Incentives: made in Côte d'Azur experiences

Beyond the Mediterranean clichés

Whether beaches or rocky peaks, the Mediterranean holds a thousand and one marvels.

It also houses an exceptional biodiversity with over 8,500 animal species in a marine sanctuary, Pelagos, created by joint agreement between France, Monaco and Italy.

This sanctuary has a guardian, SOS Grand Bleu, the perfect guide to follow in the footsteps of the grand conquerors who traversed this sea, the cradle of great civilizations, or set off for rare encounters with dolphins and whales, turtles or ocean sunfish, under the curious eye of the gulls.

The Côte d’Azur at a trot for amateur or seasoned athletes

Ironman athletes meet every year in Nice for this long-distance triathlon.

Swimming in the Bay of Angels, cycling on alpine hills, foot races along coastal roads; the unique setting stimulates performance.

Potential champions or simply lovers of the outdoors find a privileged playground on the Côte d’Azur in which to train in all seasons.

For those who prefer a simple jog, there are a multitude of urban and country routes available provided, of course, you don’t forget your running shoes.

Islands and gardens, a festival of unexpected getaways

From fragrant plants to extraordinary gardens, the Côte d’Azur takes on an oasis feel. These gardens – of which there are more than 300 – bloomed in the 19th century, brightening up the resorts of the winter holiday makers.

These great travellers and amateur botanists, such as Lawrence Johnston, brought rare species from far-off lands and acclimated them in exceptional settings like the Serre de la Madone [The Madonna Glasshouse] in Menton. Located at sea, other gardens on the Lérins islands in the Bay of Cannes or the Golden Islands on the Var coast paint shades of green against a blue background.