Fact Sheets & Video - France

The French Riviera is part of France's South Eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, reaching from Toulon to Menton at the border with Italy.

The French Riviera, in Provence, is regarded as one of the most luxurious, expensive, and sophisticated areas on the planet and is home to some of the world's most rich and famous.

Cannes is host to the annual presentation of the Palme D'Or which attracts movie stars from around the world.

The French Riviera became a fashionable resort in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and was particularly popular with the British upper class.

Winston Churchill was a regular visitor. Initially it was a winter resort, valued for its mild winter climate in comparison with that of northern Europe (though it is by no means actually warm in the winter). Later it became much more popular as a summer resort.

"Cote d'Azur" literally means the Coast of Blue. It's describing the clear blue water of the Mediterranean, and this is the way the French name this part of their country.

However, it is also the French section of the Riviera, which extends into the Monaco Riviera and then the Italian Riviera.

Some great movies have been filmed along this coastline as well, including Dirty Rotten Scoundrels with Michael Caine and Steve Martin, and To Catch a Thief, with Cary Grant and Grace Kelly.

Further Information

Air Tahiti Nui - flies return to Paris from $2850 ex east coast. Prices correct at 22/2/07. Prices include taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.

Air France - flies return to Nice from $205 ex Paris. Prices correct at 28/02/07. Prices include taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.

Radisson SAS, Nice Resort - Class rooms from $450 a night. Includes breakfast and free transfers. Valid during April. Prices correct at 24/3/07. Prices include taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.

DriveAway Holidays - Convertible Hire from $81 a day. Based on 7 day rental for Citroen C3 Cabrio or similar. Prices correct at 24/3/07. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.

Grand Hotel du Cap-Ferrat - Sea View Suite from $1850 a night. Includes access to sports facilities and VIP amenities Prices correct at 24/3/07. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.