Cote d'Azur(French Côte d'Azur) - the southeastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea in France, located east of the city of Toulon to the border with Italy. Another name is French Riviera(as part of the Riviera located in both France and Italy). The Cote d'Azur is not just a geographical place, but rather an idea, a fantasy, a dream. Turquoise sea, tropical plants, luxurious landscapes, wonderful sun-drenched beaches and coves of the Mediterranean.
The Côte d'Azur owes its popularity to its pleasant subtropical climate - mild, warm winters and cool summers. The Cote d'Azur is considered one of the best holiday destinations in the world. More than eight million people a year visit the Côte d'Azur.
The French Riviera is the name given to the southeastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea in France, located east of the city of Marseille to the border with Italy (western part of the Riviera) at the foot of the Maritime Alps. The question of the western tip of the Riviera is controversial: in addition to Marseille, the westernmost resorts are called Cassis, Toulon or Hyères.
The Principality of Monaco is also located on the Côte d'Azur, which until the end of the 19th century included Roquebrune and Menton. To the east of Menton the Italian Riviera begins.
The length of the Côte d'Azur is about 300 kilometers, along the coastline indented by bays there are mountains up to 3143 m above sea level, which creates a favorable climate: warm summers (average temperature in July + 24-26°C), mild sunny winter (average temperature in January about + 10°C).
There are about 300 sunny days a year on the Cote d'Azur. In summer, the air temperature sometimes rises to +35°C, but thanks to the low humidity and constant light wind, the heat, much less stuffiness, is not felt. The local climate is the warmest in France. Rains here are quite rare, mainly in March-April and October-November. The swimming season on the Cote d'Azur begins at the end of May and lasts until October. The water temperature during this period is within +20-25°C.
Sometimes (most often at the beginning of summer) a strong cold north wind from the mountains reaches the coast, blowing along the valley of the Rhone River - the mistral. The wind blowing from the west towards the sea is called tramontana. In the Marseille area there are up to 90 windy days a year. To the east the wind is weaker.
The Côte d'Azur is characterized by palm trees, cypresses, and chestnuts. There are many landscaped parks in the cities, gardens, vineyards, and the cultivation of essential oil crops are common.
The territory of the Cote d'Azur is not administratively defined, so it is impossible to accurately determine the number of inhabitants. More than two million people live within the traditional borders, 70% of them French. The rest are Italians, Spaniards, Catalans, people from other European countries, Asian countries, and Africa. One and a half million live in Marseille and Nice.
The region contains famous cities - Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Antibes, Monte Carlo. Less known, but very interesting are the towns and villages located in the mountains - Breuil-sur-Roya, Gourdon, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Saorge, Sospel.
The most multinational city is Marseille. It is home to 80 thousand Jews, 80 thousand Armenians, 100 thousand Muslims, mostly of North African origin. The main religion of the region is Catholicism, but along the entire coast you can see Protestant and Orthodox churches, mosques, and synagogues.
The beaches of the Cote d'Azur occupy approximately a third of the entire coast. From Menton to Antibes there are “Italian” pebble beaches, from Antibes to the west there are “French” sandy ones. In the western part of the Cote d'Azur there are also rocky bays, which in the Cassis area resemble Norwegian fjords and are called calanques in the local dialect. Also an attractive place for tourists are the islands located near the Côte d'Azur: from the island of Saint Margaret, where the mysterious prisoner Iron Mask was imprisoned, to the village of Port Grimaud.
In France, all beaches are publicly accessible according to the law on the ownership of the seashore by the state, but on the Cote d'Azur there are also paid private beaches, owned either by hotels or clubs, and equipped with infrastructure: sun loungers, sun umbrellas, showers, toilets, cafes, bars, water entertainment - scooters, boats, water skis. Any paid zone has a free section.
Cannes beaches are equipped with imported sand, so they are strictly paid; there is only a small public beach - not far from the Palais des Festivals.
Beach cafes are an almost integral part of local beaches. During the day you can have a snack or drink a glass of cool rose wine, and in the evening dine by candlelight to the sound of the surf.
Almost every city on the Cote d'Azur has its own casino, the most famous is in Monte Carlo (Monaco). Restaurants, nightclubs, and amusement parks are also common.
Holidays and festivals, known far beyond the borders of France, take place throughout the year on the Cote d'Azur. Major sporting and cultural events are also held. One of the most famous and most visited shows is the Nice Flower Carnival, which takes place in February. The Promenade des Anglais is decorated with large flower arrangements. The city comes alive with daily processions, flower parades, luxurious costumes of those marching, all kinds of concerts and fireworks.
The Côte d'Azur has always been popular among artists.
Auguste Renoir, being seriously ill, painted Mediterranean landscapes here. Another famous artist, Paul Cezanne, painted hundreds of oil and watercolor paintings here. Paul Signac's favorite subject is the Mediterranean coast of France. In his works, focusing on the style of J. Seurat, he introduced a lot of new things into the technique of pointillism. The founder of Fauvism, Henri Matisse, after a trip to Saint-Tropez, painted the famous painting “Luxury, Peace and Bliss.” Matisse later lived in Nice. Another Fauvist, Raoul Dufy, also considered Nice an ideal location for his works. Pablo Picasso lived on the Cote d'Azur for 27 years - in Antibes, Vallauris and Mougins. In the 1920s Parisian artists Signac, Bonnard, Utrillo, Modigliani often visited the medieval town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, usually staying at the Golden Dove Hotel, which they paid with their works. Today the hotel has a large collection of paintings, and its walls resemble a prestigious art gallery.
Later, Marc Chagall lived in this city. Many tourists visiting Saint-Paul-de-Vence come to the local cemetery to visit his grave. In Nice there is the Chagall Museum, which has a large collection of the artist's works.
You can get to Nice by direct flight from Moscow or St. Petersburg. There is one airport in Nice - Nice - Cote d'Azur. By air from Nice Airport you can get to two Riviera cities - Marseille and Monaco. A helicopter flies to Monaco every 20 minutes.
The French Riviera has an extensive network of roads and railways, which makes it easy and quick to travel from one city to another. There are train stations in most cities and even in some mountain villages. TGV trains connect the Riviera with the largest cities in France and Europe. On the coast they stop at the stations of Menton, Nice, Antibes, Cannes, Saint-Raphael, Toulon and Marseille. TER trains are similar to electric trains. This is the main railway transport on the Cote d'Azur, with its help you can quickly get to any small town. During the season they run at intervals of 15-20 minutes. By bus on the Riviera you can get to places where local trains do not go.
| Train direction | Departure | Travel time | Cost from, in euros |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nice – Antibes | every 20-30 minutes | 20 minutes | 8 |
| Nice – Cannes | every 15 minutes | 35 minutes | 10 |
| Nice – Juan Le Pen | every 20-30 minutes | 25 minutes | 10 |
| Nice – Monaco | every 30-60 minutes | 20 minutes | 8 |
| Nice – Menton | every 30-60 minutes | 30 minutes | 10 |
The Cote d'Azur is replete with expensive luxury hotels, which are adjacent to more modest 2-3* hotels. It is worth noting that proximity to the sea does not always determine the category of a hotel. You can find both 2-3* hotels in close proximity to the sea, and 5* hotels far from the coast.
Shopping on the Cote d'Azur is in no way inferior to shopping in Paris: from large shopping complexes to small craft shops, from affordable chain stores to exclusive brands. Saint-Tropez is home to the world-famous Les Tropeziennes boutique, where the world's most fashionable and comfortable sandals have been handcrafted since 1933. It's worth buying perfume in Grasse. In Saint-Paul-de-Vence, look out for ceramics and paintings by local artists.
The Cote d'Azur is home to a huge number of attractions, both in Nice itself and its surroundings. You can take a guided walking tour of Old Nice, go to Cannes, Antibes, Juan Les Pens, Saint-Paul de Vence, see with your own eyes the famous Monaco and Monte Carlo with their world famous casinos and the track where the Formula 1 races take place. , as well as much more.
Excursions along the Cote d'Azur
Schedule:
| Excursions | Duration | Mon | W | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monaco – Monte Carlo – Eze | 5 or 8 hours | + | + | + | + | + | + | + |
| Countryside | 8 hours | + | + | + | + | + | + | + |
| Cannes – Antibes – Juan les Pins | 4 hours | + | + | + | + | + | + | + |
| Panorama – Riviera | 9 o'clock | + | + | + | + | + | + | + |
| Villas and gardens | 4 hours | + | + | |||||
| Historical Nice | 3 hours | + | + | |||||
| Saint Paul de Vence with tasting | 4 hours | + | + | |||||
| Saint Tropez | 8 hours | + | + | |||||
| Italy and Menton * | 8 hours | + | + | + | ||||
| Monaco and Monte Carlo at night | 5 hours | + | + | + | + | + | + | + |
| Dinner in Monte Carlo | 5 hours | + | + | + | + | + | + | + |
Excursion service in Nice:
| Excursions | Price per person Departure from Nice (euros) | Price per person Departure from Cannes (euros) | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monaco – Monte Carlo – Eze, 8 hours. | 88 | 110 | |
| Monaco – Monte Carlo – Eze, 5 hours. | 61 | - | Includes excursion to the Fragonard perfume factory in Eze |
| Countryside, 8 hours. | 88 | 110 | Includes excursion to the Fragonard perfume factory in Grasse |
| Cannes – Antibes – Juan les Pins, 4 hours. | 66 | - | - |
| Panorama, 9 hours | 106 | 128 | Includes excursion to the Fragonard perfume factory in Eze |
| Villas and Gardens, 4 hours. | 66 | - | Includes visit to Villa Rothschild and Villa Kerylos |
| Historic Nice, 3 hours. | 56 | - | - |
| Saint-Tropez, 8 o'clock | 156 | 178 | - |
| Italy and Menton, 8 hours. | 96 | 117 | - |
| Night Monaco – Monte Carlo, 5 hours. | 56 | Entrance to the casino – 10 euros | |
| Dinner in Monte Carlo, 5 o'clock. | 113 | - | - |
| Saint-Paul-de-Vence – tasting, 4 hours. | 62 | - | - |
Departure for an excursion to St. Tropez, meeting point - Florian confectionery factory (port).
From Cannes, the meeting point is the Palais des Festivals, near the red carpet.
From Nice, the meeting point is Casino Ruhl.
All prices are per person.
The excursion is valid from 2 people from Nice, from 4 people from Cannes.
Excursion to Saint-Tropez from Nice – from 4 people.
The trip can start between 9 am and 2 pm.
Discount for a child is 50% provided there are 2 adults + 1 child.
Description of excursions on the Cote d'Azur:
Villas and gardens
To begin with, from the heights of Fort Mont Alban we will admire the enchanting panorama of Villefranche Bay and the peninsula of billionaires Saint-Jean Cap Ferrat. Descending along the lower cornice to Villefranche, we will discover all the charm of this medieval town and its mysterious Citadel. It is from this city that the history of the Russians' stay on the Cote d'Azur begins... A visit to the villa and seven magnificent gardens at Cap Ferrat that once belonged to Baroness Ephrussi de Rothschild, then a short walk along the peninsula, where the parks and villas of the wealthiest people in the world are located. Let's complete our acquaintance with the most beautiful villas of the Riviera in the town of Beaulieu-sur-Mer with a visit to the Greek villa "Kerillos" (Sea Swallow).
Entrance fees to the villas are included in the price.
Duration: 4 hours
Saint Paul de Vence
Saint-Paul de Vence is located at the height of a hill, protected by 15th-century embankments. This Provençal jewel is the second most visited village in France. The colorful view from the mounds charmed the famous artists who came here to create (Renoir, Chagall, Picasso).
The romantic atmosphere of the shady streets will envelop you as you walk, watching the ball players in front of the Café de la Place, where Yves Montand loved to play.
In Saint Jeanne, where the vineyard has grown since ancient times, you will penetrate into the very depths of the Province with its centuries-old traditions. The winemaker will give you a tasting of the complex aromas of his wines and share the secrets of making wine in his cellar.
Tasting is included in the price.
Duration: 4 hours
Historical Nice
From the heights of Castle Hill, the Bay of Angels appears to cut in a graceful arc into Nice, a city named after the goddess of victory Nike by its Greek founders in 600 BC. e. The elegant port, the Genoese quarters of the old town, and the magnificent Belle Epoque villas testify to the historical wealth of the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes. Contrast between pl. Garibaldi and the Promenade of Arts perfectly illustrates the rapid evolution of the city. On the Cimiez hill with its Roman baths and arenas is the Regina Hotel, the winter residence of Queen Victoria, the amazing Matisse Museum in an 18th-century mansion. in an olive grove, a monastery of Franciscan monks with gardens and a rose garden. The most beautiful Cathedral of the Russian diaspora is, of course, in Nice. And without the Promenade des Anglais, this crowded and irresistible Promenade des Anglais along the Bay of Angels, Nice is simply impossible to imagine.
Duration: 3 hours
Italy and Menton
Less than one hour of panoramic travel from Nice, overlooking the coast, and the Italian Riviera opens its doors to you. As you stroll, discover the authentic charm of the Italian markets, the variety of their products (shoes, accessories, luggage), local products and an incomparable atmosphere. Enjoy a leisurely cappuccino on the terrace of one of the cafes.
After the lively markets, relax in the serenity of the seaside terrace and sample Italian specialties at Giuseppe's (not included, a la carte). Wander through the pedestrian district of Menton before heading back to France along the seafront.
Duration: 8 hours
Cannes – Antibes – Juan les Pins
Descending from the foothills to the coast in Cannes, you will find yourself on the façade of the Cote d'Azur, in front of the Palais des Festivals. An endless series of the most expensive boutiques, luxurious Belle Epoque hotels, snow-white sand of magnificent beaches, luxurious yachts - this is the current city of world cinema stars, a once ordinary fishing village, the birthplace of the unforgettable Gerard Philippe.
Next, our path lies along the amazing coast - to Antibes, a city the same age as Nice, through the resort of Juan-les-Pins with its casino, numerous boutiques, restaurants; where a traditional international jazz festival is held annually in July. Cape Antibes and the La Garoupe lighthouse are one of the most picturesque panoramas of the Cote d'Azur. The coolest villas are, of course, here... A walk along the fortified wall in the center of the ancient city of Antibes. Fort Carré, giant yachts along the billionaires' embankment, the Picasso Museum in a medieval castle (except Mondays).
Duration: 4 hours
Monaco – Monte Carlo – Eze
From the height of one of the three famous “corniches”, mountain roads along the French Riviera, a breathtaking panorama of Nice and Villefranche Bay opens before you, where Russian ships first dropped anchor...
Visit to the medieval quarters of the Principality of Monaco: 45 min. free time (the chambers and throne of the princely palace are open from June to October inclusive). Stop in Monte Carlo, Casino Square (20 min.), Formula 1 Grand Prix route.
Duration - 5 hours./ 8 hours
Panoramic views of Nice and Villefranche
Stop at the medieval village of Eze, which hangs over the sea, with individual shops built right on the cliff. Excursion to Fragonard perfumery - the sophistication of the essences of Provence.
Arrival in Monaco along a mountain road over the sea, presence at the guard shift. A visit to the Cathedral, where Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier were married, a tour of their graves, the Palace (open from June to October - 7 euros), the Oceanographic Museum (13 euros), gardens. Free time for lunch on the streets of Old Monaco.
Visit Monte Carlo: Stroll through the billionaires' gardens and boutiques around the Casino. The return route follows the famous Formula 1 Grand Prix route.
Return along the Coast: experience the aristocratic appeal of the coastal towns.
Tickets are not included in the price
Monaco and Monte Carlo at night
The kaleidoscope of rays of the setting sun has a special charm on the Riviera coast. As the evening approaches and you go on a date with Monte Carlo, you perceive the rocky and seascapes you have already seen in a completely new way. You are greeted by a picturesque panorama of the sparkling lights of Monaco, the princely palace, and the Cathedral. On the Monte Carlo hill near the casino there is extraordinary activity, with streams of illumination reflected in the luxurious limousines and in the fountains in front of the casino entrance.
The atmosphere of an eternal holiday is also felt in the magnificent receptions of guests at the Hotel de Paris. And you can’t help but feel the thrill of excitement, the festive excitement of the ever-decreasing crowd at the Golden Square, at the Café de Paris. Dinner at one of the restaurants of your choice, then perhaps try your luck in the game... In any case, an unforgettable experience awaits you on this bright, almost carnival evening.
Entrance to the Casino (10 euros) is not included in the price, entry after 18 years.
Duration: 5 hours
Panorama – Riviera
The most complete tour in one day!
A journey through the French Riviera begins with a breathtaking panorama of Nice and Villefranche from the heights of a mountain cornice. A mountain road will take you to a cliff in the Principality of Monaco.
You will visit the Prince's Palace and Cathedral, where Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier were married, and their flowering graves.
One of the roads on the annual Formula 1 route will take you to Monte Carlo - a world of luxury and elegance. You will make a stop at the famous Monte Carlo Casino
Next is medieval Eze, a village with lively medieval streets. Discover your sensuality with a visit to a perfume shop, in our old tradition, which continues with a stop at the flower market in Old Nice.
Afternoon - in Cannes, on the famous Croisette near the Palais des Film Festivals, on the Avenue of Stars, then return along the seashore through the picturesque resort of Juan-les-Pins, Cape Antibes and La Garoupe to ancient Antibes, the city of antique dealers and second-hand book dealers, where the young governor began his career Napoleon Bonaparte, where Picasso worked, where Maupassant loved to moor his yacht “Dear Friend”. The magnificence of the largest yachts at the “billionaires’ pier” against the backdrop of Fort Carré will not leave anyone indifferent.
Duration: 9 hours
Countryside
Cannes-Grasse-Gourdon-Saint Paul de Vence
A walk in Cannes, around the Palais des Film Festival, along the Croisette, bordered by famous sandy beaches and luxury boutiques.
You will discover all the charm of the Provençal towns, the Vallée du Loup (Valley of the Wolf), Gourdon, located on a rocky spur (weather conditions permitting) and the spirit capital of Grasse. Excursion to the Fragonard perfumery or free time to visit the old town.
Saint-Paul de Vence, a jewel of medieval architecture, the birthplace of great artists, this picturesque village will enchant those in love with the authentic Province.
Duration: 8 hours
Saint Tropez
You'll cross the Adré forest to reach the port of Saint-Maxime, where a boat awaits you (summer only) for a trip to Saint-Tropez alongside magnificent yachts lined up in a row.
The peaceful village of Saint-Tropez connects to the Cote d'Azur and its vibrant rhythm in summer.
Stroll or shop along the elegant boutique streets of the old port, admire artist's paintings along the promenades, climb to the fortress for panoramic views or visit the maritime museum.
The highlight of Provencal life: the market on the famous Place des Lys (Tuesday and Saturday) - the concentration of the joy of life of the inhabitants around tastes and always new smells.
Escape the excitement and crowds to walk along the beaches towards Ramatuelle, then along the small winding road over the hill with panoramic views of Golf towards Gassin.
Finally, you'll stop at Port Grimaud, nicknamed "Little Venice," where you can admire canals, bridges, shops and lovely Provençal villas.
Duration: 8 hours
Dinner in Monte Carlo
Dinner on the terrace of the Bistroke restaurant, a stone's throw from Casino Square. From the height of this terrace you can see part of the famous Formula 1 route. You will be offered a choice of gastronomic menus, including a cocktail aperitif, starter, main course, dessert, half a bottle of wine, one beer or one soft drink, and coffee.
A short stop near the palace with an illuminated panoramic view of Monaco. After dinner, free time to explore the Casino and its gardens.
Entrance to the Casino (10 euros) is not included in the price, entry after 18 years.
Dress code: sneakers, shorts, and flip-flops are prohibited.
Duration: 5 hours
Fragonard Perfume Museum
It received its name in honor of the famous artist Jean Honore Fragonard. Also, one of the most beautiful boulevards in the city was named in his honor.Upon entering the museum building, the visitor will immediately feel the subtle aroma of perfume - it permeates the air, and it even seems that you can taste it. The Fragonard Museum introduces the technology of perfume production, distillation, infusion, enfleurage (one of the methods for obtaining essential oils).
Visitors will learn, for example, that to make 1 liter of flower essence you need to collect a whole ton of flowers, and one person can only collect about 4 kilograms per day. And also that the first perfumes were sweets and smeared on the body, and only in the 15th century did perfumes of a liquid consistency appear. And only a century later they began to make porcelain dishes for perfumers to store perfumes.
The Fragonard Museum is also a store where the products of the Fragonard perfume factory of the same name are sold. In total there are about 11 scents: “Love Island”, “Emily”, “Diamond”, “Miranda”, “Kiss”, “Night Beauty”, “Fantasy” and others. Of course, the store also sells dry perfumes, soaps, eau de toilette and colognes made from the most fragrant flowers.
How many sunny days do you think there are on average in Sydney, Australia? 340 – that’s how much. The best time to be there is spring (which starts in November), and summer in Australia can get quite hot, so being close to the beach is not a luxury, but a necessity.
Loja (Ecuador)
If there is one place on the equator that has ideal weather, it is Loja, a small (130 thousand people) town in Ecuador. It is located in the mountains (2.4 thousand meters), which is why the climate there is mild all year round, without the deadly heat in summer and cold nights in winter. The average annual temperature hovers around 22 degrees Celsius.
Oahu (Hawaii, USA)
Returning to the topic of islands - Hawaii is perhaps the most civilized place in the Pacific Ocean (because the USA), but, contrary to popular belief, the sun does not always shine there. Oahu is an exception to this rule - it has the maximum number of sunny days a year, so if you are going to Hawaii for your honeymoon, you know which island to choose.
Oh, this South! oh, this Nice!.. Oh, how their brilliance worries me!
F. I. Tyutchev (1864)
Cote d'Azur It’s not for nothing that it got its name: there is almost always a blue sky, a blue sea and flowers bloom all year round. In the dense greenery of evergreen trees and shrubs, elegant villas and luxury hotels, huge resort buildings are white.
The main city of the Cote d'Azur is Nice was founded in the 3rd century. BC e. Greek colonists from Marseille. Then Nice became the capital of an independent county, changed hands several times and only in 1860 finally joined France. At that time it was a small quiet town, famous for its healing warm climate. Those suffering from pulmonary diseases came here for treatment, English aristocrats and Russian landowners, whom the French called boyars, vacationed. Alexander Herzen spent the last years of his life in Nice. He is buried here and there is a monument on his grave.
In the 19th century vacationers came to Nice in autumn and winter, when it is warm, but not hot. Doctors recommended that they walk along the embankment in a carriage or on foot, and sometimes take sand baths. Long exposure to the sun was then considered dangerous, tanning was indecent, and the beaches were empty.
Only after the First World War did it become fashionable to sunbathe for a long time on the beach according to the American model, and summer became the main season for holidays on the Cote d'Azur. Nice and other towns Cote d'Azur - Antibes, Cannes, St. Tropez- turned into the most fashionable resorts, where aristocrats and bourgeois gathered, where millionaires and movie stars built villas.
In 1936, as a result of the victory of the Popular Front and the introduction of two-week paid holidays, workers and employees for the first time had the opportunity to rest on Cote d'Azur, infuriating wealthy resort patrons. After this, part of the bourgeois public stopped going to Cote d'Azur, although in general the number of vacationers there has increased significantly.
In modern Nice a lot of greenery, parks and squares. Not far from the city there is a large “forest of mimosa”. Tall mimosa trees growing along the hillsides are covered with bright fluffy yellow balls of flowers already in January.
Pride Nice- its embankment is the “English promenade”. It stretches along a beautifully curved shore Bay of Angels, bordered by a narrow pebble beach. Tall slender palm trees grow on green lawns; between them, replacing each other, flowers bloom all year round. There is a solid wall of luxury hotels, restaurants, shops, smart, rich people are walking around, cars are moving in a continuous stream.
In summer, the population of Nice and the entire Côte d'Azur increases many times over. On Cote d'Azur About 15 million vacationers come. They fill the beaches to capacity and pour into the streets in dense crowds. Half of the vacationers live in tents or rent tiny rooms for high rent. The water near the beaches turns from blue and transparent to brown. Some excessively polluted beaches have to be closed. Living on the Cote d'Azur is difficult then, but still it attracts holidaymakers like a magnet, because Cote d'Azur- this is a guarantee of good weather, sunny days and a warm southern sea.
Every year a carnival is held in Nice. Once upon a time, carnivals and processions of mummers were a favorite folk entertainment in villages Provence. Now they have almost disappeared; The carnival in Nice is organized by the city authorities and primarily pursues commercial goals.
The main part of the carnival is a procession of giant dolls driven by actors. They are transported on trucks; they turn their monstrous heads made of papier-mâché, shout something into the microphone, and sing. Music is blaring, colorful lights are shining, troops of boys and girls in smart uniforms are marching. Rockets take off into the sky, and, of course, the public is offered all sorts of goods: from cheap whistles and balloons to jewelry in rich stores.
The Cote d'Azur is not all Provence. Its other part, fenced off from the sea by mountains, is not at all like the Cote d'Azur: it is a modest, strict, almost harsh region. The sun-scorched mountains are covered with sparse vegetation, thickets of bushes, and sparse grass. Small villages cluster around the valleys, where you can find a piece of comfortable land. Residents grow grapes, olives, almonds, and figs; Here and there they sow wheat, but their main occupation is raising goats and sheep.
The capital of Provence and the entire south of France - Marseilles, the third largest and perhaps the oldest city in France. It was founded by the Greeks back in the 4th century. BC e., that is, not only before the Roman, but also before the Celtic conquest. Marseille grew and became rich in maritime trade with the East: with India, China, the Levant, North Africa, and then with Russia. Marseilles- a sunny, white, beautiful city - in many ways reminiscent of its twin city - Odessa. The same combination of ebullient activity and cheerful carelessness, a noisy southern crowd, a special accent, local jokes, the smells of the port and the sea. The oldest part of the city is the Old Port - a narrow strip of water bordered by granite rectangular embankments, densely crowded with ships. Formerly the commercial port of Marseille, it is now intended only for fishermen, yachtsmen and tourists.
The cargo berths of modern Marseille, stretching for tens of kilometers, are located outside the Old Port and are dispersed in several places. The largest of them is located in the town of Foz, west of Marseille. It serves a giant metallurgical plant, which was built with the participation of the Soviet Union.
The Old Port is bustling with life. A forest of masts is visible from a distance. These are yachts, sailing boats and motorboats. They are repaired, painted, and launched. In the summer, on the embankment, directly from the boats, fishermen sell live fish, octopus, shrimp, and squid. Rows of restaurants and small restaurants stretch along the Old Port embankment. They prepare “bouillabaisse” - a Marseille culinary “speciality” - a special fish soup made from different varieties of fish, shrimp and shells. From the Old Port, tourist ships deliver passengers to Isle of If- place of imprisonment of the hero of the novel by Dumas graph Monte Cristo. On a small flat island there is an ancient castle, and in it there is a former prison - a series of blank stone bags without windows, where not only literary characters, but also real people languished for many years. The white limestone coastal cliffs are clearly visible from the fortress walls; beneath them, deep below, there is clear, blue-green, bottomless water. From here, the corpses of dead prisoners sewn into bags were thrown directly into the sea. As you know, it was in this way that the hero Dumas escaped by pretending to be dead. Edmond Dantes, future Count of Monte Cristo.
Not far from the Old Port, on a mountain, stands the Church of Our Lady of Guardians - Notre-Dame de la Garde, patroness of sailors and fishermen. Its bell tower is topped with a huge gilded statue of the Mother of God, which is illuminated at night by powerful floodlights and is visible from the sea for many kilometers. It has long served as a kind of beacon, showing sailors the way to Marseilles. There are many models of ships and airplanes hung on the walls of the church. Candles are burning near them. These are offerings from believers who escaped from a sea or air disaster and took a vow of gratitude to the Guardian Mother. At the top of the mountain, from the foot of the church, there is a wide panorama of the Bay of Marseille, the surrounding mountains and small islands scattered among the deep blue southern sea.
West of Marseille, along the Mediterranean coast, is located Languedoc- agricultural, and mainly wine-growing, region. Ancient cities of Languedoc - Nimes, Montpellier, Narbonne, Carcassonne- relatively small: 50 – 100 – 200 thousand inhabitants. Almost all of them lie on the ancient route from Italy to Spain, which passed between the Mediterranean coast and the mountains of the Massif Central.
Languedoc– the kingdom of vineyards and cheap table wine. Grape processing and harvesting are largely mechanized. The harvested grapes are immediately sent to factories. Huge tanker trucks deliver finished wines to consumers throughout France. At the end of the 19th century. The grape aphid, phylloxera, imported from America, almost completely destroyed the vineyards of Languedoc. Only after great efforts were grape varieties resistant to it, high-yielding, but producing wine of average quality, developed. One hectare of vineyard in Languedoc produces up to 8 thousand liters of wine - more than in any other region. 85% of Languedoc winemakers own small plots of no more than 5 hectares, but large farms play a decisive role in wine production.
Languedoc known for its democratic and revolutionary traditions. In 1907, its winegrowers rebelled, joined by soldiers of the 17th regiment stationed in Narbonne. The authorities suppressed the uprising, but in France they still sing a song about the soldiers of the 17th regiment, and Languedoc is called the “red South” because its inhabitants traditionally vote for left-wing parties. Between Languedoc and Provence, where Rona, flowing into the Mediterranean Sea, forms a vast marshy delta, the region is located Camargue, which is considered the most remote and wild corner of France.
Previously, malaria was rampant in the Camargue swamps, and only a few shepherds, hunters and fishermen lived. Now part of the swamps has been drained and turned into pastures, where herds and herds of semi-wild horses roam free. A significant part of the Camargue has been declared a nature reserve; Rare species of animals and birds are preserved there, which, like flamingos, are not found anywhere else in France. The Camargue is also the South, but completely different from either Provence or Languedoc.
© Based on materials from the book by V.P. Smirnova “France: traditions, people, impressions”
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Stately palm trees, tropical flowers, snow-white yachts, spacious golf courses, magnificent sandy beaches, luxurious villas - this is the bohemian south-eastern coast of France, the Cote d'Azur, stretching for 300 km with a string of fashionable resorts from Marseille to Menton, including the enclave state of Monaco. In our article on the Tour Calendar you will find out why the best time for a holiday on the French Riviera is from mid-May to the end of October.
Tourist season on the Cote d'Azur
The Côte d'Azur of France needs no introduction for a long time. One of the most prestigious resorts in the world began to welcome its distinguished guests at the beginning of the 20th century: members of royal families, European and Russian aristocrats, famous writers and artists were the first to choose these places. By the way, the Cote d'Azur got its name thanks to the writer. It was a certain Stefan Liejar, who once published a novel of the same name. A magnificent warm climate, picturesque landscapes, a huge variety of entertainment, first-class service, a myriad of attractions of past centuries and at the same time a lot of attributes of modern luxurious life - all this annually attracts about 10 million tourists - the darlings of fate, belonging to the world elite: celebrities, tanned models in skimpy bikinis, politicians, businessmen and “golden youth” come here not only in summer, but also in winter.
High season
In May, millions of tourists begin to flock en masse to the Cote d'Azur, bringing with them thick wads of euros. It’s still early to swim, but the warm weather is just favorable for a VIP vacation. If you come here between May and September, don’t even count on good prices, unless, of course, you are one of the cream of society. Fabulous amounts of money are spent on restaurants, villas, and cocktails in nightclubs, not to mention such serious forms of entertainment as a picnic on a yacht, playing in a casino or golf. The average bar bill amazes the fragile minds of ordinary tourists. For a simple cup of coffee you will have to pay from 10 to 20 euros. There are an unrealistically large number of people during the high season: it is during this period of time that the lion's share of concerts, festivals and bohemian parties occur. In May, during the entire Cannes Film Festival, real madness is happening in the “summer capital”: famous stars land in crowds in the city, and zealous fans create unprecedented turmoil, trying to get their autograph. It is clear that a beach holiday during this period will go down the drain. However, you should not think that we are dissuading you from your perhaps dream of visiting Cannes, Nice or Saint-Tropez during the holiday season, because here, as in any corner of the world, you can relax on a budget, you just need to know exactly how. Every year, about 150,000 Russian tourists come to the Cote d'Azur, and not all of them have tight wallets. Recently, bus tours around Europe with stops at the Italian and French Riviera have become very popular. Of course, such a trip involves a minimal stay at one resort or another, but you can see everything at once.
Low season
The low season begins around the end of October immediately after the end of the high season. As the air temperature begins to gradually drop, daylight hours shorten, and the first rains begin to fall, the bulk of vacationers return home. At this time, prices for hotel accommodation, entertainment, and excursions are reduced in some places. For example, some villas can be rented for half the amount advertised in the summer. Yes, and payment is possible not weekly, but monthly. As a rule, this payment method allows you to save a lot. And although you won’t be able to swim in the low season, from November to April, on the Cote d’Azur, every tourist will find something to their liking here. After all, the French Riviera is not only amazing beaches and the gentle Mediterranean Sea, but also ancient history and culture, which has survived to this day in the form of preserved ancient fortresses, temples and monuments. The Cote d'Azur is an ideal place for yachting, especially in winter. The weather is mostly warm, there are no severe colds. In addition, renting a yacht and getting a place in the marina is much easier than in the summer - you won’t have to “compete” with millionaires in your desire. In winter, guests of the coast have fun not only in nightclubs, but also through regularly organized holidays, which will be discussed below. You can also “dilute” your stay at the resort with a trip to the ski centers on the slopes of the Alpes-Maritimes, which is an hour’s drive from Nice. To summarize, I would like to say that a winter holiday on the French Riviera has no less advantages than a summer holiday.
Beach season on the Cote d'Azur
The opening of the beach season occurs in the last days of May. This month the water, frankly speaking, is still very cold - within +16 °C..+18 °C. However, the beaches of the Cote d'Azur are so well-groomed and comfortable that even simply lying on them brings enormous pleasure. By mid-June, most holidaymakers have already managed to open the swimming season - the water temperature in the Mediterranean Sea is approximately from +21 °C to +22 °C. At the height of summer, you can see a large number of couples with children on the beaches. The established moderately hot weather contributes to the warming of the sea off the coast to 24 °C..+25 °C. The evenings are no longer cold, most likely cool - about +18 °C..+19 °C, so when dusk comes there is no need to rush back to the hotel.
Velvet season on the Cote d'Azur
If you come to the Cote d'Azur in September, you will be rewarded with pleasant sunny weather and a “tolerable” crowd of tourists. The southeastern coast of France is the warmest in the entire country; its climate allows you to swim here throughout almost the entire month. The summer heat subsides, but the sea still remains warm - within +21 °C..+24 °C. The only thing that can darken such a resort idyll is sudden downpours, since from the beginning of autumn the amount of precipitation increases to approximately 6 stormy days. But you must admit that this figure is too small, and besides, it rains for a couple of hours at most. In some years, it is possible to swim in the first few days of October, because the water temperature at the beginning of this month is often +19 °C..+22 °C. However, precipitation can disrupt your plans, and the likelihood of this in mid-autumn is quite high.
Best time for excursions
Almost all the cities of the Cote d'Azur had a centuries-old history behind them before they became fashionable resorts. Thus, present-day Nice, the summer maritime residence of the French, was in the past in the possession of the Kingdom of Italy, and the movie star city of Saint-Tropez for a long time was a simple fishing village, having previously been part of the Muslim base of Fraxinet. In this regard, at the resorts you can find a lot of interesting tourist sites that have a “pattern of antiquity”. The Cote d'Azur is also home to little-known medieval towns and cozy provincial villages, which exude incredible originality. Many will be interested in going to Grasse, where perfume factories and the Perfume Museum are located. It is enough just to move a little away from the beach line inland to see a completely different picture: olive groves and lush gardens descending to the sea like an amphitheater, spacious parks and picturesque mountain steeps, meadows and clearings dotted with many strange flowers. All the resort towns of the French Riviera are located close to each other; by car you can travel around almost the entire coast in a day. It is better to start such mini-trips at the end of April, in the period from the second half of May (bypassing the trip to Cannes) to the beginning of June, as well as in September and October. At this time there are not as many people at the resorts as at the height of the tourist season.
Carnival season
Event tourism is very well developed on the Cote d'Azur. About 4,000 holidays are celebrated here every year. The most striking of them are carnivals. In February, all attention is focused on Nice, illuminated by the soft rays of the gentle sun and the joyful smiles of citizens and tourists who have arrived for the grandiose carnival, which has been taking place at the resort for more than seven centuries. In terms of importance and scope, it is on a par with the Venice and Brazilian carnivals. Its most colorful action is the “Flower Battle”, as well as a procession of giant papier-mâché dolls. The carnival lasts for 18 days, during which time the city is visited by about 1 million tourists.
It's time for holidays and festivals
Quite a bright holiday in the event calendar of the Cote d'Azur is the Citrus Festival in Menton, in a city in which lemons bear fruit without ceasing for the whole year. Orange castles, grapefruit palaces, figures made of lemons - at least 130 tons of fruit are spent to arrange the holiday. One of the holidays that has a strong association with the French Riviera is the Cannes Film Festival. In mid-May, the entire world's celebrity elite comes to this small town to compete for the main prize, the Palme d'Or. During Carnival days, the authorities of Cannes receive up to 130,000 people. Around this time, Monaco becomes a haven for several days for the rich, who flock here in their Alfa Romeos, Mustangs or Ferraris to witness the exciting Monaco Grand Prix race. In July, Nice welcomes the oldest Jazz Festival in France, the first concerts of which were performed back in 1948. It is internationally famous and attracts several hundred thousand viewers each time.
Sale season
By and large, shopping on the Cote d'Azur is the lot of the rich. For a thousand euros you can only buy a couple of things here, and even then they are not of a global nature. But still, few people can resist buying at least something, even if it’s not significant, as a souvenir during the sales season. So, in winter, discounts should be expected from the second week of January, and in summer - from the second week of July. Sales last approximately 4-5 weeks.
Climate on the Cote d'Azur
The Côte d'Azur is “under the wing” of a subtropical Mediterranean-type climate. It has the warmest climate in all of France, and the sun shines for 300 days a year. Summer is very warm, sometimes even hot, but due to the low level of humidity and wind rose, high temperatures are tolerated quite easily. Winter is mild but rainy.
Cote d'Azur in spring
In April on the French Riviera, despite the fact that it is spring “outside the window,” it can be as warm as summer
Spring on the Cote d'Azur is perhaps the most wonderful time of the year. It comes here already in the first days of March, making itself felt by a slight increase in temperatures and an increase in the number of sunny hours. It still rains, which can lead to temporary cold spells, but in general it is very warm here at this time. Nature is gradually waking up and renewing its colors: the towns and villages are enveloped in a light green haze of young greenery, and the meadows are covered with colorful carpets of flowers. Next month the thermometer reaches +18 °C; on particularly nice days it freezes at +20 °C. In April, nature is already in full swing with bright colors of all the colors of the rainbow. Flowers, flowers and more flowers. There is simply a wonderful aroma in the air. Solar activity is increasing, and the volume of precipitation, on the contrary, is on a decline. But it’s too early to relax - towards evening the air cools to approximately +14 °C..+16 °C. May is the beginning of the high tourist season, this is connected not only with the cultural events of the coast, but also with the prevailing weather here: during the day from +20 °C.. to +22 °C, and in the evening not lower than +17 °C..+18 ° C. The last month of spring can still bring a few rainy days, but as summer approaches, the weather becomes more moderate in terms of precipitation.
Temperature and weather on the Cote d'Azur in spring
| Weather in March | Weather in April | Weather in May | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature average | +10 | +13 | +16 |
| Temperature during the day | +14 | +17 | +20 |
| Temperature at night | +6 | +9 | +12 |
| Water temperature | +13 | +14 | +16 |
| Rain | 9 days | 10 days | 9 days |
Cote d'Azur in summer
In summer it is very warm on the Cote d'Azur. In June, the resorts are not yet hot at all, the evenings are even cool. However, from the first days of this month dry weather reigns. At most 5 days of June may be marked by intermittent rain. It is at this time that the swimming season officially opens: the average water temperature this month at the resorts can range from +19 °C to 21 °C. In July and August, at the height of the season, the sun shines for 12 hours a day, which leads to the fact that at midday the air heats up to +27 °C..+28 °C, and sometimes crosses the mark of +30 °C. Generally, the weather in Marseille is slightly hotter than in Nice and Cannes. Fortunately, the climate of the Côte d'Azur is characterized by tramontana sea breezes, the breeze of which can be felt almost constantly. So such high climatic indicators are perceived by the body quite comfortably. The water in the sea is very warm, the evenings delight with “democratic” air temperatures, at which it is impossible to freeze.
Temperature and weather on the Cote d'Azur in summer
| Weather in June | Weather in July | Weather in August | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature average | +20 | +22 | +22 |
| Temperature during the day | +24 | +26 | +26 |
| Temperature at night | +15 | +18 | +18 |
| Water temperature | +19 | +22 | +23 |
| Rain | 8 days | 5 days | 6 days |
Côte d'Azur in autumn
September is a velvet season in the resorts of the French Riviera. While in many cities of the country the weather is already deteriorating, here tourists continue to enjoy all the gifts of the passing summer. During the day, fairly comfortable temperatures are established - just what is needed for children's recreation and those who cannot tolerate heat. Solar activity has already slowed down, so people with white skin should not worry. The first days of the week of the month you can swim completely calmly - the water temperature will remain between +21 °C and +24°C, but towards the end of the month the transparent blue sky will increasingly be replaced by clouds. The October weather, although warm for the middle of the “golden season,” is somewhat rainy. Therefore, no one can predict her character at this time. If it’s still cold for the beach, then for long walks along the sea promenade, there’s no better time. In November, the resorts have a lazy, sleepy atmosphere. No one is in a hurry, life proceeds at a measured pace. The average air temperature no longer rises above +17 °C, but this is quite enough to enjoy a cup of coffee in an outdoor cafe. But only during the day, since after sunset it gets cold - to about +8 °C.
Temperature and weather on the Cote d'Azur in autumn
| Weather in September | Weather in October | Weather in November | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature average | +20 | +16 | +12 |
| Temperature during the day | +24 | +20 | +16 |
| Temperature at night | +16 | +12 | +8 |
| Water temperature | +21 | +19 | +16 |
| Rain | 7 days | 9 days | 9 days |
Cote d'Azur in winter
Winter on the French Riviera is very warm, although not without precipitation. However, they only fall in the form of rain. In Cannes, Nice, Saint-Tropez and other seaside resorts on the coast, snow is considered an anomaly. But in the mountains it lies stable. There, from December to March is the height of the ski season. By the way, due to the fact that the Côte d'Azur is bordered on the northern side by the Alps, cold, dank winds do not penetrate its territory at all. During the day, the average air temperature is about +12 °C..+13 °C, rarely falling below +10 °C, and in the evening, even in the coldest climatic month of the year, January, it stays at +4 °C. Winter on Sunny Beach is so mild that mimosas bloom everywhere in February. On some days the thermometer reaches +20 °C, at which time many restaurants serve their guests outdoors.
Temperature and weather on the Cote d'Azur in winter
| Weather in December | Weather in January | Weather in February | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature average | +9 | +8 | +8 |
| Temperature during the day | +13 | +12 | +12 |
| Temperature at night | +5 | +4 | +4 |
| Water temperature | +14 | +13 | +13 |
| Rain | 8 days | 9 days | 9 days |
Holidays on the Cote d'Azur are famous not only for the attributes of luxury and the surrounding stunning scenery, but also for a very warm and sunny climate with pleasant weather throughout the year. However, you can swim for only 4 months, so the best time for a resort holiday is June and the first three weeks of September. In July and August the water is warmest, but this is the “hot season”. The second half of spring and the first half of autumn are ideal for excursions. Tour-Calendar hopes that the information we provided was extremely useful to you.
Comfortably located on the Cote d'Azur between Italy and France, the Principality of Monaco offers guests more than 300 sunny days a year. While the wonderful climate is the main attraction, people are also drawn by the beauty of the blue coastline, the diversity of the environment and the friendly people who greet you everywhere you go. From the deep blue of the Mediterranean to the stunning white canyons of the inland landscape, Monaco never fails to amaze. However, to spend a luxurious holiday on the beach, you don’t have to go to Monaco, but you definitely need to go to the Cote d’Azur!
The Côte d'Azur is famous for its blue waters and sunny, beautiful beaches, but not only those that are known to everyone and are located in Nice and Cannes - after all, the coast is not limited to these two cities. So, let's look at where to go in France and Monaco this summer to bask in the rays of the southern sun.
Nikki Beach Fairmont Monte-Carlo (Monaco)
For the second year in a row, Fairmont Monte-Carlo's panoramic rooftop invites lovers of beauty to spend their summer holidays around its pool and on Nikki Beach.
Breakfast, lunch, apero, dinner, dancing, fashion and cinema - Nikki Beach has the answer to your every desire. “Nikki Beach Fairmont Monte-Carlo is a formula that meets all the requirements of our customers,” shares Xavier Rugheroni, CEO of Fairmont Monte Carlo, who decided to renew the partnership until 2018 with the Nikki Beach concept created in 1998 by Jack Panrod. Thus, as in previous years, Nikki Beach will be located on the 7th floor, which is now called “seventh heaven”. A truly heavenly holiday awaits you here. This place has been chosen by celebrities, yachtsmen, philanthropists and other discerning guests.
Nikki Beach Fairmont Monte-Carlo
Le Méridien Beach Plaza (Monaco)
Le Méridien Beach Plaza invites you to Monaco's only private beach. There is no quieter corner in the entire principality where you will feel like you are in your own world, and you risk not even noticing the first-class service offered by the hotel, but you will definitely feel it when you are left alone with yourself or people close to you.
Le Méridien Beach Plaza is proud not only of the high class and variety of services provided, but also of extraordinary tranquility, a beautiful view with a perspective and horizon line that will open to your eyes from the sandy beach, as well as the excellent cuisine of its restaurant. Here you can also take advantage of 3 swimming pools and the services of an internal fitness club.
Le Méridien Beach Plaza Larvotto Beach (Monaco)
Among the most famous and famous beaches of Monaco are, of course, Larvotto Beach . It's rare that a city resident won't show you the way to this beach. Being loved by a large number of both local and tourist audiences, the beach is not inferior in beauty to the most beautiful beach in France.
Larvotto Beach- an artificial beach, carefully created by people who know a lot about relaxation. The most sophisticated tourist will not find anything to complain about on the famous beach. Soft sand, shining under the rays of the summer sun, and beautiful views of the sea will give you real pleasure. The audience here is characteristic of the Monegasque principality - calm and noble. Topless sunbathing is allowed on the beach. Also, the beach is divided into several zones, and in the calmest and most remote of them, as a rule, mothers and babies relax, taking their first hesitant steps on the soft sand without fear of accidental falls.
In addition, one can note a pleasant rarity for the beach of the Cote d'Azur - along the entire beach at a moderate distance there is a net from jellyfish, protecting swimmers. This allows young mothers to spend their free time with their children here, where kids can splash around the shore without fear of burns.
The beach is also equipped with a large variety of coastal restaurants that offer a very wide selection of dishes to suit every taste.
Note Bleue Beach (Monaco)
In fact, Note Bleue is located on the same Larvotto beach. But it can be distinguished separately.
This beach restaurant is popular both among tourists and among the residents of the principality themselves. A wide variety of people flock here not only to sunbathe or take a nap on the purest white sand under the gentle sound of the surf, but also to enjoy the amazingly beautiful jazz music, which has already become a kind of calling card of the beach.
Note Bleue owes its name to the famous saxophonist from Nice Barney Vilain, to whose memory the organizers paid tribute in this way. Note Bleue rhymes with relaxation and carefree. For example, Miami Plage, located there, is more suitable for families with children.
Beach at Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel (Monaco)
This private beach is located next to the 5-star hotel of the same name. The coastline occupied by the beach is smaller in size than its more spacious neighbors, however, due to its closeness and narrow accessibility, the beach allows you to feel like one of the chosen ones - those who were able to hide away from the noisy public in order to admire the beauty created by nature itself - such Breathtaking scenery opens up to your eyes from this small and clean beach.
At your disposal are additional indoor and outdoor swimming pools, which are located here on the territory.
This beach is the most expensive and sophisticated, both in terms of its service and level of service. Here you will find not only the ubiquitous sun loungers, but also bungalows and tents if you want to add some intimacy to your holiday.
The beach is open to the public from April to October. There are 200 shade canopies available for rent. You can also rent a tent or a chaise lounge you like monthly or for the whole summer. The rental price depends on the high/low season, as well as the proximity to the water. On average, renting a bungalow for a day will cost you 250 euros; a canopy for a day - from 100 to 180 euros and within 10,000 euros for the whole season.
Beach at Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel (Monaco)
Another Monaco beach that boasts its exclusivity and high-profile audience. It is not publicly accessible, so quiet solitude in the shade of a canopy or hut, purchased for one day or for the whole season, is guaranteed. Prices for services also range from 200 euros per tent per day and about 10,000 euros if you decide to rent for the whole season. Every year, it is advisable to contact the beach/hotel employees for detailed information, as there are many nuances in prices due to the different locations of sun loungers and high and low seasons.
Whatever decision you make, even one day spent in the silence of Monte-Carlo Bay beach is worth it, because you will be disturbed only by the rustling of the flora surrounding the beach and the measured splash of light waves lazily rushing onto the shore.
This beach is located on the border of Monaco's Fontvieille district and Cap-d'Ail in France, right behind the Mariott hotel. It is unlikely that the epithets “luxurious” and “luxury” are suitable for it. However, there are two restaurants on the beach: Le Lamparo and Cap Marquet. The first one is cheaper, the second one is more expensive. Cuisine mixed: French, Mediterranean, Italian, Pizza.
Restaurants offer sun loungers and umbrellas for rent, so you can sit comfortably. The beach is initially pebble, but sand is added before the season opens. You can rent kayaks, canoes, windsurfing boards or paddle boards. Since this beach is very popular with local French people, the prices for everything here are not Monegasque, although you should not expect much. We move further along the French coast.
Plage Marquet Mala Beach, Cap d'Ail (France)
The small quiet town of Cap d’Ail (translated from French as “Cape of Garlic”) is located exactly between Menton, Nice and Monaco, so it’s even difficult to say where it will be faster to get there. The city's beach corresponds to the very nature of the city - tranquility and exquisite relaxation. It is famous for its crystal clear waters, as well as the most picturesque views that combine both sea and mountain landscapes.
You will be warmly greeted by the owners of two restaurants - La Reserve Mala and Eden Plage Mala, located right here on the beach, and Russian guests will be very welcome, since Russian nobility already in the 19th century were frequent visitors to the “Cape of Garlic”, and all local Residents know this - they look at Russians here almost as if they were their own. La Mala is a very fashionable and stylish beach.
Parking may be a problem during high season. If the day is not very hot, and you like to walk, then continue walking along the sea towards Nice from Marquet beach - after a 40-minute walk you will reach Mala beach from the coast, and you will probably enjoy the walk itself: the path goes along the sea - the most picturesque views, silence, sound of waves and sun.
Mala Beach, Cap d'Ail, France Anjuna Beach, Eze, or exotic Eden (France)
In the tiny town of Eze in France, there was a place for the Anjuna beach, amazing in its beauty and exoticism, where the most active traveler suddenly decides to sit in the shade of trees by the quietly splashing water and think: where, exactly, is he in such a hurry? Feel like Robinson Crusoe without leaving France!
Beginning its work in April of each year and operating until September, the beach quickly gained popularity among initiates thanks to the amazing idea and concept developed and offered to the public in 2000 by Patrick Dejoanni and his wife Erica.
The unforgettable surroundings of the beach located at the very foot of the cliff will not leave anyone indifferent. At the same time, every Sunday there are festive events and parties that break the usual silence, and during the celebrations you are treated to exquisite Mediterranean cuisine and fine wines. A festive atmosphere interspersed with a quiet, secluded daytime rest - only Anjuna Beach can offer this.
Paloma Beach, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
There is something very special about Cap Ferrat, and this “something” is difficult to put into words. Perhaps you will feel it yourself when, after a short trip from Monaco, you find yourself on this small cape, located away from the busy roads. Cap Ferrat is the epitome of a resort holiday from the time of Marilyn Monroe and her films; these are small quaint winding streets, noblely aged houses, well-kept shops for tourists and locals - time moves slowly, everyone enjoys life. Paloma Beach seems to have come out of a magazine picture about those times - dark brown sun loungers, wooden platforms, boats that deliver yacht inhabitants who decided to dine here to the shore, waiters and beach boys bringing you towels and cocktails... There is no glamor and pathos here, and there are simply friendly people who, year after year, do well the same difficult task of creating comfort for us, vacationers. The menu in the restaurant, by the way, has not changed for years, and guests invariably choose Fritto Misto, artichoke salad and zucchini flowers in batter...
Beach parking is small, so get there early or hope for luck. There is a free private beach next to it, with shady trees. The beach itself has small pebbles and a wooden pier from which children joyfully jump. During the season, jet skis are available for rent.
Paloma Beach, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France Marinières, Villefranche (France)
Away from the crowds, from numerous tourists and simply from the sounds of the city and streets, you can fully enjoy the silence and beauty of the first private beach in Villefranche. Become the pioneers who have visited this paradise.
The fact is that the beach opens for the first time only in the summer of 2016. On the eve of the season, they worked here to create not only a calm, quiet beach, but also a real place to relax. There is no need to be afraid of the large crowd that will also rush to discover this recreation area: the “paradise” occupies an area of 763 sq. m. meters. Everyone will be able to accommodate!
The Deli Bo confectionery is responsible for the arrangement and management. Imagine what desserts and cocktails you can expect on the Cote d'Azur! And besides this, there are numerous water sports, entertainment and beautiful views of the sea and yachts.
Baie des Milliardaires beach, Cap d'Antibes (France)
For a long time accessible only by sea from a ship, the beach of Billionaires' Bay (la Baie des Milliardaires) on Cap D'Antibes only since June 2011 has become accessible by land along a small path leading to it. This bay, overlooking Billionaires' Bay, is the bay's first public bay. Here you will find a pebble beach (the stones are quite large) surrounded by an enchanting atmosphere of natural fairy tales and solitude. Unaccustomed to crowded visits, the nature of the cape will not leave indifferent the most sophisticated connoisseur of harmony and silence.
This amazing corner of nature, which became accessible to travelers only recently, will amaze you with the beauty of its emerald greenery and exotic flora of the bay.
Juan-les-Pins beach, Antibes (France)
A huge sandy beach is located on the territory of the famous French resort - the city of Antibes, in France. Rarely beautiful nature with white sand washed by the sea surf - what else is needed for a real summer holiday? This beach has been included in more than one list of the top 10 most beautiful beaches of the coming season, so if you admire nature and like to enjoy exceptional scenery, you should go to Juan-les-Pins beach in France.
You need to know, however, that there is a roadway very close to the beach, which, in general, does not detract from its picturesqueness and does not disturb the peace of vacationers, since it is not a highway.
Pampelonne, Saint-Tropez (France)
Neither more nor less, but as much as 6 kilometers stretches the most iconic beach of Saint-Tropez. There are both private closed areas and municipal ones, where access is open to everyone. Of course, in search of peace and solitude, you should go to private comfortable recreation areas, however, the urban part of the beach is not inferior either in its service or in the beauty of the views. Moreover, it is not for nothing that the beach is at the same time almost the main attraction of Saint-Tropez - it amazes with its diversity and simultaneous accessibility for all visitors. There is even the most secluded and remote area where people gather topless sunbathers.
In the evening, the entire beach turns into a huge open-air dance floor, where all the vacationers light up and have fun all night long.
Beach la Bouillabaisse, Saint-Tropez (France)
Another exceptionally beautiful sandy beach in Saint-Tropez. For lovers of a quiet and secluded holiday, this is an ideal place. Despite its fame, this beach is less visited by the public who come to relax in Saint-Tropez, due to its slightly more distant location from the city compared to the central beach of Pampelonne.
In addition to spending some quiet time in the summer sun, you can also enjoy the incredible views of the Mor Mountains from here. If you need a landmark to find the beach, head towards the main port of Saint-Tropez.
Tourists who have already visited this quiet corner of the famous resort assure that not a single photograph is capable of conveying or capturing either the atmosphere or the picturesqueness of the opening landscapes.
On a note:
Entrance to closed beaches is determined by the management company and can vary from 20 to 100 euros depending on the class of the beach and its location. The cost of a sun lounger on the beaches also varies from 15 to 80 euros per day. Book sunbeds in advance, this is a must during high season.
