The Fascinating Côte d'Azur

At the heart of Europe, between the Southern Alps and the Mediterranean, come be amazed by the Côte d'Azur any time of the year.

Its exceptional location and its savoir faire in terms of hospitality, culture, sports, traditions, cuisine, international festivals, and shopping, all between picturesque mountains and a stunning sea, are synonymous with French art de vivre. An exhiliarating destination, full of warmth and light.

From Menton to Saint-Tropez and passing through the Principality of Monaco, Nice, Antibes, Cannes, Grasse, and Saint-Paul de Vence, the communities of the Côte d'Azur - either perched on the edge of the sea or nestled into the lush landscape - play a large role in the region's international fame.

Between Mountains and the Mediterranean: Landscapes to Take Your Breath Away

Take in the sunny summits of the Alps from your spot on the beach. From December to April, spend your mornings on the ski slopes and your afternoons working on your tan on the seaside. Sound like a dream? You can open your eyes - it all becomes reality on the Côte d'Azur, thanks to the Mercantour Summits' close proximity to the coast. The Southern Alps sk istations - Isola 2000, Auron, la Foux d'Allos - are a family favorite, attracting visitors with its wide range of slopes for all skill levels and close-knit atmosphere.

Naturally, the Côte d'Azur is a major destination for lovers of sea activities. No less than 33 marinas sprinkle the coast, welcoming - amongst others - the Monaco Yacht Show (September), bringing together the biggest and brightest yachts in the world; and the Cannes Yacht Festival, also in September, which, with more than 600 boats on display, is the biggest boat show in Europe. Sailors also find their spotlight, with prestigious sailing competitions like the Régates Royales Cannes (September) and the Voiles d'Antibes (May-June).

A Land of Sports and Adventure

Under the ever-present sun, training courses and lakes provide a first-class space for open-air sports and relaxation. Visitors can enjoy the longest zipline in France (2,663 meters) in La Colmiane, the new Pôle Sport Montagne in Saint-Martin-Vésubie as well as the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy in Biot Sophia Antipolis.

Every season brings in new waves of visitors to see the region's high-caliber sporting events: the Marathon des Alpes-Maritimes Nice-Cannes (November), the UltraTrail Côte d'Azur Mercantour (August), the Ironman France Nice (July), the Grand Prix Formula 1 de Monaco (May) and the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters de Tennis (April).

With 18 golf courses across the mountains and coastline, the Côte d'Azur offers a variety of activities: affordable courses, family-friendly atmospheres, and internationally-renowned courses with a high level of technicality.

Cradle of Creativity

Monet, Renoir, Picasso, Chagall, Matisse, Dufy, César - these are just a few of the painters, sculpters, architects, writers, filmmakers, and other 20th century artists who made their footprint on the Côte d'Azur. Everywhere you look, the region is full of inspiration. The destination shares its history with the greatest creative minds of the past and present.

The Cannes Film Festival (May), the Carnival de Nice (February), the popular Fête du Citron in Menton (February-March), the Festival des Jardins de la Côte d'Azur (April-May), and the region's many jazz festivals (Nice Jazz Festival, July; Jazz à Juan, July) and electronic music festivals (Plages Électroniques Cannes, August) fills your calendar with must-see events.

Diverse Range of Territories and Traditions

From following the paths of wolves in the Mercantour National Park, learning the secrets behind perfume-making in Grasse, visiting the Chapelle de la Miséricorde in Nice, or sailing around the îles de Lérins off the coast of Cannes and its legendary Croisette, each visitor gets a unique piece of the region's ancient, 2,300-year old heritage. Indeed, the Côte d'Azur is a candidate to receive one of the highest cultural honors from UNESCO.

Luxury and Shopping

Sprinkled with palaces, prestigious restaurants, creative menus, high-quality local products, and top tourist sites, the Côte d'Azur is naturally a must-see shopping destination. Shop till you drop in Nice, Cannes, and Antibes, as well as in the commercial shopping centers of Polygone Riviera in Cagnes-sur-Mer and Cap 3000 in Saint-Laurent-du-Var. Both are classified as Zones Touristiques Internationales, meaning visitors can enjoy a wider range of hours to fully discover the treasures hidden within, as well as the most exclusive French maisons.

Discover Côte d'Azur: Great Deals

The COTEDAZUR-CARD is a real all-inclusive pass, available for either 3 or 6 days, allowing visitors to discover more than 180 activities throughout the year. The very best of the Côte d'Azur!

Glamor, chic, authentic, active, full of events, creative, the Côte d'Azur is open to visitors from across the world thanks to its international airport. All that's missing is you!

Welcome to the Côte d'Azur!

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