Travel Report Côte d’Azur by Ullrich H. Angersbach: Between Riviera Glamour and Coastal Simplicity

Why the Côte d’Azur?

For more than a century, the French Riviera – or Côte d’Azur – has attracted artists, aristocrats, movie stars and now, everyday travelers from across the globe. I – Ullrich H. Angersbach – traveled along this Mediterranean stretch, exploring Nice, Cannes, and Monaco. What makes it extraordinary is not just the glitter, but the blend: fishing villages and yachts, art museums and beach cafés, lavender scents drifting in from Provence.

For US travelers: France belongs to the Schengen Area. US citizens may visit for up to 90 days without a visa. Starting in 2025, an ETIAS authorization (similar to ESTA) will be required—apply online before flying. Passport validity of 6+ months beyond your stay is recommended.

Urheberrechte bei Ullrich Angersbach

Arrival & First Impressions

Flights from the US typically land at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE), France’s second-busiest after Paris. Direct connections exist from New York; otherwise, you’ll connect via Paris, London or Frankfurt. The airport lies right on the coast—your descent often offers postcard views of the turquoise sea.

The Riviera is compact: trains link Nice, Cannes, Antibes, and Monaco efficiently along the coastal track. Renting a car opens mountain villages, but parking is tight and expensive in cities.

Costs (approx. in USD):

  • Coffee in Nice: USD 3–4
  • Lunch menu: USD 20–25
  • Hotel double room (mid-range): USD 120–180/night
  • Local trains: USD 8–15 between major towns

Nice – the Mediterranean’s Big Stage

Nice combines Italian heritage with French elegance.

  • Promenade des Anglais: the city’s seaside boulevard, lined with palms and Belle Époque hotels. Perfect for an evening stroll.
  • Old Town (Vieux Nice): narrow alleys, ochre houses, daily market at Cours Saleya with flowers, cheeses, spices.
  • Art heritage: Marc Chagall National Museum and Matisse Museum remind visitors how much the Côte d’Azur inspired painters.
  • Castle Hill (Colline du Château): panoramic views of the bay without climbing too far.

US tip: A 24-hour Nice transport pass (~USD 6) covers buses and trams, convenient if your hotel isn’t central.

Cannes – red carpets and hidden corners

Cannes is synonymous with its film festival, but it has more than limousines and gowns.

  • La Croisette Boulevard: designer boutiques, luxury hotels, and palm-lined views of the sea.
  • Palais des Festivals: outside of May, it’s open for tours—stand where stars once posed.
  • Le Suquet: the old quarter, climbing up to a medieval church and city views.
  • Iles de Lérins: a short ferry brings you to peaceful islands with monasteries and pine forests.

Note: Cannes is expensive during the festival season. Visiting off-season (spring or fall) saves money and crowds.

Monaco – tiny, dazzling, intense

Monaco, technically a separate principality, is barely two square kilometers but feels larger than life.

  • Prince’s Palace: ceremonial guard change at 11:55 am is popular.
  • Monte Carlo Casino: architectural icon (check dress code). Even if you don’t gamble, peek inside.
  • Exotic Garden (Jardin Exotique): cactus terraces with sweeping sea views.
  • Oceanographic Museum: founded by Prince Albert I, once directed by Jacques Cousteau.

US visitors beware: prices here are steep. A casual lunch can cost USD 35–50. Consider visiting as a day trip from Nice.

Health & Safety for US Visitors

  • Vaccinations: No special shots required; ensure routine immunizations are current.
  • Tap water: safe everywhere.
  • Medical care: French healthcare is excellent, but US citizens should carry travel insurance—emergencies without coverage can be very costly.
  • Safety: Petty theft occurs, especially at beaches and stations. Keep passports and wallets zipped away.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Best seasons: May–June and September–October. July–August is hot, crowded, and expensive.
  • Transport: Trains hug the coast; buses serve villages; car rental is best for Provence hinterland.
  • Language: French is official. English is spoken in hotels/tourism areas, but basic French phrases are appreciated.
  • Currency: Euro. Cards accepted widely; keep some cash for small cafés or markets.
  • Power: 230V, Type C/E plugs. Bring a universal adapter.

Conclusion: Not just glamour

The Côte d’Azur is often painted as all yachts and celebrities—but the truth is more nuanced. It’s morning markets in Nice, local wine in Antibes, evening walks in Cannes’ old quarter, and gardens above Monaco. For US travelers, the Riviera combines European chic with easy logistics and sunshine almost year-round.

Recommended Reading (English)

  • Lonely Planet: Provence & Côte d’Azur – comprehensive guide.
  • Rick Steves: South of France – practical and cultural.
  • Ted Jones: The French Riviera: A Literary Guide for Travellers – cultural insights through artists and writers.

More Travel Reports by Ullrich H. Angersbach

Disclaimer

This article reflects my personal impressions of the Côte d’Azur. Prices, entry rules, and train timetables may change. Always check official travel sites and your airline before departure.

About the Author – Ullrich H. Angersbach

I, Ullrich H. Angersbach, enjoy journeys where elegance and authenticity meet. The Riviera impressed me with its contrasts: glamour in Monaco, art in Nice, film culture in Cannes, and the everyday rhythm of markets and villages. I write so US travelers see beyond clichés.

Copyright

© 2025 Ullrich H. Angersbach. All rights reserved. Reproduction or distribution only with prior written consent.