French Riviera and Provence plus Corsica

French Riviera and Provence

The Côte d'Azur which includes the French Riviera covers the area along the Mediterranean Sea from Toulon to the Italian border including most of Alpes-Maritimes and Var departments of Provence. Who hasn't dreamed of a trip to Nice, Monaco, Antibes, Cannes or Saint Tropez with their beaches, warm water and glamour? Or been lured by the fields of flowers around Grasse, center of the perfume industry?

The Greeks settled Marseille about 600 BC and expanded out to Saint Tropez, Antibes and Nice. The Romans were called to protect the area from Celts and formed the area which became known as Provence. In 1388 Nice was taken by the House of Savoy and the rest became part of the kingdom of France in 1482. In 1860 Savoy including Nice became part of France. By the 19th century the wealthy had made it a tourist destination. The light and beauty also attracted many painters, including the Impressionists Cézanne, Matisse, Picasso and Van Gogh. 

Champs D'Iris, Provence Art Print Barker, Hazel Buy at AllPosters.com

Provence by the Sea I Art Print Hayslette, Max Buy at AllPosters.com

Festival International du Film, Cannes, 1939 Art Print Domergue,... Buy at AllPosters.com

Cote d'Azur Art Print Buy at AllPosters.com

Stairway in Provence Art Print Duvall, J. Buy at AllPosters.com

French Riviera, Around Nice, France Halaska, Jacob Buy this Photographic Print at AllPosters.com

Summer in Provence Art Print Bates, George W. Buy at AllPosters.com

Mediterranean Coast of the French Riviera, Jecan, Gavriel Buy this Art Print at AllPosters.com

Lavender and Sunflowers, Provence Art Print Barker, Hazel Buy at AllPosters.com

Foods of Provence and the French Riviera

Provencal cuisine represents a return to natural flavors and simplicity. This area of France stretches from the Alps to the Mediterranean and from the Rhone to the Italian border. Their cuisine draws on the food from the rugged mountain plateaus to the waters of the Cote d’Azur. The landscape of the area is not suited for cows as other areas of France, more for sheep, goats, and olive trees. For this reason, butter is not a common ingredient in Provencal food.

Corsica

For many who have not visited, Corsica is best known as the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. But it is much more. This is a land of contrasts, mountain and sea, sun and snow. Having been inhabited for 8,000 years, Corsica has a long history from the prehistoric (Filitosa menhirs and Fontanaccia Dolmen) to Romanesque art and baroque churches. Settled by Phoenicians, destroyed by Vandals, it has been invaded often, but never conquered. Henri Matisse is only one of many who visited and was overcome with its beauty.

Night Scene, Corsica, France Buy this Photographic Print at AllPosters.com

Monastery and Statue Overlooking Ocean, Corsica Buy this Photographic Print at AllPosters.com

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