The Region
At the Southern edge of the Provence we find a region completely different from the others: the Côte d’Azur. Here the scenery of the mountain and that of the coast go hand in hand, the shining sand beach becomes a magnet to artists and movie stars. The Côte d’Azur is associated with sea, culture and glamour, accompanied by images of the annual film festivals. Here we find the well-known lively cities like Monaco, Nice, Cannes and St-Tropez – on the other hand there are many small charming seaside places. Gently sloping hills and jagged hills on the one side, and the azure-blue sea with its sand beaches on the other side. Less than an hour’s drive separate overcrowded boulevards from lonely mountain regions, and mundane yachting ports from wild gorgeous in the mainland.
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Culture & Sights
The Riviera ha always attracted various artists in search for the clear mediterranean light. This coast is inseparably linked to the life and work of Matisse, Picasso, Chagall and Renoir. Thus, even today the Château Grimaldi near Antibes houses many paintings of Renoir and Picasso. Close to Antibes we find Cannes, famous all over the world for its film festival. Casinos, exhibitions and fairs, yachting ports and the life on the beach leave no place for boredom! Nice on the other hand is known for its Italian atmosphere. Here, amid narrow facades and lanes we find numerous historical buildings like the CathédraleSte-Réparate or the opulent opera house. In the residence of the Monarchs of Monaco a beautiful combination of the present and the past can be noticed. The city built on a ledge harbours skyscrapers built here for lack of space as well as historical buildings like Palais Princier or the Théâtre du Fort Antoine. Close by is Monte Carlo famous for its annual rallyes, and St.Tropez known for its Mediterranean atmosphere and its sparkling life.
Cuisine
In Southern France plenty of specialities are offered. From the Tarte au citron, a sweet lemon cake, to honey in different flavours and fougasse, a flat bread with black olives and onions. Regional wines can also be tasted here. Renowned producers of the region are Domaine Tempier, Château Pibarnon or Mas de la Dame. Here the von de pays is produced.
The Country and its People
A great many artists have been attracted by the Riviera until this day, the same as Raoul Dufy or Paul Signac before were inspired by this region. Their works have impressed the entire world. Writers like W.S. Maugham or Émile Zola spent here many of their successful creative phases. Today the Côte d’Azur is teeming with stars and starlets from all over the world.
