RICK STEVES' EUROPE: French Riviera: Uniquely Chic

Rick Steves advocates smart, affordable, perspective-broadening travel. As host and writer of the popular public television series RICK STEVES' EUROPE, and best-selling author of 40 European travel books, he encourages Americans to travel as "temporary locals." He helps American travelers connect much more intimately and authentically with Europe — and Europeans — for a fraction of what mainstream tourists pay.

In this episode, Rick visits a longtime favorite escape of Europe's elite, the Riviera, where the coastline still sparkles with yachts. In fairytale Monaco we listen to the graceful reshuffling of personal fortunes at the casino. Then we follow in the footsteps of 19th century aristocrats along Nice's promenade des Anglais, and visit the picturesque, artist hangouts of Chagall, Matisse and Picasso.

For lots more information, check out our best-selling Rick Steves' France and Rick Steves' Provence and the French Riviera guidebooks — or join us on one of our free-spirited tours in Europe.

This episode originally aired in 2011.

Rick Steves is on Facebook, and you can follow @RickSteves on Twitter.