French Riviera

French Riviera

Sea, mountains and heritage of the côte d'Azur

The Alpes-Maritimes is the most recent département in continental France, though its history obviously goes back much further in time, all the way to prehistoric times. its exceptional topography and remarkably mild climate have created a microcosm, in which players from all over the world are motivated by tireless enthusiasm. Here, human nature unveils itself in all its aspects as nowhere else : magnificence versus parsimony, frivolity versus hard work and finally traditionalism versus a thirst for new horizons. The Riviera was dubbed Côte d'Azur in French in the 19th century ; this evocative name certainly contributed to the region's renown and success. But perhaps one should think in different terms. The name of the département, Alpes-Maritimes, also evokes the notion of duality, between the coast and mountains, the Middle Ages and Belle Époque, hillside mountain villages and seaside resorts, art and gastronomy, gardens and technology. This is a land of contrast and nuance, with many different windows through which to proceed and the time must be taken to discover what lies behind each of them. This book is unique in that it opens some of these windows with its radiant text and extraordinary photographs dialoguing with both the past and the present. This is a book of memories, emotion and hope. It speaks of a region, which still has much to say for itself. The Alpes-Maritimes is like an eternal incense burner, forever distilling unexpected enchantment to those who are receptive. With this beautifully illustrated book, readers will rediscover and better understand the eternal beauty of the Alpes-Maritimes.