The French Riviera is filled with many delights, but if you only have three days to spend in this wonderful region in the south of France - you'll have a lot of great choices to pack into three wonderful days. To start on your three-day itinerary for visiting the Cote d'Azur, you'll probably want to head to Nice, France. Nice, France is considered the Queen of the Riviera for good reason! This is truly an outstanding city packed with shopping, dining and things to see and do.... More
If you have five days to spend enjoying the French Riviera, there's much to see and do! The best way to start is to make Nice, France your home base. Nice is a wonderful city with a variety of great shopping, dining and many hotels to choose from. If you are looking for a stunning view right on the coast then the Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat is where you want to stay! Start your trip at one of the most elite hotels on the Riviera. The Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat dates back to 1908 and attracts international travelers from.... More
Seven full days in the French Riviera is sure to be a great time that you will remember forever. Most any traveler coming to the French Riviera will want to start their journey in Nice, France. The reason is that you'll probably fly in here, so it makes the most sense from a logistical standpoint. Arrive in Nice and take a short ride into the mountains to arrive at Chateau Saint-Martin & Spa. With spectacular views of mountains and sea, you will be able to relax and rejuvenate in no time. Take in an evening stroll before dinner at Le Saint-Martin, which received two Michelin stars in only two years... More
With its excellent transport connections Nice is the perfect place to start a tour of the French Riviera. After checking into your hotel head to Vieux Nice for lunch at La Voglia - their tartines go especially well with a carafe of rose. Afterwards take a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, tour the Roman ruins and return to the hotel for dinner. After breakfast walk to Rue des Ponchettes and take the free elevator to the top of Chateau Hill for some fabulous views. Head back to visit the Salaya... More
Arriving in Nice, either by train or TGV, spend the morning at the Matisse Museum and the Chateau highlights then onto lunch at the Place Massena - also good for a spot of shopping. In the afternoon stroll the old town, and enjoy a French macaroon and Cafe au Lait on the Promenade des Anglais then back to the hotel. From Nice head out to Monaco - it's worth hiring a car to enjoy the famous views from the coastal Corniche route. Visit the Oceanography Museum... More
This month we travel to two more of the French Riviera’s lesser known gems – Juan-les-Pins and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. While they may not be in the name recognition category of Cannes, Nice and St. Tropez, these two stunning towns have been luring jet-setters since the 1920s. » Read More
When most people think of the French Riviera, they probably think of the glitzy beach resort of St. Tropez or the glamorous celebrity hangout of Cannes or the jet-set resort of Nice. While these towns are the magnets that lure travelers to this slice of European paradise, there are many smaller locales that are equally worthy of a visit.
With 120 towns and... » Read More
When it comes to glittering destinations around the globe, perhaps nowhere conjures up the Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous as much as Monte Carlo in the principality of Monaco on the French Riviera.
The very name has become synonymous with jetsetters who fly their private planes or moor their yachts here, mainly to try their hand at its legendary casino... » Read More
In the length of time it would take most Americans to drive from their homes to the supermarket, drug store, shopping center and back, they could drive the entire length of the Principality of Monaco.
At just under one square mile in size, this jewel of the French Riviera is the second smallest nation in the world after Vatican City, and thanks to an influx of millionaires, a... » Read More
Monaco is unquestionably one of the most glamorous, high profile locations on the entire French Riviera. Part of it has to do with its glittering gambling mecca, Monte Carlo; part with its fishbowl-sized harbor crammed with yachts that once belonged to the likes of Niarchos and Onassis, and part of it has to do with the principality’s international reputation as a tax haven for the... » Read More
There is perhaps no lovelier town on the French Riviera than Mougins, picturesquely nestled between the coast and the mountains about 15 minutes from Cannes. The short geographical distance belies the opposing natures of the pulsating, star-studded Mediterranean resort and the peaceful, slumbering village, surrounded by forests of pine, olive and Cyprus trees. » Read More
Even taking into consideration its collection of rainbow-hued buildings and prominent position overlooking the Mediterranean, many frequent travelers to the French Riviera contend that there are prettier towns than St. Tropez lining these sun-kissed shores.
If Eze, Cap d’Antibes, Menton and others bring out the superlatives, then why is St. Tropez the best known name on the Cote... » Read More
Starting on March 15, 2013, the 29th annual “Printemps des Arts,” or Monte Carlo Spring Arts Festival, will come to Monte Carlo for five weekends, ending on April 14. A unique and extraordinary event, the popular festival will pay tribute to many forms of performance art, from theatre orchestras to ballets. » Read More
Nice Côte d'Azur International Airport is becoming even more international in a move that adds popular European cities to its list of destinations. Now travelers can fly to such cities as Athens, Venice and Helsinki from Nice, a move that is hoped to prevent a dip in ticket sales during the winter season. » Read More
In my last column, I wrote in general about the delights of Menton, the easternmost city on the French Riviera and justifiably lauded as “the Pearl of France.” If Menton is the Pearl of France, the Musee Jean Cocteau is the Pearl of Menton and one of the jewels of the entire Cote d’Azur.
Opened just about a year ago in an enviable location overlooking the town... » Read More
There are few places on earth that have the allure of glamour like the French
Riviera. This coastline spans over 500 miles along the southern border of
France and sits against the Mediterranean Sea.
This
area - known as Cote d'Azur - is known for its perfectly tropical climate,
dreamy blue sea waters and stunning blue skies. The Alps mountain range edges
one side of this majestic coastline. There are many beaches here - both with
sand and hard stones. The coastline is dotted with small charming villages and
towns with quaint squares to massive cities with high rises and billionaire
mansions.
The
area is known for the yachts that float in the crystal blue waters of the sea,
as wealthy people come here to enjoy this playground.
Cote
d'Azur has a number of amazing cities and towns that are worth exploring - from
Nice, France to Monte-Carlo, Monaco and everything in between. There's an
experience and a setting for most any visitor to enjoy.
The
French Riviera is exceedingly popular in the summer with many tourists packing
the coastline. These include wealthy socialites, French families and beach
bums. Many hotels and restaurants cater to the heavy crowds in the summer,
while the off-season tends to be much quieter with some establishments even
closing down for the season.
There
are a number of well-known annual events that take place in the French Riviera,
including the Cannes Film Festival, jazz festivals, summer-time fireworks
displays and much more.
Some
of the most famous cities in the French Riviera are Saint-Tropez, Cannes and
Monaco (which is actually an independent state - second in smallest size only
to the Vatican). Yet there also are some true gems here that don't make it into
popular media much, such as Ramatuelle in the Saint-Tropez Peninsula and
Villefranche-sur-mer. These are much more quaint spots with sandy beaches for
daydreams and great markets for shopping.
Saint-Tropez - This once sleepy town was made famous
by Brigitte Bardot in the film And God Created Woman. Today, it's filled with
lots of really rich guests with their yachts. But there also are more
affordable spots. It's very crowded in the summer, which is also when prices
are inflated. St. Tropez is known for its many private beaches, including
Nikki Beach.
Nice, France - Known as the Queen of the Riviera, Nice
(pronounced niece) is one of the largest cities in France. There are beaches
here, but they are lined with hard pebbles and stones. Yet they remain popular.
You'll find many great restaurants, good shopping and lots of cultural
amenities. Many visitors make Nice their base when exploring the French
Riviera.
Marseille, France - This town is on the beach and
quite diverse. It has many colorful markets and tons of amazing seafood.
Menton, France - This is a port town that feels
Italian as well as French! It has many famed gardens and is perfect for walking
the lovely streets. It hosts a festival every February dedicated to lemons.
Cannes, France - Cannes is known for the Cannes Film
Festival. This is a spot full of wealth and glitz. There are many private
beaches here, and the Old Town is a popular place to stroll and enjoy.
Antibes, France - Many French families flock to the
beautiful city of Antibes. It's known as a spot that Pablo Picasso loved. Today
you can visit the famous Picasso Museum in Antibes. This is a very pretty spot
with a great market.
Cassis, France - This is a really pretty spot that's
not as packed as St. Tropez and Cannes and not quite as expensive. It's known
for its wines and gorgeous seaside cliffs.
Monte-Carlo, Monaco - This is not technically part of
France, but it's considered part of the French Riviera. It's an independent
state known for its high rollers and the casino. Monaco also is known for its
royal family - the House of Grimaldi including Grace Kelly.
Villefranche-sur-Mer, France - Located not far from
Nice, France this is a beach-side town. It's also a popular port of call for
cruise ships. There are many good restaurants here. It also has a beach with
softer sand than the rocks on the beaches of Nice, France.
Current Weather For French Riviera, France
Showers in the Vicinity, 61°F on Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Showers in the Vicinity, 61°F on Wednesday, May 22, 2013
