Côte d'Azur

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Rooftops and church steeple in Apt.

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Overview

Once upon a time, everyone called this glamorous stretch of Mediterranean coast the French Riviera; then in 1888 author Stéphen Liégeard dubbed it La Côte d'Azur, the name stuck and the rest is history.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Cabanon Le Corbusier, Roquebrune Cap Martin, France.

    Cabanon Le Corbusier

    Côte d'Azur

    The only building French architect Le Corbusier (1887–1965) ever built for himself is this rather simple – but very clever – beach hut on Cap Martin…

  • Restaurant in le Vieux Nice.

    Vieux Nice

    Nice

    Getting lost among the dark, narrow, winding alleyways of Nice’s old town is a highlight. The layout has barely changed since the 1700s, and it’s now…

  • NICE, FRANCE, on JANUARY 9, 2017. Promenade des Anglais - the main embankment of the city, one of the most beautiful in the world, stretches along the sea and the beach. Aerial view from Shatto's hill; Shutterstock ID 613405820; Your name (First / Last): Daniel Fahey; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Nice and Graz POIs

    Promenade des Anglais

    Nice

    The most famous stretch of seafront in Nice – if not France – is this vast paved promenade, which gets its name from the English expat patrons who paid…

  • Chapel of the Rosary, designed by Henri Matisse, in Vence.

    Chapelle du Rosaire

    Côte d'Azur

    An ailing Henri Matisse moved to Vence in 1943 to be cared for by his former nurse and model, Monique Bourgeois, who'd since become a Dominican nun. She…

  • Colline du Château

    Colline du Château

    Nice

    For the best views over Nice’s red-tiled rooftops, climb the winding staircases up to this wooded outcrop on the eastern edge of the old town. It’s been…

  • Musée Masséna

    Musée Masséna

    Nice

    Originally built as a holiday home for Prince Victor d’Essling (the grandson of one of Napoléon's favourite generals, Maréchal Massena), this lavish belle…

  • Beach, La Croisette, Cannes, Alpes Maritimes, Provence, Cote d'Azur, French Riviera, France, Mediterranean, Europe

    La Croisette

    Cannes

    The multi-starred hotels and couture shops lining the iconic bd de la Croisette (aka La Croisette) may be the preserve of the rich and famous, but anyone…

  • The Annonciade Museum in Saint-Tropez, France.

    Musée de l’Annonciade

    St-Tropez

    In a gracefully converted 16th-century chapel, this small but famous museum showcases an impressive collection of modern art infused with that legendary…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Places to Visit

Discover the best places to visit in Côte d’Azur, with turquoise beaches, Belle Époque villas, Monaco glitz, stunning mountain hikes and exceptional food.

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Articles

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Villefranche-sur-Mer, Cote d'Azur, french reviera.

Destination Practicalities

A first-time guide to the Côte d’Azur

Apr 10, 2025 • 10 min read

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