The French Riviera has a spell and charm other areas rarely possess. Its unique magnetism is partly due to the more than 150 art galleries and almost 100 museums in the area, making the French Riviera able to offer the broadest range of artistic institutions in France outside the Parisian region.

This spellbinding expanse has been the home and working environment to some of the world’s greatest artists over the decades and consequently the French Riviera is a cultural and artistic haven of monuments, treasures, museums and exhibitions.

We explore the top five ‘must see’ cultural delights on the French Riviera.

Villa et Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild

Overlooking the quayside of Baie des Fourmis and Villefranche, the Villa et Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild was built by Baroness Ephrussi de Rothschild during the “Belle Epoque”. Its inspiration by the major renaissance residences of Florence and Venice is blatant and create a magnificent site to experience the great cultural atmosphere of the French Riviera. The site features seven stunning gardens – Japanese, Provencal, classic French, Spanish, Florentine, oriental and exotic.

Chapelle Notre-Dame des Fontaines – La Brigue

This 12^th century shrine in La Brigue is decorated entirely by the Italian masters Baleison and Canavesio in 1492.  This remarkable collection of wall frescos will be displayed at the Chapelle Notre-Dame des Fontaines until October 31, 2011.

Trophee des Alpes – Trophee d’Auguste

This stunningly mighty Roman monument was built to venerate the victory of Emperor Augustus over the unruly Ligurian tribes and to honour “pax romana” throughout the region. Standing high above Monacco, the Trophee des Alpes – Trophee d’Auguste provides a fantastic perspective of the Cote d’Azur.

Les Arenes de Cimiez, Nice

Les Arenes de Cimiez is located in the heart of a fragrant and splendid olive grove. The remains of the Roman city of Cemenelum make a fantastic cultural day out all year round but really come alive each summer when the ancient city hosts the Nice Jazz Festival.

Abbaye de Lerins –Ile Saint-Honorat

In the 5^th and 6^th centuries this monastery was a landmark for Christianity in the west and continues to be one of the most culturally inspiring landmarks on the Cote d’Azur. The Abbaye de Lerins was founded in 410 A.D by Saint Honorat and was rebuilt in 1869 where it has been the home to a commune of Cistercian monks ever since. Accommodation, prayer facilities and spiritual retreats are available at this fascinating French Riviera site.

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