Nice has been cited as the 2nd most visited city in France, after Paris, by one of the leading hotel booking websites. The list is published every year and with Cannes and Antibes in 4th and 8th place respectively it demonstrates the popularity of the French Riviera remains high.
Our top five reasons for visiting the South of France.
The weather
It may be a cliché but we want guaranteed sun on holiday. Three hundred and twenty five days of sunshine a year on the South of France coast, count them, that's a lot of sunshine. The Cote d'Azur started out its tourist career as a winter destination more than two hundred years ago but now it is the long, sure fire, hot, hot summers that we love.
The food
It may not be known as a gastronomic capital of France but there are more Michelin starred restaurants per capita than any other region in France. And they are not all located in the most expected cities, try Mougins, close to Cannes for a gastronomic experience. Or the chef's chef, Alain Ducasse in the Louis XIV restaurant in Monaco. Alternatively go for the lightest freshest foods served beach side from Monaco to Saint Tropez.
The variety
Sun, sea, beaches...check, but the French Riviera has so much more than just a beach resort location. Stretching for miles along the coastline of the Alpes Maritime and into the Var departments of France, the Cote de d'Azur offers dramatic landscapes where the mountain plunge into the sea. Snow topped peaks with magnificent protected national parks and where the wild animals still roam.
The shopping
From Italian designer handbags to the Italian designed sports-cars you will find it here on the French Riviera. Luxurious shopping centres like the Metropole Centre in Monaco house luxury designers and is a shopping experience for the wealthy. Cannes is street to street designer luxury as it Saint Tropez but the sales are exceptional if your budget doesn't stretch to meet the price tags. October in Saint Tropez is the time to visit for up to 70% off designer names. January and July also are a great time for bargains.
The culture
Many of the greatest 20th Century artists made their home in the South of France. Drawn here by the relaxed way of life and the startling light changes and luminosity of the landscape. Renoir, Picasso, Chagall, Matisse all made their homes along this coastline as well as great writers, thinkers and poets. Explore the renowned Saint Paul de Vence to find your own inspiration or watch the Cap d'Antibes many changing moods during the day, if not with paintbrush in hand then at least with a glass of rosé. Museums in Nice, Cannes, Mougins, Cagnes sur Mer and Monaco have regular expositions of great artists. Try the Maeght Institution for its permanent collection of great works.
French Riviera » Cannes » Theoule sur Mer
110 sq.m. Apartment #1096
sea view, beachfront, waterfront
Thanks for an excellent stay at Rochebelle. Pass my compliments to the owners - they really have a special place there and fits my family requirements perfectly.
- Graham Forbes 
An apartment set in a dream scape of sea, sand and rolling hills - this three bedroom apartment has impressive, breathtaking views from every angle. This apartment is all about relaxing in style in your beachfront residence in idyllic Theoule sur Mer.
