Cote d'Azur
But why Cote d Azur? Myth or complacency, what has fascinated people on this southern French coastal strip for so many decades. It's certainly not just this constantly wafting touch of glamor that we associate with the world-famous regions around Monaco, Nice or Saint-Tropez. It's a beautiful stretch of coast"Cote d'Azur“with beguiling nature. Happy are those who treat themselves to an open convertible to cruise along the coastal road in the warming sunlight.
The colors seem more intense on the Cote d Azur and the smells are pleasantly penetrating. Many artists, painters and designers probably felt the same way and settled here. Certainly a very pleasant life with a constant touch of vacation and vacation. With the necessary change, you can increase the widespread, relaxed attitude to life in magnificent villas and lush gardens. The rich and famous had already gained a foothold on this legendary strip since the 30s.
Strictly speaking, the Cote d Azur has been increasingly popular as a holiday destination since the 19th century, especially for pale English people who preferred to spend the winter months there.
Stars and starlets on the Cote d Azur
Cannes and its annual film festival for Movie and TV In May of each year, the best in the industry are awarded the Golden Palm. International VIPs from the film industry gave and still give a presentation. In previous years it was Marylin Monroe, Marlene Dietrich, Sophia Loren, Romy Schneider, they were all there. Everyone who had rank and name from in front of and behind the camera, actors, directors, producers.
Today the stars and starlets are called differently, Jennifer Lawrence, John Malkovich, Leonardo Di Caprio, etc. However, the procedure has hardly changed. The carpet is still red and the Promenade Anglais is still a catwalk for the ladies to see and be seen.
The winter Christmas bath was often celebrated spectacularly by the very brave in the cold Mediterranean. The numerous citizens of Cannes enjoyed the spectacle in warm coats from a safe distance from the promenade.
Grace Kelly just celebrated her biggest film successes and was married by Prince Rainier, the ruler of Monaco. So she became the famous representative of the dwarven state.
Roger Moor, aka James Bond, imitated his friend David Niven and bought in Saint-Paul de Vence a wonderful property for yourself and your family. Niv, as Sir Roger Moore called his friend, was already living in Saint-Jean-Cap Ferrat. Like Roger Moore, other celebrities also flirted with Monaco's advantages.
Save taxes on the Cote d Azur
Saving taxes on the Cote d Azur is possible. Word has gotten around that it wasn't necessarily about wanting to own a sinfully expensive apartment with high-rise character in what felt like every square centimeter of land had been built up. It cannot be ruled out that Boris Becker, the Geissens, well-known musicians and artists Treat yourself to another residence there in order to benefit from tax savings.
This may work for some people and is also legitimate. A mini-state on the Cote d Azur with an unemployment rate of almost 0%, a very high security standard that allows its citizens to sleep peacefully. However, if you show off your absence too often, the tax authorities in your home country will take notice...
Grace Kelly's tragic end on the coastal road on which she drove a few years earlier with Carry Grant in the film "Over the Roofs of Nice" was very sad, but rather reinforced the myth of Monaco.
Cote d Azur lifestyles
Actually there is hardly any on the Cote d Azur Beach, albeit a steady collection of the most expensive yachts in the world. They lie tightly packed in the azure water of the harbor basin, which seems almost too small, and present their maximum hull lengths. The owners are sometimes at least as proud as their yachts.
A rogue who thinks of arrogance.
The average holidaymaker has little to counter the lifestyle that is widespread on the Cote d Azur with spacious villas, expensive luxury cars and lots of staff.
However, the water of the Cote d Azur sparkling in the sun is just as much at his disposal as are freshly caught grilled seafood specialties. Sea bream, sea bass and squid can be enjoyed in many good restaurants along the coast.
For motorsport fans, Monaco offers the traditional Grand Prix de Monaco race through the city's narrow streets.
Since the purpose-built wooden grandstands are not sufficient in some sections along the race track, many owners of expensive condominiums are renting out standing room in their living room windows and on their balconies for many thousands of dollars. Probably only a small, but easily earned extra income for Monaco residents, even in these circles.
Not to be forgotten is the internationally famous Monte Carlo Circus, which is traditionally attended by the royal family around Albert, Caroline and Stephanie.
what else does the Cote d Azur offer?
The mountains in the hinterland of the Cote d Azur invite you to explore. Curiosity should not be limited to Grasse, which is certainly very romantic and known as a perfume town. Lavender fields, pine forests, cork oak, pine and chestnut forests on the Cote d Azur stimulate all the senses. We find Mediterranean vegetation with bright colors and scents everywhere. A concentrated diversity can be admired, for example, in the seven botanical gardens of Menton.
With over 300 days of sunshine per year, life on the Cote d Azur is brighter, the mood is more relaxed, communication is more relaxed.
Things started to get looser at least since the film “...and the woman beckons forever” with Brigitte Bardot. The film took place in Saint Tropez and quickly became the epitome of dolce vita and party at the time. Trendy meeting place for VIPs, artists and high society.
The town's promenade has hardly changed. The bardot celebrated there in the 60s with her future husband Gunther Sachs lavish parties on the beach. There, Mr. Sachs wooed and received her favor by dropping thousands of red roses from a helicopter. They soon married, but the marriage only lasted a few years. Their love for the landscape and the people remained with them and G. Sachs had one of his five residences there until his death.
Cote d Azur and the promenade of Saint Tropez
Also here on the promenade Saint Tropez the luxurious yachts lie close together. Occasionally, young pretty girls are invited for a drink straight from the pier because they are very interested in this or that yacht - sorry, the owner. We don't know whether he might also show off his stamp collection...
Even Louis de Funes insisted on playing his “Gendarme of Saint Tropez” on the promenade. As always, he liked to terrorize his subordinates with his hectic, crazy manner. Only in the film, of course.
Even today it is still fun to linger in an iced coffee or a bistro on the Cote d Azur and look at the sophisticated yachts just a few meters away. Especially when the sometimes very large number of tourists do not block the view. Even artists with their easels are constant guests in this area, as they have been since the 19th century, to produce or offer their work.
Personal insights from the Cote d Azur
The market square in the town of Saint Tropez on the Cote d Azur seems unchanged over the years. Many deciduous trees provide shade for the goods displayed. Unfortunately, the narrow streets leading to the town are often congested during rush hour and require patience. If it's too crowded, you can retreat to the country houses available for rent in the adjacent densely forested mountains. Swimming pools are often included, often including wonderful views over lush valleys and rolling hills.
In 2011, my wife and I were lucky enough to be able to spend some time on a mountain just a few kilometers from Saint Tropez. We also had lots of cute geckos living there who loved to stick to our living room walls. With plenty of rosé and red wine, and my painting easel, it was an unforgettable stay.
A big, fat toad had sneaked into the house from the terrace and looked for a new home under my bed. At first I only heard their strange grinding noises and was scared because I feared a snake. Although it was the fattest common toad I had ever seen, I let it go.