The Côte d’Azur: Where Light Meets the Sea
There’s something unforgettable about the Côte d’Azur — the stretch of France’s southern coast where turquoise water meets sun-washed villages and golden cliffs. Known internationally as the French Riviera, it’s a place that has drawn painters, poets, and travelers for generations.
From the glamour of Cannes and Saint-Tropez to the quiet charm of Èze and Villefranche-sur-Mer, every corner of the coast feels touched by light. It’s that same light — soft, warm, and impossibly cinematic — that inspired the photographs behind Of Thaléa’s Côte d’Azur collection.
Why the Côte d’Azur Feels So Different from Paris
While Paris hums with elegance and rhythm, the Côte d’Azur moves slower. It’s coastal and open, with a palette of blues, creams, and coral tones that feel effortlessly serene. Here, time stretches; morning coffee lasts longer, evenings spill into the sound of waves, and the horizon always feels close enough to touch.
The region carries its own kind of French charm — one that’s less polished and more sun-soaked, defined by the scent of salt air, olive trees, and lavender drifting through seaside streets.
The Heart of the Riviera: Must-See Towns and Landscapes
Nice
The capital of the Côte d’Azur, Nice is a blend of Italian influence and French sophistication. Its pastel façades and palm-lined Promenade des Anglais have made it a muse for countless artists.
Èze
Perched high above the sea, Èze feels like a village frozen in time. Cobbled alleys, panoramic views, and ancient stone architecture make it one of the Riviera’s most romantic stops.
Villefranche-sur-Mer
A hidden gem just east of Nice, Villefranche is known for its vibrant harbor and steep, colorful streets that descend straight into the sea.
Saint-Tropez
Once a quiet fishing village, Saint-Tropez is now synonymous with effortless luxury. Yet beyond its glamorous veneer, it still retains an authentic soul — charming markets, Provençal rooftops, and that unmistakable southern light.
Antibes
A town beloved by Picasso and Matisse, Antibes balances art, history, and seaside calm. Its ramparts and the blue curve of the bay are pure Riviera poetry.
A Place of Inspiration
The Côte d’Azur has long been a refuge for creatives — from Monet and Chagall to Fitzgerald and Cocteau. Its light, texture, and rhythm continue to move artists today.
For Of Thaléa, it’s more than a destination — it’s a feeling: sunlight filtering through shutters, quiet mornings by the coast, and the warmth of endless summer.
