The French Riviera: From Nice to Monaco Along the Côte d'Azur
The “French Riviera” (Côte d'Azur) stretches along southeastern France's Mediterranean coast, encompassing glamorous destinations including Nice, Monaco, Cannes, Antibes, and medieval hilltop villages. This legendary coastline combines Belle Époque elegance with modern luxury, attracting celebrities, artists, and travellers seeking Mediterranean sophistication.
Nice serves as the Riviera's perfect base, offering the iconic “Promenade des Anglais”—a seven kilometre waterfront boulevard lined with palm trees and “Belle Époque” hotels along the “Baie des Anges”. The “Vieux Nice” (Old Town) maze features colourful buildings and the “Cours Saleya Market” (Tuesday-Sunday), where vendors sell local specialities like “socca” (chickpea pancakes) and “pissaladière” (onion tart). The “Colline du Château” (Castle Hill) provides panoramic city and sea views.
Nice's artistic credentials rival Paris's. The “Musée Matisse” houses the world's largest Matisse collection in a 17th-century villa, while the “Musée National Marc Chagall” displays biblical paintings in purpose-built galleries. The “Musée d'Art Moderne” features Nouveau Réalisme pioneers, with rooftop terraces offering Mediterranean panoramas.
Monaco, technically an independent country, requires passport presentation at borders (tour operators handle formalities). Visitors watch the changing of guards at the palace, drive the “Formula One circuit” (when not racing), and marvel at the “Casino de Monte Carlo”. Cannes showcases the famous film festival red carpet along “La Croisette”, while the medieval village of “Èze” perches dramatically above the coast with the “Fragonard Perfumery” offering free tours.
Antibes charms with quaint streets and gorgeous water, “Saint-Paul-de-Vence” offers a medieval atmosphere, and “Villefranche-sur-Mer” provides colourful harbours. One-hour boat tours from Nice Port cruise the coastline, while full-day guided tours (9-10 hours) visit six towns for approximately €80-120.
