There are wonderful shopping opportunities in all of the main towns and cities of the Cote d’Azur. However, the bustling markets and those of inland villages are equally enjoyable. Cannes, with high end shopping, still holds a great flea market every Saturday and a daily market at Forville. Nice is home to a beautiful flower market, with fresh fruit and vegetables in abundance.
The Mediterranean coast of the Cote d’Azur has seduced many artists with its climate, vivid colours, land and light. They include Paul Cézanne, Henri Matisse, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso and Auguste Renoir. The Picasso museum in the Chàteau Grimaldi is worth a visit, as is the Matisse Museum situated on the hill of Cimiez.
There are numerous festivals which take place throughout the year on the Cote d’Azur. Most famous is the Cannes Film Festival in May attracting celebrities and tourists alike. However, others include the Violet Festival in Tourrettes-sur-Loup, the Rose Festival in Grasse, the Jazz Festivals in Nice and Juan-les-Pins as well as the Formula One Grand Prix race in Monaco.
Both Italy and the stylish Monaco are in easy reach of the Cote d’Azur. Monaco overflows with historical attractions nestling amongst modern amenities with numerous palaces, museums, shopping centres and casinos. Monaco-Ville is the picturesque medieval village with winding passages and houses of a time past. Turin is an easy drive with shopping, history and a wealth of culture.
