Interesting facts about the French Riviera, South of France.
The French Riviera (Cote d Azur) in the South of France is a beautiful part of France that stretches along the Mediterranean sea and attracts millions of tourists all year round. The Côte d’Azur region is home also to the Mercantour National Park and another 13 natural parks, the ideal playground for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, canyoning, climbing, and caving. Also, it is perfect for skiers with over 700km of slopes. Read on for more amazing facts about the French Riviera.
Interesting French Riviera facts you may not know about.
- The French Riviera covers approximately 550 miles.
- Cote d’Azur or Azure(Blue) coast is the nickname for the French Riviera.
- The French Riviera is known for its beaches and stunning scenery.
- The French Riviera population is over two million.
- Nice is the largest city on the French Riviera.
- The French Riviera is known to be a playground for the rich and famous.
- France’s seaside coasts are named after precious stones, the jade coast, the mother of pearl coast and the alabaster coast are some examples.
- The second smallest country in the world is Monaco. While not technically a part of France, it’s located right along the French Riviera.
- People who live in Monaco are not legally allowed to enter a Casino or gamble either.
- Nearly £4 billion per year is spent by tourists that visit the French Riviera.
- Cannes Film festival takes place on the French Riviera, being one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in the world.
- No income tax is paid by residents of Monaco.
- The oldest jazz festival in Europe called Jazz-à-Juan is located at Juan-les-Pins.
- The world’s highest per-capita GDP is in Monaco.
- The third-largest airport in France is Nice airport(Nice Côte d’Azur Airport).
- One of the first modern resort areas was the French Riviera coastline.
- The French Riviera started out as a winter health resort for the British upper class in the late 18th century.
More interesting south of France facts you may not know about.
- The French Riviera has around 300 days of sunshine per year.
- A recent study showed 9 out of 10 tourists say they are “very satisfied” with their holiday on the French Riviera.
- 17% of foreign tourists come from Great Britain and Ireland.
- 18% of foreign tourists come from Italy.
- On average, 200,000 tourists are present on the French Riviera at any given time.
- More than 50 per cent of stays on the French Riviera takes place outside of the peak summer months.
- August accounts for 14% of stays on the French Riviera and is one of the peak months.
- Tourism accounts for 75,000 jobs on the French Riviera.
- An estimated 14 million tourists visit every year.
- One of the most, if not the most famous formula one race circuit is located in Monaco and the Monaco Grand Prix has been held there since 1929.
- 20% of visitors to the French Riviera are travelling there “on business or for a conference”.
- The French Riviera has 15 ski resorts.
- Most tourists stay on average 6.3 nights while visiting.
- An estimated 70 million overnight stays per year.
- 26% of tourists arrive by aeroplane.
- 56% of tourists arrive by car.
- The Principality of Monaco receives 7.5 million visitors per year.
- Nice accounts for 36% of tourist stays on the French Riviera.
- A popular place on the French Riviera is St-Paul-de-Vence which inspired artists like Picasso, Matisse and Renoir.
- Grasse has been considered the capital of the perfume industry since the end of the 18th century.
- Oceans Twelve, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and James Bond movies GoldenEye and Diamonds are Forever are a few examples of movies that have been filmed on the French Riviera.
