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Côte d'Azur
The Côte d'Azur, or French Riviera, runs from Menton to Saint-Tropez: Nice, Cannes, Antibes and hilltop villages on one easy stretch of coast.
One coast, many towns
The Côte d'Azur, also called the French Riviera, is the stretch of south-eastern French coast running from Menton, on the Italian border, to Saint-Tropez. It is not a single city but a string of very different places: Nice is the practical base, Cannes is known for its film festival in May, Antibes has a walled old town and a huge yacht harbour, and Menton is famous for its lemons and its Lemon Festival in February. Monaco is a state of its own, but it sits among these towns and is easy to reach.
Villages, perfume and beaches
Above the sea, stone villages such as Èze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence climb the hillsides and are worth it for the views and the small galleries. Inland, Grasse remains the perfume capital, with factories that offer visits. The beaches are mostly pebble; sand is more common at Cannes and Antibes. From Cannes you can take a boat to the Lérins Islands.
Getting around and when
The coastal train links the whole coast with frequent departures, so a car is not necessary; in summer the roads clog with traffic. Nice Côte d'Azur airport is the main gateway. The beach season runs from May to October, with August very crowded. May, June and September are best for a warm but relaxed coast. From Tirana we check current connections and help you choose the base and accommodation.
In pictures
Frequently asked questions
What is the Côte d'Azur?
It is the south-eastern French coast from Menton to Saint-Tropez, also known as the French Riviera. It includes Nice, Cannes, Antibes and many small villages.
Which town is the best base?
Nice, because it has the airport and the coastal train. From there you can reach Monaco, Cannes and Menton in a day without a car.
Are there sandy beaches?
Most beaches are pebble, while sand is more common at Cannes and Antibes. Sandals or water shoes make getting into the sea more comfortable.
When should I go?
May, June and September bring warm sea without August's crowds. February has the Menton Lemon Festival and the Nice Carnival.
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