Welcome to the Côte d'Azur

The Côte d'Azur is not an ordinary travel destination — it is a myth of light, sea, and lifestyle. For a century and a half, this coast has attracted painters, writers, film stars, and billionaires, yet it is much more than a playground for the rich. Behind the marinas and luxury hotels lies a region of overwhelming beauty, deep culture, and a lifestyle that is addictive.

• The Light — It was the light that attracted Matisse, Renoir, Picasso, and Chagall to the Côte d'Azur. A light of such intensity and clarity that it makes colors glow and turns the sky into an azure blue, giving the coast its name. This light is not just an attraction — it is an experience that changes everything.
• The Promenade des Anglais — Nice's legendary waterfront promenade stretches over seven kilometers along the Baie des Anges. Joggers, cyclists, strolling crowds, azure sea, and elegant Belle Époque hotels: a quintessential Mediterranean lifestyle.
• The Cannes Film Festival — Every year in May, Cannes transforms into the world capital of cinema. The red carpet in front of the Palais des Festivals is the most famous stage in the film industry. But even outside the festival, Cannes is a place full of glamour and surprising depth.
• The Corniche Coastal Roads — Three superimposed coastal roads connect Nice with Monaco: the Basse, Moyenne, and Grande Corniche. Each offers breathtaking views over the Mediterranean, dizzying cliffs, and the feeling of driving in a Hitchcock film — literally: "To Catch a Thief" was filmed here.
• The Perfume of Grasse — The world capital of perfume lies in the hinterland of the Côte d'Azur. Since the 16th century, the finest fragrances in the world have been created here. Chanel No. 5, Dior, Hermès — they all source their essences from Grasse. The lavender and jasmine fields in the hinterland are a feast for the senses.
• Monaco — The second smallest country in the world is a city-state of superlatives: the Monte-Carlo Casino, the Grand Prix through the streets, the Prince's Palace of the Grimaldis, yachts as large as apartment buildings. Monaco is absurd, fascinating, and unique.
• Saint-Tropez — Once a sleepy fishing village, transformed by Brigitte Bardot and the jet set into a myth. Behind the glamour lies a charming old town with Provençal charm, one of the most beautiful weekly markets in France, and beaches that are second to none.
• The Provençal Cuisine — Ratatouille, Salade Niçoise, Socca, Pissaladière, Bouillabaisse, Rosé from Provence — the cuisine of the Côte d'Azur is a homage to the Mediterranean. Fresh ingredients, simple preparation, olive oil instead of butter, and a glass of Bandol Rosé.

The Côte d'Azur is the coast where glamour and authenticity, luxury and simplicity, art and nature form a unique symbiosis. Those who let themselves be captured by the light, colors, and scent of Provence return as different people.

The Côte d'Azur is divided into distinctive sections, each with its own character:

Nice

For whom: Culture lovers, strollers, gourmets
The unofficial capital of the Côte d'Azur. The Promenade des Anglais, the winding old town with the Cours Saleya, first-class museums (Matisse, Chagall, MAMAC), and a vibrant gastronomy make Nice the perfect base camp. Both authentic and cosmopolitan.

Cannes & Antibes

For whom: Film fans, beach lovers, history enthusiasts
Cannes offers film festival glamour and the most beautiful beach promenade of the Croisette. Antibes contrasts with a lively old town, the Picasso Museum in the castle, and the huge Port Vauban marina — the largest in Europe. In between lies Juan-les-Pins with its jazz festivals.

Monaco

For whom: Luxury lovers, motorsport fans, architecture enthusiasts
The principality on two square kilometers: Casino Monte-Carlo, Grand Prix circuit, Prince's Palace, Oceanographic Museum, and a density of luxury unmatched worldwide. Fascinating even for non-millionaires.

Saint-Tropez & Hinterland

For whom: Gourmets, nature lovers, Provence romantics
Saint-Tropez offers legendary beaches (Pampelonne), a picturesque harbor, and Provençal charm. In the hinterland await the perfume town of Grasse, the Gorges du Verdon (Europe's Grand Canyon), medieval hilltop villages like Èze and Mougins, as well as endless lavender and olive groves.

1. The Promenade des Anglais in the Evening Light — When the sun sets behind the angel wings of the Baie des Anges and bathes the promenade in golden light, you understand why Nice is the capital of the Côte d'Azur. → Chap. Nice
2. Driving the Corniche Coastal Roads — The three superimposed coastal roads between Nice and Monaco are among the most spectacular roads in the world. The Grande Corniche offers panoramic views, the Moyenne Corniche passes through Èze, and the Basse Corniche brings you close to the sea. → Chap. Monaco
3. Breathing in the Flair at the Monte-Carlo Casino — Even without playing: The casino built by Charles Garnier is an architectural masterpiece of the Belle Époque. The lobby is free — and the marble columns, frescoes, and chandeliers are worth the visit alone. → Chap. Monaco
4. Eating Socca on the Cours Saleya — The Niçoise street food: a crispy chickpea pancake, hot from the wood oven, sprinkled with black pepper. Best enjoyed at Chez Thérésa on the flower market. → Chap. Nice
5. Creating Perfume in Grasse — In the world capital of perfume, create your own scent: Fragonard, Molinard, and Galimard offer workshops where you can compose your personal perfume from hundreds of essences. → Chap. Saint-Tropez & Hinterland
6. Experiencing Saint-Tropez's Old Town in the Morning — Before the yachts and tourists arrive: the Place des Lices under plane trees, the Provençal market, fresh croissants, and café au lait in a boulangerie. The real Saint-Tropez. → Chap. Saint-Tropez & Hinterland
7. Getting Lost in Nice's Old Town — The narrow streets of Vieux Nice with their ochre facades, laundry lines, baroque churches, and hidden squares are a labyrinth to fall in love with. Every corner a surprise. → Chap. Nice
8. Climbing the Colline du Château — The castle hill above Nice's old town offers the most beautiful panoramic view of the entire Côte d'Azur: to the left the promenade, to the right the old port, below the red roofs, everywhere the azure blue. → Chap. Nice
9. Visiting the Musée Matisse — In a Genoese villa from the 17th century in Cimiez, the museum showcases the life's work of the master of color, who lived in Nice for 37 years and created his most luminous works here. → Chap. Nice
10. Strolling on the Croisette in Cannes — The most elegant beach promenade in the world: designer shops, Belle Époque palace hotels, palm trees, white sand, and the Mediterranean. The handprint of your favorite star on the Allée des Stars is included. → Chap. Cannes & Antibes
11. Visiting the Medieval Èze — The eagle's nest village 429 meters above the sea: winding alleys, an exotic garden with cacti, and perhaps the most spectacular view of the entire coast. → Chap. Monaco
12. Drinking Rosé at a Winery in Provence — Provence produces the best rosé in the world. A visit to a winery near Bandol, Cassis, or in the Var hinterland with tasting is an experience for all the senses. → Chap. Saint-Tropez & Hinterland
13. Swimming in the Mediterranean — The water on the Côte d'Azur is crystal clear and wonderfully warm in summer (22–25°C). The most beautiful swimming spots: Plage de Pampelonne (Saint-Tropez), Plage Mala (Cap-d'Ail), Paloma Beach (Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat). → Chap. Cannes & Antibes
14. Eating Bouillabaisse in a Harbor Restaurant — The legendary Provençal fish stew with rascasse, scorpion fish, saffron, and rouille crostini: a plate full of the Mediterranean. Most authentic in the old port of Nice or Antibes. → Chap. Nice
15. Seeing the Sunset from the Grande Corniche — From the highest coastal road, you see the sun sinking into the Mediterranean and turning the sky over Monaco, Nice, and the entire coast into a blazing orange. Unforgettable and free. → Chap. Monaco