Coastal Views: a Key Component of Riviera Coastal Systems. A Case Study from the French Riviera

International audienceAmong famous seaside resort areas, rivieras are complex coastal systems where, more than in any other coastal region, coastal views have an economic value and can be considered as a heritage. Resulting from the combination of an indented coastline, an amphitheatre or balcony shaped topography and accessibility to viewpoints, coastal views are a major component of riviera systems. They are part of the riviera identity and they considerably influence territorial developments. Taking the French Riviera – part of the Côte d’Azur stretching from Nice to Menton - as a case study, we will illustrate panoramic views’ importance through road developments. Viewshed analysis achieved with GIS gives indeed clear evidence of how coastal views from roads have been valorized by sightseeing. The issue of view management in coastal areas should be discussed. Natural as well as man-made heritage, coastal views are affected by land use change. Using systems analysis, we will try to identify threats and preservation strategies related to them