Whether it’s called the French Riviera or the Cote d’Azur- personally I’d like to call it home. But since that is not going to happen anytime soon, I’ll just have to enjoy this photo essay along with you.
These are some of the most famous, charming or picturesque towns along the French Riviera.
Cannes
Home of the famed Cannes Film Festival – it’s one of the most popular cities on the French Riviera. La Croisett, which is the palm-tree-lined promenade is loaded with upscale shops, cafes and restaurants.
Nice
Nice has a similar seaside promenade, the Promenade des Anglais, and is home to the second largest airport in France. It was actually under Italian rule until 1860.
St. Tropez
Bain du Soleil for the St. Tropez tan. Remember that commercial? St. Tropez has a reputation for jetsetting, luxury, beaches and topless sunbathing.
Antibes
Antibes is a natually protected port, so it would make sense that it used to be an important trading center. Today, it’s home to the famous and glamourous Hotel du Cap on Cap d’Antibes. The best views of the sea can be seen from the lighthouse.
Menton
Menton is synonymous with gardens and citrus. The climate is perfect for tangerines, oranges and lemons.
Hyères
Hyères is home to beautiful palm trees and one of France’s oldest winter health spas. Don’t miss archeological site Olbia, founded by the Greeks in 4th century BC.
Saint-Jean Cap Ferrat
Another favorite luxury destination was once a magnet for kings and wealthy visitors. It boasts three beaches, a marina, a zoo and one of the most glamorous hotels in the world – Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat.
Cassis
Cassis is a very picturesque area known for its beautiful cliffs and calanques {inlets}. Don’t confuse the name with the French liquer, also called Cassis, which gets its name from the blackcurrant fruit, from which it’s made.
Monaco
The most expensive locale on the Riviera is Monaco. Home to famous Formula One car races, like the Grand Prix, and casinos. It is its own little sovereign nation, separate from France.
Bandol
When you think Bandol – you think wine in Provence. The area vineyards produce white, red and rosé. But it’s also a great resort spot for scuba diving, sailing and other watersports.
Toulon
Though Toulon is a large military harbor that houses a large Naval base, the charm lies in Old Town which has lovely squares, fountains and a popular market on the Cours Lafayette.
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of the prettiest on the Cote d’Azur, with its long sandy beaches, terraced cafés and a lovely old town. Tina Turner has a villa here and it’s been the setting of many films. Visit the brocante every Sunday.
Eze
Perched high atop the sea, Eze is known for its art, galleries and tiny cobbled paths. The views aren’t bad either!
Roquebrune Cap Martin
Surrounded by a 10th-century chateau-fort, Roquebrune Cap Martin also boasts two grottos, tiny pathways and vaulted passages. The church of St. Marguerite is worth a look with its trompe l’oeil. Its position offers up great views of the Med and Monaco.
Photo Credits: rjackb / ZeHawk / Nielsvk / dvdbramhall / zenith / Marco Mornati / ChrisArt / Nick Ludium / Salvatore.Freni / Jaxx.org / Jean-Louis Zimmermann / The Jimmer / exfordyswife/ freefotouk
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