France is home to a huge number of casinos, both large and small, and is
without a doubt the leader in the European casino scene. France
casinos are found throughout the country, including several in Paris,
but probably the most prestigious and glamorous are to be found in the
south of France, along the famous Riviera, combining beautiful
landscapes and fabulous weather with some of the oldest and most
historic casinos in Europe. Foreign travelers flock to the south coast
for a taste of the high life, and here as elsewhere in the country,
casinos form an essential part of the visitor experience.
There are nearly 200 casinos in France, making it the country in Europe
with the most such establishments; the largest concentration in any one
city, unsurprisingly, is to be found in Paris, where there are eight
casinos. The largest casino in Paris is the Cercle Hausmann, which has
some 26 tables. However, France casinos are spread throughout the
country, reflecting the French love of gambling, and the central role
that France has played in the development of casinos (roulette was
invented here, as well as blackjack). Additionally, France casinos have
an ambience unlike those anywhere else, an elegance and tradition that
stands in stark contrast to the somewhat more brash charms of casinos
elsewhere, and a world away from the gaudy exuberance of Las Vegas.
Without doubt, the center of French gambling is the Riviera, or Cote
D'Azur, on the south coast. The casinos of Cannes, Nice, and Antibes
are among the most glamorous in the whole of Europe, and are must-see
attractions for anyone visiting this part of the country. The Riviera
is famed for its beautiful towns, chic shops, and almost year-round
sunshine, which helped it establish itself as one of Europe's premier
winter resorts in times past, though nowadays it is in summer that the
region really comes alive. The most famous of all the casinos on the
south coast, of course, is the Monte Carlo Casino, which is nearly one
hundred and fifty years old. However, it is situated in Monaco, which
is not part of France, but an independent principality ruled by the
famous Grimaldi family.
Other famous France casinos can be found around the country, often at
seaside resorts such as Deauville and Biarritz. In each of these towns,
the casino has played a central role in the history and tradition of
the area, cementing the place of French casinos in the popular
imagination and making them an essential part of any visit to the
country.
