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Poetic name of the French Riviera (Cote d'Azur)

The name of the Province is familiar to every one of our compatriots since childhood. For several centuries, poets, artists, aristocrats, members of royal families and Hollywood stars have chosen to vacation on the French Riviera. The Cote d'Azur was a favorite vacation spot for Russian nobles, who came here as if to a dacha. Many memories have been preserved from this period, for example, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (French: La Cathédrale orthodoxe russe Saint-Nicolas) in Nice is the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe, and here in Nice there is also a Russian cemetery, where more than 3 thousand Russian emigrants are buried, including many outstanding people.

Cote d'Azur

This is the famous southern region of France, stretching along the Mediterranean Sea from Marseille to the border with Italy. The wonderful climate, picturesque nature, warm sea and fashionable hotels make it a favorite vacation spot for wealthy people. The main thing on the Cote d'Azur is not the sea at all: people come here for the parties, entertainment, restaurants, discos and casinos. Often, only the southeastern part of the coast, which begins in the Toulon region, is called the Cote d'Azur. In addition to the territory of France with the world-famous Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, the region includes the Principality of Monaco. The region offers its guests all the best that France has to offer: the sea and rocky ledges, the sun and lush greenery, luxury shops and ancient landmarks, delicious food and excellent wines.

How to get to the Cote d'Azur

By plane There are three airports on the French Riviera: Nice French Riviera, Marseille Provence and tiny Cannes Mondelieu, which only accepts private jets. Direct flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg fly to Nice, but to Marseille you will have to change planes, for example, in Paris or Amsterdam. Flights are operated by Aeroflot, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, the minimum travel time is 6 hours.

From the airport to the city For those landing in Nice, the most convenient way to get to the center is by city bus. Routes №№ 98 and 99 leave directly from the airport, and routes №№ 23, 52, 59 and 94 also stop nearby (tickets for them are cheaper, but you will need to go a little further from the airport building). Those arriving in Marseille should first take a free shuttle, which takes 5 minutes to the Vitroles Aeroport train station, from where trains go to the Saint Charles station, and then you can either walk to the desired place or take the metro.

By train Direct trains to Nice depart from Moscow's Belorussky Station twice a week. Travel time is about 2 days, and an adult ticket costs 331 EUR. Another option is to fly to Paris and then travel south on the TGV train. High-speed trains run regularly and pass through almost all major cities. The train from Paris to Marseille takes 3.5 hours, and to Nice - a little over 5 hours. Ticket prices start at 160 EUR. You can find out more and pay for your trip on the official website. The earlier you buy your ticket, the cheaper it will be. In addition, French railways often offer discounts.

Districts of the Cote d'Azur

The Côte d'Azur is the entire southeastern part of the Mediterranean coastline that belongs to France. The territory extends to the border with Italy and includes the Principality of Monaco. The region includes the southern part of the departments of Alpes-Maritimes and Var, as well as a small section of Bouches-du-Rhône. The most popular area among tourists is the Alpes-Maritimes, where the famous Nice, Cannes and Monaco are located. These places are traditionally considered the center of luxury, comfort and expensive life, and the capital of the department, Nice, is one of the most famous resorts in the world, although this city is more interesting for its cultural heritage and attractions than its beach. In Var, the pace of life slows down sharply, and the quality of the beaches improves noticeably. It is these lands that have become the classic example of the Côte d'Azur: cozy villages and towns, lavender fields, vineyards, blue sea. The most famous cities are Toulon and Saint-Tropez. And Bouches-du-Rhône is the eastern department of the region, where Marseille is located, the largest, liveliest and most unusual settlement of the Côte d'Azur and the capital of Provence. From here you can go to ancient Arles, Aix-en-Provence and see many sights. Near Marseille there are quiet seaside villages with good conditions for a beach holiday.

Transport (Cote d'Azur)

The most convenient way to travel around the region is by train. The railway network covers almost the entire coast, and you can get to remote villages by bus, which belongs to the local railway company, and even the same tickets are valid for them. It is better to buy them in advance on the official website of French Railways. In large cities, public transport is represented by buses, less often by trams, in Marseille there is a metro. But usually tourists only explore the central part of the city, so you can also get around on foot. A taxi within one settlement costs 20-35 EUR, if you go by car between cities, you will have to pay 80-110 EUR. In addition, it is easy and pleasant to travel around the Côte d'Azur by bike. There are often bike paths, but even where there are none, it is convenient to ride. In large cities, there are city bike rentals, the prices are usually lower, and in smaller places you can find private companies. It is worth choosing a mountain model, since you will most likely encounter dirt roads near vineyards and hills on the way. Difficulties may arise only when riding on cobbled streets in the central part of small towns. In this case, it is better to leave the bike and go for a walk. And, of course, having the sea nearby, you can use water transport. If renting a yacht is not available to everyone, then a ferry ticket or paying for a sea taxi can be afforded by many. Ferries sail both long distances, for example, connecting the region with Corsica or Sardinia, and very small ones: they ply between the two banks of the Old Port in Marseille.

Car rental (Cote d'Azur)

Most tourists who come to the Cote d'Azur rent a car. It is convenient and practical: you can explore the entire region and not depend on the train and bus schedule. However, there is a downside: the highway along the coast of southern France is overcrowded, and there are often traffic jams in the high season. The easiest way is to rent a car right at the airport, although you can also use city rentals in Nice, Cannes, Marseille and other cities. Or even in small villages. The police treat tourists well, are always ready to help, but require impeccable compliance with traffic rules. There are many parking lots in the region, but they are all paid, there are parking meters on the streets. And it is not so easy to find a place. It is worth preparing in advance and looking for the addresses of multi-level parking lots in the cities along the route, sometimes they are the only thing that saves. There are often toll roads, at the entrance to which there are also traffic jams. When driving long distances, especially in rural areas, experienced drivers advise filling the tank with gasoline in advance, since gas stations are not available everywhere.

Hotels on the French Riviera (Cote d'Azur)

The Côte d'Azur is a very diverse region, and the hotels there are also different. These are luxurious, five-star complexes where celebrities stay, and modest home-style hotels in small towns, and guest houses that will not only provide accommodation but also delight you with real Provencal cuisine, and modern apartments, and fashionable secluded villas, and simple, affordable hostels. The cheapest accommodation options will offer bed, breakfast and Wi-Fi, the most expensive ones - everything from restaurants and casinos to spa centers, jewelry boutiques and beauty salons for people and pets. A night in a hostel costs 12-40 EUR, a double room in a 3 * hotel is rented for 41-230 EUR, and if you want real five-star chic, you will have to pay 150-610 EUR per night. In small towns, the cost of living is usually lower.

Beaches of the Cote d'Azur

The French Riviera has a reputation as one of the best places in the world for a seaside holiday. The conditions here are really good, but the quality of the beaches varies greatly. However, there are paid sun loungers and umbrellas, toilets, showers, changing cabins, cafes and various water activities everywhere. Most tourists strive to get to Nice or Cannes, but the coast here can be disappointing: in Nice, guests will find high waves and very large pebbles, more reminiscent of cobblestones (stock up on beach shoes!), and in Cannes the sand is not bad, but almost the entire territory belongs to hotels, you will not be able to sunbathe for free. But further along the coast, starting from Antibes, there is a real expanse for vacationers. In Antibes itself, there is a very long and clean beach of the same name, surrounded by rocky slopes with pine trees growing on them. The second city beach Grania is noisier, with a bunch of water activities. In Cassis there are two small sand and pebble areas, which are also framed by rocks of amazing beauty, and right behind them begins the road to the calanques - narrow rocky bays where you can enjoy the views. De la Grande Mer beach deserves higher marks. A wonderful sandy beach, awarded the Blue Flag, is located in the village of La Ciotat near Marseille, it is great for a holiday with children, as the entry into the water is gentle. The second most popular "children's" resort is in Mandelieu-la-Napoule, there is also shallow and calm. Another good place for a holiday with kids is Sainte-Maxime and the so-called Elephant Beach. Of course, there are no elephants there, but there is soft fine sand and a very comfortable descent into the sea. The famous Plage du Prado in Marseille is a two-kilometer stretch of coastline covered with pebbles. But it is important to remember that Marseille is a large port city, so the water is not very clean and cannot be compared with the neighboring towns, which can be reached in a few minutes. Those who travel by car should go towards Frejus and turn to the wild, deserted shores, they are considered the most deserted and beautiful, although there is no infrastructure there. But the most famous seaside resort for many years has been Saint-Tropez - indeed, very picturesque and well-equipped, but sometimes too crowded. Here, the best part of the coast is considered to be the beach of De Pampelonne, although the prices there are very high: for a set of two sun loungers and an umbrella you will have to pay 30 EUR, while on more modest beaches the cost does not exceed 15 EUR. Not far from Toulon is the town of La Londe-les-Maures - another piece of coast with a Blue Flag, it is very nice and practically deserted, since there are no large hotels nearby.

Diving (Cote d'Azur)

The depths of the sea off the Cote d'Azur are very unusual places for diving. Firstly, in favorable weather conditions you can dive even in winter, although the best time is still from May to October. Secondly, an amazing world is hidden under the water, slightly less rich than in tropical latitudes, but no less fascinating: fish, including the giant grouper, more than 20 thousand rock caves, each of which is home to inhabitants unusual to humans, and sunken ships. The most famous dive site is located near Saint-Raphael. Not far from the coast lie as many as 5 sunken ships: 4 of them are relatively young, sank to the bottom during World War II, and the 5th has been resting since the mid-16th century and, according to one version, is considered part of Barbarossa's army. The depth varies - from 6 to 67 m, so the requirements for the level of training of divers vary. Diving enthusiasts also enjoy diving in the Nice area. Here, at a depth of 42 m, lie the remains of a plane that crashed into the water, and near the cape, a statue of the Virgin Mary is sunken, it is located at a depth of less than 3 m, so even beginners can examine it.

Shopping (Cote d'Azur)

Although the French Riviera cannot be called a place for bargain shopping, many travelers dream of real French shopping when going there. For this, you should go to Nice, Cannes, Menton and Saint-Tropez. Almost all world and French brands are represented there, and boutiques occupy entire blocks. Another suitable place is Marseille. Here, mostly mid-priced brands are found, shops are located in the Old Port area. Sales are held twice a year, from mid-January to mid-February and throughout July. Discounts can be significant: up to 70%, and a month before the start of the promotion, sellers are prohibited from raising prices. Almost all shops have a two-hour lunch break, many are closed on Sundays, but in the most touristy areas, these rules are sometimes cancelled. Cicadas are considered one of the main symbols of the French Riviera, and all sorts of souvenirs with their images are made here: keychains, magnets, brooches and large wall decorations (they can be seen on the houses of local residents). Provencal herbs, traditional poppy syrup and folk crafts are also brought from here. It is impossible not to mention the traditional gifts of Provence - lavender, wines, olive oil and cheeses. Bunches of dried lavender can be found in every store, but you can bring something more practical: lavender honey or soap, sachets for scenting linen or home decor. The range of wines will amaze even an experienced traveler, because grapes have been cultivated on the French Riviera for several thousand years. You should definitely bring a bottle of pink Cotes de Provence. When choosing olive oil, make sure that the packaging is marked Extra Virgin. And finally, cheeses - a real French classic! Hard ones are preferable for transportation, although varieties with white or blue mold are more popular.

Cuisine and Restaurants (Cote d'Azur)

The cuisine of the Côte d'Azur differs from the classic French cuisine, it is simpler and more "rustic", but very tasty. The eastern part, for example, Nice, was greatly influenced by Italy. In addition to luxury restaurants, found mainly in large cities by the standards of the region, guests can find brasseries, cafes and bistros where you can have an inexpensive and tasty lunch. The establishments are similar to each other, only brasseries are a larger format, cafes are usually designed for several tables, and bistros offer a limited set of dishes (usually 3-4 signature dishes). A separate conversation is about pastry shops, they sell fresh pastries, including the famous baguettes and croissants. In the afternoon, the kitchen in almost all establishments is closed until 16:00-17:00, you can only order drinks. The gifts of the local land and sea are used to prepare dishes: olive oil, garlic, basil, tomatoes, rosemary, fish and seafood. You should definitely try bouillabaisse, a Marseille dish that is a combination of fish soup and a fish "second course". Popular seafood includes oysters, mussels and yantina shellfish. Meat lovers will appreciate Sisteron lamb. In the south of France, they make excellent "banon" cheese, which is aged in chestnut or grape leaves. Vegetables and fruits are served everywhere, but citrus fruits are especially prized in Menton, and local Cavaillon melons are not only eaten as separate dishes, but are also used to prepare culinary masterpieces in restaurants. Baked artichoke with lard and mushrooms is a hit with many tourists. Dinner with a glass of wine in a restaurant will cost 40-50 EUR. At the same time, prices on the terrace are usually slightly higher than inside. A light and healthy snack that replaces fast food is "fougasse" - a flatbread with olive oil, olives, anchovies and other fillings. There are also sweet options - with candied fruits and nuts. It costs 2-4 EUR.

Entertainment and attractions (Cote d'Azur)

Tourists most often come to the Côte d'Azur to relax on the Mediterranean Sea, but the region also offers many attractions: museums, archaeological sites, natural beauty, cathedrals, and much more. Those who are more interested in the luxury and glitter of the eastern part of the region visit the first gambling house in Europe, the Monte Carlo Casino, the fashionable Negresco Hotel, where celebrities have been staying since the beginning of the last century, and the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, where the Cannes Film Festival is held every year. The most grandiose and colorful celebration - the final of the International Fireworks Festival - takes place in Monaco at the end of summer. These days, the sky above the principality blossoms with hundreds of lights dancing to music. There are several museums in Nice, among them the Chagall and Matisse museums deserve special attention. In addition, a trip to Arles, where Van Gogh lived, to Aix-en-Provence, where Cezanne's studio has been preserved (Avenue Paul Cezanne, 9) and to the Grimaldi Castle in Antibes with the Picasso Museum located in it (Place Mariejol) will be very exciting for art lovers. The unusual open-air complex Roman Hill is a well-preserved ruin of the ancient Cemenelum, which once existed on the site of Nice. In addition, there are several churches on the Cote d'Azur: the Cathedral of St. Nicholas in Nice - this Orthodox church looks like a real miracle in the Mediterranean landscape, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde in Marseille, famous for the collection of ship models and seascapes (Rua Fort du Sanctuaire) and the gloomy cathedral complex of Frejus with an ancient baptistery (Rue de Fluery, 58). Many travelers go to the Nice Opera, famous not only for its productions but also for its architecture. You need to buy tickets in advance, and don’t forget to pack an evening dress for the trip. If you’re tired of the luxurious resorts, you can go to natural attractions and visit the Lerins Islands with the first Christian monastery in Gaul or the calanques — the so-called “French fjords”, narrow rocky bays near Cassis. And of course, it’s worth strolling along the two most famous embankments of the region: the Promenade des Anglais in Nice and the Croisette in Cannes, and also go to the Old Port of Marseille and ride a free ferry there.

Weather in (Cote d'Azur)

You can come to the Cote d'Azur all year round, but beach holidays are available from May to October. July and August are considered the "velvet season", although at this time there are usually too many tourists and it is very hot. Precipitation is rare, the number of sunny days per year approaches 300, and all sharp weather phenomena are softened by the combination of the sea and the mountains. The only exception is the mistral - a very strong north wind that sometimes comes in the cold season. According to legend, people and animals go crazy from it. It is because of the mistral that there are no windows in the houses of the Cote d'Azur on the northern side, and forged bell towers are built near churches: the wind passes through the bars without destroying them.

General Director Stanislav Kovalenko

tel: 33 7 66 89 17 62 / 33 6 24 58 38 34 email: consultation@ds-conseille.pro