Riviera: Côte d'Azur mon Amour

As early as the 19th century, members of high European society spent the winter months on the French Mediterranean coast. People came to stroll among lemon and olive trees, oleanders and blooming flowerbeds in the warm light of the south, to breathe in the sea air, listen to the gentle lapping of the waves and enjoy French cuisine. One of the Côte d'Azur's regular guests was Queen Victoria of England, who spent five consecutive winters in Nice shortly before the turn of the century.