French Riviera: Monaco, Cannes and Nizza
My trip to the French Riviera was quite a while ago – before Corona hit the world, to be precise. I somehow forgot to share my highlights from this journey with you. But in the last few months, I had a lot of time to sort and organise my photos. This was when I stumbled upon my pictures from the French Riviera. Back then, I felt so nostalgic and kind of sad. But now, it is possible to travel again and I think it is the perfect time to go on virtual trip along the amazingly beautiful French Riviera alias Côte d’Azur with you. In the following, I am going to share my highlights as well as favourite photos from the South of France with you. Because don’t we all dream of a relaxed vacation at the sea, currently?
Inspiration: The Côte d’Azur
French Riviera, also known as the Côte d’Azur, is part of the French Mediterranean coastline. It extends from Menton in the very southeast of France up to Saint Tropez. However, there is no official boundary. The “Azure Coast” is such a wonderful place on earth with its lovely coastal town and wonderful beaches. So in the following, I am going to talk a bit more about a few of them.
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The glamorous City with lovely Beaches: Cannes
Let’s start at the popular vacation city Cannes. Cannes mainly is known for the international film festival, but also has a lot more to offer. Beside many luxurious hotels along the three kilometres long promenade called Boulevard de la Croisette, I especially felt in love with the gorgeous beach. Most of the beaches are private beaches, by the way, owned by the hotels.
There is also a public beach near the film theatre, though. While dipping my feet into the sea, I felt like I am part of the movie To Catch a Thief with Grace Kelly and Cary Grant. Furthermore, the Croisette is a wonderful place to stroll around and do some shopping – if you have enough money, of course. 😉
Everyone who wants to eat and drink a bit more budget-friendly might enjoy a stroll through the old town of Cannes. Make sure to check out the market “Marche Forville“. This was the place where I bought myself some treats, food and drinks.
If you have time, I also recommend to do a boat trip. Only a few hundrets of metres away from Cannes, you will find the group of islands calles Îles de Lérins. Beside gorgeous bays, you can also see the Fort Royal at the island Sainte-Marguerite as well as monastery St-Honorat.
Nice: A lovely City at the French Riviera
Let’s move further in the direction of Nice. Before arriving there, you might enjoy a little stop in Antibes. This lovely little vacation spot is mainly known for its old town with a fortification wall from the 16th century.
But now, let’s talk about Nice. Nice was a popular resort for the upper class in the 19th century and has been attracting artists from all over the world for quite a long time. The old town not only looks amazing, but is also a shopping paradise. If you are searching for classy shops and stores like the Lafayette, for example, start from the Place Masséna with your shopping trip. You really can’t miss this place with its huge fountain and the black-and-white paving stones!
What I enjoyed even more than the classy boutiques is the popular flower market in the old town that takes place on six days a week. Nice is also a wonderful place to just stroll around – you really can’t do anything wrong with this strategy. 😉
The most amazing place in Nice, though, is the beach Angle Bay – the Baie des Anges – during sunset. The popular Promenade des Anglais with its chic hotels in first line to the sea make this place a very special location to have a glass of rosé while watching the sunset. What a great end to a wonderful day at the French Riviera!
Between Nice and Monaco: Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Let’s move on in the direction of Monaco. However, I highly recommend to make another little stop at the amazing Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. This small village attracts some of the richest people in the world. The view from the street is for free, though. 😉
French Riviera Highlights: Monaco
Arrived in Monaco, I recommend the Jardin Exotique de Monaco, a wonderful open-air garden with exotic plants. Beside the plants, the view over Monaco is absolutely amazing from over there!
Of course a stop at the popular and luxurious Casino of Monaco in the district of Monte-Carlo is a must. Also make sure to have a look at the inside of the Casino, it will be worth it!
Who unexpectedly won some money at the Casino might get some inspiration at the marina with its yachts on how to spend it. 😉
What I enjoyed most at Monaco, though, was definitely the old town, Monaco-Ville. This is the district where you will find the palace as well as the cathedral Notre-Dame-Immaculée, where Grace Kelly married prince Rainer in 1956. Grace Kelly’s grave can be found in the cathedral. In the old town, you will also find some parks and have an amazing view over the Mediterranean Sea as well as the marina. And if you are looking for food, make sure to check out the a bit less crowded alleys to find some more budget-friendly options.
At the Border to Italy: Menton
Before our trip along the French Riviera is coming to an end, I recommend a stop at Menton. The lovely coastal town is located near to the Italian border and due to its lovely beaches and gardens definitely worth a visit. During springtime, a popular lemon festival takes place in Menton, by the way (as long as there isn’t a pandemic, of course).
A trip to the French Riviera is not only a good idea during summer, but also in spring! While in the northern part of Europe everything is still grey and gloomy, the South of France already is blooming!
