Overview

The golden beaches of the Côte-d'Azur and the snow-capped Southern Alps are less than 50 kilometres apart. So close in fact, that it's possible to hike in the mountains and sunbathe on the beach in the same day.

The Côte-d'Azur Montagnes is a range of mountains with peaks rising to 3000 metres above sea level. Temperatures are higher here than in the Northern Alps and on average there are 300 days a year of sunshine.

The Côte-d'Azur Montagnes are also home to the Mercantour National Park, an area of more than 435,000 acres of protected land with forests, lakes, and rivers. The Mercantour National Park stretches more than 120 kilometres from the Col de Tende to the Ubaye Valley. Outdoor enthusiasts can choose from 600 kilometres of marked hiking paths, biking trails, pony trekking, rock climbing, canyoning, via ferrata, fishing, and 375 kilometres of rivers for white water sports.

The park offers a fusion of Mediterranean and Alpine flora, with oak, olive, fir, and pine trees. It is also habited by a rich variety of fauna, including the ibex, marmot, wild boars, golden eagle, wolf, bearded vulture, and the European green lizard.

The park is dotted with 28 mountainside villages, many with architectural riches like historic churches, chapels, and monuments. Some of the most popular resorts in the area include Auron, Isola 2000, Beuil, and Valberg featuring year-round activities from summer hiking trails to winter ski areas.

Heading south from the mountains is the stunning coastline of the Côte-d'Azur. In little over an hour's drive you can travel from the Alpine peaks to the palms of the Mediterranean. Here you can explore the historic city of Nice, with its picturesque promenade and numerous art galleries, and glamorous Cannes, with its luxury shops and beachfront restaurants.

The Côte-d'Azur was awarded the 2010 Golf Destination of the Year by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators. The region has 16 courses with stunning views over mountains, meadows, forests, and sea.

The Côte-d'Azur region is easily reached by its two international airports: Marseille-Provence and Nice Côte-d'Azur. Alternatively, the Mediterranean TGV (high-speed train) connects Paris/Lyon with Marseille/Saint-Charles in just three hours and operates 17 times a day.