The French Riviera is one of the most important tourist centers in France. Since the second half of the 20th century, many cities in this French region have become the favorite places for European aristocrats and bourgeois.
Even Winston Churchill himself could not resist the mild climate and breathtaking scenery. Since then, thanks to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, the French Riviera has become a summer resort for various personalities from the world of art, politics and high society. In the following, we will detail the places not to be missed in the South of France, especially in the French Riviera.
Nice
Nice is one of the most important cities in France and on the French Riviera because of its touristic, industrial and administrative center. It owes its fame as a summer resort to the cinema. Indeed, many famous actors have chosen this idyllic place for their vacations since the 1950s.
Although it began as a tourist resort for the upper classes, it has now become more democratic. Its fame is due to its endless coastline, as well as its palatial architecture and its old town with its labyrinthine and colorful streets.
Among the most interesting sites are the emblematic Hotel Negresco, Fort Monte Alban, the Roman ruins, the City Hall and the Opera House, as well as the Place Massena, the Albert I gardens, the Basilica of Notre Dame and the Place de l’Île de Beauté. To take advantage of this, you can rent holiday homes in the south of france.
The most spectacular views of the city can be obtained by climbing the Castle Hill. Although only fragments of its walls remain. This park offers a spectacular view of the entire city.
The Grimaldi Castle-Museum
The Grimaldi Castle-Museum is another of the most beautiful places to see on the French Riviera. Built around 1300 by the lord of Cagnes, Rainier Grimaldi, this castle was transformed in the 17th century by Baron Jean-Henri Grimaldi into a spectacular mansion.
Located in Cagnes-sur-Mer, with a spectacular view, the building was acquired by the city in 1937 and declared a historical monument. According to FranceComfort, the castle surprises with its spectacular size and medieval motifs such as turrets and stone battlements, while inside stands out the painted ceiling of the great hall representing the fall of Phaethon. Today, the Château-Musée Grimaldi hosts temporary exhibitions of contemporary art and concerts.
Menton
Located 5 minutes from the Italian border, Menton is another of the most beautiful cities to visit on the French Riviera. It is an idyllic postcard town bathed by the waters of the Mediterranean, known as the city of lemons and the garden city.
In addition to its extraordinary location and sandy beaches, the city of Menton offers an exceptional historical heritage. Throughout the city, you can find various treasures such as early 20th century palaces like the Carnolès Palace or the Palacete or the Hotel d’Ahémar de Lantagnac, as well as the monastery of the Annonciade, the Basilica of St. Michael, the Villa Maria Serena, the Fontana Rosa garden, the Jean Cocteau museum or the Bastion museum.