The Riviera Coast, also known as the French Riviera or Côte d’Azur, is one of the most coveted gems of the Mediterranean. This coastal ribbon stretches from Menton, at the Italian border, to Toulon (and sometimes even to Cassis, depending on interpretations), and includes prestigious cities such as Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Monaco, and Saint-Tropez.

It is a region synonymous with elegance, gentle living, exceptional light, and breathtaking scenery. The Riviera Coast attracts millions of visitors each year from around the world who come to experience its heritage, beaches, culture, and unique way of life.

An exceptional coastline between sea and mountains
The Riviera is characterized by a spectacular topography: the azure sea gently caresses the foothills of the Alps, which plunge directly into the water.

This striking contrast between steep mountains and natural coves creates postcard-like landscapes. Rocky capes such as Cap Ferrat, Cap d’Antibes, and Cap Martin shelter secluded coves, sumptuous villas, and wild coastal paths.

The coastline alternates between pebble beaches, fine sandy shores, steep cliffs, and picturesque ports. The coast is dotted with legendary seaside resorts, hilltop villages, and exotic gardens overlooking the Mediterranean.

A destination with an exceptional climate
The Riviera’s climate is one of its greatest assets: over 300 days of sunshine per year, mild and bright winters, and hot summers often tempered by the sea breeze.

This mild weather encouraged the rise of winter tourism as early as the 19th century, especially among the British, Russian, and Austro-Hungarian nobility. Nice, Menton, and Cannes were popular winter retreats. Today, the Côte d’Azur is a year-round destination, appreciated in every season.

A region of remarkable historical and cultural wealth
The Riviera Coast boasts a rich and diverse heritage.

Cities like Nice, with its baroque Old Town and museums (Chagall, Matisse, MAMAC), or Antibes, with the Grimaldi Castle turned Picasso Museum, highlight its strong artistic legacy.

Cannes, world-famous for its Film Festival, combines glamour, luxury, and maritime traditions. The Suquet district, perched above the old port, retains a typical Provençal charm.

Monaco, the independent principality, embodies international prestige with its casino, palaces, Formula 1 Grand Prix, and princely rock.

Hilltop villages such as Èze, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, or Gourdon offer a glimpse into old Provence, with medieval lanes, artisan workshops, galleries, and stunning sea views.

A haven for art and creativity
Countless artists found an inexhaustible source of inspiration in the Riviera's unique light: Matisse, Picasso, Chagall, Renoir, Cocteau, and writers like F. Scott Fitzgerald, Simone de Beauvoir, and Albert Camus.

Modern art museums, foundations, festivals, and temporary exhibitions abound: culture is everywhere, from village alleys to the salons of grand hotels.

Luxury, tourism, and lifestyle
The Riviera also stands for refinement and understated luxury. Historic palaces, 5-star hotels, spas, private beaches, prestigious marinas, Michelin-starred cuisine, and high-end fashion boutiques — the region combines tradition with modern elegance.

But the Riviera is not only about palaces and yachts. It is also a land of terroir, with Provençal markets, Mediterranean cuisine, local fishing, rosé wines, and century-old olive trees.

The diversity of atmospheres is one of the region’s great strengths: one can go from a hike in the calanques to a night at the casino, from a village market to a world-class exhibition, or from an electronic music festival to a traditional folk celebration.

A natural and preserved Riviera
Despite sometimes dense urbanization, the Riviera has managed to preserve many natural areas. The Mercantour National Park, the Lérins Islands, the Estérel Massif, the marine ecosystems of the Bay of Villefranche, exotic gardens, and coastal parks are treasures for hikers, divers, botanists, and nature lovers.

Many coastal trails and sea-view paths allow visitors to explore the Côte d’Azur on foot, far from the crowds, to the rhythm of the waves and the singing cicadas.