Be seduced by the charms of the sun-drenched coast
Stretching from Monaco in the east through to Marseille in the west, the sun-drenched Côte d'Azur is a richly varied region. With its beautiful landscapes and crystal-clear waters, the Côte d'Azur may be a playground for the rich and famous, but its beauty also attracted the likes of Matisse, Picasso, Chagall and Renoir.
The area’s Provençal charm is best sampled in the hill villages of Grasse and Valbonne. Nearby, the narrow streets of St Paul de Vence date back to the Middle Ages and are brightened with the tablecloths of friendly local restaurants. This is one of the oldest medieval towns on the French Riviera and it is also known for its modern art museums and galleries. Further west is the region known as The Var, an area of verdant countryside, vineyards and forests, which extend from the Massif des Maures, to the coastline around St Maxime, and glamorous St Tropez.
Local cuisine is best enjoyed in the back streets and away from the touristic areas. Our travel experts know this region inside-out so we can easily recommend places to try. Many present-day French favourites have their origins here. Tasty dishes like soupe au pistou, aioli and the world-famous bouillabaisse, a chunky Provençal fish stew.