The development of this area of seventy-odd kilometers blossomed in the nineteenth century when wealthy Europeans began to seek out the Riviera in the winter because of its mild climate. In the twentieth century, a new wave of elites, VIPs, stars, and artists became the predominant residents and the preferred season became summer instead of winter. The legacies of the artists who resided here, Picasso, Léger, Matisse, Renoir, and Chagall have imbued the region with an exceptional historical essence.

Nowadays, the Riviera is a combination of a concentration of glittering hotels and apartment blocks but also is highlighted by superb secluded villas and priceless yachts moored in the marina. The two principal urban centers are Nice and intriguing, exclusive, opulent Monaco. The craggy pine-clad coastline features magnificent architectural gems and unique villas. The backcountry, on the hills behind the coast, is equally mesmerizing with picturesque medieval villages, such as Mougins and Saint-Paul- de-Vence, exuding the rich paradisiacal charm of Provence. Omnipresent is the extremely vivid eternal blue of the azure Mediterranean enhancing the allure of the coves, cliffs, islands, and golden beaches.