The international repute of the French Riviera derives from an ante-litteram achievement of marketing. Towards the end of the 1880’s, writer Stéphen Liégeard coined the expression “Côte d’Azur”, a masterpiece of brevity and evocativeness respectful of the rules of modern branding.



The slogan, in fact, effectively conveys the appeal of a land suspended between imagination and reality, high society luxury and Mediterranean simplicity, paparazzi and fishermen.

The heart of the Côte stretches from Menton, a stone’s throw from the Ligurian Riviera di Ponente, and Cannes. This area has represented one of the world’s favourite seaside destination for more than a century, its 365 days-a-year mild climate and stunning views accounting for success and reputation.

This corner of paradise boasts excellent connections – whether you travel by car or by train, there is plenty of occasions to enjoy breathtaking coastal panoramas, the most pleasant of journey companions.

Start your tour in Menton, a charming border town perched over a hill and endowed with a lively seaside promenade – the reign of brasseries and wide beaches. Have a stroll around the pedestrian district, a tidy quarter rich in nice Provençal shops and open-air bistrots. Advice for gourmets: enjoy the treat of socca, the local version of chick pea farinata (the bonds with Liguria are very tight). Pleasures for the eye include the Fête du Citron, a Carnival parade with marching bands and colourful floats loaded with oranges and lemons.

Leave the serenity of Menton for Cap Martin Roquebrune, the starting point of a nice trail (once the ancient customs officers route) called la promenade Le Corbusier, which reaches the Principality of Monaco. Enjoy the itinerary in full tranquillity, relish the vivid colours of sea and vegetation, the intense scent of thyme, the sight of cluster pines and olive trees, the song of cicadas and the chant of the sea against the rocks.