Destinations > France > French Riviera
French Riviera
Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Saint-Tropez, Grasse, Cap Ferrat, Èze, Monaco
Best time to visit: April-October
Go for this: Nice, with its year-round sunshine, vibrant street life, and a stunning seaside location. Admire the city’s gorgeous Belle Époque architecture; wander the Cours Saleya market featuring the best local produce (everything from cheese, olives and artisan sausages to handmade soaps, tasty preserves, and of course, flowers); explore the wealth of amazing art museums, honoring the vision of Picasso, Matisse, and Chagall, to name a few.
But try this: Èze, a medieval village perched on cliffs high above the sea; a delightful step back in time, and blissfully calm for the Riviera. The well-preserved stone buildings, winding alleyways, 14th-century chapels, and dramatic Mediterranean backdrop make this tiny village seem like a movie set.
Favorite guest experience: Perfume Creation Workshop in Grasse. With your private guide, visit the medieval town considered the world’s perfume capital. First, explore the Old Town of Grasse, with its imposing cathedral (featuring paintings by Rubens) and its 13th century watch tower. Next, head to the famous Molinard perfume factory, dating back to 1849, for a unique sensory experience. At this historic mansion you will design your own custom fragrance under the direction of a professional perfume master. Try your hand at the perfumer’s subtle techniques and learn about the history and biology of scent as you create your perfect perfume.
Favorite hotel: Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, a timeless seaside paradise on the French Riviera. Set on 17 acres of lush Mediterranean gardens in the exclusive Cap-Ferrat peninsula, this fabled hotel offers unparalleled sea views from its clifftop position. A glass funicular takes you down the mountain to the famous Club Dauphin with its clifftop infinity pool.
OR
Terre Blanche, an all-suite and villa resort set back from the frenzy of the French Riviera but still in close proximity to the glamour of Cannes and St. Tropez. Hidden in a lush garden with pine trees, this swish, family-friendly hotel features sprawling grounds, four restaurants, an incredible spa, and a golf course.
Favorite restaurant: Au Pot De Vin in Cannes, a family-run bistro with a lovely retro dining area, all done out in wood. The chef cooks up good traditional dishes based on the market's offerings, to be washed down with a bottle from the remarkable cellar (close to 1,000 wines with a high concentration of Burgundy).
Olive & Artichaut: a lovely and cozy restaurant in the heart of Nice’s old town. The chef utilizes only local and fresh products and the restaurant’s menu is a triumph of authentic and delicious courses. Locals love it and if you are visiting Nice, Olive & Artichaut should be a “must” on your list.
Foods:
- Pissaladière (savory bread with olives, caramelized onions and anchovies)
- Pan Bagnat (local tuna sandwich)
- Salade Niçoise
- Ratatouille
- Petits Farcis (stuffed vegetables)
- Tarte Tropézienne (cream-filled brioche)
Wine - Varietals:
- Grenache
- Syrah
- Mourvèdre
Wine - Appellations:
- Bandol
- Côtes de Provence
Best time to visit: April-October
Go for this: Nice, with its year-round sunshine, vibrant street life, and a stunning seaside location. Admire the city’s gorgeous Belle Époque architecture; wander the Cours Saleya market featuring the best local produce (everything from cheese, olives and artisan sausages to handmade soaps, tasty preserves, and of course, flowers); explore the wealth of amazing art museums, honoring the vision of Picasso, Matisse, and Chagall, to name a few.
But try this: Èze, a medieval village perched on cliffs high above the sea; a delightful step back in time, and blissfully calm for the Riviera. The well-preserved stone buildings, winding alleyways, 14th-century chapels, and dramatic Mediterranean backdrop make this tiny village seem like a movie set.
Favorite guest experience: Perfume Creation Workshop in Grasse. With your private guide, visit the medieval town considered the world’s perfume capital. First, explore the Old Town of Grasse, with its imposing cathedral (featuring paintings by Rubens) and its 13th century watch tower. Next, head to the famous Molinard perfume factory, dating back to 1849, for a unique sensory experience. At this historic mansion you will design your own custom fragrance under the direction of a professional perfume master. Try your hand at the perfumer’s subtle techniques and learn about the history and biology of scent as you create your perfect perfume.
Favorite hotel: Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, a timeless seaside paradise on the French Riviera. Set on 17 acres of lush Mediterranean gardens in the exclusive Cap-Ferrat peninsula, this fabled hotel offers unparalleled sea views from its clifftop position. A glass funicular takes you down the mountain to the famous Club Dauphin with its clifftop infinity pool.
OR
Terre Blanche, an all-suite and villa resort set back from the frenzy of the French Riviera but still in close proximity to the glamour of Cannes and St. Tropez. Hidden in a lush garden with pine trees, this swish, family-friendly hotel features sprawling grounds, four restaurants, an incredible spa, and a golf course.
Favorite restaurant: Au Pot De Vin in Cannes, a family-run bistro with a lovely retro dining area, all done out in wood. The chef cooks up good traditional dishes based on the market's offerings, to be washed down with a bottle from the remarkable cellar (close to 1,000 wines with a high concentration of Burgundy).
Olive & Artichaut: a lovely and cozy restaurant in the heart of Nice’s old town. The chef utilizes only local and fresh products and the restaurant’s menu is a triumph of authentic and delicious courses. Locals love it and if you ae visiting Nice, Olive & Artichaut should be a “must” on your list.
Foods:
- Pissaladière (savory bread with olives, caramelized onions and anchovies)
- Pan Bagnat (local tuna sandwich)
- Salade Niçoise
- Ratatouille
- Petits Farcis (stuffed vegetables)
- Tarte Tropézienne (cream-filled brioche)
Wine - Varietals:- Grenache
- Syrah
- Mourvèdre
Wine - Appellations:- Bandol
- Côtes de Provence
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