THE FRENCH RIVIERA

Once upon a time, everyone called this glamorous stretch of Mediterranean coast the French Riviera; then in 1888 author Stéphen Liégeard dubbed it La Côte d’Azur, the name stuck and the rest is history.

The Côte d’Azur has always held a certain allure for me, with its sparkling Mediterranean waters, luxurious lifestyle, and deep history. When Marcy and I decided to spend some time there, knew this trip would be special, blending relaxation, adventure, and a bit of indulgence. Here’s a personal account of our journey through one of the most glamorous regions in the world.

It’s years since I’ve visited Nice, and the grand dame of the Côte d’Azur has certainly had a facelift in the intervening time. The town’s grandiose squares have been repaved, frontages repainted and a new tram system has gone some way to calming the gridlocked traffic. Palm trees billow in the breeze; on the Promenade des Anglais, neat lines of deckchairs are all taken, rows of faces tipped towards the sun. After the grey drizzle of London, it’s like stepping into an Insta-filtered world; a riot of colour and life.

You can take a couple of hours and drop off what seemed like a cliff to find the hidden treasure of Villefranche-sur-mer and where we sat under a colourful cafe canopy to enjoy drinks watching the pouring rain.

SO VERY RIVIERA !

And yet Nice has somehow dropped off the radar in recent years, its old-school glamour superseded by edgier, hipper weekend break destinations in eastern Europe and Spain. But the Victorians who first made the resort famous in the mid-19th century weren’t wrong.

Alongside the rash of five-star hotels and Michelin-starred eateries, there are plenty of affordable places to stay and good cheap eats, giving the town a more bohemian, youthful air than its grander sibling, Cannes, just up the coast.

CANNES IS GLITZ, GLAMOUR, AND A GLIMPSE OF THE PAST

Arriving in Cannes, we couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement. The city lives up to its reputation, with its grand hotels, designer boutiques, and endless rows of palm trees lining the Boulevard de la Croisette. Marcy and started our day with a stroll along this famous boulevard, taking in the sights and sounds of a city that knows how to do luxury.

CANNES, MONACO & MONTE CARLO

As much as enjoyed the chic atmosphere, what really caught my attention was the old quarter of Le Suquet. We wandered through the narrow streets, lined with traditional Provencal houses, and climbed to the top of the hill to soak in the panoramic views of Cannes and the Mediterranean. The city looked incredible from up there, and couldn’t help but admire the blend of history and modernity.

Monaco was pure indulgence. There’s no other way to describe it. I’d always dreamed of visiting the Monte Carlo Casino, and stepping into that world of high stakes and elegance was everything imagined. could walk the roadways of its formula one street race track and almost smell the burnt rubber and hear the unmistakable scream of high powered race engines drowning out the roar of the crowd.

And the boats…it’s a city just dripping with opulence.

Arriving in St. Tropez by local ferry is a breathtaking experience, as the glittering azure waters of the Mediterranean frame the charming pastel-colored buildings that line the harbor. As your boat approaches, the sight of luxury yachts moored alongside traditional fishing boats creates a dynamic contrast, capturing the very essence of this place of a thousand dreams

As you wander into the heart of town, the narrow, winding streets of La Ponche, the historic old quarter, invite you home. The charming blend of cobblestones, vibrant shutters, and cascading bougainvillea lends an authentic Provençal feel to this glamorous destination.

You might stumble upon a small local market selling fresh produce, cheese, and flowers, or a boutique offering chic Riviera-style clothing and gaggles of giggling American instagram girls.

COURS MASSÉNA, CÔTE D’AZUR & MENTON

Antibes was like dessert after the main course of Nice - time to relax and stroll. The food market at the Cours Masséna, is full of local flavors, from fresh produce to artisanal cheeses, olives, and baked goods. The vibrant colours and aromas are truly intoxicating and everything quintessentially south of France.

Exploring the Old Town Square, with its narrow streets and charming atmosphere, give you a true taste of the Côte d’Azur to just sit and people watch over an expresso and of course a croissant.

Arriving in Menton by train is a serene experience. As the train glides along the Mediterranean coastline, the azure sea seems to stretch endlessly, framed by lush green hills. When the train slows down and pulls into the station, you’re greeted by the warm pastel colors of this quaint French town near the Italian border.

Hopping out onto the platform feels like stepping into a postcard with a short walk bringing you to the heart of Menton. The streets are narrow and winding, lined with colorful buildings in shades of yellow, peach, and terracotta. The town’s Italian influence is evident in the architecture and atmosphere. Wandering through the Old Town you find hidden alleys leading to unexpected squares where locals enjoy their espresso.

Menton is a place to explore slowly, savoring the mix of French and Italian cultures, whether you’re sampling local delicacies like Socca (chickpea flatbread) or sipping a glass of rosé at a seaside café.

Please visit in the spring or late summer and fall when the locals re-emerge after the mayhem of summer tourism.

Oh la Côte d’Azur Je T’aime.

Nous Reviendrons