Côte d'Azur: Exploring the James Bond Connections in the South of France (2020)

The allure of the French Riviera, or the Côte d'Azur as it is variously known, needs little or no introduction. The landscape, the wealth, the film stars, the artists, the Belle Epoque architecture and the azure sea have all ensured the longevity of its rightful place in stunning coast lines and picturesque villages to soak up.

That in various forms, James Bond has left his mark in such pantheons of beauteous geography is no surprise. But just what are they, and in how many forms.

From his time living in Villefranche sur Mer in the summer of 2019, Simon Firth documents, dissects and discusses the locations for:

The Films, Diamonds Are Forever, Never Say Never Again and GoldenEye

The Books, Role of Honour and Forever and a Day

The Residences of Sir Sean Connery, Sir Roger Moore and David Niven

The Cannes Film Festival and the Carlton Intercontenental Hotel

And an unfinished 1958 version of Casino Royale and the ‘What If…’ locations.

To widen the context and to add colour, the Riviera Life and its people accompany the journey with eye-catching imagery, in the definitive account of James Bond in the Côte d'Azur.