Best of the French Riviera

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.

The ornate fountains at Palais Longchamp1

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.

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.

	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.

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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1. Palais Longchamp; Marseille French Riviera,France
2. Glittering lights; Cannes, French Riviera, France
3. Glamour beaches;Nice, French Riviera, France
4. Mimosas blooming; Marseille, French Riviera, France