# Riviera

/ˌɹɪviˈɛɹə/ (US) · /ɹˌɪviˈɛɹɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/riviera
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a coastal area that is popular with tourists because it is beautiful and sunny. It usually refers to the Mediterranean coast of France and Italy.

For teachers: a coastal region with a subtropical climate, particularly the Mediterranean coast of France and Italy. Capitalised when naming specific geographic stretches like the French Riviera.

## Examples

- We spent our summer holiday on the French Riviera.
- The local economy relies heavily on the luxury tourism that the riviera attracts during the warmer months.
- While the term originally designated the Ligurian coast, it now serves as a generic descriptor for any scenic, sun-drenched shoreline that caters to high-end international travelers.

## Usage notes

- Often capitalised when referring to the French or Italian Riviera; used as a common noun when describing similar coastal regions elsewhere.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.