We are putting up an entire book on Jot101, a fairly early book on the Riviera. Very much of its time with local prices, information about the weather and sports facilities and recommendations for hotels and cafes and cabarets. Here are the first 4 chapters...
HOW TO BE HAPPY
ON THE RIVIERA
BY ROBERT ELSON
First published in August, 1927
Printed in Great Britain by J. W. Arrowsmith Ltd., 11 Quay Street, Bristol
Contents
PageINTRODUCTION 7
CHAPTER I. THE TRUTH ABOUT THE CLIMATE 11
CHAPTER II. WHERE TO GO 22
CHAPTER III. A DAY IN CANNES 32
CHAPTER IV. A DAY IN NICE 47
Introduction
Riviera is an Italian word meaning coast, and the English were the first to apply it specially to the mountainous of the Mediterranean between Toulon and the Italian frontier, called by the French Côte d'Azur. In the middle of the last the winter climate of the Riviera was as favourable for invalids, but it lost its reputation in that respect instead a temporary refuge for sundry from climatic inclemencies and the Mecca of pleasure-seekers in winter time.
Nowhere else in Europe can all the amenities found in one place between December and April; and if at home winter makes a of you, whereas in a dry and sunny climate you can do as others do, then the Riviera is the place for you.
This book is intended to give you an idea of what you may expect to find, and how to get the best out of it. As to the expense, it is impossible at the time of writing to speak with certainty, because everything depends on the rate of exchange. If the franc remains at or near the present rate of 124, then it may be taken that estimates to be found in Chapter X. need not be exceeded, and the same will be true if the franc falls. What will happen if the franc should rise further in value–if it should go to 110, for instance, as some financial authorities seem to think it may–no one can tell. I have taken the only possible course at the moment–quoted the prices which obtained last season. On the average they were about fifty per cent. higher than during the previous season, and as the exchange rate was very little more, living was nearly half as dear again. Many people profess to believe that there must be a considerable reduction of the franc remains at its present level, the argument being that if there is not, visitors will not come in sufficient numbers to keep the Riviera going. That may be so, but there is no sign of it yet. In any case, it is well to be on the safe side.
I have devoted a special chapter to a brief description of life on the Riviera in summer: all the rest of the book is concerned with the winter season. In the Appendix will be found some detailed information about the different places, in no way exhaustive, but intended to help the stranger over the first day or two: part of the charm of a holiday abroad is in exploring and finding things out for yourself.
Monte Carlo,
August, 1927.
HOW TO BE HAPPY ON THE RIVIERA
CHAPTER I
The Truth about the Climate
The climate in winter is incomparably superior to that of any other part of Europe, but it is often grossly over-praised, especially in the publicity of which the Riviera is subject. Nominally, the season begins but the gaities are crowded into the period between Christmas and Easter.
