The French Riviera, known by locals as the Cote d'Azur or Turquoise Coast, has long attracted
many visitors for a variety of reasons.
It's located in the southeast corner of France and runs along the pristine Mediterranean
coastline.
There is no official boundary or border, but the French Riviera is usually considered to
extend from Toulon or Saint-Tropez in the west to Menton at the French-Italian border
in the east.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, many of the French Riviera's visitors were famed
artists and authors.
In modern times, the region has attracted everyone from celebrities to high stakes gamblers
and everyday people who are just looking for a beautiful place to spend their vacations.
Seeing as how this area is known for being one of the most gorgeous parts of France,
it's little wonder that every year this stretch of the Mediterranean coast draws millions
of travelers from around the world to experience its rich culture and natural beauty.
The French Riviera has a population of over two million and is home to over 160 nationalities.
Some of the region's most noteworthy towns and cities include Frejus, Cannes, St. Tropex,
Nice, Menton, and Sainte-Maxime.
If you're trying to figure out what to see and do in the French Riviera, keep watching
to hear all about what we believe are its absolute best tourist attractions, cities,
and natural wonders.
Unwind In Menton
The charming little town of Menton has all of the beauty and splendor of some of the
better-known cities and villages in the French Riviera, but with just a small fraction of
the crowd.
If you're not that into congested areas full of tourists vying for the best spots at the
beach, then Menton is the French Riviera destination for you.
There are a half-dozen or so beaches in and around Menton that are practically empty during
the off-season.
In town, you'll find plenty of boutiques, shops, and cafes amidst sprawling alleyways.
According to historical data, Menton experiences an average of 316 sunny days a year.
In addition to almost perfect weather, Menton is known for its many gardens and remarkable
Italian cuisine.
The town is located right along the French-Italian border, so you get a lovely little medley
of the two cultures.
It's a suitable place for a day trip, but you could easily spend a week or so here discovering
everything that the town has to offer.
For an unparalleled culinary experience, be sure to check out the triple Michelin-starred
restaurant Mirazer, which features an award-winning menu from chef Mauro Calagreco.
Drink From The Famed Fontaine-deVaucluse
What do you get when you combine French history with a natural wonder?
The Fontaine-de-Vancluse is what!
The natural spring, which gushes from a 755-foot high cliff, offers an incredible sensory experience
that you can not only see, but also taste.
It's the biggest spring in France and is the source of the majestic Sorgue River.
The spring is not only easy to visit but there is actually a town with a ton of historical
significance that is built near it.
You can reach the spring on foot, and along your route, you'll come across numerous restaurants,
cafes, and shops.
We recommend visiting right after heavy rain because that's when the river is at its fullest
and prettiest.
The spring has a lovely bluish-green hue and has long been considered to be both medicinal
and sacred to the locals.
In ancient times, it was used for ritual ceremonies.
There is also a legend surrounding it about a mythical winged creature named the Coulobre
which supposedly lives in its waters.
Test Your Luck Out In Monte Carlo
Monte Carlo is a city that has become synonymous with wealth and luxury.
This is partly to do with its reputation for being a tax haven for the uber-rich, but primarily
because of the opulent Monte Carlo Casino that calls the city its home.
Monte Carlo is found in a small little nation called Monaco.
It might be tiny, but it's famous for being a place where glitz and glamour run supreme.
The casino resides in a belle epoque building that was constructed in 1863.
It was designed by architect Charles Garnier, best known for designing the Paris opera house,
and faces out towards the sea.
The casino's large entrance hall features ionic columns that give you a taste of what
you're getting yourself into.
Once inside, you'll come upon the Salle Garnier main hall, which is features a red and gold
color scheme and is adorned with frescoes.
The remainder of the casino's rooms are equally impressive from an architectural and design
standpoint.
Just be careful that you don't get so caught up in the Casino's aesthetics that you accidentally
gamble your life away at the blackjack table.
Not to get too derailed, but if you've made it this far and have been enjoying this video,
take a moment to show us a little support by giving it a like and subscribing to the
Viewcation channel.
Immerse Yourself In Art History In Antibes
This town is known for its picturesque beaches and megayachts.
Historically, however, it's deeply rooted in the arts.
In 1926 at what used to be the Villa Saint – now a popular hotel called the Belles-Rives
– F. Scott Fitzgerald took up residency with his wife Zelda and his daughter Scottie
and proceeded to pen the classic Tender is the Night.
The striking villas and lavish mansions that line the shores mesmerized Fitzgerald, and
they are still very much so a part of the Antibean landscape.
While strolling around old Antibes, you'll discover places like the Cours Massena, a
provencal food market that offers a ton of charm.
Then there's the Musee Picasso, the first museum to be dedicated to Pablo Picasso.
The museum was previously known as the Chateau Grimaldi, and it was once the artist's home
and workshop.
Today, it remains one of the primary cultural draws to the laidback resort town.
Make A Stop At The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild In Ste Jean Cap Ferrat
Of all the breathtaking villas along the French Riviera, this one is one of the most impressive.
In 1905 this marvel of the design was built for Beatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, a socialite
who hailed from an absurdly rich banking family.
The villas houses her art collection and was once used as place for literary gatherings
and engaging conversations, frequented by musicians and art collectors.
It's also far removed from the temptations and indulges of Saint-Tropez and Monte Carlo.
The villa is situated high atop the hills overlooking St Jean Cap Ferrat.
With its pink-hued neoclassical facade, it's famed for its lush gardens.
You'll be free to explore the formal sections lined with aromatic roses and other vibrantly
colored flowers.
As you stroll through the grounds, you come upon cascading fountains before discovering
the tropical, Japanese and traditional French gardens.
The villa also offers picture-perfect views of the Mediterranean and the rocky hillside.
Every May, the rose and plant festival is held to celebrate the climax of Spring.
Inside the villa, you'll find collections of drawings from the esteemed Jean-Honore
Fragonard, a fantastic collection of rare and valuable porcelain and China, as well
as the private dwellings of the original owner.
Climb Up To La Colline du Chateau
If you're traveling to the French Riviera, your trip won't be complete without a stop
in the town of Nice.
The coastal village overlooks the emerald blue waters of the Mediterranean.
Begin your stay with a climb up to Castle Hill, otherwise known as La Colline du Chateau.
Once you make it to the top, you'll be treated to panoramic views of Old Town, the boardwalk,
and the Baie de Anges.
Make sure you take a moment to appreciate the city's varied and eclectic architecture.
Even though only a few crumbling and dilapidated walls are what remain of the namesake castle,
there is a lovely little park that's absolutely perfect for a picnic.
So, you probably should hit up the market before making your way up the hill.
After a long day of sightseeing, you most surely will have worked up quite an appetite.
Get Lost In Nice's Old Town
The city of Nice's cultural hub is the colorful area known as Vieille Ville, or Old Town.
This neighborhood is a lively maze of streets full of shops, galleries, and restaurants.
All over Old Town's many squares, you'll find cozy little cafes, so make sure you take some
time to sit and have a cup of espresso while engaging in a bit of people-watching.
We also recommend checking out the mile-long Promenade du Paillon, Old Town's public park
and botanical garden.
If you're a lover of the arts, check out the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.
Live Like The Rich And Famous In Cannes
Decades before it was home to the famed Canne's International Film Festival, this town earned
it's reputation for being the playground for some of the world's most wealthy and cultured
individuals.
It's a town that is dripping in excess in everything from high-end haute-couture fashion
and luxury sports cars.
Cannes is a gorgeously scenic seaside destination that was practically made for rest and relaxation,
but it also offers stunning views and a ton of culture.
As you climb the winding stairways, you'll pass by charming little pastel homes in Le
Suquet, Canne's old quarter.
Eventually, you'll wind up at the Musse de La Castre, a medieval fortress-turned-museum
that houses ethnographic art and overlooks the Croisette and the marina.
And of course, if you happen to be in Cannes in May, the city comes alive during the week
surrounding the famed eponymous film festival.
We could easily spend hours detailing all of the fantastic things worth seeing and doing
on the French Riviera, but once again, we're just about out of time for this video.
You've heard what we have to say.
Now's your turn to let your voice be heard.
What are you most excited to see on your next trip to the French Riviera?
If you've already had the pleasure of visiting this stunning stretch of coast along the Mediterranean,
what are some of your favorite towns and attractions?
Let us know in the comments.
And before you move on to watching another one of our facts-filled travel videos, take
a moment to show us a little love by giving this video a like and by subscribing to the
Viewcation channel.
While you're at it, tap the bell to turn on notifications.
That way, you can keep up with all of our latest and upcoming videos as soon as they
drop.
As always, thanks for watching, and happy travels!