The Big Picture

The French Riviera, or Côte d'Azur, stretches approximately 120 kilometers along France's Mediterranean coast, from Cassis in the west to Menton at the Italian border. Despite its glamorous reputation, this is a surprisingly compact region—you can travel its entire length by train in under three hours.

The region encompasses most of the Alpes-Maritimes department and portions of Var, bounded by: - North: The Provençal Alps and Maritime Alps - South: The Mediterranean Sea - East: The Italian border and Ligurian coast - West: The Massif des Maures and Esterel mountains

Key Geographic Features

The Coastal Plain: A narrow strip rarely exceeding 5 kilometers wide, containing most major cities and transportation infrastructure. This concentrated development makes public transit exceptionally efficient.

The Pre-Alps: Rising dramatically from the coast, these limestone mountains create the Riviera's distinctive backdrop and microclimate. Perched villages here offer cooler temperatures and spectacular views.

River Valleys: The Var, Loup, and Roya rivers cut through mountains to the sea, creating natural transportation corridors and fertile plains. These valleys provide easy access to the interior.

The Esterel and Maures: Ancient volcanic mountains west of Cannes, offering pristine wilderness just minutes from busy beaches.