The Côte d'Azur of France is a coastline with a variety of prestigious resorts. Cote d'Azur France Cote d'Azur France

Stretching along the entire western Mediterranean coast from Toulon to the Italian border.

This territory, which does not have a clear administrative division, is protected from the northern winds by the foot of the Alps and the Mercantour mountain range and is considered the best resort in France.

The coastline is dotted up and down with luxury hotels, luxurious restaurants, private beaches, boutiques and expensive villas. There are many historical attractions and beautiful natural places, plus a pleasant subtropical climate and warm sea create ideal conditions for a good summer holiday.

Around the city of Marseille

Resort area around the city Marseilles consists of many interesting and memorable places. The rather wild, mountainous coastal region of Calanques (a small bay) is considered the center of a concentration of the most picturesque landscapes and natural beauties, and therefore is very popular among lovers of outdoor activities.

The islands of the Friulian archipelago, located at a distance of 1-4 kilometers directly opposite the Old Port, are ideal for lovers of a relaxing holiday by the sea. An artificial dam leads to the islands of Ratonneau and Pomegues, the island of Tiboulain is known as a permanent nesting site for seabirds, and as for the island of If, it has a completely different fate.

Located on this small island in the Gulf of Lion Chateau d'If(Chateau d'If is open to the public January-March from Thursday to Sunday, 9.00-17.00; April-May - daily, 9.00-17.00; June-September - 9.30-18.30; September-December from Thursday to Sunday, 9.30-17.00; entrance - 6 euros) was erected in the 16th century to protect Marseille from attacks from the sea.

From about the end of the 16th century, the castle was used exclusively as a prison, where especially dangerous criminals were kept in custody, and it was this circumstance that made the castle famous, especially after the release of Alexandre Dumas’ novel “The Count of Monte Cristo.” Today it is one of the most famous attractions of Marseille, the venue for sightseeing tours and photo sessions, since it is from here that the most picturesque panoramic view of the coastal part of Marseille opens.

The castle is connected to the mainland by regular sea connections (every hour in summer, 5 times a day in winter) from the embankment des Belges in the Old Port, special ships depart, the passage of which takes no more than 20 minutes. Just 26 kilometers southeast is a wonderful French Mediterranean resort, which is outside Saint Tropez- city of Kass.

A little further south, on the western coast of a small cape, there is another famous tourist attraction - the city of La Ciotat, and on the other side of the Bay of La Ciotat is the beautiful family resort of Les Lecques - one of the suburbs of the old town of Saint-Cyr. sur-Mer.

In addition to good sand and pebble beaches, tourists are also attracted here by a ten-kilometer coastal promenade, stretching from the eastern edge of the city beach with many secluded bays to the calm resort of Bandol, whose vineyards produce some of the best harvests for creating red wines on the Cote d'Azur.

East of Toulon

The amazingly beautiful wooded coast between Hyères and Frejus is at the same time one of the most picturesque places in France, and the most popular tourist destination, which cannot but affect these regions.

Beautiful forests with typical Mediterranean vegetation, gorgeous beaches hidden between rocky cliffs, islands isolated from the mainland and extravagant medieval villages - all this literally suffers from a large influx of tourists in the summer, but in the off-season the situation changes dramatically - the ideal time for a relaxing holiday in these places.

And if we add to all this dozens of elite resorts, thousands of luxurious private houses, chic restaurants, fashionable hotels and the eternal bustle of boats and yachts at sea, then you can roughly imagine how the world-famous French Riviera lives up to its advertising image and status. Located 15 kilometers east of the city of Toulon town of Hyères- the oldest resort on the Cote d'Azur, among whose connoisseurs were Queen Victoria and Leo Tolstoy. Directly opposite the city are the Hyères Islands (Iles d'Hyeres) - Porquerolles, Port-Cros and Levant.

17 kilometers east of Hyères there is a green town of Bormes-les-Mimoses(Bormes-les-Mimosas) with its completely restored castle and summer riots of mimosa (brought here from Mexico in the 1860s), bougainvillea and oleander. To the southwest rise the vineyards of Bregancon and Cabazon, in which the government residence is hidden in the castle of Cap de Bregancon. A few kilometers to the east is the town of Le Lavandou, famous for its beautiful sandy beaches.

A little further north, the picturesque slopes of the Massif des Maures, more like green hills, originate (the highest point is 800 meters). Here you should visit the picturesque village of Collobrieres (considered the “cork capital” of France), the huge monastery of La Chartreuse de la Vergne (XII century, 12 kilometers from Collobrieres), the ruins of an ancient castle and the 11th century church in the village of Grimaud , 25 kilometers east), the village of Cogolin, famous for its straw products, and the surviving remains of a 15th-century castle near La Garde-Fresnais.

Around the city of Saint-Tropez

In the central part of the Saint-Tropez peninsula is the small but very picturesque town of Gassin, formerly an Islamic citadel and now a luxury resort. The main attraction of the city is the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (1558), as well as the home of the famous football player David Ginol and the “narrowest street in France” - rue I "Androuno (only one person can really walk along it). Plus, from here you can see amazingly beautiful panoramic views views of Cavalier Bay and the Hyères Islands.

The reason for the division is extremely simple - until the beginning of the 20th century, the modern French Riviera was a narrow strip of land with a very inhospitable coastline with a small number of natural harbors and trees, an uninteresting place both for summer holidays and for history.

However, over time, the mild subtropical climate, rocky shores depicted on the canvases of painters, as well as numerous films did their job, and by the beginning of the 1950s, the French Riviera became one of the most famous resorts in the world.

Along the entire coast between Antibes and Cannes there is a series of rather unremarkable new resorts like Villeneuve-Loubet-Plage, Val Claret or Les Logies du Banneau. However, much more interesting are the places away from the coast, which are closely associated with the name of Renoir, including:

    Town of Cagnes(Cagnes, better known as Cros-de-Cagnes) with a beautiful castle in the "lower town" (now a museum);

    Town of Vence(Vence) with numerous ancient buildings, fountains, the Chateau de Villeneuve Fondation Emile Hugues (XV century), chapels and a cathedral in which you can see Roman tombstones and Chagall mosaics;

    Village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence(St Paul de Vence) – home of the art foundation Fondation Maeght;

    There are many other small villages, in each of which you can find something interesting, and of course the famous dwarf country - Monaco .

More photos of the resorts of the French Riviera here: Photo gallery

The French Riviera is a prestigious and famous coastline that starts from Nice and stretches to Menton.

Translated, the name Côte d'Azur means “coast of the sky” and is named after the azure color of the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. This prestigious holiday destination receives hundreds of thousands of tourists during the season and has received the status of a place for wealthy and important people who own luxury mansions on the seashore and expensive yachts moored in the harbor.

The tranquil coastlines, famous restaurants and 5 star hotels keep its reputation for glamor and elegance. You can laze on the beach in Cannes, sail from the port of Monaco or wander the famous boulevards of Nice. Overall, the French Riviera promises to please you.

Nice

Located in a charming location on the sea coast, with hot weather and an exquisite local climate, it is the calling card of the Cote d'Azur. The most famous street of the city is the Promenade des Anglais. This is a spacious boulevard that stretches along the coastline of the beach.

The boulevard was lined with elite buildings such as the Théâtre Méditierence and the glamorous Villa Massena (65 Rue de France), where a princess once lived. Today Villa Massena is an art museum that attracts crowds of visitors every day. It features charming landscaping and traditional French gardens. Plus, by walking along the Promenade Boulevard, you'll be close to Nice's main attractions.

On Rue Saleya there is a traditional Provençal market. It is open daily (closed on Mondays) and offers a wide range of offerings from local food and flower producers. Another main attraction in Nice is the Albert I Garden, which is a couple of minutes from the Promenade des Anglais. This huge garden was one of the first public luxury parks in the city. Having a typical Mediterranean style, this park is lined with palm trees and fountains.

Saint Tropez


Cannes Film Festival


As the main event of the French Riviera, this vibrant event attracts stars and other representatives of the film industry. Residents and guests of the city annually watch the procession of actors on the red carpet and stage next to the Palace of Festivals and Congresses. This building is equipped with high-quality sound and light systems, which were made only for this event.

The famous film festival is not only about the participation and awards of stars of the film industry, it is also a launching pad for the discovery of new talents in cinema. During the event, posts with giant posters were hung on all billboards in the city, welcoming world stars and their famous films.

Beaches and Jazz Festival Antibes

The beaches in Antibes are legendary, and visitors to the city have a wide choice: from classic free beaches to small private beaches with small restaurants at the water's edge. The city is divided into two main areas, which contain the lion's share of beaches: the Juan-les-Pins area and the Cap d'Antibes peninsula. They are ideal for sunbathing. The beaches of Antibes are famous for their pristine nature and sandy shores.

The city's coastline is a charming path along untouched nature, ideal for a leisurely stroll. The Juan-les-Pins area gets its name from the large number of pine trees that bloom actively in the area.

For fans of fine French cuisine, Antibes offers many signature cafes and a huge selection of bistros. Another highlight of a visit to Antibes is the local jazz festival, which takes place annually in late July outdoors. This festival is quite famous and brings together professionals and talented young artists.

The French vacation in Cannes and Nice and other popular resorts on the Cote d'Azur, just pay less attention to articles where they write about fabulous prices for accommodation, food and everything else. Such prices can only be during world-famous film festivals, and the rest of the time you can find many options for saving money.

First of all, pay attention to the flight. You need to buy tickets in advance and pay attention to low-cost airlines, with which getting to your desired vacation spot will be much cheaper. Ideal time to plan a vacation: at least 3-4 months, and even better six months. In France, there are generally a huge number of different fares, but if you buy a ticket 2-3 months before the flight, the savings can reach three to four times.

Don't think that housing prices are so high that a month's salary will only be enough for you to stay for a few days. This is wrong. And you shouldn’t even look for hostels that exist on the Cote d’Azur. I have nothing against hostels, but unlike hostels in other countries, French ones are not neat and clean, and you will feel, to put it mildly, uncomfortable there. Don’t be afraid to look for options in hotels, as many of them regularly hold various promotions, during which the cost of living is reduced by two to three times. And even without discounts, in Nice you can find accommodation options ranging from 80-100 euros per night. And we are talking about a hotel that is located as close as possible to the sea, and if you look away from the coast, you can find options ranging from 30-50 euros per room per night. And the best option is to go on vacation with friends or relatives. Then it is profitable to rent an apartment with all amenities. There are many offers for villas, but this is a more expensive option. Each apartment is equipped with a full kitchen with everything you need, and this in turn will allow you to significantly save on food.

Just like in any other country (not necessarily a resort country), the cheapest way to eat is to buy food in a supermarket or market. Moreover, in the supermarket you can not only vegetables, fruits, sausages, etc., but also ready-made meals that will cost tens of times cheaper than a cafe. The most economical tourists always and everywhere take a boiler with them and can even prepare a hot dish in a hotel. If you don’t want to bother with buying groceries and preparing food, then the most profitable option is to eat in Arab cafes, which are found everywhere in France. Lunch for one person will cost between 5-10 euros, which even by Russian standards is not such a large amount. And the most important thing is that the food there is delicious and they keep it clean. You can also go to a restaurant, but not the one located in the center of the tourist area, but somewhere on the outskirts. When you go to a restaurant, the most important thing is to pay attention to the fact that there are a lot of locals there, then the prices there are moderate. Dinner in such a restaurant will cost from 15 euros per person.

Rich tourists travel in their own luxury cars or, in extreme cases, by taxi. But do not forget that there is public transport everywhere, which is represented by trains and buses. Depending on where you need to go, you can choose the most suitable mode of transport. The prices are low, one might even say minimal.

There is a statement that all beaches on the Cote d'Azur are paid, but it is only partly true. In France, there are laws according to which you cannot take money for a vacation on sand or pebbles. Therefore, cunning entrepreneurs are trying to make money by renting umbrellas and sun loungers, and this is not much, not little, but somewhere around 20 euros per day or about 12-14 euros for half a day. Yes, you can go to such a beach with your trestle bed and sit between the sun loungers, but it will look, at least, strange. But not many people know that even the most luxurious beaches have a small free area where any vacationer can come and arrange a holiday there. Also on the Cote d'Azur there are municipal beaches everywhere that do not have any services, but you don’t have to pay money for entry. One of the best such beaches is located in the vicinity of Nice and is called Plage des Marinieres.

What kind of holiday can there be without entertainment? In this regard, students and young people under 25 years of age will greatly benefit; there are always some discounts for them, and sometimes they can reach 50 percent. We are mainly talking about entering clubs, museums and discos. In order not to overpay and not fall into the trap of unscrupulous tour operators, immediately after arrival, go to the city tourist office, where you will be provided with complete and specific information about holidays, attractions, entertainment and free Wi-Fi zones.

That’s why you shouldn’t refuse a trip to Nice or Cannes; you can relax there inexpensively, you just need to know when to go and plan your vacation in advance.

Cote d'Azur – French Riviera– known in France as the Cote d Azur, the eastern tip of which is the western part of Provence. In the southeast, the Riviera borders the Mediterranean coast, in the west it reaches the Italian border, and in the east it passes by the kingdom of Monaco. Crowds of people come here in the summer, although this is somewhat strange, because it is nice here in October, November and even December. Christmas on the Riviera is great! The climate here is mild, plants begin to bloom as early as February.

Map of the Cote d'Azur France

The French Riviera stretches along a coastline with hills that slope down to sandy beaches with luxury resorts equipped with marinas. In between the hotels, mountains covered with forests approach the water itself. Several kilometers inland and the towns located on the hills seem to float above the sea. Main resorts of the Cote d'Azur– Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Antibes, Saint-Raphael, Principality of Monaco. Every 30 minutes, trains run along the entire coast connecting these resorts.


International airport and fast train from Paris do Nice- the most visited resort and capital of the Cote d'Azur. From the airport you can get to Nice in 15 minutes by bus. The city, with its turquoise sea, is located in Bay of Angels at the eastern tip of the Riviera. Snow-white villas, luxury hotels, wide boulevards, yachts, gardens with palm trees and magnolias - this is its modern appearance. Nice also called the “Queen of the French Riviera.” Nice is a city of music and theater festivals. It is famous for its museums: the Museum of Modern Art, Paleontology, and Navigation. In February, Nice hosts a carnival that is as colorful as the Brazilian one. It lasts 10 days. The carnival parade is accompanied by modern music and dancing. This is a place where the best musicians, theater-goers, artists and choreographers compete. The flower procession, when thousands of fresh flowers are thrown into the crowd, and the night procession of fantastic figures in iridescent rays of light are unforgettable moments of this extravaganza. A magnificent fireworks display and the burning of the Carnival King on the beach are the final chord of the holiday.


Cannes is one of the most luxurious resorts on the French Riviera, famous for its film festival. Every May, thousands of film industry professionals, world film stars and their fans come here. The most prestigious award among independent film directors is the Palme d'Or. The tourist area in Cannes is very small and can be easily covered on foot. It includes the old town of Le Suquet, located on a hill and Boulevard Croisette, stretching for 2 km along the coastline, with beautiful gardens and parks, majestic palm trees. At the end of the boulevard is the New Palace of Festivals and Congresses, where films are shown. On the famous Avenue of Stars Traditionally, many celebrities leave their handprints. The city hosts exhibitions, conferences, and international congresses. In August, the port of Cannes is filled with snow-white yachts and the most expensive cars.


Saint Tropez located on the shore of the picturesque bay of the same name with sandy beaches. Previously, this town with 5 thousand inhabitants attracted artists with the soft light and turquoise colors of the sea, now it attracts tourists’ money. The wild beaches offer ample opportunities for yachting, windsurfing, and water skiing. Saint-Tropez is a yacht port. World celebrities come here to relax. The city is full of boutiques displaying the latest fashion. Sights of Saint-Tropez: Museum of the Sea, Anonsiade Art Museum, the famous Butterfly House. The most striking sight is the market (almost oriental, noisy bazaar).


Located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea Principality of Monaco, near the border of France and Italy. It covers only 2 square kilometers of area, making it the most densely populated country in the world. Its capital Monte Carlo has a unique appearance, growing in height. There are modern sandy beaches, a casino, exotic gardens, and an oceanographic museum. Entry into the Principality of Monaco is free.

The western tip of the Riviera is quieter, cheaper and has the most beautiful sandy beaches, even in high season. If you are looking for a place to stay, the best place is the town of Pramousquier. There are hotels with reasonable prices right along the beach.

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The cities of the Cote d'Azur of France have long become synonymous with luxury, wealth, and relaxed relaxation near rocky sea bays. The sea is warm all year round, and nowhere else in the world will you see such gorgeous green and bright blue shades of water shimmering in the sun.

Many people dream of visiting these picturesque lands. That is why, when travelers find themselves in this country, they always include the cities of the French Riviera in their itinerary.

At the beginning of the last century, the modern cities of the French Riviera were unremarkable villages inhabited by fishermen. In 1870, the writer and poet Stéphane Liéjard praised the local beauty in the book “Côte d’Azur” (Côte d’Azur), and this name forever entered into the everyday life of the French and foreign visitors. The writer was so delighted with the color of the water and the picturesque views of the sea from secluded bays that he could not help dedicating his work to them. With the light hand of Liegear, the Côte d'Azur of France has gained worldwide popularity.

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In the post-war years, Europeans had the opportunity to receive paid holidays, and the 300-kilometer strip of beaches turned into a tourist Mecca.

Modernity of the French Riviera

Today, the French Riviera is the entertainment capital of the world, where celebration reigns all year round. Carnivals and processions give way to fireworks, festivals, and presentations. It is not for nothing that the cities of the French Riviera are chosen by celebrities and the richest people in the world. No other resort can boast so many villas, palaces, multi-star hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants.

Over the years, King Leopold II of Belgium, members of the Rothschild family, Empress Maria Alexandrovna, and Pierre Cardin vacationed on the Cote d'Azur. Elton John, Rod Stewart, Ornella Muti, Ringo Star, Tina Turner and Claudia Schiffer have acquired their own homes on the prestigious shore.

The most famous and attractive cities of the French Riviera are Nice, Monte Carlo, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Antibes.

Nice

Nice was once a small village, but since the mid-19th century it has been a fashionable resort among the local nobility, very popular among the aristocracy around the world. This is where many wealthy emigrants from all over the world flock. Today, the largest city on the French Riviera lives in celebration every day. In winter, a flower carnival and a film festival start here. In summer, Nice turns into the capital of world jazz, gathering the most talented musicians. It was Nice that once discovered the names of Louis Armstrong, Stephanie Grappelli and Charles Mingus.

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Cannes

Cannes, surrounded by magnolia trees, was a small settlement at the dawn of its formation, and only through the efforts of Lord Bragham, who attracted the English aristocracy to these places, the city achieved its current splendor. Every year, Cannes becomes the center of one of the most remarkable events in world cinema - the festival of feature and documentary films.

And of course, it is difficult to imagine this city on the French Riviera without the famous pyrotechnics festival. Thousands of tourists and citizens take to the streets to watch the fireworks light up the sky over the bay. Tourists will be interested in visiting another local attraction - the fort on the island of Saint-Honoré - the place of imprisonment of the “Iron Mask”. Now within the walls of the former prison there is a sea museum and a diving center.

Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo, the capital of the Principality of Monaco, is a fashionable resort, as if specially created to satisfy the whimsical demands of wealthy tourists. Back in the 50s of the last century, the small principality was just a dwarf state with limited resources.

However, after the wedding of Prince René III and the famous American actress Grace Kelly, more and more celebrities and business people are arriving in Monaco. Largely thanks to foreign capital and the popularity of Princess Grace, Monte Carlo became the capital of the gambling business. This city of the French Riviera also hosts the Television Festival, Formula 1 Grand Prix, Circus Arts Festival, etc.

Saint Tropez

Saint-Tropez, known to our moviegoers from the famous film about the adventures of a gendarme, has long become a holiday center for the richest people in the world. Over the years, artists Paul Signac, Matisse, Picabia and Van Dongen worked here. In the 20th century, the fishing settlement located in a picturesque location became the location for the filming of many film masterpieces: “And God Created Woman”, “The Gendarme of Saint-Tropez”, “In the Bright Sun”.

Today, tourists come here not only to soak up the gentle sun, but to take part in a theatrical street procession dedicated to Saint Tropes, as well as visit local attractions: the Museum of the Sea, the Butterfly Museum and art exhibitions.

Antibes

Antibes is often called the “city of five ports”, the center of world yachting. The most prestigious exhibitions of yachts and sailboats are held in this city of the Cote d'Azur. Antibes is also known for its jazz festival, which paved the way for many legendary musicians. Nature lovers will appreciate the botanical garden Exflora with its thematic exhibitions, but those who want to get acquainted with the history of this region should visit the Museum of Napoleon, History and Archeology.

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The cities of the French Riviera are blooming pearls where it is never cold. You can relax here all year round; mild winters and cool summers create a special microclimate, and the delightful Mediterranean landscapes add a touch of romance to your vacation. Maybe that’s why the French Riviera will always remain one of the most prestigious and expensive resorts in Europe.

 

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