Il patrimonio culturale e naturalistico della “Grande Cote d’Azur” è noto a tutti, ma il progetto Itinerari Natura e i Giardini della Costa Azzurra, curato da Atout France, Comitato Regionale per il Turismo Costa Azzurra e Agenzia per lo Sviluppo Var Tourisme, è una vera novità.
L’obiettivo è valorizzare i giardini della Costa Azzurra, da quelli effimeri di 200 mq ognuno (Antibes, Canne, Grasse, Nizza e Mentone) a quelli privati, degli hotel, delle più belle residenze, oltre ai grandi parchi pubblici. (www.cotedazur-tourisme.com)
The cities of the French Riviera and Var
Nice has 19 parks and gardens, totaling 300 hectares, with significant gardens around the museums, such as the garden of the Chagall Museum, the garden of the English-inspired Masséna Museum; not to be missed is La Promenade du Paillon, a “green lung” in the heart of the city, which stretches from the Théâtre National to the Promenade des Anglais.
Cannes has a natural heritage of 1969 hectares, including the Lérins Islands, 300 hectares classified as green areas, and 8 kilometers of beaches. Apart from the islands, jewels of the bay blending nature, culture, and history, the Mimosa Forest is worth a visit, less than 1km from the Croisette, a unique reserve for fauna and flora, with discovery itineraries and wellness paths.
Grasse preserves an intact medieval historic center and boasts a long tradition in the art of perfumery, showcased in the International Perfume Museum. The Grasse region (Pays de Grasse) is an hour’s drive from the sea, the Mediterranean, and the Alps, ideal for mountain biking, cycling routes, and canyoning.
Antibes is a natural paradise, where olive trees, vineyards, fruit trees, and many flowers like carnations and roses grow. The splendid gardens of Villa Eilenroc, with 800 varieties of roses, the Garoupe forest, and the Jardin Thuret, with exotic trees and shrubs, are highlights.
Cagnes-sur-mer is known for hosting Les Collettes, the painter Renoir’s house-property; among its beauties are gardens marked as “jardins remarquables” (rose growers, private gardens) and the new Polygone Riviera, an incredible 70,000 sqm garden and a unique open-air shopping center in France.
Cœur Riviera groups 6 splendid locations: Villefranche-sur-Mer, Saint Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Eze, Cap d’Ail, and La Turbie, nestled between Nice and Monaco, which have splendid gardens, like those of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jean Cap-Ferrat or the exotic garden of Eze. On February 13, 2017, there will be a special event, the Combat Naval Fleuri, a floral battle on water that will take place in Villefranche-sur-Mer.
Var has an exceptional natural heritage, extraordinary biodiversity, the Port-Cros National Park, the Verdon Gorges, 400,000 hectares of forests, 600 km of waterways, 3,000 plant species, and over 400 km of coastline, with golden sandy beaches, bays, and coves, from Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer to Saint-Raphaël, for an unforgettable holiday.
Esterel covers a vast territory with forests, rocky massifs, lakes, coves, and beaches, perfect for sports activities including golf, with more than 6 courses. Not to be missed are the Roman ruins of Fréjus, the Roman-Byzantine Basilica of Saint-Raphaël, the medieval castles of Callian and Tourrettes, and excellent gastronomy.
Where to stay? In Bandol, in the heart of Provence vineyards, the Dolce Frégate Provence, 4 stars, offers 163 rooms and suites, all with views of the Mediterranean, an indoor pool with Jacuzzi, sauna and fitness area, and the 18 + 9-hole golf course, considered one of the best courses in Europe.
Château Mentone, wines & hospitality is a charming estate for a full immersion in the world of wine, with large spaces (900 sqm) suitable for hosting groups from 10 to 200 people. The rich surroundings include the Thoronet Abbey, Salernes, the Gulf of St. Tropez, and the Verdon Gorges.
How to reach the French Riviera
Reaching the French Riviera is convenient and easy, thanks to the direct connections offered by Thello, which manages and markets the night train line Venice – Paris and the day train line Milan – Nice (via Genoa), ensuring 3 daily connections, without changes, at affordable prices: maximum second-class fare of €45 per person from Milan to Nice and the Smart Offer starting from €15* for a Milan-Nice trip.
Among the new features: Minigroup** fare for trips from two to five passengers, even last minute at 20% off. The offer can be booked up to the train’s departure, subject to availability. And the Carnet 5X4, nominative, 5 journeys for a specific route (valid for round trip) at the price of 4. Free booking using the Carnet reference, and the trip must be completed within 90 days from the purchase date.
