Travel review Côte D’Azur – from Cannes to Saint Tropez

 

The French Riviera…Palm Trees, Rosé Wine, deep blue water, white beaches and beautiful people dressed up to the nines…what is not to love about this paradise in the South of France.  We can’t help swoon over the beauty of this jet set hang out which turns into a complete frenzy in July and August. Tourists from all over the world flock here to experience the “Savoir Vivre de la Provence”. You can also spot celebs from Cameron Diaz to Beyonce who cruise the Riviera on their Yachts. Beach Clubs at the Pampelonne Beach and the Croisette are booked out, tables are sought after and the night life vibrates. It is advisable to bring some very deep pockets as everything is slightly overpriced – and we mean more than usual.

Now, if you are not in the mood for some serious, hedonistic fun and a lot of see and be seen, we recommend you skip the French Riviera in the high season altogether. Head there in late September or May when it is less “fou”. For the rest of you, continue reading as we will bring you the very latest from Cannes to St. Tropez.

Cannes – With the Croisette, Cannes offers one of the most beautiful beach promenades of the Côte d’Azur. The Croisette is where you will find the most exclusive boutiques, beach clubs and restaurants of this swanky Riviera Town.

Where to stay:

St. Martinez: Without doubt the most luxurious hotel in Cannes. This is where celebs and oligarchs put up at. The stylish, 5 star art-deco hotel also hosts a spa and Cannes’ first choice gourmet restaurant. If you always wanted to rub shoulders with Eva Longoria at a breakfast buffet your odds might be pretty good at the St. Martinez. Bring some petty cash though as this is certainly not a budget option. 73, Boulevard de la Croisette, Cannes, France, 06400

Hotel Cezanne: Not quite as exclusive as the St. Martinez but equally stylish, this boutique hotel combines Hollywood glamour with modern design and offers a private beach. It is located at 5 minute walking distance from La Croisette, 40 Boulevard d’Alsace, 06400; +34 04 92 59 41 00

Restaurants

Palme d’Or: Hands down the most exclusive Gourmet Restaurant in Cannes. The Michelin starred restaurant caters to hungry celebs and oligarchs. The restaurant’s interior is classy and elegant and offers gigantic, comfortable seats  and you will never want to leave – well perhaps only once you’ve seen the bill. The menu provides a shock to the system even to a Swiss based foodie long suffering from notoriously expensive restaurants back home. 73 Boulevard de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes, France +33 4 92 98 74 14

If you’d like to eat by the beach, the countless beach clubs at the Croisette also offer dinner menus. Head to Z Plage at the Martinez for a stylish dinner right by the beach

If you’d like to combine dinner with a night out, head to the Baoli restaurant.

Port Canto – Boulevard de la Croisette – Cannes Reservations / +33 (0)4 93 43 03 43

Nightlife

For years, the Bâoli with its infamously difficult door has been Cannes most exclusive club. In 2014 some of its glamour might have faded however it is still an elegant club with a beautiful outside seating area which also hosts a restaurant. To get in make sure you dress the part – Bâoli’s uniform includes a white shirt and classy slacks paired with Todd’s for the gents and a Hervé Léger type dress and skyscraper heeled Louboutin’s for the ladies.

 

The Gotha has become Cannes new party hot spot and though it lacks Bâoli’s exclusiveness and elegance it is where the party hungry crowd heads to nowadays.

St. Tropez

This charming fisher village offers a cute centre with stylish boutiques, a port where you will find various gigantic yachts as well as restaurants and bars. You can easily spend a few hours in this adorable village strolling around the narrow alleys and cute little cafes.

First timers are ought to take a café au lait at the Sénéquier, St.Tropez’s most famous café with its signature red chairs and tables. Located at Saint Tropez’s promenade the Sénéquier also offers first class opportunities for some relaxed people watching.

 

Your next stop should be the Beach Pampelonne with its many beach clubs.

Club 55 is one of the most famous and star-studded beach clubs and also offers a restaurant. The simplistic, hippie like charme of this beach club has attracted wealthy tourists as well as celebs for decades now.

Make reservations early as Club 55 is notoriously packed. Don’t worry about parking, the beach club offers valet parking. If you reserve a sunbed make sure to get there early as staff only holds reservations until lunch time.

The restaurant offers bikini conscientious cuisine. There is a large choice of salads and fish. If you cannot resist a desert try the tarte tatin, it is godly.

43 Boulevard Patch, 83350 Ramatuelle, France +33 4 94 55 55 55

To escape the hustle and bustle head to Antibes. Antibes beautiful medieval town offers a relaxed, down to earth vibe. Stroll around the many small shops and the covered food market at Cours Massena at the heart of the village (open daily from 6 am to 1 pm except Mondays)

Les Vieux Mures is Antibes most romantic restaurant. It offers stunning views and an excellent cuisine.

25 Promenade Amiral de Grasse, 06600 Antibes, France +33 4 93 34 06 73

For some soul pampering head to the Eden Roc Champagne bar at the Cap d’Antibes hotel, the most romantic place at the Cote d’Azur. Go there for a sundowner overlooking the ocean and indulge in their menu of signature Champagnes.

Boulevard John JF Kennedy, 06601 Antibes, France, +33 4 93 61 39 01

Another hideaway is Saint Paul Vence, a quaint hilltop village approximately 30 minutes from Cannes. Stroll around the cobblestoned, winding alleys of this adorable village and indulge in the amazing view of the mountains and the sea. It also offers various stores where you can stock up on your olive oil and lavender supply as well as countless art galleries. Matisse and Picasso used to hang out here.

 

Have lunch at the St. Paul which offers an adorable terrace. 86 Rue Grande, 06570 Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France +33 4 93 32 65 25

 

86 Rue Grande, 06570 Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France +33 4 93 32 65 25

What to wear at the Côte D’azur:

The Côte D’Azur is all about an understated yet chic and elegant look. Leave those Missoni dresses and feather earrings for Ibiza and instead pack the following 5 must haves for a perfect weekend at the French Riviera:

• Large pair of Sunglasses (preferably Chanel or Bulgari)
• An airy Kaftan (check outDiane Fürstenberg’s latest collection)
• Wedges or Espadrilles for the day
• Stilettos and Louboutines for the night
• Hervé Léger type dresses in pastel colors

Dont’s:

• Animal prints on anything except a pair of Stilettos
• Anything too glitzy and flashy
• Anything (and we mean absolutely anything) by Christian Audigier or Ed Hardy