Curator’s statement
The French Riviera, or Côte d'Azur, is the most pristine European summer destination for many obvious reasons. For me, though, it is the essence of keeping history alive. Some of the biggest pop culture references can be sourced from Southern France. Whether it be Van Gogh's inspiration for Starry Night or Picasso's love of the small coastal towns, Grace Kelly's royal lifestyle, Brigitte Bardot's rise to fame and most recently, the Cannes Film Festival, it all stems from the modest but loud beauty of the French Riviera. When you visit, you can feel the magic enthrall you while you sip on fresh wine, admire the new artists' studios in the charming towns and enjoy the ocean breeze. It has something for everyone: families, solo-trippers or newlyweds.
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Where to stay in Côte d'Azur
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Things to do in Côte d'Azur
Cannes
Go to a beach club (Carlton for daytime, Baoli or Bijou Plage at night), have ice cream at Le Quirly by the boardwalk, at night, go to the back roads of the shops to uncover a vibrant nightlife full of bars, restaurants and music outside the typical night clubs, specifically Rue Hoche.
Nice
Go to Colombe d'Or in St. Paul De Vence for lunch and even one-night stay (reserve in advance).
Antibes
Plan to visit the Marche (market) and get lost in the charming streets that surround it. It's also a five-minute walk away from the port so you can walk along the water before or after you eat lunch and shop
Monaco
Must do's: Monte Carlo Casino, walk around the shops and check out the Grand Prix Circuit that goes around the main part of town
Eze
Pay a visit to Hôtel Château de La Chèvre d’Or for a bite to eat and see the parfumeries nearby.
Saint Tropez
Day drink at the best beach clubs in Shellona, eat chic at the Dior Des Lices or any other store-front chic cafe. Try the famous Tarte tropézienne at La Tarte Tropézienne. Go shopping!
Theoule Sur Mer
Beach, local restaurant and local events (like karaoke night by the beach,)
Mougins
Must stop here to feel like a local transported back in time to when Pablo Picasso roamed the streets.
Provence
See guide Le Provence, France.
Landscape - Cliffs, sand beaches, rock beaches, olive trees, lavender fields, herbs of Provence, hot air balloon rides and bike trails.
Food & Wine - Boulangeries, fresh coffee, baguette (go early or they'll run out), all wine is amazing in France... enjoy a glass wherever you go as long as you're not the one driving!
Places to eat & drink in Côte d'Azur
Breakfast
If your hotel doesn't cover breakfast (which, if you book through me, that will never happen), head to the boulangerie nearest to you - for a fresh baguette, coffee and delicious french pastries.
Snacking
Pick up your favorite kind of cheese or olive spread (for a lactose-free options) to go with that baguette at the fromagerie
Lunch & Dinner
Beach clubs for the ambience in Cannes, Theoule and Saint Tropez. Some hotels are connected to beach clubs, so it is very dependent on your stay.
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Travel Advisor
Andrea Waxman
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to France.