Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

What is the French Riviera Famous For?

04/12/2023

Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France
This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

The Côte d’Azur (French Riviera in English), is one of the best places to visit in South of France. The Côte d’Azur is neither a defined territory nor a historical region. The term was invented by the French writer and poet Stéphen Liégeard in a book (1887) describing his voyage through the French and Italian coastline between Hyères islands and Genova in Italy.

The French Riviera is a stretch of coastline entirely within the region Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. Despite there’s no official boundary, it is usually considered to extend from Toulon or Saint Tropez to Menton, and it includes the Principality of Monaco.

Hotel Negresco - Nice

The Côte d’Azur that Stéphen Liégeard saw during his voyage was a picturesque stretch of land inhabited by humble fishing ports. Today, the French Riviera is an infamous luxury destination saturated with expensive yachts.

What is the French Riviera famous for?

Menton - French Riviera

The French Riviera is well-known for its beaches and coves, impressive views, and azure water. One of the top luxury destinations in France, the French Riviera is a playground for the wealthy.

The French Riviera is also home to pretty towns and villages, and there’s a vibrant cultural scene, especially in the summer.

Also, the French Riviera hosts many fun festivals all year round, like the Film Festival of Cannes, the Carnival of Nice, the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Monaco, and the Lemon Festival in Menton.

Region: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

Average temperatures (max /min): January – 13C / 5.3C; April – 17C / 10C; July – 27C / 20C; October – 21C / 13C.

Main Attractions: Mediterranean Sea, Nice, Cannes, Menton, Montecarlo (Monaco), coastal towns and villages, beach, islands. The list of attractions also includes famous festivals like the Cannes Film Festival, Menton’s Lemon Festival, Nice’s Carnival, or Monaco’s Formula One Grand Prix.

French Riviera Travel Hub

Things to do in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

Road Trip French Riviera

Best Places to Visit in the French Riviera

Best French Riviera Cities to Visit

Best Resorts on the French Riviera

Best Beaches on the French Rivera

Things to do in Nice, French Riviera

Nice in two days

How to get from Nice Airport to city

Best hotels in Nice with pool

Best day Trips from Nice

Day trip to Monaco from Nice

Top Things to Do in Èze, France

Best Things to do in Cannes

Back to Popular Destinations

Back to Homepage