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The coastal area of south-eastern France received its highly marketable brand-name from Stéphen Liégeard’s 1887 book, the Côte d'Azur, meaning ‘azure coast’. He coined the name to describe the region’s, “countryside of blue sea, sun and flowers”. Due to the tourist implications of being part of the Côte d'Azur, there is some ambiguity as to where it actually begins. There is an argument that it commences as far west as the town of Cassis, 20 km outside of Marseille; although the general perception is that it stretches from around Toulon and Hyères to Menton on the Franco-Italian border. Its territory spreads over both the Var and Alpes-Maritimes departments and includes the principality of Monaco. Bordered by the Maures mountain chain from Hyères to Fréjus and then by the Estérel and Alps ranges, the Côte d'Azur is sheltered from the strong mistral winds that chill the rest of France’s Mediterranean coast. It also enjoys the sunniest weather in the country and its mild winters mean outside the mountains, temperatures rarely sink below zero. Average summer temperatures on the Côte d'Azur are around 27ºC, while it experiences an astonishing annual 3,000 hours of sunshine. Referred to in English as the French Riviera (despite riviera being an Italian word), the Côte d’Azur first found fame in the 19th century as a winter resort. Initially its popularity was restricted to the British upper classes and members of the European aristocracy. Queen Victoria herself was a regular guest to the Régina Palace in the Cimiez district of Nice. Winston Churchill was another frequent visitor, writing his memoirs in Coco Channel’s villa La Pausa in the town of Roquebrune. However in the early 20th century the Côte’s appeal broadened, as it became a playground to the stars of film and fashion, as well as the existentialist philosophers who embraced St Tropez. The Riviera’s reputation became truly legendary with the publication of F Scott Fitzgerald’s book, Tender is the Night. It documented the hedonistic, decadent lifestyles enjoyed by the Côte d’Azur’s social elite, which in reality included many members of the Lost Generation of authors, of which he and Ernest Hemmingway were members. The light and colour of the coast has also attracted many of the world’s most celebrated artists. Monet, Matisse, Renoir and Picasso have all contributed to turning the Côte d'Azur into the greatest concentration of modern art in Europe. More recently, the Riviera has received tourism on a mass scale, due to the advent of budget airlines. It is accessible from the airports of Nice, Marseille and Toulon, which together receive daily flights from every UK airport. Nice- Côte d’Azur airport is the second busiest in France with annual traffic of over 8 million passengers a year; while Marseilles and Toulon airports have annual throughputs of 6 million and half a million passengers respectively. The following guide is a description of the main towns of the Côte d'Azur, to aid holiday makers in making their decision as to where to rent their holiday villa or apartment. L'arrière-paysWhile the Côte d'Azur has undergone heavy urbanisation, further back from the coast, its hinterland, known in French as l'arrière-pays, remains relatively untouched. Its innumerable tiny villages often date from the medieval era and feature traditional provençal stone houses and cottages; a good example being this apartment in the village of Sigale, 60km behind Nice. Properties in the arrière-pays are generally less expensive to rent and enjoy more tranquillity than those situated right on the coast or in towns. They are usually located in the hills and mountains and often feature incredible elevated views of the Mediterranean or the surrounding mountains. Many villas in the arrière-pays are situated on large amounts of land and come with swimming pools. Some good examples on Rentals France include the provencal Villa Romantica and this villa overlooking the Esterel mountains. MentonOn the Italian border, Menton is arguably the most beautiful town on the Côte d'Azur, indicated by its nickname, the Pearl of France. Its microclimate makes it even hotter than the rest of the Riviera, with its average yearly temperature of 17.3ºC, a whole degree higher than neighbouring Monaco. Formerly a possession of Monaco’s Grimaldi family, Menton’s residents voted to become part of France in 1861. The 316 days of sunshine it receives each year make it ideal for growing citrus fruit, a fact celebrated in the annual lemon festival, which sees huge statues and floats built of from lemons and orchestras parade through the streets. Menton’s proximity to Italy is reflected by its many Genoese-baroque buildings; although the city boasts a large variety of different architectural styles. Here is an apartment in central Menton on Rentals France. It is particularly noted for its flowers and fine gardens, such as the Fontana Rosa, surrounding the former villa of the Spanish novelist Blasco Ibanez and the Serre de la Madone; both of which are open to the public. The city also possesses, a museum dedicated to the artist, filmmaker and writer, Jean Cocteau, featuring many of his works donated by his friends and other artists. Since Menton is surrounded by hills, there are many residences around the city offering unforgettable views, such as this Menton rental property. MonacoAn independent state, the principality of Monaco has its own language, Monégasque and hosts the highlight of the Formula 1 Grand Prix season. Monaco is divided into five districts, the most famous and wealthiest being Monte Carlo, whose Belle Époque casino, designed by the famous architect Charles Garnier is the principal attraction. Rental properties in Monte Carlo can offer spectacular views; although usually at even more spectacular prices. Its neighbouring districts offer much more reasonably priced accommodation. The old town with its Italianate architecture and multitude of restaurants is of particular tourist interest, while the harbour area of La Condamine contains many modern apartments. Read more... | 