French Riviera
Cote d’Azur, or the French Riviera, is the Mediterranean coastline of the southern corner of France, extending from the Italian border in the east to Saint-Tropez, Hyères, Toulon or Cassis in the west. It also compromises the independent state of Monaco along with the French territory. Being one of the most favorite locations among celebrities, this place also happens to be one of the earliest resorts for the British Royal Family. It saw numerous kings and queens relaxing on its splendid locations and marvelous beaches like Queen Victoria, King Edward VII and Prince of Wales. The location has also inspired hundreds of artists, including Picasso himself. It has also housed people like Elton John and Brigitte Bardot. The beauty of the place is unmatchable, and so are the amenities in the cities located along this historical coastline. Featuring cities like Nice, Cassis, Monaco, Saint- Topez, and Eze among others, French Riviera is one of the leading coastal destinations across the globe, attracting millions of tourists each year. The natural beauty in the region is ahead of the pack, and is mystic enough to thrill your senses completely. Here are a few natural features to look out for before you take the highways and byways in the region.
Calanques
Taking up a tourist boat to explore the coastline between Marseille and Cassis is worth your time, as you get a chance to explore the gorgeous cloves formed across a length of 20 km and a breadth of 4 km. Numerous hikers and adventure sports enthusiasts take up the challenge to hike these glorious range formed by limestone and dolomite in the Mediterranean sea. These calanques are steep-sided valleys, which have been partially submerged by marine transgression to form cliff edge inlets. The panoramic view is second to none, and the places to see are profound. You can find numerous romantic baths in the region, while opportunities to hike are also great. Experience nature at its best while exploring this place and see how it renders you spell-bounded. Getting to Cassis barely takes an hour by train from Marseille, and another 10 minute walk from Cassis is required to reach the beach. Taxis and buses are plentiful in Cassis, so transportation hardly becomes an issue.
Le Jardin d’Eze
Forming one of most exotic walkways in the French Riviera region, this happens to be one of those few natural locations here, which is worth a visit for every tourist visiting the region. You have to be accustomed with the region if you want to go for independent tours, else a tour guide is advised. The admission fee is 6 euros, while you can get your car parked for 5 euros, from where you can take up a ferry to the garden. It is a walled mountain in the southern France, with panoramic views of gorgeous gardens from the hill top. You can enjoy great biodiversity of cacti and soil here, along with an awesome view of the southern coast from the hill top. Wildlife of various sorts is also available to experience in here. While visiting this place be prepared for tiring trekking over the steep hills.
Cap Taillat
This beach, which might make you feel isolated from the rest of the world, is ideal for couples as it offers amazing romantic bathing spots. The turquoise water is another amazing feature to look out for. Keep swimming shoes of some sort handy if you want to swim in the water here, as the cliffs are quite rocky under the water. The unspoiled beaches and the awesome scenery is worth a watch, which can never be found anywhere else across the globe. You won’t find any bar, disco or food joint around this place, so carry everything you need, especially lots of water and a parasol as the sun can get way too hot at times. Strolling on the outstanding beaches is another thing you’ll like to do in this place.
Iles des Embiez
Located in Six-Fours-les-Plages, this island in the Mediterranean is the best place to enjoy the Mediterranean life at its best. Find the spell-bounding marine life packed in the crystal clear water around the island and amaze yourself with some marvelous views. You can rent bikes or take a walk to explore the beauty of this island. An ocean museum is also another interesting feature to look out for. Visit the place in the summer and enjoy its charm at its best. It barely takes 10 minutes from the port of Brusc to reach this place and once reached you won’t feel like going back. Don’t even bother as you can find a hotel in close proximity too.
Castle Hill
is the most frequented place in French Riviera. You can discover the best of Cote d’Azur in here, but if you intend to find the best in Nice the Castle Hill is the place to be at. Taking around 100+ steps up to Castle Hill from Nice on a sunny day can actually get you a great panoramic view of the city. Amazing stone details, playgrounds, historical detailing as well as astounding views are certain features of the place. The waterfall takes your interest for a while from the gorgeous panoramic view of Nice from the height. You can also explore the Old Town of Nice while hanging around this place. Taking up an elevator to the hill top, which is also free, is another thing you can do if the sun is too hard to bear. Don’t miss the place if you are crazy about capturing scenery in your camera.
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Rohan is a travel writer who loves to travel to different places across the globe. He is planning a tour to Senegal with Palace Travel next spring to enjoy its features.