Things To Do In French Riviera (Cote d'Azur)

The French Riviera, better known as Côte d’Azur is the south-eastern coastline of France, harbouring breath-taking beaches, tall cliffs, old towns and a rejuvenating aura. For most of the world, the French Riviera only means Cannes, as is propagated by the annual flock of glamour and film fraternity. But the coast is more than just glitz and glamour. It is antiquity and rustic charm, history steeped in culture and a warm sea billowing on happy beaches. The coast of azure coloured water is a brilliant place for a holiday. What to do in Côte d’Azur for vacation? Here are some very coveted things. 

Come to Côte d’Azur and not enjoy on its stunning beaches? That’s a sin. 

There are so many small towns and cities dotted on the coast, each famous for some beach or the other, from rocky to pebbled to sandy shores, some private and huddled, others famous and very crowded. Take your pick from the beaches on Nice, Cannes, Saint-tropez and Monte Carlo. You can visit the tiny village of Villefranche-sur-Mer and enjoy all of its coast, or go to Menton to indulge in the salty heavenly air of the Mediterranean sea mixed with cobble stones of an old town. In Saint Tropez, the best beaches include Plage de Pampelonne and Le Club 55. Other beaches that should definitely not be missed are Plage de l'Estagnol, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Plage de la Garoupe, Cap d’Antibes and Sainte-Maxim.

Nice is known for many things, but the best of them all is the famous English Walk or the Promenade des Anglais, running parallel to the pebbled beach front of Baie des Anges. This seaside walk or promenade is the best place for a stroll, an evening sit-down or just to enjoy the classic Nice views. You will find a dedicated lane for cycling here, as well as skater and bikers enjoying. There are rental shops available nearby if you want to indulge. There are also quite a lot of shops and boutiques for shopping, souvenir browsing and eating, but these may be expensive because the promenade is a tourist haunt.

Cannes is a beautiful seaside city of Côte d’Azur, renowned world over for the iconic Cannes Film Festival that attracts artists, creative geniuses, actors and celebrities from all over the world in the summer. You can visit Cannes during the months of May and June to soak in all the glitz-and-glamour of showbiz and enjoy the hyped mood of the city and its beaches. You will be easily able to spot stars on red carpets outside hotels and event hubs, join some of the free film fest premieres for short films and also check out the tents and stalls set up around the Cannes Festival ground to buy mugs, shirts, posters and caps. Those of you who are star-struck, the InterContinental Carlton Cannes should be your destination to book a room (it’s a bomb on the pocket) because most celebrities mill around in this hotel.

James Bond fans, head to the city-state of Monaco and do not miss Monte Carlo for a round of 007 gambling. The Monte Carlo Casino is one of the most happening places in Côte d’Azur and you can visit the hotel/casino at any time between 9 am to 12 pm. You can exchange any currency at the cash counter and also walk in without any specific dress code. It should be ‘proper attire,’ which means no casual shorts or flip flops etc. The age limit is 18 years and above and there is a nominal entry fee charged. You must also visit some of the iconic casino rooms like Salle des Amériques and Salle Médecin (shown in Golden Eye). You can start gambling at €5 and go up to €2000.

If you thought that the South of France is only known for its beaches and summer holidays then you are mistaken. The Alpes du Sud or Southern Alps make for a brilliant white winter wonderland, ready for skiing holidays. With more than 3000 km of slopes and plush ski resorts, you are bound to thrill your soul in this region. The best time to visit is December through February, and some of the renowned ski resorts in the area include Serre Chevalier, offering slopes like Briançon, Le Monêtier-les-Bains, Chantemerle etc and Vars.