The French Riviera, also known as the Côte d'Azur in French, comprises the Mediterranean coastline of the southeast corner of France. The coastline, boasting the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea was one of the first modern resort areas which initially began as a winter health resort for the wealthy British. In the first half of the twentieth century, it attracted artists and writers including Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Edith Wharton, Somerset Maugham and Aldous Huxley, and wealthy Europeans and Americans who set base in the resorts and private France villas found here. Tourism grew and today the French Riviera is one of the most sought out holiday destination in the world and the party ground for the rich and the famous. While on a holiday in the French Riviera, here are a few things that you can do.

Follow in the footsteps of painters and artists

The magnificent beauty of the French Riviera attracted several artists who settled here to capture and immortalize it on their canvas. Many of the works created here adorn the walls of the modern museums across the globe. While here, you can visit former château-turned-museum in Antibes which houses the paintings, ceramics, and other works of Pablo Picasso. In Nice, you can visit the Musee Matisse, perched on a hill and housing the works of the artist and his heirs. In Saint-Paul-de-Vence, you can visit Fondation Maeght, a modern art museum that houses the works of Chagall, Joan Miró and Alberto Giacometti.

Soak up the scene

There is never a dull moment on the French Riviera – year round festivals keep the visitors entertained. In Cannes, you can enjoy the international film festival which is held annually in May. The Nice Jazz Festival features international A-listers and many performances are staged in an ancient Roman amphitheatre in Climiez. St-Tropez also attracts its share of celebrities and you can party with them in the various clubs or just indulge in some people watching. Monte-Carlo hosts the International Fireworks Festival each July and August.  Grand Prix of Monaco sees races through this tiny principality's streets for several days each May.

Travel around in style

No matter how you are traveling to or from the French Riviera, you will be treated to stunning views of the Mediterranean coastline and beaches.  You can also check out the landscape driving on your own on the winding roads stretching between Nice and Mentone. For appreciating the sea views, you can take a ferry between Nice and Monaco or from Cannes to St-Tropez.

Enjoy the food

While the French Riviera is home to world-class restaurants, you can also try out the local food which takes advantage of the rich natural bounty of the Provençal region.  You can check out the ratatouille, a side dish made from tomatoes, eggplant, onions, peppers and zucchini and the bouillabaisse, the seafood soup from the port city of Marseille which is served with garlic sauce.

Stay in luxury

The French Riviera attracts the celebrities, the rich and the famous from across the globe and there are several accommodation options to meet their high-end accommodation needs including private France villas, complete with their own swimming pools and Jacuzzi, and world-class resorts offering all possible amenities.