French Riviera: where is it?

Many people dream of resting on the French Riviera, and this is not surprising. The resort area, also called the Côte d'Azur, is famous throughout the world for its beaches and magnificent hotels, entertainment centers and restaurants. French Riviera, whose photo amazes with its beauty, is one of the most expensive, but at the same time, the most popular resorts in Europe. This amazing place of rest for millions of people stretched for three hundred kilometers long along the Mediterranean Sea. The boundaries of the Côte d'Azur have not been fully determined, especially since it is not an administrative object.

A bit of history

Attractive for tourists and the city of the French Riviera, especially for those who do not just love to sunbathe on the beach and swim in the sea. The most famous and ancient settlements attract tourists with their architecture. The history of this area goes back to the distant past. At the end of the nineteenth century, archaeological excavations took place on the territory of the French Riviera, and they showed that people inhabited these places in the prehistoric era. In the sixth (approximately) century BC the Hellenes built the commercial port of Massilia. Now it's called Marcel. Then much of the development of this region was made by the Romans.

In the same period, the cities of Cannes and Frejus were built, and the second century AD brought Christianity to the Riviera. At the beginning of the development of this religion there appeared a monastery.

At that time, the lands to which the Riviera belonged were called Gaul. Only in the fifth century they became part of the Frankish Empire. Since the fourteenth century, the local kings have taken this territory under their protection, and in the nineteenth century the French Riviera has become a popular destination for both the local aristocracy and the whole of Europe. The number of tourists increased every year.

From this period it becomes the famous resort of the French Riviera. Rest in these places was so popular that now on the beaches there is a huge number of tourists, between which it is sometimes impossible to find a free place.

What attracts tourists?

In the Riviera, the third part of all lands is beaches, as well as the most beautiful mountains. It is this picturesque Côte d'Azur that attracts tourists. Here, with pleasure come a lot of artists, who are inspired by these mountains for creative work. There have been and lived such great masters of fine arts as Auguste Renoir, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Paul Cézanne and others

City of Cannes (French Riviera): where is, what is famous?

The city of Cannes - the capital of the most famous film festival - also attracts fans of cinematography, because these days there are many premieres, famous artists from all over the world come. The original name of the city is Egitna, and in the Middle Ages - Canua.

In addition, in Cannes held such festivals: pyrotechnics and advertising "Cannes lions." Every year a global forum for producers is organized.

But not only did Gangnam bring fame to the cinematography. It is worth recalling the famous feature film "Gendarme of Saint-Tropez" with Louis de Funes in the title role. Events took place just in one of the cities of the French Riviera. In addition, the film "And God Made a Woman" was filmed here with Brigitte Bardot. This city is also quite old, the settlement on its territory existed in the third century of our era. One of the most interesting historical buildings is the fortress-citadel. This is the building of the sixteenth century. Now in the fortress there is a maritime museum. It is located on a hill and is visible from afar.

Marseilles

Another famous and most ancient city in the Côte d'Azur is Marseille, which is the administrative center of the department of the Bouches-du-Rhône.

It is located on the shore of the Gulf of Lyon. Parts of the city are located in several tiers on the hills. First of all, this settlement, of course, is interesting for tourists by the Abbey of Saint-Victor, about the monastery which was mentioned earlier.

Cathedrals and the Castle of If

Cathedrals built in the nineteenth century are also interesting. They attract the special attention of travelers. This is the Cathedral of Saint-Marie-Major and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde.

Undoubtedly, the attention of lovers of literature and creativity of Alexandre Dumas will attract the castle of If, which is built four kilometers from the city directly on the Friulian islands of the Mediterranean Sea.

At first, this castle was intended for defense from the sea, but later it was used as a place of imprisonment for criminals. It was not his territory in the novel of Alexandre Dumas and contained the Count of Monte Cristo. Now in the castle even open to tourists the camera Edmond Dantes and Iron Mask.

Currently, the castle of If is one of the most popular places for tourists. All the events that took place there, described by Dumas, are in fact only literary fiction.

Festivals

In Marseilles, a large number of festivals are held. The most famous among them are the following: "Holy Music", "Music and Culture of Diasporas", "Dance M" (contemporary dance festival), "South Fiesta", "Bazaar" (modern art hypermarket), Instants Video.

Nice

Another of the most attractive places that the French Riviera can offer is Nice. This city was also founded in ancient times. It was built in the fourth century BC. True, the name was different then - Nicaea. The history of Nice is ancient and interesting, but it became French only in 1860 (according to the Turin Treaty). The architecture of the city is mainly represented by baroque buildings of the nineteenth century. Numerous museums will attract the attention of history lovers. These include the Archaeological and Natural History. Also there is a huge number of museums on the history of art.

It was Nice that once fell in love with the Russian aristocracy, while the European preferred Saint-Tropez and Monaco. The Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, the Tsarevich Nikolai Alexandrovich, rested here, Russian writers Gogol, Tyutchev, Tolstoy, Chekhov, Gorky came with pleasure.

Before the Second World War, a large number of Russian first waves of emigration lived here. As soon as hostilities began, most of them left for America.

Carnival

One of the most attractive events of Nice is the carnival, which takes place every year in February. It's a noisy and very beautiful holiday. The custom of carnival lasts from the eleventh century. One of the traditions - the throwing of confetti, the second - "the battle of flowers." At each carnival, there must be a "King" of papier-mache, which is burned at the end of the holiday. All houses are temporarily plywood, and artists can freely realize their creative ideas on them. The holiday lasts for two weeks day and night.

Entertainment

Each city of the French Riviera is unique, and any of them deserves the attention of tourists. Even the most unknown settlements can boast of interesting events.

Over the course of the year, more than four thousand cultural events take place across the coast. For example, in Antibes regularly organized cycling race "Tour de France", and Cote de Azur has a large number of casinos.

But still, the main attraction of the French Riviera (Cote d'Azur) is beaches, sea and entertainment. Beaches in different places differ from each other - somewhere pebbly, somewhere sandy. Around - a lot of cafes, restaurants, attractions. Nearby - Monte Carlo with its casino and restaurants. A special place is occupied by the gardens and parks of the Côte d'Azur. They are so beautiful and diverse that you can make a separate excursion on them, enjoying the magnificent landscapes.

Conclusion

Tours to the French Riviera are popular, but still it is a pleasure for financially well-off people. Nevertheless, at least once in your life is worth visiting the Cote d'Azur.