Azure: a tale of 10 cities of the French Riviera, a must visit

Bienvenue to the tourist Paradise ― a brilliant French Riviera! Here is so dense concentration of interesting places that everywhere you turn, another landmark and the subject of admiration. On inspection all the treasures of the Cote d'azur will take months, if not years. In today's material we offer you to enjoy the main beauties of the Cote d'azur. To join us on this fun!

  Cote d'azur ― dream coastScenic land on the French Riviera stretches along the Western Mediterranean coast from Toulon to the Italian border. Due to the warm climate of this small area, protected from the wind by the majestic peaks of the Alps and the massif of Mercantour, turned into a prestigious leisure centre. The coast is dotted with expensive hotels, restaurants, luxurious villas, private beaches. But not only developed infrastructure is notable for the Cote d'azur. Worth a little distracted from the crowded glossy resorts like eyes the other beauty ― breathtaking virgin landscapes, "toy" historic towns, where about the present except that resemble outfits of the residents. These edges can be admired forever!





 

The best way to explore the South of France by car. If you hire a car, you can see maximum sights in minimum time. Yes, and the route of a tour group, then bind is not necessary. Free bird travel is much more interesting, agree?

Choosing the spot on the road, don't forget the places described below. To visit them it is necessary to everyone!

 

Nicenice — one of ultratalented resorts, attracting thousands of beach lovers. If you are familiar with the côte d'azur, the city can't be avoided: it would be a real crime!





 

What to see?

Visit the flower market in Cours Saleya, ancient Roman ruins, the museums of Matisse and Chagall, promenade des Anglais and the Russian Orthodox Cathedral ― Church of St. Nicholas. The latter was built in honor of Tsarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich, who died in nice in 1865. Externally, the building is reminiscent of the legendary St. Basil's Cathedral.

 

According to the census of population, 1930, 25% of the inhabitants of nice were Russian-speaking.

 

The rest of the time you can spend by the sea, walking through the ancient streets or galleries. By the way, nice is the second after Paris, French city on the number of arts and other museums.

Also worth visiting is the bustling Carnaval de Nice (nice Carnival), which this year runs from 13 to 28 February.

 





 

MentonMenton, he or Menton Menton ― the citrus capital of France. A former part of the Principality of Monaco is located just 30 km from nice. This is the last French town before the border with Italy.





 

What to see?

Traditionally February and March are Festival of lemons. Bright and cheerful holiday with a carnival and festivities attracts thousands of tourists.

 

About the local lemon orchards created a touching legend. Expelled from Paradise, Adam and eve after the long journey were in the vicinity of Menton. The place so reminded them of their native land, that they decided to stay here and buried in the ground away from the Paradise fruit. Soon the seeds grew a beautiful lemon tree.

 

Citrus trees flower and fruit in Menton almost all year round. Together with the medieval quarters of La Vieille Ville de Menton is the pride and wealth of the town.

 

 





 

 

Himthe Former capital of the tribe of brave Gauls is interesting for its ancient amphitheatre and the temple House Kare.





 

What to see?

Half an hour from the "French Rome" is a 50-metre aqueduct, the Pont du Gard 2000 years it stands over the river Gardon. It is the oldest surviving Roman aqueducts collected dry from huge concrete blocks.





 

RocamadourRocamadour, miraculously perched on the steep cliffs ― the world of medieval bridges and buildings, cute artisan shops and breathtaking views. Coming here, you are in a parallel universe, where you instantly forget the hustle and bustle of the metropolis.

A beautiful city far from the coast (it is a couple hours from Toulouse), but you certainly won't regret getting acquainted with Rocamadour!





 

What to see?

Enjoy panoramic views from the top of the cliff and the canyon of the river Alza, visit the falconry, explore caves Merva and Linar, stroll to where from the ground the river flows UIS. Rocamadour is also famous complex of ancient religious buildings ― a popular place of pilgrimage.

 

 





 

Carcassonne, the walled City is two hours away from Andorra and five hours from Marseille. Fortified stone walls, it stands 150 metres above the picturesque Odom. The settlement consists of several layers; the bottom is on the same level with the river.





 

What to see?

Thanks to the well preserved architecture of Carcassonne itself is a landmark. To get acquainted with him better on walking.

 

Busy

Busig ― tiny and very cute fishing village, famous all over France (and even abroad) for its oyster farms. When they reached the coast, leave your car and walk along the lagoon. With the pier clearly visible field stretching out into the water poles.





 

Them on depth of the attached grid, called "Posada", which is waiting for its moment of glory, the young oysters. Here, at the coast, you can visit the Museum of oysters and learn all the nuances of the fishery. Becoming experts on shellfish and other inhabitants of the lagoon, Étang de Thau, head to one of the local restaurants to taste the fresh "harvest".





 

Also for a treat recommend to look into another lovely town of the côte d'azur ― Montpellier. From Buziga about 30 km away, Or keep the path in Marseillan: in the direction of Agde for Mesa. On the Bay lined the stalls, and next to them there is a secluded cellar with a gorgeous selection of red and white wines. Alternatively you can buy a bottle of the local Noilly Prat. And with all this wealth to keep it small, but incredibly delicious feast.

 

AvignonDespite the abundance of billboards that spoil the first impression of Avignon is the most picturesque town of the Rhone valley. Its streets are filled with striking old buildings, monasteries, churches, chapels. And the annual summer festival in July and August attracts thousands of curious tourists.





 

What to see?

Fans of historical sites will be fascinated by the old part of town with harsh walls, ancient trees, the variety of beautiful gate.





 

Other must see for the tourist in Avignon, the town hall, Papal Palace, the Park of Rocher des Dom, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-des-Dom, Petit Palais and Pont Saint-Doucouré.

  AIX-EN-ProvenceAIX-EN-Provence, founded in ancient times, is firmly in the cultural and historical heritage of France. The greatest interest is the Gothic Cathedral of Saint Sauveur, Granet Museum, Cours Mirabeau and Eglise Saint-Jean-de-Malte.





 

What to see?

Enough to walk up the winding streets of AIX-EN-Provence, be sure to check out one of the bakeries. Local bakers are famous throughout the country for its malissonne ― cakes based on almond dough.





 

Also be sure to try the pasties and the heady stew Provencal.

 

Saint TropezFrom a small fishing village, founded by the Greeks, Saint-Tropez has grown into a first class resort with many famous restaurants, luxury boutiques and expensive hotels.





 

What to see?

Business card of the city ― rebuilt after the Second world war, the Old port with picturesque harbours, where mass moored luxury yachts. Because of the abundance of assorted public indigenous inhabitants of Saint-Tropez called the waterfront a "human zoo." Over the port rises the millennial castle of Sufren. Steps another attraction is the ancient gateway on Rue de la Ponche. In the same area is a Museum of history, where you will be able to explore the city. And then look at the butterfly Museum (La Maison des Papillons) on Rue Etienne Berny.





 

 

GrasseGrasse, surrounded by fragrant fields of lavender in the first place famous for its perfume industry. And yet he became the second point on the famous route Napoleon ― 345-kilometer stretch, which Bonaparte had overcome after his escape from Elba.

 

 





 

Its perfumes, Grasse success obliged the leather workshops that the city was full in the Middle ages. The skin was smelling bad, and to somehow kill the stench, the master used the fragrant mixture of flowers and herbs. Thus began the history of the world of spirits.

 

What to see?

Being in Grasse, visit the international perfume Museum where you can learn all about the production of fragrant compositions. This topic is dedicated to the exposition of the Museum-boutique perfume house "Fragonard". On the development of Provence will tell halls of the Regional Museum of history. And of course, familiarity with the city is not complete without a walk through the cobbled streets with multi-colored stone walls and cracked paint on the Windows. During prom buy memory handmade soap in one of the benches.

 

 

 

 





 

At the end of the Express tour of the southern coast of France proposed to go down to the shore of the Mediterranean sea ― Monaco, where every self-respecting millionaire has a cozy apartment or a luxury Villa. To stay without a visit to the famous Principality with its palaces of kings and manicured gardens ― a big omission. Do not have to spend money in expensive casinos and boutiques: just sit on the edge of the cliff with a bottle of wine and delicious cheese, watching the glamorous "anthill". published

Author: Ekaterina Baidukova

P. S. And remember, only by changing their consumption — together we change the world! ©

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Source: paris.zagranitsa.com/article/2581/lazurnaia-skazka-10-gorodov-frantsuzskoi-rivery-ob

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