France's Côte d'Azur (Azure Coast, map), commonly called the French Riviera, boasts a balmy climate, beautiful Mediterranean coastal scenery, good yacht harbors, and a fascinating history.

These advantages have attracted royalty, nobility, wealthy, and celebrity visitors for over a century.

Although the Cote d'Azur's Mediterranean climate is the warmest in France, in winter mink coats are worn unashamedly even on warm days for reasons of fashion and status more than warmth.

For summer wear, briefest is best.

But the Côte d'Azur is much more than beaches. You'll find several good museums, plenty of good restaurants, and other things to keep you amused and happy when away from the sea.

Here are the principal points of interest along the French Riviera:

Nice

Largest and most varied of Côte d'Azur towns, with the big airport and busiest train station, Nice makes an excellent base for all your travels in the area. More...

St-Jean-Cap Ferrat

This little town on a peninsula is a yachters haven, but the reason to visit is to see the sumptuous mansion and gardens of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. More...

Cannes

Famous for its July film festival, Cannes attracts a wealthy, sophisticated crowd. There's more to Cannes than its festivals, though: a historic quarter, and good beaches. More...

Monte Carlo, Monaco

Technically a separate country, the Principality of Monaco is in fact easily accessible from other Côte d'Azur towns, and is well worth a visit, whether or not you try your luck in its famous casino. More...

Antibes

Smaller, less crowded, beautiful and historic, Antibes is a prime destination for yachters. More...

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Antibes Nice Cannes Monaco Côte d'Azur Transport Provence Languedoc