History of the south of France
The French Riviera, also known as the Cote D'Azur, stretches along the Mediterranean coast of the South of France. It extends from the Italian border to the East all the West as far as Hyeres. It is an area seeped in rich history dating back from the days of 7th century Greek influences due to its geographical position to Roman colonization in the 8th century evident thought the presence of Roman walls in Frejus to many other ampitheatres and Roman monuments along the Cote D'Azur.
Until the end of the 18 century the area was remote and impoverished, known mainly for its perfumeries, fishing industry and olive groves. However during this period it became a popular health resort for wealthy Britons and Russians with Queen Victoria and King Edward VII among its many famous visitors. In 1864, five years after Nice became part of France after the Second Italian War of Independance the first railway line was built making the Riviera area accessable from all over Europe.
By the end of the 19th century the area had become very popular with many artists who apprecaited its warm climate, clear light and bright vivid colours. The most famous of these artists were Pablo Picasso, Auguste Renoir and Henri Matisse. When Germany invaded France during WWII in 1940, many of the settled British colony and members of the artistic community escaped to destinations such as Gibralter and the USA, with many returning after the war ended, including Pablo Picaso who lived out his days in Cagnes Sur Mer.
In September 1946 the Cannes film festival was launched opening a new era of tourism across the French Riviera. French cinema once again took its place on the world stage and with the release of the film "Et Dieu ...cree la femme" in 1956, its leading lady Brigitte Bardot was an overnight international star in turn launching Saint Tropez as an international holiday destination. Saint Tropez quickly became a favourite destination for a new group og international wealthy travellers known as the jet set.
Other famous seaside resorts along the French Rivieara include, Cannes, Antibes, Sainte raphael, Eze, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Frejus, Juan Les Pins & Cap d'Ail and surrounds the principality of Monaco. It has a total population of over 2 million which dramatically increases during the summer months with an influx of tourists from all over the world. With 300 days of sunshine per year, 115 km of coastline and beaches, 18 golf courses, 14 ski resorts and 3,000 restaurants, the South of France makes the perfect holiday destination!
