The Map and the French Riviera
The French Riviera, with so much to offer is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. People come from all over the globe to enjoy its fine climate, spectacular scenery and unique atmosphere. Listed here are some of the things you may like to know before visiting us here on the magnificent Côte d'Azur.
Where exactly is the Riviera?
The French Riviera or Côte d'Azur (blue coast) is situated in the Provence region of France on the South east coast and on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Its total length is around 110 kms (70 miles) and runs from St Tropez in the west to the Italian border in the east. Major places of interest along the coast include - St Tropez, St Raphael, Fréjus , Cannes , Antibes / Juan les Pins , Nice , Villefranche sur Mer , Beaulieu , Monaco / Monte Carlo, Sophia Antipolis & Menton. Inland places of interest include Hyères , Grasse , Biot , Valbonne & Vence plus many more small towns & villages.
Getting There
By Air . Nice International Airport now welcomes over 4 million passengers a year, with plenty of direct flights to and from most major destinations. No matter where you live access to the Riviera won't be difficult. Should you be travelling from Paris or any other major French cities the national airline Air France provide plenty of internal flights.
Weather & climate
The Riviera/Provence area usually enjoys around 300 sunny days per year, the hottest months being June, July & August. The sun is immensely strong so be prepared with plenty of high protection sunblock as a bad dose of sunburn or sunstroke can ruin your trip not to mention your health permanently. During September, October & November the weather gets milder, but still remains very pleasant, and winter starts around December through to Febuary although temperatures only get down to about 45oF (7oC). March and April sees spring arrive (very pleasant) and May sees the beginning of summer. Local skiing is best between December & March, nearest slopes are about a 1 hour drive from the coast.
Eating & Drinking
An endless choice of eateries awaits the Riviera visitor. Just about any dish is available always prepared to high standards. Local specialities include gigot de mouton (leg of lamb with provençal herbs), Daube (braised beef with spices & red wine), soupe de poisson (a delicious all liquid fish soup served with croutons and the spicy maionaisse 'rouille' the choice really is enormous so perhaps the best advice is to go and experiment - you will not be disappointed. Excellent local wines (whites rosés & reds) are available cheaply just about everywhere, some nice ones to try out include Châteneuf du Pape (red), the white Muscat from Beaune de Venise & any of the 'Côtes de Provence' rosés. The Riviera is also the home of the famous 'Pastis' an anise flavoured aperitif usually taken before meals. A good proportion of social activity takes place in the scores of cafés & bars found in every town & village in France. The cafés often have a light menu and are excellent places just to sit & relax with a coffee or a cold beer. Nightlife . There are plenty of nightclubs & casinos along the Riviera, often open until dawn, check the local papers for details, or ask around.
Cultural activities
The Riviera offers a huge choice of year round cultural activities, museums, art galleries, concerts, exhibitions and the like. Again check with the local tourist authorities, a comprehensive listing of tourist offices.