Get to know Riviera

The French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur, stretches along the southeastern coast of France like a string of pearls glistening in the sun. It’s a place where azure waters meet palm-lined promenades, where pastel-colored towns spill down cliffs, and where art, elegance, and sea breezes mingle in perfect harmony.

From the cinematic allure of Cannes and the high-end luxury of Monaco, to the artistic soul of Saint-Paul-de-Vence and the lively Old Town of Nice, the Riviera offers something for every traveler – whether you're seeking jet-set sophistication or Provençal authenticity.

Golden beaches, turquoise coves, and sun-drenched terraces set the tone, while the Esterel mountains and Mercantour National Park offer lush escapes just inland. The light here has inspired countless painters, and once you’ve experienced it for yourself, you’ll understand why.

A bit of History

The French Riviera has a long and storied history, dating back to ancient Roman times, when it was a key route along the Via Aurelia. In the 19th century, the region became a winter retreat for European aristocracy, who built lavish villas and palaces along the coast.

By the early 20th century, it had become a magnet for artists, writers, and film stars. Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Marc Chagall all found inspiration here, and many of their works remain on display in local museums.


The Riviera’s image as a glamorous destination was cemented with the rise of the Cannes Film Festival, and the region still hosts global elites who dock their yachts in Antibes or party into the night in Saint-Tropez. But beneath the luxury lies a rich cultural fabric woven from centuries of maritime trade, border conflicts, and Provençal traditions.

Culinary knowledge

The cuisine of the French Riviera is a colorful, fragrant expression of the Mediterranean lifestyle. Meals here are sun-kissed and olive oil-drizzled, showcasing the region’s abundance of seafood, vegetables, and herbs.

A classic Niçoise salad, with tomatoes, green beans, anchovies, tuna, and olives, is a must-try, as is socca, a crispy chickpea flatbread sold from street stalls in Old Nice. Dishes like bouillabaisse, pissaladière, and ratatouille bring together the flavors of Provence and the sea.


Local rosé wines, chilled and light, are the drink of choice under the sun, while citron de Menton, figs, and rosé-flavored sweets round out the Riviera’s unique flavor profile. Dining here is all about enjoying long lunches, breezy seaside dinners, and the art of slowing down to savor life’s pleasures.