night Life

Cafes, Bars, Casinos & Nightclubs abound, and Local Festivals & Firework Displays add further colour & depth to the proceedings.

Restaurants

The French nation, as we all know, take their food very seriously indeed, and as befitting of the region that was home to the famous chef Escoffier, the cuisine found in these parts is truly mouth-watering. Sea food dishes are a speciality, with local dishes such as Bouillabaisse popular on the menus.

Shopping

Many of the towns are filled with exclusive boutiques, and department stores can be found in Nice. A trip to the Friday morning market at Ventimiglia, just across the Italian border, is a must for bargain hunters. Perfumes and Art also feature on the shopping lists of many visitors.

Car Hire

Easily arranged through any of the many agencies.

Getting There

There are International airports at Marseilles & Nice. High speed TGV trains link up with Paris & many other major European cities.