The dark, enchanting blue of the Mediterranean, white grains of sand from the beaches of the coast, and the serenity that murmurs quietly in distant city sounds.

These, mixed with the fresh air, tinged slightly with salt from the sea, and a gentle breeze that appears near ceaseless, are what make a Cote d’Azur villas nothing short of but, entirely and completely, a paradise.

Cote d’Azur, a hybrid name inspired by the French word for gold and the azure blue of the Mediterranean Sea, is deservedly and well named.

The beautiful coast of the South of France has been a tourist hot spot for centuries, and many of the first visitors to this luxurious landscape were royalty and aristocracy from around the world.

The cities that line the coast, Nice, Cannes, and St. Tropez, are famous for not only their beautiful views, but also the wonderful culture and architecture that these cities have been built upon and around.

It is no wonder then, that such a place has drawn so many famous writers and artists from around the world as well, hoping to catch a spark of inspiration from its calming beauty. In the past, greats such as Pablo Picasso and Edith Wharton visited, lived in and worked on the Cote d’Azur.

Today, celebrities like Elton John and Bridget Bardot have even made their homes on the French Riviera.

Cote d’Azur is a dreamlike haven for foreigners and locals alike, as the weather that permits outdoor activities and relaxation stays relatively moderate year round.

In Cannes, it has been boasted that the city regularly receives sunlight for twelve hours a day, almost every day. Rich in history, culture, beauty and still so full of a sweet piece of calm, Cote d’Azur calls out to the heart of the weary and wishful, offering rest and peace.

Many visitors to the city often rent or stay in hotel rooms or suites, if only to rest for a bit when running low on energy from enjoying all that Cote d’Azur has to offer. But, for an optimal experience on the French Riviera, it may be better to stay at a villa.

While it may be an interesting enough experience to run into and listen to other foreigners and visitors to the coast, for a more private and focused stay a hotel does not offer the same feeling as a villa might. Crossing paths with strangers on the street, is very different from brushing shoulders in a crowded lobby or narrow hallway.

To stay in a villa is similar to staying in a vacation home, providing one with a more authentic and at-home feeling. Enjoying a drink on a private deck or patio as the sun sets is a surprising amount more serene than staring at the sky through a hotel room window.

Full of beautiful land, buildings, people and history, Cote d’Azur is paradise in waiting.

The sun continues to shine over this French vacation spot, and all that is left is for more people to see and take in for themselves, the blue gold that is Cote d’Azur.

One of the major must-see excursions, while vacationing on the Cote d’Azur, is Saint Tropez. This lovely location for a luxury villa rental and a wonderful diversion from the hustle and bustle of modern life, and in some ways, from reality.

Some people just take in Saint Tropez for a one hour beach stop, though the length of time that you stay in this lovely destination is fully up to you. Saint Tropez is a well-known vacation spot for the famous, and the rich, yet it has a very interesting, and unexpected history.

Saint Tropez began as a small fishing community, and has been around since the days of Nero. Nero killed a Roman citizen named Tropes, for his faith in Jesus Christ. Because of Tropes’ proud and public acknowledgment of his religious beliefs, Nero perceived him to be a threat to his government.

Tropes’ head was chopped off, and his body was sent out to sea. The boat then resurfaced in the small fishing village of Saint Tropez, and Saint Tropez became a well-known as a place of solace and escape from persecution.

Nowadays, Saint Tropez is more well-known for its visitors that are not so politically, or religiously inclined. The wealthy and well-known flock to Saint Tropez on a daily basis. The first celebrity to make an appearance was Paul Signac. Paul was a famous painter of the impressionist school.

Many other artists followed suit after Paul, but Saint Tropez didn’t become the trendy hub that it is now, until the late 1950’s. Around this time Brigitte Bardot bought land on the island after shooting a movie there. She fell in love with the island’s beauty and drama.

You will find that many famous people own some land on the lovely island. Some people have large yachts that they keep on Saint Tropez as well. These are some of the many things that make Saint Tropez an ideal destination if you’re looking for villas to rent in France and for anybody who wants a taste of the glamorous life.

You will see nothing but glamor on this beautiful island. Some of the more attractive elements of Saint Tropez are its adorable twisty streets, and airy feeling, lightly colored villas.

There is a traditional French town square, where elderly gentlemen play games like chess and petanque. There is also tons of shopping in Saint Tropez that rivals the shopping available in Hollywood, California. There are many glamorous boutiques, and adorable places to eat. The island has seemingly been built for the rich and important.

This is why one of the favorite activities for some of the lesser-known Saint Tropez vacationers, is people watching. The summer months are the some of the best times to visit Saint Tropez. The street traffic is pretty terrible, but the beaches are exquisite.

During the Winter and Spring months, you will find that Saint Tropez is not very crowded. You can enjoy the city as a more romantic getaway, and secluded destination.

Situated on the Mediterranean coastline on the southeast corner of France is the Côte d’Azur, which is best known as the French Riviera. You will find that the climate is very mild in the winter, but the summer will find you with sunny, hot, and dry days.

The Cannes Films Festival, which began in 1946, has been housed at this location for many years and continues to bring excitement to the area each year. This area has gone through many different influences and changes over the years.

It is a very popular destination for tourists. Staying in one of the many Cote d’Azur villas is probably the best way to enjoy your stay.

The Côte d’Azur has food influenced by Italy, but you can find many places in which the restaurant serves food local to the area. Asian food is available, but you will find that it is hard to obtain on the outer skirts of the seaside towns.

Cheeses are a commodity that is made in the Riveria as well as olive oils. The Côte d’Azur is known for having a region where a number of wines are made. When visiting Côte d’Azur a wine tasting is a must. One of the well known wines made there are Cassis and Bandol.

While traveling to the Cote d’Azur, English can be spoken, but know that you will receive better services if you speak in French. Residents and workers may feel bad for you if your French is not so good, but this could work to your advantage.

It is advised that you rent a car to assist with your travels in this area, unless you plan to be on the beach the whole time. Know that when traveling by car, the terrain can be quite different from what you are used to.

Local public transportation and train service is available to assist in your travels as well.

Because of the beauty that lies in Côte d’Azur, many favorite artists and painters of the past have visited and worked in this area. Due to this, many of their works are in the local galleries and museums.

There are also some unique sites you must visit while there as well. Eze and Gourdon are the home of the perches villages. In Grasse, you can visit and smell the perfumeries that are located there.

Or for more hands on art, visit the glass blowers in Biot or the potters in Vallauris. There are many major festivals that occur throughout the year as well.

Mikhail Prokhorov, worth about $22 Billion, said he was not the mystery buyer of the southern France property. The estate is listed as the world’s most expensive home.

The Villa Leopolda in Villefranche-sur-Mer, on the Côte d’Azur in France, sold for 496m euros ($730m ; £392m).

Although Mikhail Prokhorov’s spokesman has denied the rumor, both French and Russian media have insisted that the Russian billionaire had purchased the property.

In addition, sources close to the Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, deny that he was behind the big-ticket purchase.

The home was built in 1902 for King Leopold II of Belgium and has grounds so grand that it takes a reputed 50 gardeners to tend them.

The sumptuous villa has been graced by world leaders and superstars.

The previous owner, the late banking billionaire Edmond Safra, is said to have entertained Ronald Reagan and Frank Sinatra there.