July 2002
Global-Scene -
Located in the Southeast of France by the Italian border is the world-renowned French Riviera - where the Alps meet
the Mediterranean Sea. This geographical configuration also allows - during certain periods of the year - the
option of spending a day at the beach or on the ski slopes. Either choice, you'll get a nice tan because this
region sees more than 300 days of sun per year.
We start our visit in Cannes. In the wintertime, Cannes is very quiet and a haven for rich Italian tourists.
Although many events take place here, the Cannes Film Festival is the greatest and most famous and marks the
beginning of the "summer season". During the festival, Cannes turns internationally glamorous. You'll run into
movie stars, and you can forget about getting a table at Farfalla (the restaurant across from the red carpet
of the "Palais"). (In a way it's funny to watch everybody staring at everybody else trying to figure out who
is a star and who is not.) For a great evening, you can also try Baoli on the Port Canto - definitely the
place to be seen at.
East of Cannes is Antibes- Juan-les-Pins. Rich in history, the best way to visit Antibes is by foot. You can
admire the 14th-century houses and stroll along the narrow streets or the "remparts" (giant walls built along
the shore the keep enemies from invading the city). There are many restaurants in this old town: the trendiest
is the Xtreme café (a wine bar where you'll probably hear more English spoken than any other language).
Just steps away is the Port Vauban, the biggest non-commercial harbor in the Mediterranean Sea with the most
beautiful and expensive yachts around. Juan-les-Pins is an extremely lively place in the summertime, and where
you will find night-clubs, bars, and casinos. July's "Jazz à Juan" festival has been attracting jazz lovers for
over 40 years. You can end your visit by the Cap d'Antibes, a residential area for the very elite rich and famous.
This is where the most renowned Hotel-Palace on the Côte d'Azur is located: the Hôtel du Cap - Eden Roc.
Nice is the largest city on the Côte d'Azur, and its architecture shows its Italian origin.
Walking along the very popular Promenade des Anglais, you'll admire the beaches on one side and
Nice's most glamorous hotels and palaces like the Negresco on the other. The old town area is the most
lively part of Nice. In the morning you can enjoy the market on the Cours Saleya, with products from Provence
(like olives, lavender, tomatoes) and lots and lots of flowers. In the afternoon and evening the restaurants
and cafés set up tables outside, and the atmosphere stays animated until early next morning. Nice is also
a great place for shopping: the pedestrian area (Zone Piétonne), the famous Galeries Lafayette and the Avenue
Jean Medecin. You find it all from the cheapest (Monoprix) to the most expensive (Hermès and Dior).
If you thought you needed money to afford spending some time on the Côte d'Azur, wait until you get to Monaco.
It is not France anymore but a principality, ruled by Prince Rainier. The old town is located on the "Rocher"
where you'll enjoy the history of the principality. You can visit the Palais Princier and various museums,
one of which is the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco (formerly headed by the world famous Commandant Cousteau.)
The most famous event in Monaco however is the Grand Prix de Monaco, a formula 1 race. You'll notice right away
that wealth is ever present here - parked one right after the other are Jaguars, Bentleys, Ferraris and
Corvettes, and Porsches are oh-so common. The Casino area is beautiful: Palaces (l'Ermitage), expensive
restaurants, luxurious shops. And the great thing about Monaco is that you are incredibly safe here.
The whole city is under camera surveillance.
The Côte d'Azur offers more than just these great cities. The Arrière-Pays is gorgeous with its natural
parks, wildlife, great hiking areas and old villages.
french riviera
