CRT Côte d’Azur - www.visitcotedazur.travel

Stretching from the Italian border at Menton to the Esterel peninsula in the south of France, La Côte d’Azur is a Mediterranean destination that enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year. La Côte d’Azur has a unique natural environment, mild climate and exceptional light. Not only is there the most stunning coastline offering lovely walking paths around the ‘Cap’s but pristine natural landscapes extending all the way to the Southern Alps. The area to the west of the region was declared the 48th France National Regional Park last year thus is protected to ensure the survival of the natural habitat. The high peaks (over 3,000 metres in places) offer ski runs in winter and trekking, mountain biking, rafting, cycling etc in summer – even high altitude golf courses. The Mercantour National Park is a must for nature lovers - a spectacular landscape shaped by glaciers thousands of years ago. A wide range of leisure activities are on offer as one may imagine from extreme sports to the more sedate. Easily accessible from the UK by plane or train…Make 2013 the year to visit La Côte d’Azur.

Pictures courtesy of: © David Vincendeau, © CRT / Anaïs Brochiero, © CRT / Georges Veran, © CPR, © Ville de Saint Tropez, (c) Rémy-Masseglia, © CRT / Cindy Joigny