Photo: la Moutte, the nearest beach to St-Tropez
Here are 30 interesting facts about the French Riviera that most people don’t know.
- The French Riviera is also known as the Côte d’Azur and stretches along the Mediterranean coast from the Italian border to Saint-Tropez.
- It is home to some of the most luxurious yachts in the world, with many being larger than 300ft owned by celebrities and billionaires.
- The region has been a popular destination for artists throughout history, with painters such as Pablo Picasso, Renoir, Fitzgerald and Henri Matisse finding inspiration in its beauty.
- The 2020 Cannes Film Festival, one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, takes place in Cannes on the French Riviera every year.
- Monaco, a sovereign city-state on the French Riviera, is one of the smallest countries in the world: the principality’s length is 3.18 km , and its width is 1.1 km
- The 2020 Cannes Film Festival was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The town of Menton on the French Riviera is known for its gardens and its citrus festival: it is sometimes called the “Pearl of France.”
- The French Riviera has a long history of perfume making, with the famous Fragonard perfumery being founded in Grasse in the 18th century.
- The region has a mild climate year-round, with temperatures rarely dropping below 10°C in the winter, and an average of 300 days of sunshine per year.
- The region was once a strategic location for the Roman Empire, with several important Roman settlements, including Cimiez and Fréjus.
- The French Riviera is home to many Michelin-starred restaurants, including Mirazur in Menton, which has three stars.
- The region is a popular destination for golfers, with many championship courses located along the coast.
- The French Riviera has a rich cultural heritage, with many museums and galleries showcasing works of art and artifacts.
- The town of Antibes on the French Riviera is home to the Picasso Museum, which features many of the artist’s works.
- The famous beach of Pampelonne is part of Ramatuelle, not St-Tropez.
- Nice was part of Italy from 1388 to 1860.
- The French Riviera was a popular destination for British and American aristocrats in the 19th century, including Queen Victoria and the Rothschild family.
- The French Riviera is home to many luxurious hotels, some of which have been frequented by royalty and celebrities.
- The town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence on the French Riviera is a picturesque medieval village that has attracted many artists over the years.
- The French Riviera has a rich maritime history, with many ports and marinas located along the coast. The region was once a strategic location for the Roman Empire, with several important Roman settlements, including Nice Cimiez and Fréjus.
- The region is home to many natural parks and reserves, including the Calanques National Park and the Mercantour National Park.
- The French Riviera is a popular destination for cycling, with many challenging routes and beautiful scenery.
- The town of Cannes on the French Riviera is known for its beautiful promenade (La Croisette) , which stretches for several kilometers along the beach.
- The French Riviera is home to many colorful markets, where visitors can find fresh produce, crafts, and souvenirs.
- The region is a popular destination for hiking, with many trails located in the mountains and along the coast.
- The French Riviera has a rich history of architecture, with many beautiful buildings and landmarks scattered throughout the region.
- The town of Saint-Tropez on the French Riviera is known for its glamorous lifestyle, with many high-end shops and restaurants.
- The region is a popular destination for paragliding and hang gliding, with many sites offering breathtaking views.
- The French Riviera is a popular destination for winter sports, with several ski resorts in the nearby Alps.
- The region played a crucial role in World War II, with the Allied invasion of Southern France in August 1944.
About the author: Remi van der Deure – French Riviera Charter broker.
Hello,
I am the senior Yacht Charter Broker at Charterminute, a well-known yacht charter boutique in Antibes.
I have served in the yacht charter industry for over 15 years and have gained a strong reputation among my clients, as evidenced by consistent 5-star ratings on Google Reviews and TripAdvisor.
My specialty is organizing corporate yacht charters for startups and large companies during popular events like the Cannes Lions Festival, MIPIM, TFWA, and MIPCOM.
I am also proud to be a member of esteemed yacht broker associations, e-MYBA and ECPY, demonstrating my unwavering commitment to providing exceptional yacht charter services and memorable experiences in the French Riviera.
You can contact me directly at +33 (0)662.465.991 or remi@charterminute.com.
