The French Riviera
When I was young one of the most popular holiday spots for the wealthy of the world was the French Riviera which is the English interpretation of the Cote D’Azur. It was the place to go to if you wanted to be seen. You will find it on Western Mediterranean cruises in the south eastern corner of France.
This area started to get popular around the end of the 18th century and was the winter playground for royalty and aristocracy from all around Europe including Queen Victoria. It then became a favorite spot for writers and artists such as Pablo Picasso and Somerset Maugham.
The next wave of tourists were the celebrities of their day who had become rich from films, music and the like. One of the most famous of these was Brigitte Bardot who was the sex symbol film star of the 1950s and 60s. As a fashion model she was almost single handedly responsible for the popularity of the bikini which was very daring at that time. Saint Tropez was the ideal location to model this swim wear.
Cannes
Cannes has become well known throughout the world because it is the home of the Cannes film festival which has been held around May in the city ever since 1946. This is where you will find all the famous actors, actresses and other people associated with the film industry for 10 days. The top movies are competing to be awarded the top accolade of the Palm D’Or but there are many other categories.
It is also popular for yachtsmen as it has a large marina.
Nice
Nice is the largest city on the French Riviera and is the airport that would most likely fly into if you are traveling to the region by plane, maybe to start a cruise.
It has a wide palm tree lined seafront which stretches for a long way.
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Monaco – Monte Carlo
Although these two places are often used synonymously, there are actually separate although Monte Carlo is in the principality of Monaco.
The area has become famous as the home of the very rich as Monaco has its own tax regime. Many famous sports and entertainment stars have a home here. One of the most well know sights is the Casino which is a very ornate building which dates back to the mid 19th century. I have always wanted to be “The man that broke the bank at Monte Carlo” as immortalized in the old song, but never quite managed it.
It also hosts the Monaco Grand Prix which is a Formula 1 car race which is one of the very few that actually use the roads of the city they take place in.
Monaco is a country in its own right. It is the second smallest country in the world, the smallest is the Vatican City in Rome. It is a monarchy and the major landmark there is the Castle in which the king still lives.
If you get the chance to stop off on an all inclusive cruise do take the opportunity. Alternatively you could arrange the fly cruise package and spend some time on the French Riviera before embarking on your cruise ship. before
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Cannes still is a magnet for visitors on the Riviera, notably during the Cannes festival in May when boast throw anchor in the bay and let people enjoy the buzz on the Croisette. Although getting tickets to screenings is difficult (not impossible), there ae so many things going on that people usually go home with good memories.
Michael recently posted..Hotel Colette: Cannes newest 4-star hotel