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This very name conjures up visions of decadence, film stars and sun-drenched beaches, dinner jackets and stylish casinos, of multimillion-dollar motor yachts moored in glamorous marinas. We all have these images in our mind, but the French Riviera is versatile enough to be all things to all people; this is what makes this wonderful part of the French coast so special.

Nice is the gateway to the Riviera and makes an ideal base for visiting popular Riviera resorts like Cannes and Monaco, though most resorts along the Riviera are accessible within forty-five minutes’ drive from the airport. Nice has the major airport for the area, and many of the well-known airlines now run a regular service. Nice is a fashionable resort, whose Genoese-style architecture dates from the middle Ages. The architecture has a strong Spanish flavour, with palm trees and squares paved with marble. It has a fun, friendly atmosphere, with lavish shops and restaurants.

Monaco , an ancient principality steeped in a rich and colourful history, is considered by many to be Europe’s most fascinating country. Though the Principality covers but one square mile, it stands as a proud monarchy, with His Serene Highness, Crown Prince Albert Alexandre Louis Pierre taking control following the sad death of Prince Rainier III, who passed away on 6 April 2005. Today, people visit Monaco and its glittering district Monte-Carlo not simply for a vacation, not just to test their standing with lady luck, nor merely to see and be seen, but to revel in the memorable life-enhancing experience which is Monaco. This mythic place, between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea, will provide you with life-long dreams. All year round, the Principality of Monaco is the setting for numerous events and dazzling festivals, which include sporting occasions like the Monaco Grand Prix.

The Cote d’Azur, or the French Riviera, has some of the best-known beaches in the world – probably the most famous is Cannes. One hundred and fifty years ago, Cannes was nothing more than an unimportant fishing village. Since then, it has become an elegant city, known around the world and attracting an international clientele. The Palais des Festivals, Cannes’s most famous building, is where The International Film Festival is held every year. This is definitely the best time to visit Cannes, to see and be seen with the world’s famous.

From the French Riviera, there is also the opportunity to visit the islands of Corsica and Sardinia (minimum duration of ten days).

Sample itinerary map

riviera map
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