The Corniches is the name that is given to the area that extends between Nice and Monaco. It is at this junction that the Maritime Alps choose to sweep down to the edge of the Mediterranean sea which creates a dramatic and, at one time, practically impassable coastline.
The towns and villages that occupy this area share a commonality of topography but each is as individual and unique as the next. Divided by plunging ravines, jutting headlands, precipitous peaks and narrow bands of craggy coastline each village has been marked as much by nature of it's geography as it has by it's people and it's history.
Shaping a town
For example Villefranche-sur-Mer with its sheltered and naturally deep waters of the Rade de Villefranche attracted much attention throughout the ages. To local tribes it provided calm waters and fishing opportunities by which to feed themselves with while to invading strangers it was a place of shelter and protection for their own invading fleets.
Imposing defense structures were built and, to this day, remain intact lending the town an antiquity and authenticity that is hard to replicate.
After the Crimean War the Baltic seas were declared a military free zone and the Russians formed an alliance with this tiny seaside town with the deep sheltered waters to house some of her many military vessels.
It didn't hurt that the area was so beautiful and the climate so agreeable and the first naval vessels to arrive also carried with them the Russian royal family so establishing the first links and influence with the Russian fraternity.
Defending
Decorating
Visiting
Developing
This in turn attracted other visiting dignitaries and you will find magnificent villas and properties in Villefranche that were once the residences of Kings, Queens, Princes and Lords and Ladies and are now the summer homes of celebrities and the world's rich and famous.
Likewise the seaside beauty of Beaulieu inspired a glut of Belle Epoch structures like ice cream castles frozen in the sand leaving a faded sense of elegant Victoriana. While Eze rises out of the towering rock face as defensible as ever and one can imagine boiling oil poured down from towering city walls into the faces of unfortunate marauders. Each town has its own unique ambiance.
Connecting the Corniches
In the late 1800's when travelling became an essential activity for the world's gentility this part of the French Riviera was still largely inaccessible. The high mountain passes made it simply an adventure too far for the majority of travellers although it's wild and natural beauty and breath taking vistas were already of some repute.
Improved methods of access were inevitable and necessary. The three Corniche roads were built, although not all at the same time. The Grande Corniche came first, especially as it followed the route of Via Augusta, an ancient roman road built during the 6th Century. It was built during Napolean's time and follows a route that soars high above the coast winding along the mountain tops and casting the most glorious eagle eye view over the Cote d'Azur.
On clear days you can see into Italy and as far as the Esterel mountains to the West behind St Tropez. The heights are dizzying but the views are worth it and this road is often the quietest during the summer months.
Eze
La Turbie
Cap d'Ail
Villefranche
The Moyenne Corniche came later, sometime in the 1920's and, as the name, suggests, it winds it's way along the middle line of the mountains. Also a scenic and pretty road it rises and falls with the swell of the hills and in places cuts through the steepest mountains in a series of impressive tunnels.
The Basse Corniche follows the sea front and is, naturally, the lowest of the three roads. It takes the longest to navigate as it follows the natural indent and curves of the coast, has the lovliest views for stopping at and, sadly, the heaviest traffic as it winds directly though some of the villages.
Renting holiday lettings in the Corniches
The area collectively known as the Corniches has in recent times become one of the most attractive and sought after luxury holiday destinations in all of France, perhaps the same as it ever has been. With the worlds rich and wealthy clamouring for the few and tightly packed grand villas clinging to mountains, looking for the best views, in the most beautiful villas surrounded by the wild and natural beauty of the Alps Maritime.
To see what holiday apartments and villa rental are available for your vacation then please use the search facility below or click on 'Browse Rentals' in the main menu. Thank you for using Riviera rental Guide for your holiday rental.
With astounding views in the most sought after vista on the Riviera, Villa Villefranche View is a large 5 bedroom villa that is the perfect rental for up to 9 people. Amazing views and a heated pool in one of the best possible locations.
A sleek, modern, two bedroom contemporary holiday apartment for short term lettings. A luxurious minimalist apartment, for maximum relaxation, in the exclusive French Riviera resort town of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat.
Belle Epoque at it's very best at this beautifully restored jewel-like villa in Beaulieu Sur Mer. With views over Cap Ferrat, a wonderful pool and located only 300m from the beach, Villa L'Amour is the ideal Riviera retreat.
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Bedrooms: 5
