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Cote d'Azur - the famous South District of France, stretching along the Mediterranean Sea from Marseille to the border with Italy. Beautiful climate, picturesque nature, warm sea and fashionable hotels make it a favorite holiday destination provided by people. The main thing on the Cote d'Azur is not at all the sea: here come here for the sake of parties, entertainment, restaurants, discos and casinos.

Often the Côte d'Azure coast call only the south-eastern part of the coast, which begins in the Toulon area. In addition to the territory of France, Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, the Principality of Monaco, is included in the region. The region offers its guests the best that is in France: the sea and rocky ledges, the sun and the lush greens, luxury shops and ancient sights, tasty food and excellent wines.

By its poetic title, the locality is obliged to the French writer Stefan Liezhar, who wrote the novel "Cote d'Azur".

How to get to the azure shore

By plane

There are three airports on the Cote d'Azur: Nice Côte d'Azur, Marseille Provence and Tiny Cannes Mondello, taking only private aircraft. Direct flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg fly to Nice, and in Marseille, you will have to travel, for example, in Paris or Amsterdam. Flights are performed by Aeroflot, Eyre France, Kay-El-Em, Lufthansa, the minimum time on the way - 6 hours.

From the airport to the city

Those who land in Nice, the most convenient to go to the center on the city bus. Routes №№ 98 and 99 are sent directly from the airport, flights No. 23, 52, 59 and 94 stop nearby (the ticket for them is cheaper, but you will need to move away from the airport building).

Arriving in Marseille, you must first take on a free shuttle, which in 5 minutes I will reach the railway station Vitroles Aeroport, from there they are trains to Saint Charles Station, and then you can either come to the right place on foot, or use the subway.

Taxi from Nice Airport will take to the city for 23-28 EUR, Marseille - for 55-65 EUR. Prices on the page are shown in October 2018.

Search flights to Nice (nearest a / n to the Côte d'Azur)

By train

From the Belarusian station of Moscow twice a week, direct trains in Nice are sent. Time on the way is about 2 days, an adult ticket costs 331 EUR.

The earlier to buy a ticket, the cheaper it will be. In addition, French Railways often offer discounts.

Areas of Cote d'Azur

Cote d'Azur is the whole southeastern part of the Mediterranean coast belonging to France. The territory extends to the border with Italy and includes the Principality of Monaco. The region includes the southern part of the departments of the seaside Alps and Var, as well as a small portion of Bush-du Ron.

The most popular area among tourists is the seaside Alps, it is here that the famous Nice, Cannes and Monaco are located. These places are traditionally considered the center of luxury, comfort and expensive life, and the capital of the Nice Department is one of the most famous resorts in the world, although this city is more interesting to cultural heritage and attractions than the beach.

In Vare, the pace of life slows down sharply, and the quality of the beaches is significantly improved. It was these lands that became a classic model of the azure shore: cozy villages and towns, lavender fields, vineyards, blue sea. The most famous cities - Toulon and Saint-Tropez.

And Bush-du-Ron is the East Department of the Region, in which Marseille is located, the largest, lively and unusual settlement of the Cote d'Azur and the capital of Provence. From here you can go to the ancient Arles, ex-en-provence and inspect many sights. Next to Marseil, there are quiet seaside villages with good conditions for the beach holiday.

Transport

By region it is most convenient to move on trains. The railway network covers almost the entire coast, and in remote settlements you can drive by buses that belong to the local railway company, they will even have the same tickets. They are better to buy in advance at the office. The site of French railways.

In major cities, public transport is represented by buses, less often - trams, in Marseille there is a subway. But usually tourists inspect only the central part of the cities, so you can move and walk. A taxi within one settlement is 20-35 EUR, if you go by car between cities, you will have to pay 80-110 EUR.

In addition, the azure coast is easy and pleasant to move on a bike. Often there are cycles, but even where they are not, it is convenient to go. In large cities, urban bicycle rollers work, prices in them are usually lower, and in the towns of smaller you can find private companies. It is worth choosing a mountain model, since the grounds are most likely, the ground roads are emerging near the vineyards and the hills.

Difficulties may occur only when driving along the crucible streets of the central part of small cities. In this case, it is better to leave great and go walk on foot.

And, of course, having a sea under the side, you can use water transport. If the yacht rent is not available to everyone, the ticket on the ferry or the payment of the maritime taxis can afford many. Ferries float both over long distances, for example, connect the region with Corsica or Sardinia, and at all tiny: run between two shores of the old port in Marseille.

Rent a Car

Most of the tourists who come to the Cote d'Azur, take the car for rent. It is convenient and practical: you can see the entire region and do not depend on the timetables of trains and buses. True, there is also a reverse side: the track along the coast of the south of France is overflowing, there are often traffic jams in high season. The easiest to take the car directly at the airport, although you can use urban rentals in Nice, Cannes, Marseille and other cities. Or even in small villages.

Police refers to tourists well, is always ready to help, but requires impeccable compliance with the rules of the road.

Parking in the region is much, but they are all paid, there are parking parks on the streets. Yes, and the place is not so easy. It is necessary to prepare in advance and see the addresses of multi-level parking in cities on the way, sometimes only they save. Often there are paid roads, at the entrance to which there are traffic jams. With prolonged moves, especially in rural areas, experienced drivers advise to fill the tank with gasoline in the future, since the refueling is not everywhere.

Hotels of Côte d'Azur

Cote d'Azur - a very diverse region, and hotels in it will also be born. These are luxurious, five-star complexes that stop celebrities, and modest homemade hotels of small cities, and guest houses, where not only will provide accommodation, but also delight real olive cuisine, and modern apartments, and fashionable secluded villas, and simple, available on Price hostels. In the cheapest accommodation options, the bed, breakfast and Wi-Fi will be offered, in the most expensive - anything: from restaurants and casinos to spas centers, jewelry boutiques and beauty salons for people and pets.

The night in the hostel costs 12-40 EUR, double room in the hotel 3 * for 41-230 EUR, and if it pulls on a real five-star chic, you will have to pay 150-610 EUR per day. In small cities, the cost of living is usually lower.

Beaches of azure shore

Cote d'Azur has a reputation as one of the best places in the world to relax by the sea. Conditions here, indeed, quite good, but the quality of the beaches differ greatly. Nevertheless, everywhere there are paid sun beds and umbrellas, toilets, showers, dressing cabins, cafes and various water entertainment.

Most tourists seek to get to Nice or Cannes, but the shore can disappoint here: in Nice guests are waiting for high waves and very large pebbles, more like cobblestones (reserve beach shoes!), And in Cannes, the sand is not bad, but almost all the territory belongs to the hotels. free will not work.

But further along the coast, starting with the antiba, is a real expanse for vacationers. In the antibe, there is a monotathe, very long and clean beach, surrounded by rocky slopes with pine-growing on them. The second urban beach is more noisy, with a bunch of water entertainment. Cassis has two small sandy-pebble areas, which are also framed by stones of amazing beauty, and immediately behind them the road on calans begins - narrow rocky bays, where you can enjoy the views. Higher estimates deserves the beach de la Gran Mer.

The wonderful sandy beach, awarded by the Blue Flag, is located in the village of La Cute not far from Marseille, it is great for recreation with children, as the entrance to the water is gentle. The second in popularity "Children's" resort is in Mandelie La Napul, there is also finely and calmly. Another good place to relax with the kids is San Maxim and the so-called elephant beach. Elephants There, of course, no, but there is a soft small sand and a very comfortable descent into the sea.

The famous du Prado beach in Marseille is a two-kilometer sector covered with pebbles. But you need to remember that Marseille is a large port city, so water is not very clean and will not compare with neighboring towns, which can be reached in a few minutes.

Those who travel by car should go towards Frejus and turn to wild, deserted shores, they are considered the most deserted and beautiful, although there is no infrastructure.

But the very famous seaside resort has remained Saint-Tropek for many years - indeed, very picturesque and beautifully equipped, but at times too long. Here the best sector is recognized by the beach de Pampelon, the truth is very high there: for a set of two beds and an umbrella will have to pay 30 EUR, despite the fact that the cost does not exceed 15 EUR on the more modest beaches.

Not far from Toulon is the place of La Lond-le Mor - another piece of shore with a blue flag, it is very good and almost unused, as there are no large hotels nearby.

Diving

Sea depths of the Cote d'Azur - this is very unusual places for diving. First, with favorable weather conditions, you can even dive even in winter, although the best time is still from May to October. Secondly, the amazing world is hidden under water, slightly less rich than in tropical latitudes, but not less fascinating: fish, including a giant stone bare perch, more than 20 thousand rock caves, in each of which is unusual people inhabitants, And sunken ships.

The most famous dive site is located near Saint-Rafael. Not far from the coast, there are as many as sunken ships: 4 of them are relatively young, left for the bottom during the Second World War, and the 5th rests from the mid-16th century and one of the versions is considered part of the Barbarossa army. The depth is different - from 6 to 67 m, therefore, the requirements for the degree of training of divers vary.

Shopping

Despite the fact that the Cote d'Azur can not be called a place for profitable shopping, many travelers, going here, dream of a real French shopping. It should go to Nice, Cannes, Menton and Saint-Tropez. There are almost all global and French brands, and boutiques occupy whole quarters. Another suitable place is Marseille. Here mostly brand of the average price category, shops are located in the old port area.

Twice a year, from mid-January to mid-February and all July, the sales are held. Discounts are essential: up to 70%, and a month before the start of the action, sellers are forbidden to raise prices. Almost all stores have a two-hour lunch break, many closed on Sunday, but in the most tourist areas these rules sometimes cancel.

One of the main symbols of the azure coast is cicadians, there are all sorts of souvenirs with their images: key rings, magnets, brooch and large ornaments for walls (they can be seen on the houses of local residents). Also, olive herbs, traditional poppy syrup and folk fishing products are being brought from here.

It is impossible not to mention the traditional gifts of Provence - Lavender, wines, olive oil and cheese. Bunches of dried lavender are found in every store, but you can bring something more practical: lavender honey or soap, sachet to aromatize linen or decor for home. The range of wines will strike even an experienced traveler, because in the azure coast, grapes have been cultivated for several thousand years. Be sure to bring a bottle of pink Cotes de Provence. Choosing olive oil, make sure that the packaging is the designation Extra Virgin. And finally, cheeses are a real French classic! For transport, it is preferable to solid, although varieties with white or blue mold are greater popularity.

Cuisine and restaurants of azure coast

The cuisine of the Cote d'Azur is different from classic French, it is a simpler and "rustic", but at the same time very tasty. Italy was provided to the eastern part, for example, Nice, ITALY.

In addition to luxurious restaurants encountered mainly in the chains of the regions, guests are waiting for Brasseri, cafes and bistros, where you can cheap and delicious dinner. The institutions are similar among themselves, only Brarsary is a larger format, the cafe is usually designed for several tables, and the bistro offers a limited set of dishes (usually 3-4 branded). Separate concerns - confectionery, they sell fresh pastries, including famous baguettes and crawls.

In the afternoon, the kitchen almost in all establishments is closed to 16: 00-17: 00, you can only order drinks.

For the preparation of dishes use gifts of local land and sea: olive oil, garlic, basil, tomatoes, rosemary, fish and seafood. Be sure to try "Buyabes" - Marseille dish, which is a combination of fish soup and the fishing "second". Oysters, mussels and mollusks are popular from seafood. Those who love meat will appreciate Sisteronian lamb.

In the south of France, there are excellent "Banon" cheese, it is maintained in the leaves of chestnut or grapes. Vegetables and fruits are served everywhere, but Citrus is especially valued in Menton, and local Caviva melons are not only eating as independent dishes, cooking masterpieces are prepared with her. A hit from many tourists becomes baked artichoke with lard and mushrooms.

Dinner with a glass of wine in the restaurant will cost 40-50 EUR. At the same time, prices on the terrace is usually slightly higher than inside.

As a light and useful snack that replaces the fast food, serves "Fugas" - a cake with olive oil, olives, anchovies and other fillers. There are sweet options - with sugar fruits and nuts. It is 2-4 EUR.

Best photos of the azure shore

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Beautiful Nice attractions: these are museums, and archaeological monuments, and natural beauty, and cathedrals, and much more.

Those who are more interested in the luxury and glitter of the eastern part of the region are visited by the first gambling house of Europe Casino Monte Carlo, the fashionable hotel "Negresco", where celebrities stop from the beginning of the last century, and the Palace of Festivals in Cannes, it is in it that the Cannes Film Festival is held in it every year .

The most grandiose and bright holiday - the final of the International Festival of Fireworks - passes in Monaco at the end of summer. These days, the sky over the principality blooms hundreds of lights dancing to the music.

In Nice there are several museums, among them the museums of Chagal and Matisse deserve special attention. In addition, a very exciting for fans of art will be a trip to Arles, where Van Gogh lived, in the ex-en-provence, the Cezanne workshop (Avenue Paul Cezanne, 9) has been preserved (Avenue Paul Cezanne, 9) and in the Antibic Castle of Grimaldi with Picasso Museum (Place Mariejol). An unusual open-air complex Roman hill is well-preserved ruins of ancient cemenelum, which once existed in the place of Nice.

In addition, there are several churches on the Cote d'Azur: St. Nicholas Cathedral in Nice - this Orthodox church looks like a real miracle in Mediterranean landscapes, the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Gard in Marseille, famous for the fact that ships layouts and Sea landscapes (Rua Fort Du Sanctuaire) and the Gloomy Cathedral Complex of Frejus with the ancient Baptistery (Rue de Fluery, 58).

Many travelers are sent to Opera Nice, known not only by productions, but also architecture. Tickets need to be bought in advance, and also do not forget to take the evening outfit.

If the lush luxury resorts are bored, you can go to natural attractions and visit the Lerina Islands with the first Christian monastery of Gaul or Calanki - the so-called "French fjords", narrow rocky bays near Cassis. And of course, it is worth walking along the two most famous embankments of the region: Promenade-des-Angle in Nice and the promenade Croiset in Cannes, as well as go to the old port of Marseille and ride there on a free ferry.

7 things that need to be done on the azure coast

1. Enjoy the sea and sun on the magnificent beaches of the azure coast.
2. Walk along the seafront croise in Cannes.
3. Visit the magnificent Museum of Shagal in Nice.
4. Throw silent over the whims of the story in the Castle of Grimaldi in Antibes.
5. As you should "break away" on the discos Juan-le-foam and pull out the remaining "simplicable labor" in the local casino.
6. Photograph in the most cinematic places Saint-Tropez.
7. Feel the Franco-Italian Menton charm and look at the day to the neighbors in the Mediterranean.

Weather on the azure coast

You can come to Cote d'Azur, all year round, but beach holidays are available from May to October. The "velvet season" is considered July and August, although at this time there are usually too many tourists and very hot.

The sediments are rare, the number of sunny days a year is approaching 300, and all harsh weather phenomena soften the combination of the sea and the mountains. The only exception: Mistral is a very strong northern wind, which sometimes comes in the cold season. According to legend, people and animals go crazy from him. It is because of the Mistrar in the houses of the azure coast on the north side there are no windows, and the churches are building forged bell tower: the wind passes through the lattices, without destroying them.