We began to hear it in the 19th century thanks to tourism.
Before it was the French Riviera.
The English have also kept the term French Riviera. But today everyone talks about the Côte d’Azur.
This expression comes from a 19th century politician/writer, Stephen Liegeard.
Originally from Dijon, he stayed in Cannes during the winter. And we can say that our region inspired him, because he described his trip in a book in 1887, with the title: the Côte d’Azur.
But why this name “Côte d’Azur”?
He is originally from Dijon, in the Côte d’or. He reuses the term, he modifies it and he adds the color that characterizes our coastline, with the sea and the sky… Azure Blue.
But it is not only thanks to Stephen Liégeard that the name Côte d’Azur became popular.
The State will create the national tourism office and is working to promote seaside resorts.
In 1887, our coastline took the name of Côte d’Azur.
But later, we will see appear in the surroundings of Saint Malo and Dinard, the Emerald Coast in 1894.
Then on the line of Landes beaches, the Silver Coast in 1905 and near Boulogne sur mer, the Opal Coast in 1911.
The postcard expands and the French territory is divided into several advertising vignettes.
What is the Côte d’Azur?
It’s quite vague. Everyone almost agrees that it should stop at the border, near Menton.
Some designate the Côte d’Azur as far as Théoule sur mer, others as far as Saint Tropez or even Toulon.
The Larousse dictionary keeps Stéphen Liégeard’s version between Cassis and Menton.
But the Côte d’Azur is above all an idea, it’s a dream.
Even if the director of the CRT Côte d’Azur France in 2022 who clearly says: “It’s a marketing, tourism approach, not a territory”
Certainly, but marketing does not prevent poetry and beauty. This name is much more than just a slogan.
And every morning at 7:25 a.m., Monday to Friday on France Blue Azure et France 3 Côte d’Azur.
We are wondering “For what” this region is the most beautiful in the world!
2023-10-09 06:02:04
#Côte #dAzur #called
