France Guide
The Côte d'Azur
The Côte d'Azur polarizes opinion like few places in France. To some, it remains the ultimate Mediterranean playground, while for others it has become an overdeveloped victim of its own hype. But in the gaps between the urban sprawl, on the islands, in the remarkable beauty of the hills, the scent of the plant life, the mimosa blossom in February and the impossibly blue water after which the coast is named, the Côte d'Azur remains undeniably captivating.
Highlights
1 Vieux Port, Marseille The gritty port, with its bars, cafés and restaurants, attracts the most colourful characters in southern France.
2 Cassis The limestone cliffs around Cassis make for excellent hikes leading to isolated coves in which to go swimming.
3 St-Honorat The well-preserved islands just off Cannes offer a glimpse of what much of the coast must have looked like a hundred years ago.
4 Fondation Maeght Modern art, architecture and landscape fuse to create a stunning visual experience.
5 Nice The Riviera's capital of street life is laid back, surprisingly cultured and easy to enjoy, whatever your budget.