Flavor routes: delicacies from the Côte d'Azur

Menton lemon

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Symbol of the French Riviera, the Menton lemon offers a unique taste experience with its acidic notes and its enchanting fragrance. This local treasure, rich in vitamin C, is distinguished by its thick skin, full of essential oils. Every year, in February, the Lemon Festival turns Menton into a citrus paradise, while producers such as the Moulin de Gorbio or the lemon grove with 4 winds perpetuate artisanal know-how, celebrating a heritage rooted in an exceptional microclimate.

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Olive oil

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From the Grasse region to the Menton region, olive trees symbolize the essence of Mediterranean life. Benefiting from an ideal climate, these trees of life and longevity produce olives with a unique taste, a reflection of an exceptional soil. The Cailletier variety, also called “La Niçoise”, is a pillar of local gastronomy prized by the greatest Michelin-starred chefs!

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Honey

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In the sunny meadows of the Riviera, bees gather for flowers of a thousand and one colors to create a unique nectar. From Tende to Caille via La Colle-sur-Loup, the Routes des Saveurs invite you to discover the honeys of the Côte d'Azur through fifteen stages. Keepers of biodiversity, the beekeepers of the region will be happy to show you their art and taste their precious nectars.

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The cheese

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From the heights of Coursegoules to the Andon valleys, via Valbonne, Châteauneuf d'Entraunes and Isola, set off to meet the region's breeders. Visit their farms and sheepfolds, attend to the care of the animals and taste their products. Cycling enthusiasts will be able to discover the most beautiful landscapes of the region by taking the “Bike & Cheese” routes.

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The wine

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Under the sun of the Côte d'Azur, the vines of the Alpes-Maritimes flourish, giving birth to wines of great finesse. From fruity and floral notes to more complex aromas, each sip is an invitation to travel. Explore the region's winding roads, visit family estates and cooperative wineries, discover the secrets of winemaking and taste local wines. From Bellet Hill to the vineyards of the hinterland, let yourself be seduced by the richness and diversity of wines from the Alpes-Maritimes.

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The beer

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Driven by the dynamism of family breweries, the craft beer scene on the Côte d'Azur is experiencing unprecedented growth. From Nice to Antibes, via the Paillons Valley, discover local beers with unique flavors, where tradition and innovation blend harmoniously. From refreshing blondes to more full-bodied ambers, through creations with notes of citrus or plants, each brew reveals the richness and diversity of the Côte d'Azur region.

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Carros strawberries

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True local pride, Carros strawberries have been grown since the beginning of the 20th century on the fertile and sunny lands of the city where they take advantage of an ideal Mediterranean climate to develop their sweet and fragrant taste. Each year, the Strawberry Festival honors this emblematic fruit, with tastings, markets and activities. 7.7 tons of strawberries were sold during the last edition, which attracted more than 23,000 visitors!

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The pissaladière

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An emblem of Nice cuisine, the pissaladière has seduced gourmets for centuries. Its bread dough base, topped with candied onions, anchovies and olives, embodies tradition. Originally, it was seasoned with pissalat, an anchovy brine, which is now replaced by fillets or anchovy paste. Go to the markets and small shops of the Coast to taste the best recipes!

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La Socca

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Another specialty of Nice gastronomy, socca is a pancake made from chickpea flour, whose origins date back to Liguria. A simple and nutritious food, it was once appreciated by workers and sailors. Today, it can be found on market stalls in Nice, such as the one in Cours Saleya, where it is served hot and crispy, sprinkled with pepper. A delight to be enjoyed on the go, which perfectly embodies the friendly spirit of the city.

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Photo cover: © Côte d'Azur France Tourism