Bathed by the Mediterranean Sea, the Alpes-Maritimes, bordering Italy, culminate at the top of the Gélas (3,143 m), also the highest point of the Mercantour National Park and a mythical peak appreciated by climbers. The Valley of Wonders, which it dominates, could evoke the beauty of the landscape, but the name actually refers to the thousands of protohistoric and historical engravings that can be seen on the rocky walls of this mountain sector. The GR 52 runs through this wonderful valley. From the mountains, the territory descends quietly to the sea to draw a coastline known as the Côte d'Azur, flagship of international tourism. Here the sun, the sand and the sea reign. Nice, the capital, is home to the second largest airport in France. There is also Grasse and its perfumes, Cannes and its festival but also the presence of a space center and the first European satellite manufacturer. This shows the richness and variety of the Maritime Alps! And that's not all. Menton, which with the French part of Monaco forms the urban unit of Menton-Monaco, is an enchantment with its exotic gardens. The city is set on a rocky outcrop and plunges into the sea, enjoying a dry and sunny microclimate. Here grows the sweet and tasty Menton lemon (IGP). The markets of Nice and Menton with their fruits and vegetables of the sun and their fish of the sea are a true happiness, the cooking of Nice also and the numerous greedy tables just like the beaches. Here we cultivate happiness.
Sun, sun, sun, sun! This department is the sunniest in France and many nationals and foreigners settle there to enjoy a gentle retirement while enjoying an exceptional microclimate. You can stay there happily all year round. However, in full summer, the heat wave will push you towards the beaches and swimming or in the mountains where the altitude lowers temperatures. The high summer is the high tourist season. It is difficult to find accommodation without a reservation in advance and prices are soaring, especially on the coast. The coastline is home to some of the most prestigious seaside resorts in the world, Cannesñ Niceand Mentonñ but also Cagnes-sur-Merñ Antibesor ñJuan-les-Pins. So many sites that invite you to come and enjoy international festivals under the stars in summer, such as the jazz festival in Antibes. As for the Cannes Film Festival, even to see the red carpet from far away, you will have to do it very, very early. In Menton, in February, the lemon is celebrated in a spectacular parade. You should also know that this department is the most stormy in France with 70 to 110 days of storms per year. Especially in spring but also in autumn for the coast, in summer for the mountains. These are not without risks. Be aware of the weather before planning a trip to the sea or mountains. In addition to the coastline, bathing and water sports enthusiasts can enjoy many rivers flowing down the mountain and many bodies of water in this area. In winter, the Mercantour resorts (5 resorts, including the most famousAuron one) delight skiers and all snow sports enthusiasts.
The climate of the Alpes-Maritimes varies from the mountainous type in the alpine hinterland to the Mediterranean type when you get closer to the coast. Severe thunderstorms break out when warm coastal air masses meet cold mountain air masses. For the coastline: heavy showers in spring, slightly less in autumn, drought in summer, mild and dry winter. For the mountains: quite lively winter, summer storms. In the Alpes-Maritimes, the sun shines 300 days a year!
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