"A region of Beautiful Coastline, Chic resorts, Mediterranean Climate & Picturesque Villages"...
About the Alpes Maritimes Region
The Alpes Maritimes is known for its prestigious and cosmopolitan Cote d’Azur with glamorous coastal towns such as Cannes, Antibes, and Juan les Pins, beautiful beaches, restaurants, chic boutiques and many festivals held throughout the year. However there is more to this region than its coastline. The Hinterland offers a quieter lifestyle with beautiful hilly landscapes, Mediterranean flora and charming hilltop villages and then in the north of the region, there are the Alps with sunny ski resorts, just 1 hour drive from the coast.
The Cote d’Azur also known as the French Riviera does not have any official boundaries but it usually refers to the Mediterranean coastline between Menton in the east to St Tropez or Hyeres in the west.
It enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot and sunny summers and mild winters. However some microclimates exist in the region and for instance some areas might suffer from cold dry wind (Mistral) in the winter.
Until the 18th century it was a poor region with olive groves, and small fishing ports until it became a fashionable holiday and spa destination to the British elite looking for “climate therapy”. Then in the 19th century, thanks to improved infrastructure, its popularity grew amongst the European royalty who soon became frequent visitors to the area.
The Cote d’Azur is still a playground for the rich and famous, especially in the stylish resorts of Nice, Cannes, and Monte Carlo.
Its beautiful coastline stretches from town to town, resort-to-resort, boasting lovely beaches, marinas, luxurious hotels, restaurants, chic boutiques, and colourful markets selling local produce (fish, herbs, vegetables, olives, flowers...)
The architecture is rich mixing a variety of styles including, Roman, Gothic, Belle Epoque, Art Nouveau and contemporary.
All in all, the Cote d’Azur offers beautiful surroundings, lovely coastline, lively resorts, good food, sunshine, and a very pleasant lifestyle!
The Hinterland of the Cote d’Azur: Between the sea and mountains
A region, which has preserved its traditions and authenticity.
A region of beautiful hills covered with fragrant pine trees, thyme shrubs, and olive groves, of valleys, waterfalls, and charming Provencal hilltop villages with their shaded squares, fountains, and cobbled streets;
A region filled with the songs of cicadas.
A region of colourful markets, traditional festivals and fetes, of good wines, and good food.
A region oozing authenticity, charm and serenity.
Renowned painters including Renoir, Picasso, Matisse and Braque visited and painted this area and its many picturesque Provencal villages (St Paul de Vence, Vence and Entrevaux…)
It is also a great location for outdoors pursuits, with a wide range of outdoor activities available both in winter and summer, from hiking to trout fishing, including white water sports, alpinism, golf, and horse riding.
Within easy reach of the coast, the Hinterland offers a peaceful alternative to the buzzing Cote d’Azur.
The Alpes d’Azur – Sun and Snow
Coaraze (600m altitude): Situated not far from the Mercantour National Park, it is a pretty village with stone houses or houses painted in different pastel colours (Italian style), steep cobbled streets and covered passageways.
Gourdon (760m altitude): Hilltop village with stunning views over the Gorges du Loup and the Mediterranean. This lively village boasts an imposing castle and many craft shops.
Saint Agnes (800m altitude): Superb views over the Mediterranean and lovely old stone houses.
How to get there
Airport at Nice.
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