The French Riviera, also known as Cote d'Azur,
is one of the most iconic travel destinations on the planet. In this Ultimate Travel Guide
we will visit all towns on the French Riviera, from Menton on the east all the way to Toulon
on the west. But before we start, here are some interesting facts about the Cote d'Azur! The French Riviera is the Mediterranean coastline
of the southeast corner of France. There is no official boundary, but it is usually considered
to extend from Toulon in the west to Menton at the France and Italy border in the east.This coastline was one of the first modern resort areas. It began as a winter health resort
for the British upper class at the end of the 18th century. With the arrival of the railway
in the mid-19th century, it became the playground and vacation spot of British, Russian and other
aristocrats. The Cote d'Azur is known for its views, beaches
and as a playground for the wealthy. It also has charming towns and a highly regarded art
and culture scene. Situated where the Alps meet the Mediterranean, it is an area that
enjoys a wonderfully mild to warm climate year round. This part of France is known for
being one where money flows like water. An estimated 5 billion dollars is spent here
each year by travelers visiting for short and long stays. The French Riviera is the second
most popular holiday destination in France. Some anthropologists predict that the Riviera
will eventually supersede Paris in popularity in quite a short space of time. Menton is a beautiful town, close to the Italian
border. It has always been a frontier town. For centuries, Menton formed the border between
Provence and Genoa. It was Italian until the disputed French plebiscite of 1860, when it
was added to France. It had been always a fashionable tourist center, with grand mansions and gardens.
Its temperate Mediterranean climate is especially favorable to the citrus industry, with which
it is strongly identified. Monaco is probably the most prominent place
on the Cote d'Azur. An independent state in the heart of Europe, the principality offers
investors and businessmen an exceptional and secure lifestyle, while simultaneously offering
them all of the advantages of an attractive fiscal system. With an area of 2.1 square kilometers,
it is the second smallest sovereign state in the world. Its 19 000 inhabitants per square
kilometer make it the most densely populated sovereign state in the world. Monaco's chief
industry is tourism and its facilities make it one of Europe's most luxurious resorts.
Once a winter attraction, it now draws summer visitors as well to its beaches and expanded
mooring facilities. Monaco has a superb marine museum and its very own opera house. It's also
home to one of the world's most prestigious car races, the Monaco Grand Prix, which runs
through the resort streets every year in May. Peillon is one of the most beautiful villages
of the French Riviera. You'll discover this beautiful village on an eagle's nest on a
sheer cliff. Visiting Peillon is a true journey back in time, with its narrow winding streets
crossed by vaulted passageways and wide staircases. The tall stone-built houses stuck together
in circular fashion, seem to be literally carved out of the rock face. Eze is a beautiful hilltop medieval village
in the south of France, between Monaco and Nice. The village is famous for its spectacular
views, impressive architecture and stunning geographical location above the Cote d'Azur.
High on its rocky perch, this picturesque village with its winding alleys and stocky stone houses
is best explored via the nietzsche path, which was named for the German philosopher, who once
lived here. The steep hike along this path, which links the town to its lofty summit, is
worth it to admire the medieval fortress, featured in Hitchcock's classic 'To Catch a Thief'. me Beaulieu-sur-Mer is a seaside town located
at only 10 kilometers from Nice. It is nestled in the heart of lush vegetation, surrounded
by palm trees. With its superb light and warm temperatures for most of the year, Beaulieu-sur-Mer
is one of the most delightful spots on the Cote d'Azur. You can relax on the sandy beaches
and soak up the sun, or go swimming in the sea. If you prefer to be more active, you can
go water skiing or wind surfing, and boats can even be hired for tuna fishing trips. Formerly,
the resort was frequented by the international elite and enjoying a special aura. Today, one
can still find traces of this illustrious past, with the presence of luxurious properties
or beautiful gardens. Only 1 kilometer south of Beaulieu-sur-Mer,
lies Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Strewn with beautiful villas and magnificent lush gardens, it's one
of the Riviera's most picturesque spots. Once favored by the european aristocracy, this pretty
peninsula is home to countless striking bits of architecture. One remarkable villa that's
open to public is the Rothschild Villa, built for Beatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild. Villefranche-sur-Mer is a picturesque old
town founded in the early 14th century. Its famous ancient Saint-Pierre chapel was entirely
decorated by the french 20th century writer and artist Jean Cocteau. The citadel was built
in 1560 under the rule of the duke of Savoy. the town overlooks a beautiful roadstead, that
is well sheltered and is often used by naval and cruise vessels. Tourism dominates the local
economy and there is a yachting harbor and a small fishing port. Nice is the largest city on the French Riviera
and the second largest French city on the Mediterranean coast. Because of its historical
importance as a winter resort town for the European aristocracy and the resulting mix
of cultures found in the city, UNESCO proclaimed Nice world Heritage Site in 2021. The city
has the second largest hotel capacity in the country and it is one of its most visited
cities, receiving 4 million tourists every year. The Paillon river separates the new town
to the west from the old town, the harbor and the commercial district to the east. The old
town, with narrow winding streets, stands at the western base of a granite hill, known as
Le Chateau, although the castle that used to crown it was destroyed in 1706. The harbor
began in 1750 and extended after 1870, is now used primarily by ferry services to Corsica
and by sailing craft. Nice has a long history of tourism, both in summer and winter, and it
is one of the city's principal economic activities. Apart from the beaches and yachting harbor,
tourism is stimulated by the cultural facilities, shops and architectural heritage. Business
tourism is also of considerable importance, based on the Acropolis Congress Center and
associated exhibition halls. In addition, numerous events and festivals are organized each year,
notably the carnival of Nice, which dates from 1873, but also including the open tennis tournament. Cagnes-sur-Mer is a beautiful small town on
the Cote d'Azur. Tt stretches along a cove, offering nearly four kilometers of beach and
is surrounded by hills, including that of the castle, which rises to 90 meters above sea
level. Cagnes-sur-Mer was the last home of impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir
and his estate can be visited, along with a collection of 11 of his paintings and some
other works by well-known artists in the Renoir Museum. The town's main beach is a pebble beach
and a large part of it is freely available to the public. Cagnes-sur-Mer is also known
for its horse racing venue, the Hippodrome de la Cote d'Azur. Saint-Paul-de-Vence is probably the loveliest
of the perched villages you'll find in the south of France. This sweet little village
became a magnet for artists and art lovers in the 1920s, when a group of impressionist
painters rediscovered this worn down town. Today, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is one of the Cote
d'Azur's most famous treasures and one you should definitely visit. It's a very easy day
trip from Nice, and because it's small it doesn't take long to visit. The village is filled with
quaint stone structures and narrow flowery paths. People live and work here and their
shops and homes are built within these stony hillsides. It's just an ordinary village for
them, but for you it will be a step back in time. The
ancient walled town of Antibes is one of the liveliest and prettiest on the French Riviera,
with its relaxed beachy feel, thriving super yacht port and gorgeous old town of narrow
cobbled streets, markets and cafes. Famous for being home to the Spanish painter Pablo Picasso,
Antibes certainly saw its fair share of glamour and a touch of the avant-garde through the
20th century. Of all the seaside towns of the Cote d'Azur, Antibes is probably the most instantly
recognizable, thanks to its iconic skyline, made up of a wonderful jumble of old buildings,
sitting on the high ramparts above the sea, dominated by the tower of the Picasso Museum
rising above. Juan-les-Pins is situated west of Antibes
on the western slope of the ridge, halfway to the old fishery village of Golf Juan. This
charming little town is a major holiday destination on the French Riviera, popular with the international
jet set with awesome nightclubs and beaches, but also palaces, villas and luxury hotels
facing the Mediterranean. Since the end of World War II, Juan-les-Pins has established
itself as the place to be for Jazz fans, and has hosted famous artists like Ella Fitzgerald and Duke
Ellington. Even today, the big names in Jazz performe there in July during the Jazz a
Juan festival. Cannes is known for its association with the
rich and famous, its luxury hotels and restaurants, and for several conferences. But the first
thing that comes to mind is of course the Festival de Cannes, World's most famous film
festival. La Croisette is the waterfront avenue with palm trees. It is known for picturesque
beaches, restaurants, boutiques and luxury hotels. The old town provides a good view of La Croisette.
Tourism is the city's main source of revenue. There is an international market for flowers,
especially mimosa, which has flourished in the region since its introduction from Santo
Domingo in 1835. Just 15 kilometers away from Cannes, Grasse
is a breath of fresh air in a verdant setting of mountains, forests and caves. The tanning
of leather had been the city's main activity in the middle ages, until it reached its peak
in the 17th century. With the concept and then growing popularity of perfumed gloves, this
period saw the birth of the perfume industry. In the 19th century, Grasse became the world
perfume capital and a big tourist destination. Today, the industry with its 30 perfume factories
remains discreet, but three manufacturers open their doors to you and offer free guided tours.
Grasse is easily accessible by train, since it has a train station with regular service
from Cannes, Nice and Ventimiglia. Saint-Raphael is a lively seaside resort with
well-maintained beaches and a small harbor, standing in the shadow of the forested hills
of the Massif des Maures. It has a resident population of 35 000 people, which increases dramatically
in the summer months, as Saint-Raphael is a popular holiday destination on the Cote d'Azur with
all types of accommodation and good transport links. With 30 beaches to choose from, offering
all kinds of aquatic sports, and a coastal footpath leading to the volcanic mountain
range of the Esterel Massif, visitors to Saint- Raphael have an exceptional choice of leisure
activities to explore. This seems like the perfect place to enjoy the scenic wonders
of the French Riviera, and to enjoy the Mediterranean way of life. Frejus is an ancient military port and Roman
city. This has been an active and dynamic city since Julius Caesar himself founded it in
49 BC and right up to the present, with the French navy often at shore here. The city is
filled with monuments, including one of the largest amphitheaters from Gaelic times and
a Roman theater. This place also hides a tragic story: On the night of December 2nd 1959, when
the village was sleeping peacefully, the foundations of the Malpasset Dam broke, causing the death
of more than 420 people. Today, it is possible to go there to see the ruins of the Malpasset
Dam. Sainte-Maxime is located on the northern shore
of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. It was founded around 1000 AD by monks, who built a monastery
here. Fishing was the economic mainstay for the inhabitants, but during the early 19th
century, increasing amounts of lumber, cork, olive oil and wine were shipped to Marseille
and Italy. Today, tourism is the largest source of revenue for saint-Maxime. With the beautiful
clear waters of the Mediterranean to the south, and the Maures mountains to the north, this charming
little town has breathtaking views in every direction. Saint-Maxime is a family oriented
place and recent developments included a new cultural center, with a cinema and activities
for both children and adults. Saint-Tropez is one of the best known towns
on the Cote d'Azur. It was a military stronghold and fishing village until the beginning of
the 20th century. Saint-Tropez was the first town on its coast to be liberated during world
war II, as part of operation Dragoon. After the war, it became an internationally known
seaside resort, renowned principally because of the influx of artists of the French New
Wave in cinema, and the Ye-Ye movement in music. It later became a resort for the European
and American jet set and tourists. During the summer, visitors enjoy strolling around the
harbor, admiring a luxurious array of sailboats and yachts. At this time of year, it's lively
every day and night, and the village center is always busy with its restaurants, designer
boutiques, cafes and nightclubs. Le Lavandou is located at the foot of the
Massif des Maures, between Toulon and Saint-Tropez.
Enjoying the famous mild and dry climate with nearly
300 days of sunshine a year, the Lavandou Bay extends in a green setting over more than
12 kilometers along the Mediterranean. Formerly a small fishing port, Le Lavandou is today
an important tourist destination, with a vast marina and fishing port. With no less than
12 beaches, 12 real jewels of fine sand carefully maintained and supervised, Le Lavandou is
one of the most beautiful seaside resorts on the French Riviera. Hyeres is the oldest and most southerly resort
and spa on the French Riviera. The town began to gain repute as a health and winter tourism
resort in the 18th century, sheltered from the Mistral, a violent, cold and dry northerly
wind that blows in the region. It lies beneath a hill, on the slopes of which the old feudal
town is located. The city and its peninsula offer 39 kilometers of non-concrete coasts,
made of sandy beaches and wild rocky coves. Nature is very present here, with a remarkable
coastline and islands classified and protected as part of the Port-Cros National Park. Tourists
come to Hyeres to enjoy its beaches and the many water sports available, but also for the
beauty of its landscapes and the charm of the hinterland. Its position facing the Mediterranean
to the south, makes it ideal for the cultivation of palm trees. About 100.000 trees are exported
from the area each year. Porquerolles is an island located south of
Hyeres. It is the largest and most westerly of the three Hyeres islands. It is about 7 kilometers
long and 3 kilometers wide, with five small ranges of hills. The south coast is lined with
cliffs, and on the north coast are the port and some beautiful beaches. The island's village
was established in 1820, with its lighthouse constructed in 1837 and church in 1850. The
entire island was purchased in 1912 by Francois Joseph Fournier, apparently as a wedding present
for his wife. In 1971, the state bought 80 percent of the island to preserve it from development.
Much of the island is now part of the Port Cros National Park and nature conservation
area. Since 2010, the island also hosts a Jazz festival each summer. The city of Toulon was built on the banks
of the Mediterranean. Sheltered by limestone cliffs, its position allowed for the building
of many ports. It is the warmest and most sunny city in France, with a subtropical climate.
The only disagreeable factor is the strong wind, which can blow more than 115 days a year
on average. although Toulon is the largest city of the Var region, its coast has maintained
all of its original charm, with unspoiled shores, footpaths and gardens abounding with Mediterranean
vegetation. Toulon is an important center for naval construction, fishing and the manufacture
of aeronautical and electronic equipment. Cassis is a little seaside resort, snuggled
at the foot of a very tall cliff. Located in the heart of the Calanques National Park, Cassis
offers visitors a glimpse of life in a quaint fishing village. Hop on a sightseeing
boat, to experience the Cassis Calanques by water, or enjoy the turquoise coastline from
a pebble beach. There's much to explore by foot too. You can admire the pastel colored
houses lighting the picturesque harbor, drift into the village's charming shops and cafes,
and take in the scenic views of the French Riviera from the many vantage points along
the way. Considered by climbing enthusiasts as a must-see site, the creeks offer all kinds
of walks, from the most tranquil to the most difficult. 160 kilometers of trails are marked. Generally speaking, the best time to visit
the French Riviera is during the late spring to early fall. Spring brings warmer temperatures
ideal for coastal walks, and perhaps a dip in the sea, plus the return of green cliffsides,
lush blooms and foliage. In the summer, balmy conditions draw crowds to the Riviera's many
Mediterranean beaches and boardwalks for swimming, boating, sunbathing and water sports. For those
who don't mind large crowds, summer on the French Riviera is usually considered the best
time of year to plan a trip. For those who prefer quieter, less crowded conditions or
are hoping to lock in lower fares, spring or early fall might be a better choice. The busiest period to visit is generally between
late May and late September, when hundreds of thousands of vacation goers flock to
the coastal region. It's easy to guess that rates for hotels, flights and tours are generally
higher at this time of year. That's why we recommend booking your trip well in advance,
ideally at least six months ahead of time. Occasionally though, you can find last minute
deals on flights and hotels for certain destinations on the Cote d'Azur. The Nice airport is the main hub for the French
Riviera, and the second busiest international airport in France after Paris. The A8 motorway
or La Provencale, connects Nice to Aix-En-Provence in the west, and the Italian border in the
east. The 950 kilometers drive from Paris to Nice takes about 8 hours. The rail system
links the French Riviera to other destinations throughout France, as well as major European
cities. From Paris, it's about a five and a half hour ride to Nice on the high-speed train. If you plan on staying in just one spot like
Nice or Cannes, don't worry about renting a car. These towns are pedestrian friendly, so you
can walk almost anywhere or easily hop a train or bus to a nearby village. Plus, traffic in
and out of Cannes and Monaco is notoriously bad, and parking spaces are tough to find. Major
department stores and grocery shops may be open Sundays, but most of the smaller boutiques
and markets are closed. The same goes for restaurants, which may also be closed Mondays. Museums in
France are typically closed either Mondays or Tuesdays. Most of the private beaches shut
their doors in October or November, packing up for the season. 30 beaches across the Cote
d'Azur however, remain open year round. Which town on the Cote d'Azur would you love
to visit? Let us know in the comments! If you loved this video, hit the Like button and subscribe
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