Coastal region bordering the Mediterranean Sea in southeastern France, Monaco, and northwestern Italy.
It extends from Cannes , France, to La Spezia, Italy. The Italian Riviera is divided into the Riviera di Ponente, west of Genoa , and the Riviera di Levante, east of Genoa. The French Riviera is also called the Côte d'Azur . Noted for its scenery and pleasant climate, it is one of the major tourist centres of Europe. Because of its mild winters, many delicate plants flourish there, and flowers are grown out of season for export to northern markets. See also Cannes; Nice ; Monte Carlo .