Côte d’Azur, also called the Riviera, is the Mediterranean coast from the Italian border to Marseille. A total of 250 kilometres of beach and rocks which are much praised for their beauty. Only a few kilometres from the azure blue Mediterranean Sea, the mountains rise above land and make up this quite wonderful scenery.
The lovely Mediterranean climate with the many hours of sunshine, the fabulous beaches, the small coastal towns and the many large cities that all have something to offer as well as the Southern atmosphere and cuisine attract many tourists, artists and celebrities all year.

The landscape of Côte d’Azur

One fantastic beach after the other is released by rocks, small cosy villages and large pulsating cities and ports along the coast of Côte d’Azur. On the boulevards and beach promenades, there are lots of spirit and Southern atmosphere.

Large cities in Côte d’Azur

On Côte d’Azur, there are many large cities which all have their own charm, history and sights. Here is, for instance, the perfume city, Grasse, the festival city, Cannes, the largest holiday city by the Mediterranean, Nice, the Principality and casino town of Monaco, the largest seaport in France, Marseille, the mundane St-Tropez, Toulon, with the largest naval port of France, Port Grimaud, also referred to as France’s Venice and many more.

Tourist attractions of Côte d’Azur

All large cities and small picturesque coastal towns of Côte d’Azur have plenty of adventure to offer, whether you wish to be exploring the old quarters, go to colourful and good-smelling markets, enjoy the sun on the beautiful beaches, play the casino, go shopping, follow the Southern lifestyle and the atmosphere from the many cafes, go to a museum, enjoy the nightlife in one of the famous night clubs or visit some of the small islands on the coast of Cannes.

Sports activities in Côte d’Azur

Outdoor sports and water sports activities are especially popular in the mild climate of Côte d’Azur. Along the coast, it is possible to dive, swim, fish and do all kinds of sports on the water.

Gastronomic characteristics of Côte d’Azur

The Southern French cuisine of Côte d’Azur is especially characterised by the use of olive oil, olives, anchovies, tomatoes, garlic and green beans. The most famous dishes are the fish soup, Bouillabaisse, the salad, niçoise, stuffed sardines, ravioli, the anchovy pasta dish, pissaladière and the sandwich bun, pan-bagnat, to which you of course enjoy local wine.

The climate of Côte d’Azur

Côte d’Azur has sub-tropical climate and is favoured by sunny climate from early spring until late in the autumn and with mild winters.

Some of the photos are kindly lent out from Maison de la France. Photographers: Jean Malburet and Jean Malburet.