French Riviera By: K. Woolard

The glitz and glamor of France’s Mediterranean coastline (known as the Côte d’Azur in French) is rivaled by few other places on the globe. From the giant yachts of St.- Tropez to the uber high-end resorts of Monaco and the star-studded Cannes Film Festival, the French Riviera is known for its pristine blue waters, warm weather, high rollers and crowded beach towns.

However, this area, while expensive and overly crowded in the summer, is famous for a reason – it’s beautiful, it’s chic, and it’s a got great weather and even better food. While there is definitely no place to totally avoid people and high prices, there are some great lesser-known yet equally beautiful destinations on this spectacular region of France.

This ethnically diverse large city on the French Riviera is a popular tourist destination for young and old, rich and, well, not so rich. While most of the beaches consist of stones, taking a swim in the azure Mediterranean waters is still popular among residents and visitors here.

The weather in the French Riviera has a mild Mediterranean climate The weather in the French Riviera has a mild Mediterranean climate. It’s neither cold in the winter neither too hot in the summer. Although cold winds (the Mistral) can blow through the Riviera in the winter, the mountains by the coast usually protect the harbor towns. Summer is warm and sunny, with the average temperature usually hovering around 80 degrees.

The French Riviera has an abundance of traditional seafood dishes that every visitor should indulge in. You can taste the famous Marseille bouillabaisse, a delicious stew with a variety of shellfish, fish, herbs and spices. On a hot day, cool down with a Salade Niçoise, with combines tomatoes, anchovies, green beans, tuna, new potatoes, hard-boiled eggs and other vegetables over a bed of crispy lettuce. The drink of choice in this glamorous region? Champagne from up north, but of course. But pastis, kir made with creme de Cassis, and a nice chilled rose wine is always welcomed at tables and dinner parties all over the region.