Summary
Antibes
A short train ride from Nice, Antibes is a picture-perfect French town. Walk along the ramparts, enjoying views of the pine-clad hillsides opposite; shop in the vibrant daily covered market that showcases the freshest vegetables, flowers, and fruits; visit the Château where Picasso once lived and admire a superb collection of his ceramics; or relax in the quaint bars and bistros that line the narrow winding streets of the Old Town.
Discover one of the most glamorous yacht marinas in Europe, where multimillion-dollar boats bob up and down in the harbor, or sit anchored just offshore, including the extraordinary yacht belonging to Roman Abramovich that could easily star in a James Bond film.
For a captivating drive, explore the Cap d’Antibes to glimpse the exquisite villas owned or rented by the wealthy. This magnificent drive features superb sea views. Don’t miss stopping at the small Garoupe lighthouse and church atop the Cap, surrounded by pine trees. The tiny fisherman’s church is adorned with models of ships and memorial plaques, thanking sailors for surviving storms at sea and poignantly honoring those lost.
Continue a little further to Juan-les-Pins, known for one of France’s great jazz festivals in July, set against the sparkling Mediterranean waters complete with shops, bars, restaurants, and sandy beaches.
Cannes
Glitzy and glamorous, Cannes is renowned for its famous annual Film Festival. As the ‘Pearl of the Riviera’, twinned with Beverly Hills, it serves as a major convention city with upscale shopping and top-tier accommodations.
Historically, Cannes began as a modest fishing village. Its allure attracted Lord Brougham, a Brit who fell in love with the area and returned for 34 winters, paving the way for aristocrats and royals to follow.
Today, visit modern Cannes, especially during the annual shopping festival that takes place over Easter. Take a leisurely stroll along the Croisette, the most elegant seaside promenade in Europe, where luxury hotels display their parasols and lounge chairs along the sandy beaches. For a luxurious experience, enjoy a cocktail at Hotel Martinez or Carlton, which are frequented by the famous.
Don’t forget to explore Le Suquet, the old part of Cannes, which retains its authentic charm with old streets, a castle, and a watchtower worth visiting for panoramic views. Also, the Musé de la Castre displays archaeological and ethnographic artifacts from around the globe.
Historically, Cannes had been the playground for literary figures like F. Scott Fitzgerald, who captured the jazz era in his masterpiece, “The Great Gatsby.”
Isles de Lérins off the Cannes Coast
The Iles de Lérins provide a serene retreat off Cannes, embodying the Mediterranean in miniature. These two islands are perfect for a peaceful getaway from the vibrant Côté d’Azur lifestyle.
Sainte Marguerite is notable for being the location where Alexandre Dumas’ Man in the Iron Mask was unjustly imprisoned in the Fort Royal.
St. Honorat serves as a monastic retreat, where the Benedictine monks warmly welcome guests for Sunday Mass or Vespers. If you seek tranquility, consider scheduling a spiritual retreat on this island.
St-Paul-de-Vence
The beautiful hilltop village of St-Paul-de-Vence was designated a ‘Royal Town’ in the 16th century and has retained an aura of elegance ever since. During the 1920s, it attracted impoverished painters like Pierre Bonnard and Modigliani, later hosting renowned artists like Matisse and Picasso. They often lodged at the modest Auberge de la Colome d’Or, exchanging paintings for their stay. Today, this inn is still relatively modest yet displays now-valuable artworks, making reservations necessary.
For additional art experiences, visit the renowned private collection at Fondation Maeght, set within tranquil grounds, serving as a cultural oasis.
The Principality of Monaco
The Principality of Monaco is a tiny sovereign state, adored by gamblers and affluent investment bankers and Formula 1 drivers attracted by its tax benefits. Ruled by the Grimaldi family for over 700 years, Monaco has a unique atmosphere, often perceived as a state within a state. Its most famous figures include Prince Rainier Louis Henri Maxence Bertrand de Grimaldi and his wife, Princess Grace, both of whom have left enduring legacies.
Attractions of interest include the Car Museum, featuring Prince Rainier’s impressive collection of classic cars, a Naval Museum, an exotic garden, and the exceptional Musé Océanographique, along with the magnificent Palais du Prince.
However, the highlight remains the iconic Casino, representing the dazzling lifestyle of Monte Carlo.
The Gorges du Verdon
The Gorges du Verdon, often known as France’s version of the Grand Canyon—albeit smaller—are spectacular and located high in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department. This scenic location can be easily reached from Nice, with the Château de Trigance providing excellent accommodation options just off the Gorges’ main rim.
Visitors can either drive around the gorges or indulge in various water sports in the river below. Although busy during the peak summer season, the off-season offers the advantage of quieter roads. Be sure to stop at Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, a postcard-perfect village renowned for its porcelain factories—however, expect fine art prices.
St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Cap Ferrat extends into the Mediterranean, serving as a billionaire’s paradise where notable figures like Somerset Maugham, Charlie Chaplin, and David Niven once indulged in luxurious living within their magnificent villas. Visitors can drive around the Cap and access the lighthouse, although many villas are concealed behind high gates, making walking from Villefranche-sur-Mer along the shaded path a more rewarding experience.
A must-visit is the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, a stunning pink palace boasting breathtaking views of the sea. The villa features exquisite rooms filled with luxurious furniture, but the true gem is the garden extending from the terrace, flourishing with vibrant flowers year-round and showcasing a remarkable rose festival in May.
