Relax on the French Riviera is a dream of many, and this is not surprising. The resort area, which is also called the Cote d'Azur, is famous all over the world for its beaches and magnificent hotels, entertainment centers and restaurants. The French Riviera, whose photos are striking in their beauty, is one of the most expensive, but at the same time the most popular resorts in Europe. This amazing vacation spot for millions of people stretches for three hundred kilometers along the Mediterranean Sea. The boundaries of the Cote d'Azur have not been fully defined, especially since it is not an administrative object.
A bit of history
The cities of the French Riviera are also attractive to tourists, especially for those who do not just like sunbathing on the beach and swimming 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.even in prehistoric times. In the sixth (approximately) century BC, the Greeks built the trading port of Massilia. Now it is called Marseille. Then the Romans contributed a lot to the development of this region.
The cities of Cannes and Frejus were built during the same period, and the second century AD brought Christianity to the Riviera. During the beginning of the development of this religion, a monastery appeared there.
At that time, the lands to which the Riviera belonged were called Gaul. Only in the fifth century did they become part of the Frankish Empire. From the fourteenth century, the local kings took this territory under their protection, and in the nineteenth century the French Riviera became a popular destination for both the local aristocracy and for the whole of Europe. The number of tourists has increased every year.
From this period, the French Riviera becomes a famous resort. Holidays in these places turned out to be so popular that now there are a huge number of tourists on the beaches, between which it is sometimes impossible to find a free place.
What attracts tourists?
In the Riviera, a third of all land is beaches, as well as the most beautiful mountains. It is this scenic beauty of the Cote d'Azur that attracts tourists. Many artists come here with pleasure, whom these mountains inspire for creative work. Such great masters of fine arts as Auguste Renoir, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Paul Cezanne and others have visited and lived here
City of Cannes (French Riviera): where is it located, what is it famous for?
City of Cannes –the capital of the most famous film festival - it also attracts cinema lovers, because these days there are many premieres, famous artists from all over the world come here. The original name of the city was Egitna, and in the Middle Ages - Kanua.
In addition, such festivals are held in Cannes: pyrotechnics and advertising "Cannes Lions". Every year a global forum for manufacturers is organized.
But not only cinematography brought fame to Gangnam. It is worth at least remembering the famous feature film "The Gendarme of St. Tropez" with Louis de Funes in the title role. The events in it took place just in one of the cities of the French Riviera. In addition, the film "And God Created Woman" with Brigitte Bardot was filmed here. This city is also quite old; a settlement on its territory existed as early as the third century AD. One of the most interesting historical buildings is the fortress-citadel. This is a sixteenth century building. Now the fortress houses a maritime museum. It is located on a hill and is visible from afar.
Marseille
Another famous and oldest city on the Cote d'Azur is Marseille, which is the administrative center of the Bouches-du-Rhone department.
It is located on the shores of the Gulf of Lion. Parts of the city are located in several tiers on the hills. First of all, this settlement, of course, is interesting for tourists with the Abbey of Saint-Victor, the monastery of which was mentioned earlier.
Cathedrals and Chateau d'If
Interesting andcathedrals built already in the nineteenth century. They attract the special attention of travelers. These are the Cathedral of Sainte-Marie-Major and the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde.
Undoubtedly, the attention of lovers of literature and creativity of Alexandre Dumas will be attracted by the Chateau d'If, which was built four kilometers from the city right on the Friuli Islands of the Mediterranean Sea.
At first, this castle was intended for defense from the sea, but later it began to be used as a place of detention for criminals. It was not his territory in the novel by Alexandre Dumas that the Count of Monte Cristo was kept. Now the chambers of Edmond Dantes and the Iron Mask are even open for tourists in the castle.
Currently Chateau d'If is one of the most popular tourist destinations. All the events that took place there, described by Dumas, are in fact only a literary fiction.
Festivals
Marseille hosts a large number of festivals. The most famous among them are the following: "Holy Music", "Music and Culture of Diasporas", "Dance M" (contemporary dance festival), "Southern Fiesta", "Bazaar" (contemporary art hypermarket), Instants Video.
Nice
Another of the most attractive places that the French Riviera has to offer is Nice. This city was also founded in ancient times. It was built in the fourth century BC. True, the name then was different - Nicaea. The history of Nice is ancient and interesting, but it only became French in 1860 (according to the Turinagreement). The architecture of the city is mainly represented by baroque buildings of the nineteenth century. Numerous museums will attract the attention of history buffs. These include Archaeological and Natural History. There are also a huge number of art history museums here.
It was Nice that once fell in love with the Russian aristocracy, while the European preferred Saint-Tropez and Monaco. Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, Tsarevich Nikolai Alexandrovich rested here, Russian writers Gogol, Tyutchev, Tolstoy, Chekhov, Gorky came with pleasure.
Before the Second World War, a large number of Russians of the first wave of emigration lived here. As soon as the fighting began, most of them left for America.
Carnival
One of the most attractive events in Nice is the carnival, which takes place every year in February. This is a noisy and very beautiful holiday. The custom of holding a carnival dates back to the eleventh century. One of the traditions is the throwing of confetti, the second is the “battle of flowers”. At every carnival, there is always a "King" made of papier-mâché, which is burned at the end of the holiday. All houses are sheathed temporarily with plywood, and artists can freely realize their creative ideas on them. The holiday lasts for two whole weeks day and night.
Entertainment
Each city of the French Riviera is unique, and any of them is worthy of the attention of tourists. Even the most unknown settlements can boast of interesting events.
During the year, over four thousand cultural events take place along the entire coast. For example, the Tour de France cycle races are regularly organized in Antibes, and Côte de Azur has a large number of casinos.
But still, the main thing that attracts the French Riviera (Cote d'Azur) is beaches, the 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 casinos and restaurants. A special place is occupied by the gardens and parks of the Cote d'Azur. They are so beautiful and diverse that you can make a separate tour of them, enjoying the magnificent landscapes.
Conclusion
Tours to the French Riviera are popular, but still a pleasure for financially we althy people. Nevertheless, it is worth visiting the Côte d'Azur at least once in your life.
