The city of Marseille dates back to 600 BC when it was founded by the Ancient Greeks. Over many centuries it has served as one of the Mediterranean’s most important trading posts and is well established as France’s largest port and second largest city.
Located on the coast of Provence between Marseille and Saint Tropez, Toulon is a relative newcomer to the world of tourism. Its main role for many years has been as home to one of France’s largest naval bases standing next to an old town which has suffered decades of decay.
The relatively unknown fishing village of Saint-Tropez on the French Rivera shot to fame in 1956 when the movie “And God Created Woman” starring Brigitte Bardot was filmed there. The French actress took a liking to the area and settled locally which created Saint-Tropez’s reputation as a playground for the rich and famous.
The chic resort town of Antibes on the French Riviera has served as an important trading post since it was settled by the Ancient Greeks in 340 BC. As a natural, deep water harbour it was an important port for the Roman Empire and in the 14th century became a prized possession of the powerful Grimaldi family. Today the Port of Antibes is the main attraction for first time visitors due to the sheer size and number of mega-yachts which are docked there during the summer months.
Located on the Côte d’Azur between Saint Tropez and Monaco, the town of Cannes is well known worldwide for hosting its annual film festival. Its popularity as a holiday resort can be traced back to the 1830s when wealthy British families were attracted here by its mild winter climate.
The Parc du Mont Boron is a Mediterranean forest lying just east of Nice on the Côte d’Azur. This natural barrier protects the delightful town of Villefranche-sur-Mer from the encroachment of its nearby neighbour. This independence from the city has allowed Villefranche to maintain its well established air of exclusivity which helped convince a number of rich and famous people to set up homes here. Best known of these luxurious properties is Villa Leopolda which was built in the late 1920s by King Leopold II of Belgium. Some visitors may find that the villa looks familiar as it appeared in Alfred Hitchcock’s movie “To Catch a Thief”.
The Côte d’Azur is a length of coastline running along the French Mediterranean which is better known as the French Riviera to English speakers. Although it has no defined borders it is generally considered to run from around Saint-Tropez in the west as far as the Italian border in the east. Its role as a holiday resort dates back to the 18th century when wealthy English families were attracted by its mild winter climate. Some of Europe’s royal families and celebrities from around the globe soon followed suit creating the region’s reputation as a destination for the rich and famous.
The fairytale marriage of American actress Grace Kelly to Prince Ranier III in 1956 firmly established the Principality of Monaco on the map of jet-set destinations. This tiny state on the Mediterranean is surrounded by France with the Italian border just 20km to the east. The number of superyachts in its port, as seen by millions around the world at the annual Monaco Formula One Grand Prix, is testimony to its continued popularity amongst the rich and famous.
If you’re a foodie with as much of a taste for travelling as you have for international dishes, you’re in luck – these four destinations are sure to please every palate. Indulge in Italy Looking to treat yourself? You’ll have to take a trip to Turin, Italy. With everything from Barolo wines to the elusive truffle to cafes that serve a variety of chocolate-y morsels and drinks, you’ll have to actively try not to pamper your palate here. Or, if
Mysterious, unique and illusive, truffles are the snow leopards of the culinary world. These highly coveted morsels are really fungi that enjoy a synergetic relationship with the trees that host them. Unfortunately, little is known about the formative, below-ground years of the truffle, making it impossible to grow in an artificial setting – and impossible to find in the wild without dogs or pigs to hunt it down. Despite these disheartening facts, truffle-hunters needn’t fear – there are places all
It’s lunchtime on a scorching hot day. The combination of the sunlight and summer breeze streaming through your kitchen window is almost tricking you into thinking you’re in a far-away land. You’re feeling adventurous – and hungry. Since your mind is already abroad, why shouldn’t your body follow? Let your taste buds take you away to Spain, Russia, and France with these refreshing cold soups. Gazpacho from Spain Despite originating as a dish for day labourers who worked hard jobs
Nice is a gorgeous city nestled on the French Riviera. Though renowned for its pebbly beaches and famous Promenade des Anglais boardwalk, the city also boasts an intricate cultural history. In the nineteenth century, the town served as a retreat for the European elite. It welcomed many artists, including Marc Chagall and Henri Matisse, whose works can be admired in Nice’s many museums. If you have only got a day or two to explore the French city’s artistry and heritage,
The French capital is well-known as a cultured city, but it’s got more than a little bit of a wild side too. Once the sun goes down and the museums close, the City of Light’s nightlife is not to be missed! Read on for some of the best bars and clubs Paris has to offer. Bars Bar Hemingway Liberated from the Germans as the Allies swept across Europe, this bar makes a lot of its association with American author and
