Living it Up in the French Riviera

Oh the beautiful French Riviera, a popular destination for celebrities, where you can see the stars during the famous film festival at Cannes, try your luck at the casinos in Monte Carlo or have a nice time in Nice. The region, also known as the Cote d’Azur, attracts visitors all year round with its stunning scenery, amazing designer boutiques and enchanting towns and villages.

A long time favourite with the English, the French Riviera oozes Mediterranean charm from its sandy beaches to the beautiful villas. You cannot fail to be enchanted by its towns as you cruise along the coast. Below are some of what I believe to be the highlights to see when you step ashore.

Cannes

Cannes was a humble fishing village before Lord Brougham, the former Lord Chancellor of England, was detained there on his way to Nice in 1834 and liked it so much that he had a villa built just outside the village. He also persuaded his friends to live there so many more homes were built and Cannes began to prosper. Queen Victoria’s court also visited the place and it soon became renowned as a resort for the rich and famous.

Of course, as soon as you mention the word Cannes, it makes you think of the famous film festival and the jet set. But, if you’re like me and prefer a bit of culture to people watching or spending a fortune in designer stores, there’s plenty to see and do. Work off some of that food with a climb to the top of the town, Haute Ville, for some spectacular views of the coast and then wend your way back to sea level through the narrow streets. For something less taxing, stroll along the Croisette that follows the curve of the bay and leads you past beautiful gardens full of flowers and trees.

Go back in time at the Musée de la Castre (located in the Old Town) where you’ll find Mediterranean artifacts from Egypt, Greece, Rome, Mesopotamia, Iran, Syria and Cyprus. Primitive art from Oceania, Africa, Asia and the Americas is another area of focus. If a walk around the museum doesn’t tire you out, climb the medieval tower for a panoramic view of Cannes and its bay.

If the Man in the Iron Mask, subject of various films and books, captures your imagination and you’ve got enough time, the Musee de la Mer on Sainte-Marguerite island's Port-Royal (about 1km from Cannes) is where you can visit his cell. The museum is also full of maritime treasures, including remains of cargos from ships that date back to Roman times.

Monte Carlo

Did you know that Monte Carlo’s first casino came into being when Prince Charles III decided that to prosper, after Monaco had sold half its territory to France for independence and cash, tourism and gambling were the key? Since then, Monte Carlo has flourished and become a gamblers’ paradise, as well as home to one of the most exciting grand prix races in the world. The town boasts 300 days of sunshine a year, so after visiting you may be tempted to move there to avoid the traditional British “summer”!

If lady luck doesn’t grace you with her presence at the casino and you can’t face your other half, you can hide underground in the Observatory Caves located 200 feet below the Exotic Gardens (south of the casino). To find out what lies beneath, visit the Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium (located on the coast at Avenue St Martin) with its amazing collection of sea creatures in the museum itself and spectacular display of marine flora and fauna in the aquarium. If you’re lucky you might see Nemo or his friend Doree swimming around.

You could find yourself waxing lyrical about the wax museum that shows historical episodes from the Grimaldi’s (the rulers of Monaco) past and present life (on the Rue Basse in the old town), or drooling over the Prince of Monaco’s car collection (20 minutes walk from Casino Square) that boasts around 100 vehicles.

Don’t fancy being on your feet all day but want to explore? Easy! Just take the “train” from outside the Oceanographic Museum that passes Monaco Port, Monte-Carlo and its Palaces, the famous Casino and its gardens, before returning to the Old Town with its City Hall and finally the magnificent Prince’s Palace.

Nice

A little story for you. Legend has it that in 1543, advance guards of an invading Turkish army approached Nice. To frighten them off, a large common laundress (also reputed to be ugly), climbed a ladder and mooned at the Turkish guards. The Turks retreated and the new heroine of Nice was adopted as the patron saint of the city. Hopefully there is no danger of that now!

Get a panoramic view of the city by walking up the Colline du Chateau (Castle Hill), situated between the old town and port, and build up your appetite for dinner at the same time.

Admirers of art, both past and modern, have a choice of museums to visit. If you’re like me and think most modern art is just plain weird and that kids can draw better, head off to the Musee Matisse (just north of the city centre) that houses drawings and paintings by Henri Matisse, including the famous Still Live with Pomegranates and Flowers and Fruits. Alternatively the Musee Chagall boasts the world’s largest collection of paintings, drawings and sculptures by Marc Chagall (the Russian born French painter). Modern art lovers can find the Musee d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain (Modern and Contemporary Art Museum) near Nice's Acropolis Convention Centre. The museum features art works by Andy Warhol, Jean Tinguely and Niki de Saint-Phalle. Works from the Ecole de Nice are also featured.

Of course you can’t talk about Nice without mentioning the Promenade des Anglais. The English arrived in the 18th century and began building houses and churches. However, during the winter of 1821-22 an unusually sharp frost stopped more building and there was a lot of unemployment. The English church raised funds and put many of the unemployed to work to build a walkway by the sea. The long walkway stretches along the Mediterranean seaside for about 3 miles. Perfect for working off lunch.

Villefranche-sur-Mer

As its name suggests, Villefranche literally sits on the sea. A deep water harbour, the town dates from 1295 and is full of history. The Marine and Zoological Laboratory (near the harbour), for example, used to be a prison for galley slaves. More recently, the Promenade des Marinieres, which stretches along the waterfront, served as the base for the US 6th Fleet until 1967

The Chapelle St-Pierre, located on Quai Courbet, is a sight to behold. Dating from the 14th century, it became a storeroom for fishermen’s nets and equipment. Fortunately for the building, it was restored by Jean Cocteau, helped by locals, in the 1950s.The chapel is well worth a visit for its amazing murals by Cocteau and makes it stand out from the traditional décor found in other chapels.

Built to protect the bay, the citadel is home to two art museums and the town hall. The Musee Volti houses sculptures by Volti, whilst you can see works from Picasso and Miro at the Musee Goetz Boumeester.

Cannes is renowned for its film festival, but several films have been shot at Villefranche-sur-Mer, including Hitchcock’s To Catch A Thief, The Jewel of the Nile starring Michael Douglas, and the James Bond film Never Say Never.

I could go on forever, but hopefully I’ve given you a taster. Cruise lines visiting the French Riviera include P&O, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Cunard, Carnival, MSC, Fred. Olsen, Celebrity and Ocean Village so you’ll be spoiled for choice. So go on, explore the French Riviera. You never know who you might meet (I’m hoping for Johnny Depp).