AlpesMaritimes

Alpes-Maritimes is a department in the southeastern French region of Provence-Alpes-Courtage? Actually Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. Named after the Maritime Alps and the Mediterranean coast, it covers a coastal strip along the Riviera and extends inland into alpine terrain. The prefecture is Nice, and the department is divided into three arrondissements: Nice, Grasse, and Antibes. It borders Var to the west, Italy to the east and north, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. The Côte d'Azur, or French Riviera, lies on its southern edge.

Geography ranges from coastal plains and rocky shores to forested hills and high Alpine terrain, including parts of the Mercantour area. The Mercantour National Park lies in the northern part of the department. The climate along the coast is Mediterranean, with mild winters and hot summers; inland areas experience cooler temperatures and more variation.

History: The department was created during the French Revolution in 1793 from the former County of Nice. It was annexed to France in 1860 after the Treaty of Turin, following the transfer of Nice from Sardinia to France. The region has a mixed cultural heritage reflecting both Provençal and Italian influences.

Economy and transport: Tourism dominates the economy, with Nice, Cannes, Antibes, and Menton drawing visitors year-round. The perfume industry is centered in Grasse. The department hosts the Cannes Film Festival and other cultural events. Transport includes Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, the TGV line to Paris, and major roads such as the A8. Menton provides a border crossing to Italy.

Demographics: The Alpes-Maritimes has about 1.1 million inhabitants, with a population concentrated along the coast in several large towns. The department’s INSEE code is 06 and Nice serves as the prefecture.