Côte d’Azur, French Riviera, Costa Azzurra: no matter the language, everyone knows this iconic region. But what exactly does "Côte d’Azur" mean?
You may know the official name of our region is PACA (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur), but the Côte d’Azur in the strict sense occupies a smaller area. It was Stéphen Liégeard, a 19th-century politician and writer, who first coined the term. Today, there is no precise definition of the boundaries of this geographic zone. Some consider the Côte d’Azur to stretch from Menton to Hyères, while others include Cassis, a charming town near Marseille. What is generally accepted is that the eastern boundary is the Italian border.
But which cities best represent this magnificent region? What makes each unique? How can they be easily accessed?
We might be accused of bias for starting this article with our favorite town: Antibes. Known for the famous Fort Carré, Port Vauban, the Picasso Museum and its ramparts. The Provençal market on Cours Masséna gives a glimpse of local products (fish, cheese, honey, cold meats, fruits, vegetables...). A walk around Cap d'Antibes is a must, especially for the view near the Notre-Dame de la Garoupe chapel. On a clear day, you might even spot Corsica. Nearby is Golfe-Juan, where Napoleon landed on March 1st, 1815 after escaping Elba. If you're driving, take the Napoleonic Route to trace the path he took to avoid royalist towns en route to the capital. In our junior language programs and adult courses, enjoy a guided tour of Antibes.
Nice, capital of the Riviera, has an anthem: Nissa la Bella. You'll love its Baie des Anges, pebble beaches, and famous Promenade (called la Prom' by locals), stretching from the airport to Quai des Etats-Unis. This iconic 7 km avenue, best seen from Castle Hill Park, was originally just a path created by Anglican pastor Lewis Way! Wander the Old Town and visit Cours Saleya. Don’t miss the Lascaris Palace, a baroque masterpiece built in the 17th century by the Lascaris-Vintimille family. After this cultural escape, try local dishes like pan bagnat, poutine, socca, and mesclun. A Bellet wine pairs perfectly.
Menton has been prized by citrus growers since the 15th century for its sweet, low-acidity lemons. Famous for its Lemon Festival and located just a few kilometers from Monaco, Menton's history is closely tied to Jean Cocteau. He exhibited his work at what is now the Bastion Museum. Known for masterpieces like Beauty and the Beast and The Testament of Orpheus, Cocteau fell in love with Menton. The city hall's wedding room is decorated by him. Don’t miss the glazed tile bell towers, Saint-Michel square, Carnolès Palace, citrus gardens, and Belle Époque architecture.
This medieval village became a hub for artists in the 1920s, attracting painters like Raoul Dufy and Paul Signac. Its famous inn, La Colombe d’Or, welcomed poets like Prévert and actors like Yves Montand, Simone Signoret, Lino Ventura, and Chaplin. Nearby, the Maeght Foundation houses works by Chagall, Giacometti, Miró, Calder, Fernand Léger, and more. You can also admire ramparts from the reign of François I or relax at the Place café.
During your Riviera stay, don’t miss the Estérel massif, best accessed via the Corniche d’Or. From Saint-Raphaël to Théoule-sur-Mer, you’ll find spectacular creeks and breathtaking coastal views over 50 kilometers. The red porphyry rocks and deep blue sea offer a stunning contrast. In Saint-Raphaël, visit the Louis de Funès Museum. Nearby Cap Dramont offers views of the island with a Saracen tower that inspired Hergé’s "Black Island" in the Tintin series.
Biot is a medieval village famous for artistic glassmaking. In local workshops, you can watch master glassblowers use the bubble-glass technique developed by ceramist Eloi Monod. After strolling through its charming alleys, enjoy a walk along the Brague River. Don’t miss the Fernand Léger Museum. One thing is certain: there’s never a dull moment on the Côte d’Azur.
