The Côte d'Azur is that stretch of coastline on the Mediterranean, in the French region Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, which extends, starting from the border with Italy, towards the west, up to the municipality of Cassis, before Marseille, the regional capital. Bordered inland by the Maritime Alps and the Maures and Esterel massifs, this maritime area enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with very mild winters. The sun, the sky and the blue sea, the beaches, distinguish the area, made even more special by the green natural landscapes, the flower gardens and the huge cultural and artistic heritage.
Defined for the first time with the term Côte d'Azur by the writer Stéphen Liégeard in 1887, it is historically a sought-after tourist destination. Elite tourism in the nineteenth century only interested Nice in the winter months, and then spread to the summer period and interested places such as Cannes, Monte Carlo and Menton; later other centers also developed, such as Juan-les-Pins, Saint-Tropez, Saint-Raphäel.
The predominant architectural style of the area is the Provençal one blended with the Italian and Belle Époque ones. There is an abundance of churches, monasteries, abbeys, sanctuaries, cathedrals, mostly from the Baroque period.
The city of Nice is the most important of this coastal cultural region, where you can feel the atmosphere of the 1930s as you stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais, dotted with palm trees. The view over the Baie des Anges is spectacular. UNESCO World Heritage Site with the title of "Winter resort city on the Riviera", it is characterized by villas dating back to the early twentieth century. The oldest, Villa Furtado-Heine, was built in 1787 by Lady Penelope. The Villa Marichu, with its art deco spirit, hosted Hemingway, Cocteau, Picasso and Maria Callas. On the rocky slopes of Mont-Boron, the Anglais castle captivates with its extravagant exotic style, neoclassical decorations and botanical garden. Port Lympia is the port of the city. In Nice, the beaches are pebbly, like Ruhl Plage and Bambou Plage, but moving west, in Antibes, they begin to be sandy. From here to Juan les Pins there are many sandy beaches lapped by blue waters.
Cagnes-sur-Mer, where the fishermen's houses with blue shutters stand out, is a blend of tradition and modernity. The Grimaldi castle, a historical monument, dominates the town from above. The Renoir Museum is located inside the house where the painter spent his last years of life.
In the Bay of Angels, Antibes has a spectacular coastline, starting with the Garoupe beach. Victor Hugo said, referring to this city, "Here everything shines, everything blossoms, everything sings". The Picasso Museum is located in the Chateau Grimaldi in piazza Mariejol.
The capital of cinema, Cannes, amazes with the seafront, the charming alleys of Le Suquet, the old port, the colorful market of Forville, the fine sandy beaches, the nearby Lerins Islands (Île Sainte-Marguerite and the Île Saint-Honorat). With its three kilometers in length, the Croisette promenade, with prestigious buildings, casinos and the view over the bay (the Gulf of Napoule), also offers a large beach of fine sand. Walking along the Chemin des Etoiles between the Esplanade Pompidou and the Palais des Festivals, you can see the footprints of the greatest international actors and directors.
Just behind the Italian-French border, there is Menton, known as the Pearl of France, where the gardens in bloom overlook the sea.
The Principality of Monaco, with the district of Monte Carlo, where the Formula 1 Grand Prix takes place, is the richest country in the world, with luxurious tourist facilities and casinos. Among the places of interest, the Prince's Palace, official residence of the Prince of Monaco, the Oceanographic Museum and the Exotic Garden.
Continuing west after Cannes is Mandelieu-la-Napoule, with the Napoule castle and seven sandy beaches. One of the most beautiful is the Plage du Château, the most descreet is the one behind the castle. Among the red rocks of the Estérel massif, there are also some rocky coves.
In Saint-Raphaël, at the foot of the Estérel, there are many beaches, accessible both via the coastal path and the famous Corniche d'Or road. Nature offers the opportunity to practice diving, water sports, trips to the sea, and follow paths on foot, by bicycle or on horseback.
In the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, once upon a time there was a fishing village which is currently a tourist center that can be defined as the emblem of the Côte d'Azur, visited every year by international celebrities. The beaches of Pampelonne, of fine sand, stretch for almost seven kilometers.
Facing the Hyères islands, also known as the Golden Islands (Port-Cros, the Levant Island and Porquerolles) is Le Lavandou, characterized by long beaches with clear waters, dolphins and the countryside. There are twelve kilometers of fine sand and coves, among pines, mimosas and eucalyptus trees. Not far away, in Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer, there is the Domaine du Rayol, a botanical garden and an arboretum with Mediterranean, subtropical and even arid areas vegetation.
In Hyeres, which is often considered the western limit of the Côte d'Azur, you will find both the medieval streets of the Old City and the modern city. The Giens peninsula and the Hyères Islands, rocky, bright schistose mica, and largely rich in flora, are part of the Port-Cros National Park. From vast stretches of white sand to wild coves, there are beaches for the more adventurous and families alike.
On the bay of the Grande Rada, Toulon has an important port, including a military one, in the Mediterranean. The Old Dock was created during the reign of Henry IV, while the New Dock was built by Vauban at the end of the 17th century. Places of historical interest are the Royal Tower and the Navy Museum. Along the city there are sandy coasts and rocky coves. Many beaches are located near the Mourillon district.