Photos of the Day: The French Riviera

The  splendour of the French Riviera is truly something to behold, especially in summer: verdant hillsides dotted with colorful mansions, shining bays punctuated with super yachts, and sun-dappled beaches lined with lounge-chairs, umbrellas and tanned bodies.

Whenever you go, the French Riviera is always worth a visit, with much to see and do, even in the colder months. However, if you are seeking the sun, then summer is definitely the best time to go but be prepared for the crowds. When temps rises, so do the number of visitor. But don’t let its popularity discourage you, the French Riviera (or Côte d’Azur) is a pleasure-seeker’s paradise, and the masses and mixes of people only adds to the allure.  You’ll also find a warm, gay-friendly welcome in the French Riviera, including in the vibrant seaside city of Nice.

Think of it as more candy for the eye. The tanned and toned life guards or ‘les sauveteurs en mer‘ who patrol the shores are a particular highlight. (See the photo above.)

From the glitz of St-Tropez, Cannes and Nice to the charms of smaller coastal towns like Villefranche or Theoule, when it comes to seaside resorts, you are spoiled for choice in the French Riviera. But don’t worry, all the beaches are gorgeous, whichever you choose. Just make sure to keep drinking water as it can get pretty hot; and we’re not only talking about the weather!