Cote d'Azur

Destination Information

Sea, mountains, sophistication…

Ever since the Romans colonised the South of France and spent days lounging around their heated pools, the region has conjured up an image of glamour and elegance. There are stunningRiviera towns, a mountainous hinterland dotted with hilltop villages, fine wines, fragrant olive oil, and exceptional views to enjoy. The towns along the Côte d’Azur enjoy individual characteristics; the large city of Nice, vibrant and multi-cultured; Antibes with its fortified walls, museums and covered market; Juan-les-Pins with its fashionable nightclubs and casino, and Cannes whose Haute Ville offers breathtaking views to the Lérins Islands, its Vieux Port bobbing with fishing boats, brimming with restaurants and its famous promenade, La Croisette.

Further down the coast, the fishing village of Saint Tropez has been synonymous with the ‘jet set’ ever since artists, writers and show business stars fell under its spell in the 1950s. These days it truly is ‘the’ place to people gaze and view the big boats from one of the famous quayside cafés. Inland, the lovely medieval village of Mougins is set amongst pine, olive and cypress trees, home to a number of world renowned restaurants, whilst Grasse, the perfume capital of France, enjoys tree lined avenues and traditional architecture. CV Travel villas are to be found in both coastal and inland locations along this famous coastline.

Our Recommendations:

• An early evening stroll along ‘ La Croisette’ in Cannes

• An invigorating walk with great views of the coast along the cliffs at Esterel

• A boat trip to Les iles de Lerins, just outside the Bay of Cannes

• Take in Antibes market and visit the Picasso museum on the sea front

• Spend a day at Pampelonne Beach in Saint-Tropez

• A day out to the George du Verdon, take a picnic and relax

• Shopping and lunch in Saint-Tropez

• See the Roman ruins at Frejus

• Local culinary specialities: bouillabaisse, pistou, olives, tapenade, rose wine

Population

4,951,000

Area

31,443 sq. km

Time difference / local time

GMT+1

Language

French

Currency

Euro

Worth to see

Bormes Les Mimosas: The medieval village and a sea-facing harbour and beaches. The popular Route-du-Mimosa, starts from Bormes-les-Mimosas and follows a picturesque driving route north-east along the coast via Le-Rayol-Canadel, Sainte-Maxime, Saint-Raphael, and on to Tanneron, Pegomas and ends in Grasse.

Grasse: Home of the French perfume industry, it is worth taking a guided tours of the perfumeries such as the Fragonard Perfumery.

Grimaud: A gorgeous perched Medieval village with historical links to the Grimaldi family.

Nice: A vibrant and ancient city, with medieval heritage, red-tiled roofs and narrow streets where visitors will find interesting features such as the "cadran solaire" or sundial.

Port Grimaud: A town with a similar look to Venice, with exclusive shops, bars and restaurants and where you can take relaxing boat trips.

Saint Paul de Vence: With wonderful views over the surrounding hills, the Côte d'Azur and of course the sea. The landscapes are magnificent

Saint Tropez: The beautiful harbour on the Riviera, easily recognised by its emblematic church tower. Visit Place des Lices where movie stars and local celebrities get together to play a game of boules or sip Pastis

The islands are Porquerolles, Le Levant and Port-Cros: These three islands together form a unique environment, with sandy beaches and sites of natural beauty such as Domaine du Rayol.

Toulon: The fountains and squares at the old town of Toulon have been recently restored beautifully. Other places worth a visit, are Boulevard de Strasbourg and the Cours Lafayette.

Beaches

Var Region: The beaches of Bormes les Mimosas stretch 17kms from Le Lavandou to the Bay of Bregançon • La Favière and its beautiful port • Bay of Gaou • Cap Bénat (private) • Cabasson • Léoube • And   the coves to be discoveres along the seaside walking trails.

Alpes Maritimes: Menton • Monaco • Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat • Cagnes-sur-Mer • Antibes Juan-les-Pins • Golfe-Juan • Miramar • Théoule sur Mer

Shopping

Local Markets:  Cagnes-sur-Mer, Menton, Hyères, Nîmes, Saint Raphaël, Toulon, Vence, Lorgues - Daily • Antibes Juan-les-Pins , covered market, Daily except on Monday from Sep to May • Callas, Draguignan, Frejus, Grasse, Nice, Toulon, Saint Tropez  on Saturday • La Garde-Freinet, Ramatuelle on Sunday • Grimaud on Monday • Valbonne on Tuesday • Bormes Les Mimosas, La Colle sur Loup on Wednesday • Cannes and Sainte Maxime on Thursday • Mouans-Sartoux and Valbonne on Friday 

Sports

Golf •  Tennis •  Sailing • Deep-Sea diving •  Rowing •  Sea Kayaking •  Waterskiing •  Sea Fishing •  Hiking • Pony trekking •  Mountain biking •  Canyoning •  White water sports •  Rock Climbing

Electricity

230 V

Climate data for this region.

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