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The glittering blue Mediterranean
waters, soft sand beaches, and distinct culinary delights of the French
Riviera have long been a magnet for the jet set. This famed stretch
of land along the coast boasts a plethora of accessible cultural attractions
and casinos, ideal for an extended vacation amid the rich and famous. Throughout
the region from January to March blazing yellow mimosa flowers burst with colour
along the winding roads between towns. The following cities have earned their
reputations as cosmopolitan and dynamic hot spots, each with unique personalities
; these destinations are among the most sought after in the world.
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| The
ornate fountains at Palais Longchamp1 |
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MARSEILLE: BEST OF CULTURE
& HISTORY
This historic sea port has
inspired artists, writers, and musicians of all stripes. The richly detailed
architecture and winding cobblestone streets harken back to simpler times, yet
modern urban design and renewal has brought a dynamic and exciting vibe to this
Mediterranean cultural hub. The Palais
Longchamp is structurally ornate and imposing, with enormous bulls standing
guard over a cascading waterfall. The site is also home to two museums. La
Friche is a multimedia artist's paradise, with photo-realistic graffiti
and a cluster of studios, many of which are open to the public. In the heart
of Marseille, the Vieux
Port is brimming with restaurants, clubs, and markets and is ideal for
soaking up the rich culture of the city. A winding drive or exhilarating walk
along the curving streets adjacent to the water yields spectacular views of
the harbour, culminating with the Monument
aux Morts de l'Armée d'Orient, erected in honour of Asian soldiers
who helped defend the city during WWI. The soaring temperatures of summer have
spawned a tradition of sipping on rose wine in the outdoor restaurants and the
local markets stock a robust selection of this slightly sweet grape variety,
best served chilled. Bouillibase is the trademark dish of Marseille, and is
comprised of freshly caught seafood, wine, and aromatic saffron.
SAINT-TROPEZ: BEST OF THE
BEACH
Dubbed the jewel of the Riviera, this picturesque city is home to pastel coloured
homes and bistros topped with brightly decorated awnings. The sea is a dazzling
shade of blue, hence the alternate name Cote d'Azure. The open air market bustles
with activity while the copious outdoor cafes are ideal for people gazing. The
refined good looks of the locals is so renowned, there's a diet book advising
the layperson how to achieve the glamorous “Saint-Tropez” look. Culturally,
the city has much to offer in the form of museums, with the Musée
de I'Annonciade (Musée St-Tropez) and a pristine butterfly museum,
La Maison
des Papillons. Sun lovers bask on the famed Plage
de Tahiti, where clothing is optional and trendy restaurants line the
promenade. Local cuisine is classic Mediterranean, with olive oil, artisan breads,
and crisp vegetables as dietary staples.
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| The
glittering lights of Cannes at night2 |
CANNES: BEST OF RIVIERA
GLAMOUR
The glitzy
film festival at Cannes is world renowned as a launching point for
directors seeking to promote their latest works and it draws A-listers from
around the world. But there's more to this gem of a city than just hot flicks.
The Casino
Croisette, established in 1907, is one of the oldest and most regal
gaming rooms in Europe. Jackets and formal attire are mandatory, and guests
may be found channelling James Bond as they place their bets at the bounty of
gaming tables. Strolling the Boulevard
des Croisette is mandatory when visiting Cannes. The streets burst at
the seams with beautiful people, browsing the chic boutiques and sipping cafe
au lait in the plethora of bistros. Meandering through the Villa
Rothschild and Gardens, the attention to detail and horticultural prowess
is immediately apparent as hundreds of roses bloom amid the Judas trees and
aromatic camphor. When dining in this star-studded city, sample the Ragout d'Agneaû
aux Artichauts, a rich stew prepared with lamb and artichokes.
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The
glamorous beaches of Nice3 |
NICE: BEST OF THE ARTS
A wide range of cultural attractions can be found in this vibrant city, from
the avant garde selections at Musée
d'Art moderne et d'Art Contemporain to the Fine
Art Museum, which displays the works of French artists from the 19th
century. Visible from nearly any point in Nice, the Cathédrale
Orthodoxe Russe St-Nicolas à Nice is widely viewed as the finest
orthodox cathedral outside Russia and is home to priceless works of art. The
Promenade
des Anglais winds through the city and provides up close views of the
regal hotels and fine restaurants. Each March, the Carnaval
des Nice bursts with colour and whimsical paper mache masks as parades
meander through the narrow streets. Although popular on restaurant menus the
world over, this is the place to tuck into a Salade Niçoise with a glass
of hearty Cotes du Rhone.
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| Brightly
blooming mimosas4 |
|
ANTIBES JUAN-LES-PINS: THE
BEST OF FESTIVITIES
With over 25 km of coastline and a bounty of community events and celebrations,
this colourful city has a wealth of notable attractions and activities for a
variety of tastes. Perhaps the most famous site is the Picasso
Museum, housed in the Chateau Grimaldi. In addition, the Napoleonic
Museum displays rare documents from the leader's brief rule while Fort
Carre, perched atop the Mediterranean, is home to a variety of local lore and
historical notes of interest. Festivals occur throughout the year, and each
winter, the Festival of Sacred Music fills the Antibes
Cathedral with majestic and soulful classical music. The city is also
home to some 65 athletic clubs and hosts a variety of sporting events, from
gymnastics to soccer. For floral enthusiasts, the Battle
of the Flowers is a richly textured parade, with vibrant floral floats,
jazz bands, and merriment. Whilst sunbathing on the luxurious beaches, it's
de riguer to sip on champagne and nibble on hor d'ouevres spread with
olive tampenade.
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF:
- Palais Longchamp;
Marseille French Riviera,France
- Glittering lights;
Cannes, French Riviera, France
- Glamour beaches;Nice,
French Riviera, France
- Mimosas blooming;
Marseille, French Riviera, France