The French Riviera, stretches from St Tropez to Menton in the Alpes-Maritimes. And yet, the real French Riviera, the one that has delighted crowned heads of state, artists and celebrities since the 18th century, begins only at Saint-Tropez from where it unfolds over three hundred kilometres of jagged coastline through the Alpes-Maritimes as far as the Italian border, highlighted by such gems as Nice , Cannes , Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. The story of the French Riviera began in 1750, well before the County of Nice was assigned to France in 1860. Nice's mild winters began to attract the British aristocracy, who travelled to the coast to treat their respiratory ailments. Very soon, with the arrival of the railway line in Nice, in 1864, and Menton, in 1869, the "winter crowd" of British, Russians, Italians and Germans came in ever greater numbers. From 22,000 in 1864, their numbers swelled to 150,000 by 1914. Twenty years later, the French launched the fashion for swimming in the sea and so Nice became a famous seaside resort.
For special events and warm sandy beaches, the French Riviera is a great getaway known the world over. The most renowned event here is the Cannes Film Festival, which occurs annually in May. The Nice Jazz Festival is one of the three largest jazz festivals in Europe, and another popular draw. Artist Henri Matisse resided in the French Riviera, and several places showcase his work. The Matisse Museum in Nice houses a collection spanning from his early student works, to pieces done shortly before his death. In Vence is the Chapelle du Rosaire, which Matisse created for the Dominican nuns of Monteils.
An endless choice of eateries awaits the Riviera visitor. Just about any dish is available always prepared to high standards. Local specialities include gigot de mouton (leg of lamb with provençal herbs), Daube (braised beef with spices & red wine), soupe de poisson (a delicious all liquid fish soup served with croutons and the spicy maionaisse 'rouille' the choice really is enormous so perhaps the best advice is to go and experiment - you will not be disappointed. Excellent local wines whites rosés & reds) are available cheaply just about everywhere, some nice ones to try out include Châteneuf du Pape (red), the white Muscat from Beaune de Venise & any of the 'Côtes de Provence' rosés. The Riviera is also the home of the famous 'Pastis' an anise flavoured aperitif usually taken before meals. A good proportion of social activity takes place in the scores of cafés & bars found in every town & village in France. The cafés often have a light menu and are excellent places just to sit & relax with a coffee or a cold beer. There are plenty of nightclubs & casinos along the Riviera, often open until dawn, check the local papers for details, or ask around.
Something for everybody here. Just about all watersports are covered along the coast. With many watersport clubs offering condensed courses. Inland activities include skiing, cycling & mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking & horseback riding. Tennis courts are everywhere and there is very good squash club in Antibes. Should you fancy watching a soccer game, the local French first division teams are Cannes, Nice & Monaco. Other spectator sports include horse racing & basketball. The Riviera hosts various sporting tournaments, car rallies are fairly regular and every May there's the Monaco Grand Prix.