Russians on the Ligurian and French Riviera

Russian presence on the Riviera, both Ligurian and French, dates back to the 18^th century; specifically, between 1840 and 1850, it intensified in Menton and its surroundings as more and more Russians were enjoying the mild climate. In addition, right in those years, in 1856, the King of Sardinia, reached an agreement with the Tsar, renting the Savoy military port of Villefranche-sur-Mer to the Russian Imperial Navy. Russia, defeated in the Crimean War, was looking for a port in the Mediterranean to overcome the restrictions imposed in the Black Sea.

Russians' fondness of southern France, the County of Nice, and of the Riviera, nonetheless, had already been in vogue for some time. Several sanatoria were built in order to cure the many Russians in the area, especially for the treatment of tuberculosis and other respiratory diseases; and also important cemeteries, some of which are true works of art.

Russian presence expanded visibly both in the direction of Nice (in the Savoy), Antibes and Cannes (France), and that of San Remo and surroundings, as resident colonies were growing. Nobles from the Tsar's court, scientists, artists, writers, musicians, and revolutionaries were all choosing the Riviera as their home; all lovers of the climate and of the many region's attractions, especially the original Ligurian-Provençal cuisine that won their palate right away. Russian presence did not decrease even after the separation of Nice from Italy.

Russians events, complex and related to the different political developments, especially after the Soviet Revolution, are an interesting part of Western Liguria and Southern France's history.