A First Timer's Summer in France: Paris to the French Riviera

PARIS:

• Choose Musée d'Orsay or Musée de l'Orangerie over the Louvre for a focused, immersive experience in 19th and early 20th-century art, including masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh and Renoir, in a manageable setting.

• If you love antiques, Les Puces de Saint-Ouen is a must! I recommend visiting on Saturday or Sunday because many dealers aren't open Mondays.

• Shop at Le Bon Marché, Paris’s oldest and most iconic department store. It features some of my favorite Parisian brands like Sézane, Jimmy Fairly and Sandro.

PROVENCE:

• What's Provence without rosé tasting? Some of my favorites are Château La Coste, Château d’Esclans, and Domaine de Fontenille

• If you are visiting in June/early July, the lavender fields are a must. It's worth noting that many fields in the Valensole plateau are typically harvested by mid-July, while those in the lower Luberon region are harvested later in late July. Plan your visit accordingly to catch the vibrant blooms at their peak!

• Embarking on an olive oil tasting adventure is a delightful experience not to be missed in Provence! Just like wine, olive oil holds a revered status, upheld by an appellation system ensuring its origin and quality. Your concierge can assist in organizing a tasting conveniently located near your hotel, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to your Provencal journey!

FRENCH RIVIERA:

• What I absolutely adore about Saint Tropez are the beach clubs! Among my top picks are LouLou, Le Club 55, and La Réserve à la Plage. For a lively party atmosphere, aim for a reservation around 3 p.m. to soak in the vibrant energy. Use your hotel concierge for reservations to secure the best table!

• The French Riviera boasts charming towns like Menton, known for its gardens, Villefranche-sur-Mer with its pastel buildings, Eze with stunning views, and Antibes, bustling with markets and history, each offering a unique experience. You can conveniently travel by train to reach each of these charming towns!

• Discover the essence of French cuisine with a cooking class in the French Riviera, a must-do activity in a region renowned for its culinary delights. Whether you're in Nice, Saint Tropez, or Antibes, let a Fora Travel advisor seamlessly arrange this immersive experience for you, ensuring a taste of France's gastronomic heritage during your coastal getaway.

PARIS

• Le Petit Lutetia: The ambiance here is classic Parisian bistro charm – think mirrored walls, monogrammed dishes and tiny tables on the sidewalk. But for me, it's not just about the food; it's about the people-watching. Observing the locals mingle, savor their meals and indulge in a mid-lunch smoke break is a cherished experience for me.

• Perruche: A lush rooftop retreat with a Mediterranean menu and some of the best views in Paris. Go for dinner around sunset to watch the Eiffel Tower light show and then head to Bar Perruche next door for a nightcap! Reservations are highly recommended.

• Girafe: While Girafe may seem predictable, the hype is real. Let your hotel concierge work their magic to secure a reservation, as bookings open a month in advance. Trust me, it's worth the visit!

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  PROVENCE:

• Francis Mallman: While I've already recommended Château La Coste for wine tasting, their property also boasts an outstanding Argentinian restaurant that's truly unmissable! It's the perfect choice if you're looking to switch things up from the typical French cuisine.

• La Bastide at Capelongue: A one Michelen-starred restaurant serving up dishes that blend traditional Provençal recipes with ingredients straight from the Upper Alps. The view from their terrace at sunset is absolutely stunning!

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  FRENCH RIVIERA:

• Matsuhisa St. Tropez: If you're a sushi lover, you absolutely can't miss Matsuhisa! Nestled on the terrace of Château de La Messardière, Matsuhisa Saint-Tropez offers a breathtaking vista of Pampelonne Bay. And in the summer evenings, a live DJ performs as the sun dips below the horizon! Order the Wasabi martini to start—I promise, you'll be thanking me later.

• Ceto: For the ultimate combination of breathtaking views and exquisite cuisine in Monaco, make sure to check out Ceto at the Maybourne Riviera. With a prestigious Michelin star, their culinary offerings are just as spectacular as the panoramic vistas. Specializing in seafood, their menu is a delight for any discerning palate. And if you're simply in the mood to soak in the scenery while sipping on a cocktail, don't miss their adjacent bar concept, Bar Ceto. Reserve a table at sunset!

• Le TIGGrr: For those aiming to mingle with St. Tropez's trendy crowd, look no further than Le TIGrr. It's the hotspot where the vibe is refreshingly laid-back compared to other eateries in the area, and they specialize in delectable Thai cuisine. Only open Wednesday to Saturday!