Cote de Azur - The French Riviera

Have you ever thought of renting an apartment here on the French Riviera, with the pristine sunny beaches, the homes perched among the green hills, great cars, superstars - wow - is it really possible? And the answer surprisingly is "yes". What is unusual here is that you "can" fit in and you "will" find something just for you. The charm here takes me back to the 1920's. We have all heard how famous the French Beaches are, and even though the composition of the beach may not be fine, white powdery sand, the weather in high season is the draw for thousand who want a chance to enjoy it and take in the vista. Was is ever really about being seen here? Maybe? Still, with the next view on sunbathing here, the attraction is France in its glory. And to think that kings for centuries gazed out over the same sparking clear water.

When you take a moment to take it all in here, you'll still miss things and then when home you'll say - wow, I had no idea the sky was "that" blue, or the architecture was that wonderful. It makes little sense to me to see the Cote de Azur and French Riviera as a side trip. There is simply too much here to see in a few hours. And photos do little justice. Plan a few days, and you don't have to hotel right on the Riviera. You can find many options nearby and use your rental car to get around. If you do choose to use the beach, make sure you find a spot close into facilities as these are taken care of. If you're into people watching at any level, well, then Cote de Azur is your place.

Make sure you click on the images so you can see the best view. Looking for the world class beach with "bling-bling"? There are a few around St. Tropez along the French Riviera. This area was the hangout of starlet Bridget Bardot, but today the hotels and clubs are packed year-round with Hollywood's hottest stars.

Not far from Nice or Cannes, St. Tropez is a lively town, full of grand culture and shopping during the summer and can be a nice hideaway during the winter months. Hotels abound, and some great bargains can be made if you plan far enough in advance. Tourists planning vacations from all over the world make it once to St. Tropez, and with good reason. The area around the beaches is full of culture, gourmet food and exciting nightlife.

The beach to be seen? Plage Port Grimaud! Wealthy sunbathers and international beach bums cruise the beach. But don't let the crowds stop you. The Cote de Azur offers exciting beach options for any taste - and I mean any. Plage de Tahiti is notorious for its clothing-optional policy. And if you're bringing the whole family, make sure you stop by at least one of these gems: Plage de la Bouillabaisse, Plage des Graniers and Plage des Jumeaux, which also offers beach side playgrounds.

Plage de Pampellone has over three miles of beaches and hotels throughout the area. You'll find yacht harbors all along the famous Cote de Azur, or French Riviera. While you're taking a break and venturing from the beach or your hotel, check out the open-air markets, boutiques or local groceries. Pick up a bottle of olive oil from the area, or wine.

BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - medium grain, coral/loam mix
• Facilities - full on all popular beaches
• Shade - umbrella rentals
• Sports - some snorkel gear rental
• Notes - the Riviera is packed with tourists all summer, expect crowded restaurants and even more crowded highways. Best months to visit are June and September, when you can enjoy the beaches and nice summer weather away from the hordes. Last two weeks in July and the entire month of August are hot holiday time for French families and other Europeans on vacation. Plan accordingly. Closest airport - NCE (unless you have your own jet).

Which French beach was Napoleon's favorite? - Next >>

Biarritz Beaches - Napoleon's Favorite Resort

Biarritz, France surfing. Ah, yes. Two words that one week out of the year go hand in hand. The Biarritz Surfing Festival draws surfers from all over the world. See our other video below for some rad surfing action, right here in Biarritz, France. There are over 5 Km's of beaches here - and people frequent them year round. You, no doubt, want to experience Biarritz Beaches in the fullness of summer. And you'll find that it's one of the most wonderful times of the year. But let us warn you that it can get quite toasty in France as well. Peak times are early and late summer. But don't let those seasons stop you from visiting this jewel of Napoleon's France.

Yes, he loved it here, but it's the same reason everyone else does. It has an awesome vibe to it. The beach here is nice. It is brown but fine sand that packs well. This is what makes it good to find a beach chair. At the same time, you will see that as the beach approaches the Bellevue area, it turns more rocky and finally into the outcropping that is the center part of Biarritz. Gentle wave give way to huge surf throughout the year. But it doesn't matter. You can enjoy both by getting onto the beach and hanging out, taking in the spectacle that is the Basque area.

Biarritz established itself as a popular coastal resort in the mid-19th century when Napoleon III and his wife Eugenie used to spend their summers here. Since then it has proved popular not only with royalty but also with Europe's rich and famous.

Biarritz lies along the Basque coast, near Spain's Basque region. You can easily see the influence even today in the Biarritz architecture and cuisine. Any of the many hotels in this beautiful French resort town reflect that.

There are five beaches in all, each with a distinct history. Once a fishing village, this area became a European surf mecca when in the late 50's American filmmaker Peter Viertel brought a longboard from California and surfed the huge waves astonishing the locals.

Today Biarritz, France is home to the "Biarritz Surf Festival" attended by over 150,000 surfing enthusiasts.

You will find this area of France astoundingly picturesque with majestic hotels and old resorts with all of the amenities. But book your hotel early; this is one popular place for both local Europeans and people from all over the world.

If you tire of the beach and don't want to be cooped up in the hotel, head for the local aquarium, one of the best in the region. Or, walk to several of the museums of Biarritz. Check with your hotel concierge for times and locations.

Other attractions include the old whaling port which looks a lot like it did many years ago when whaling was the prime means of commerce. Biarritz is full of boutiques with the finest from Europe. And at night, the City Casino stays open until morning. You can also head off to the local disco and dance away any energy you may have left.

BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - dark, coral/loam mix, some debris
• Facilities - various along all beaches
• Shade - none
• Sports - none except surf rentals at select beaches
• Notes - a popular destination for international tourists, who flock to the beach during the summer months. Biarritz becomes crowded during the July Surf Festival, and hotel prices increase. The climate in Biarritz is always temperate: winters are comfortable (average 50 degrees F), and summers are warm (average 72 degrees F). Biarritz has an average of 61 rainy days per year. Closest major airport - CDG.

But which area in France is considered home to the Best Beaches? - Next >>