Exploring the English and French Rivera

When it comes to European holiday destinations you are spoilt for choice, the English Coast skirted by the English Channel and the French coast skirted by the Mediterranean are home to two popular summer holiday destinations, the English Rivera and the French Rivera. Both have been popular tourist destinations for over 100 years and both started life as little fishing ports. The English Rivera is made up of three main towns, Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, whilst the French Rivera is made up of, Monaco, Nice, Antibes, Cannes, St Raphael, St Maxime, St Tropez, La Lavandou, Hyeres and Toulon.

The English Rivera

Summer holidays on the English Rivera bring back fond memories for many, one of the most popular places to visit in the UK, it’s a great break away. With award winning beaches, fantastic accommodation and exotic palm trees, there is no shortage of places to visit and things to do. For the best weather head to the cost during the summer months, but be warned it does get busy, early June and September are quieter times and do see favourable temperatures.

Highlights

Torbay which hosts the Royal Regatta and also the Air show a great day out for families during the summer months.

Babbacombe Bay is a little fishing port, head here for daily fresh fish and explore the beach with your family, keeping an eye out for seabirds, seals and even dolphins.

Brixham steeped in history with pirates and smugglers has plenty to see and do for the day, head out on a heritage trawler across the bay, taking in the stunning coastline.

The French Rivera

It has always been a destination for the rich and the famous, but the French Rivera also known as the Côte d’Azur is a wonderful destination and you don’t need to have a big bank account to visit it even though the per-capita population of billionaires must be one of the highest in the world. The best time to go is spring and autumn, with favourable warm Mediterranean temperatures, you can enjoy the sights without the hordes of tourists.

Highlights

Cannes, famous for its film festival is a great pace to celeb watch, head to Allée des Étoiles (Stars’ Walk) for a great photo opportunity.

Monaco, a tax haven oozes wealth and opulence, but don’t worry if you don’t have a bank balance to match, explore this town’s mix of old school luxury and new money style.

St-Tropez is a great spot for a day trip, perfect for people watching especially near where all the super yachts are docked in the harbour.

To find out more information on the English and French Rivera, check out this infographic from Blue Chip Holidays.