| French Riviera
The French Riviera, also known as the Côte
d’Azur or blue coast lies along the southeastern coast of France and
the Mediterranean Sea. One of the world’s best known holiday resort areas,
favourite destinations here include St. Tropez, St. Raphael, Cannes, Antibes,
Juan les Pins, Monaco, Monte Carle and Beaulieu, to name a few. There are
interesting spots inland, too, such as Grass, Biot, Valbonne and Vence.
The Riviera offers a fabulous range of water sports
and beach activities. In addition, travellers can go skiing, cycling,
mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking and horse riding, and there are
plenty of tennis courts and golf courses. There are plenty of spectator
sports such as racing – the Grand Prix springs to mind.
Visitors interested in culture and art will love
the galleries, museums, exhibitions and concerts that are held around the
year. Major events include the Circus Festival from January 27 to February
3 in Monaco, the Nice Carnival between February 10 and 27, the Lemon Festival
in Menton from February 12 to 27, the Violets Festival on march 13 in Tourrettes-sur-Loup,
the Rose Festival in Grasse, the Jazz Festival at the end of July in Juan-les-Pins
and, of course, the International Film Festival from May 12-23 at
Cannes.
The gourmet traveler will love the local
delights of the French Riviera. Delicacies include leg of lamb or gigot
de mouton with Provencal herbs, the spicy mayonnaise rouille, daube, which
is braised beef with spices and red wine, fish soup or pôtage de
poisson with croutons. There are some superb local wines, too.
The French Riviera’s Mediterranean climate with
hot, dry summers and pleasant winters make the region a delightful spot
for a vacation. Climate does vary quite a lot within this area, though.
The French Riviera is considered to be a safe
place for holidays, but of course, the prudent traveler should take good
care of his belongings and valuables. |
Hotels
French Riviera - Nice
The
Hotel Le Meridien has been recently renovated and is conveniently
situated in the centre of the city, very close to the shopping centres
and the Old Town. There are wonderful views of the Mediterranean Sea, and
facilities here include a rooftop terrace, a solarium and a great outdoor
swimming pool. You can also get a room with a view of the patio or the
Albert I Gardens... 
The
Novotel Cannes Montfleury is a four star hotel with 182 rooms, close
to the city centre, the Palais des Festivals and the beaches. There is
a restaurant called l’Olivier that offers local food and the Danang Bar,
a great place to relax with a drink. The Novotel Cannes Montfleury
is a pleasant place to stay for a weekend or short holiday... 
The
Hôtel Ambassadeur in the centre of Juan-les-Pins is near the
beautiful beaches and the Gould Pine Wood. With luxurious, attractive rooms
with terraces, balconies and lovely views, the Hôtel Ambassadeur
is a wonderful hotel, and the Provençal décor makes it even
more charming. There are good restaurants, too, and a business centre and
internet facilities for those who can’t stay away from work!... 
French
Riviera - Radisson SAS Hôtel Nice
The
Radisson SAS Hôtel Nice is a delightful seafront hotel on the Promenade
des Anglais. It’s luxurious and attractive, and makes a great place to
stay on a holiday in Nice. There is an outdoor outdoor swimming pool, with
the Pool Bar & Lounge to relax in; a summer restaurant on the rooftop
terrace, which offers patrons stunning vistas of the Bay of Nice.
Le
Carlton, located at 58 La Croisette, 06400 Cannes, is a luxurious hotel
delightfully close to the Palais des Festivals. Comfortable, well appointed
rooms and superb service make staying in this four star hotel a pleasure.
The stunning façade of the hotel and the historical Grand Salon
make a stay here even more interesting. Facilities at Le Carlton include
a fitness centre, a business centre and two excellent restaurants that
serve deliciously unforgettable meals.
Le
Méridien Garden Beach is located only a few minutes away from the
Nice International Airport, making it easily accessible. This hotel offers
a great view over the Cannes Bay and a particularly beautiful beach. This
four star hotel’s well appointed rooms - there are 175 - may be sea-facing,
looking out over the Mediterranean Sea, or overlooking the Gould Pine Wood.
The
Fairmont Monte Carlo is situated between the world famous Monte Carlo casino
and the ocean. The 619 rooms here are designed to evoke the ambience of
an ocean liner – beautiful Mediterranean décor and luxurious comfort
make it particularly attractive. Each room has a marble bathroom and a
balcony with fabulous, unforgettable views.
