Côte d’Azur

Geography and landscape

The Côte d’Azur lies where the Alps meet the Mediterranean. Its scenery is dramatic and varied: steep cliffs plunge into turquoise water, while small coves and beaches are strung between elegant seaside resorts.

The famous coastal roads – particularly the Grande Corniche, Moyenne Corniche and Basse Corniche – wind along the hillsides and offer some of Europe’s most spectacular views. They carry you past palaces, pine forests and small medieval villages overlooking the sea.

The climate is Mediterranean at its best, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. More than 300 days of sunshine a year have made the region a year-round destination rather than simply a summer favourite.

The best-known towns

Nice – the heart of the Riviera
Nice is the region’s largest city and an ideal blend of urban energy and seaside holiday. The Promenade des Anglais follows the iconic pebble beach, while Vieux Nice draws visitors into narrow streets, markets and pastel-coloured houses.

Cannes – cinema and glamour
Famous for its film festival each May, Cannes is synonymous with luxury. Boulevard de la Croisette is lined with designer boutiques, five-star hotels and private beaches.

Monaco – splendour of the principality
The world’s second-smallest country is also one of its most exclusive. The Casino de Monte-Carlo, the Formula 1 Grand Prix and superyachts in the harbour have made Monaco a symbol of Riviera glamour.

Saint-Tropez – from fishing village to jet-set icon
Once a sleepy fishing village, Saint-Tropez is now a magnet for celebrities and sailors. Yet authentic lanes, local markets and quieter beaches still survive just beyond the centre.

Beaches and outdoor experiences

Although the glamour often receives the most attention, the natural scenery is every bit as compelling.

• Paloma Beach (Cap-Ferrat) – an exclusive but beautifully situated cove.
• Pampelonne (Saint-Tropez) – beach clubs and long stretches of sand.
• Îles de Lérins – island escapes off Cannes, ideal for a day trip.
• The Calanques (west of the Riviera) – dramatic limestone inlets with crystal-clear water.

Active travellers can choose from sailing and diving to walks in the Esterel Mountains, where red volcanic cliffs meet the sea.

Art, culture and history

The Côte d’Azur has attracted artists for generations. Its light, colours and landscapes inspired some of the greatest names in modern art.

• Pablo Picasso lived and worked in Antibes and Vallauris.
• Henri Matisse spent much of his life in Nice.
• Marc Chagall has a museum dedicated to his work in Nice.

Museums, galleries and artists’ studios are scattered along the coast, often in striking buildings with sea views.

Historically, the region evolved from a winter retreat for European aristocracy in the nineteenth century into a jet-set playground after the Second World War, helped by cinema, fashion and luxury tourism.

Food and gastronomy

Riviera cuisine is a flavourful blend of French and Italian influences, centred on fresh produce, olive oil, seafood and herbs.

Classic dishes:

• Salade Niçoise – tuna, eggs, olives and vegetables.
• Bouillabaisse – a rich Mediterranean fish stew.
• Ratatouille – the classic Provençal vegetable stew.
• Socca – a chickpea pancake and a favourite street food in Nice.

Meals are often accompanied by Provence rosé – pale, well chilled and perfectly suited to the summer heat.

Lifestyle and atmosphere

The Côte d’Azur is not only about places; it is also about atmosphere.

• Morning: espresso in a sunlit square.
• Afternoon: swimming or lunch by the sea.
• Evening: an aperitif beside the marina.
• Night: casinos, beach clubs or quiet lanes lit by candles.

The contrast between luxury yachts and simple fishing boats, haute couture and sandals, gives the region a distinctive character: exclusive, yet remarkably relaxed.

The best time to visit

• May–June: excellent weather and fewer visitors.
• July–August: high season, lively resorts and maximum glamour.
• September: warm seas and a gentler pace.
• Winter: mild weather, ideal for culture and food.

Why the Côte d’Azur remains so captivating

There are more beautiful beaches, less expensive destinations and quieter coastlines.

But nowhere combines nature, history, luxury, art and lifestyle quite like the Côte d’Azur.

Here you can:

• Enjoy a Michelin-starred dinner in Monaco
• Swim in hidden coves
• Drive the coastal roads at sunset
• Visit world-class art museums
• Drink rosé at a beach club in Saint-Tropez

All in a single day.