Ritz and glitzThe reputation of the Cote d'Azur as the playground of the rich and famous came about as a gradual but unstoppable phenomenon. The Prince of Monaco constructed a casino in Monaco in 1856 and so began a love affair between the French Riviera and the world of wealth and celebrity. Its Mediterranean climate and endless beaches had already established the area as a tourist resort by this time, thanks to early developments in rail and road links, but the first casino naturally bred a portfolio of further casinos and adjoining hotels. Queen Victoria fell in love with the resort, and visits from European Royalty became infectious. The aristocracy began to bring their yachts and compete in races. Actors and artists began to frequent the area, including the likes of Renoir and Picasso who set up home here. With the passing of the years, aristocrats, business people and industrialists made the Riviera their favourite haunt. Famous authors wrote their classic novels here. It gradually became the place where seemingly anything became infectious, from paintings to books to fashion and beauty. |  View of the City of Cannes |
The end of the second world war saw the launch of the Cannes Film Festival which ensured the yearly presence of the A-list celebrities and which has guaranteed the area's synonymity with glitz and glamour right until the present day.
Towns of the Cote D'Azur
Cannes, St Tropez, Nice and Monaco all echo the sophistication associated with the French Riviera. A stroll along the main streets of Cannes is an experience not to be missed for lovers of window-shopping. With its beautiful designer stores it is like walking through the latest issue of Vogue. Its seafront boulevard, La Croisette, divides majestic boutique hotels from their own private beaches, the most likely place to spot those A-list celebrities. Perhaps the best way to appreciate the beauty of the town and its 7 mile long beach is via the panoramic view from Le Suquet, the hill on which the old town of Cannes is perched. Ancient history is preserved here. Visit the beautiful 12th century St-Anne's chapel as well as the remains of a priory occupied by the town's monks in the 11th century.
Nearby St Tropez is yet another medieval town typical of the Riviera, with luxury yachts floating proudly in its harbour. With another 3 miles of pristine coastline, St Tropez is a paradise for water sports, many beaches offering water skiing, speed boating and jet ski. Other beaches in contrast are quiet and relaxing and their beauty can be enjoyed from the many chic restaurant terraces along the shore. Night-time in St Tropez really is the time to see and be seen. It is the nightlife hotspot, where lively atmosphere and party spirit spills out onto the streets from some of the most stylish and avant-garde venues in Europe.
Nice is the town synonymous with the famous Mardi Gras carnival, a time of celebration and festivities not to be missed for its parades, concerts and creative street theatre. Yet another chic resort with a stunning palm-fringed seaside boulevard, its old town is full of quaint and interesting streets. The lovely marche aux fleurs - the flower market - brings lovely colour and fragrance to the town, while the unusual Russian Orthodox Cathedral of St Nicolas is a welcome sight for those thirsty for culture.
The Principality of Monaco with the city of Monte Carlo, the second smallest nation in the world and a tax haven, is just a short journey from Nice. Here, the rock of Monaco houses the Prince's Palace, home of Albert II, the current Sovereign Prince of Monaco and his family while Monte Carlo -- the main resort area -- is the location for the Maritime Museum, the botanical garden and of course the internationally famous casino that began this whole story of chic and glamour.
Rental accommodation in the Cote d'Azur
Luxurious, prestige property would be befitting of such a dazzling area, but this is not the only type of accommodation on offer. A full spectrum of property is available here, allowing the beauty of the riviera to be enjoyed by all. Whether it be a spectacular villa with panoramic sea views, a rustic rural farmhouse within easy reach of the urban centres, or a new-build apartment within walking distance of the nightlife of St Tropez, there is a base to suit every type of visitor to this lovely area.
