Regional info

France

The coastline here was named after the colour of the sea: azure. But it could easily have been named after the pearly white beaches, or the dark red mountains of the Massif des Maures. Gold could be another good name too, after the rich lifestyle of many who frequent the Côte d'Azur. This wealth started in the 19th century, when a few wealthy travellers started to visit the coast and became the first tourists. They came to 'the place where it is never winter' but, since Saint Tropez was used as a film set in the 1950's, the peace and quiet has disappeared. The combination of luxury and a perfect holiday climate enticed many people to the 'Côte', including many celebrities. Apart from this, beautiful countryside is only a stone's throw from the busy coast, like the Esterel mountains just behind St. Raphael or the beautiful Loup river basin near the artist's village of St. Paul de Vence. A great scenic drive is along the 'corniches' – the coast roads that run at different heights between Nice and Monaco along the rocky coast line.