Sun-kissed & Stylish

Nice has some great options for mid-luxury romantic escapes or intimate getaways. You will find hotels across the entire tariff spectrum, but here are some of my favourites that I keep going back to:

• Le Negresco 
• Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée.
• Hotel Suisse Nice
• Hotel Anantara
• Radisson Blu Hotel

Le Negresco 

Hotel Suisse Nice

Hotel Anantara

The most iconic feature of the modern city is the renowned Promenade des Anglais, originally built in 1822 by the English community as a coastal path. Stretching 2.5 miles (4 km) along the waterfront, it’s got 2 wide carriageways lined with flower beds and swaying palm trees. Spend your first morning strolling along the Promenade des Anglais and take in the gorgeous Mediterranean views.

Whenever I am in Nice, I make it a point to visit the local Cours Saleya Market that is always pulsating with locals and tourists. You can spend a languorous half hour strolling and shopping, taking photos of the colourful displays of fresh produce and fresh flowers, or enjoy a leisurely late breakfast at a café there. 

In the afternoon, go explore the Old Town (Vieux Nice) with its charming streets or, if you are artistically inclined, visit the Musée Matisse or the Marc Chagall National Museum to admire the works of the renowned artists.

Historic Clock Tower

Vibrant Nice Harbor

Cours Saleya Marke

FUN FACT

Pro Tip: Purchase the French Riviera Pass, you can use it in Nice as well as other places along the Nice Cote d'Azur (including Antibes and Monaco)

Nice has some great options for mid-luxury romantic escapes or intimate getaways. You will find hotels across the entire tariff spectrum, but here are some of my favourites that I keep going back to:

• Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo 
• Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo 
• Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort 
• Fairmont Monte Carlo 
• Le Méridien Beach Plaza 
• Columbus Monte-Carlo

Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo 

Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo 

Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort 

When you’re in Monaco, it’s not gambling, it’s ‘play time’. Monaco is home to the biggest high-rollers in the world who come to play at The Monte Carlo Casino, officially known as Casino de Monte-Carlo, is an iconic entertainment complex in Monaco. It’s more than just a casino—it also houses the Opéra de Monte-Carlo and serves as the headquarters for Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo. 

You can stroll towards Port Hercules to watch the ultra-luxury yachts anchored at the port. In September, Monaco hosts the Yacht show, which is Europe's largest display of luxury yachts in water and attracts thousands of visitors every year. So if you happen to be in the South of France in September, you might want to avoid Monaco altogether. 

From Port Hercules, you can take a walk towards the edge of Port Hercules to arrive at the base of the hill on which stands the Prince’s Palace of Monaco. Built in 1191, the palace continues to be the residence of the current Prince of Monaco, just as it has for the last 700 years. There is an entry fee if you want to go inside the palace and have a look at the Napoleon museum and the archives, but I didn't go in when I went, because I was hungry!

Monaco Yacht show

Palaisdemonaco

Beautiful walks of Monaco

Cannes, famous for its Cannes Film Festival, has many mid-luxury to super-luxury hotels, that dot the cityscape and the coastal line. Here are my top picks

• InterContinental Carlton Cannes

• Hotel Barrière Le Majestic

• Canopy by Hilton Cannes

• JW Marriott Cannes

• Hôtel Croisette Beach Cannes - MGallery

• Pullman Cannes Mandelieu Royal Casino

InterContinental Carlton Cannes

Canopy by Hilton Cannes

Hotel Barrière Le Majestic

On the first day, spend the morning relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Cannes or go to the Île Sainte-Marguerite where you can explore nature trails and feel like you’ve escaped the paparazzi for your own private island. There is also something really ‘hat ke’ that will give your adventure spirit a little boost -  swimming and discovering the statues of Jason deCaires Taylor in the first underwater eco-museum in France and the Mediterranean!

For those preferring the slow, luxurious pace of the city, explore le Croisette, a 3-km boardwalk that is a great place to soak up the sun and the sea breeze. Don’t forget to stop by le Palais des Festivals et des Congrès de Cannes, the great white, glass building on la Croisette that has been the go-to venue for world-famous business events, shows and festivals since 1983.

On the 2nd day, head north-east to Antibes (pronounced aun-teeb), a 12-minute train ride away. The ancient walled town of Antibes is one of the liveliest and prettiest spots on the Riviera with a relaxed, beachy vibe, a bustling superyacht port and picturesque old town filled with narrow cobblestone streets, markets, and charming cafes. 

After lunch at La Palme d'Or for a gourmet French meal, spend half a day exploring the enchanting old town, visiting the Picasso Museum housed in the historic Château Grimaldi, or stroll through the beautiful Port Vauban, home to some of the world’s most luxurious yachts. In the evening, take a return train to Cannes.

💛

Île Sainte-Marguerite Islands

Antibes

Pro Tip@Cannes and Antibes

One of Cannes' best-kept secrets that many people stroll past without even noticing is the Cannes Walk of Fame, or L’Allée des Stars, located at 1 Boulevard de la Croisette. This hidden gem features nearly 400 handprints from various celebrities, inspired by Los Angeles' iconic Walk of Fame.

• Hôtel Byblos

• Château de la Messardière

• Hotel Sezz Saint Tropez

• Hôtel la bastide d'Antoine Vue mer St-Tropez

• Hotel Le Y Saint-Tropez

Hôtel Byblos

Château de la Messardière

Hotel Sezz Saint Tropez

Start your morning at Place des Lices market—trust me, it’s such a vibe! The whole place is buzzing, and the fresh produce and local goodies and even the souvenirs are just amazing. 

Then, head over to Pampelonne Beach in the afternoon. It’s one of the most famous beaches in the world, and you’ll see why the moment you step foot there- the sun-soaked , relaxed luxurious vibe is infectious!

On the second day, take a boat trip to explore the beautiful coastline or visit the nearby Port Grimaud, known as the “Venice of Provence.” Return to Saint-Tropez in the afternoon and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the charming streets and boutique shops.

Soaking in ze beach @ Pampelonne Beach

Venice of Provence

des Lices market

Luxury boutique hotels, intimate getaways and idyllic accommodations in Aix-en-Provence take you back into Old World France while retaining the luxurious frills of the New World. Here are my top picks:

• Château de la Gaude

• Villa Gallici Hôtel & Spa

• Le Pigonnet – Esprit de France

• Villa Saint-Ange

• Maison du Collectionneur

Château de la Gaude

Villa Gallici Hôtel & Spa

Le Pigonnet – Esprit de France

Spend the morning exploring the Cours Mirabeau, a beautiful tree-lined avenue with cafés and shops. You also have the option to visit the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral and the nearby Atelier Cézanne, where the famous artist Paul Cézanne lived and worked. If you prefer a quaint walking trail, then the Cézanne trail is  a must—it’s filled with panoramic views that make you feel like you’ve stepped into one of his paintings. Oh, and the views that you get of the majestic Sainte-Victoire Mountain are stupendous!

In the afternoon, take a stroll through the historic old town, admiring the elegant architecture and charming squares. Or if you are a museum nerd like me, you’ll like the Musée Granet, which houses an impressive collection of art.

Cours Mirabeau

Sainte-Victoire Mountain

Old Town

Pro Tip@Aix-en-Provence

In June and July, you can visit private farms like Terre Ugo to immerse yourself in the sights and smells of acres and acres of swaying lavender, my all-time favourite aroma!

Choose from a bevy of mid-luxury and luxury hotels like 

• La Mirande 
• Hôtel d'Europe. 
• Mas de Copelou
• N015 – Les Confidences - Chambres d'hôtes
• La Divine Comedie

La Mirande 

Hôtel d'Europe

N015 – Les Confidences

You’ll feel like a time traveller in Avignon, with its medieval walls and the famous Saint-Bénézet  bridge, better known as the Pont d'Avignon. 

Start your visit with a tour of the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) , one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. Explore the charming streets of Avignon’s old town and admire the ancient architectural wonders that are a mix of Gothic and Romanesque styles, giving the city a unique character. 

To change the pace a little, let the slow-living vibe inspire you to sit in one of the cafes near the oddly shaped squares; have a cup of coffee and just people-watch for a couple of hours.

In the evening, take a walk along the Rhône River and enjoy the beautiful views of the city or visit the Rocher des Doms, a picturesque English-style public park with gorgeous views of the countryside.

Historic Gothic Architecture

Castle Wall

Sunset @Avignon

• InterContinental Marseille - Hotel Dieu

• Sofitel Marseille Vieux-Port

• Le Petit Nice Passedat

• Les Bords De Mer

• Hôtel C2 Marseille

Sofitel Marseille Vieux-Port

InterContinental Marseille

Hôtel C2 Marseille

Start your exploration with a visit to the iconic Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde known to the local citizens as la Bonne Mère (French for the Good Mother) is a Catholic basilica and is the city’s best known symbol. 

In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant Vieux-Port (Old Port), soaking in the lively atmosphere and watching the boats come and go.

Visit the MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations) to learn about the history and cultures of the Mediterranean region. In the evening,

Old Port

Basilique Notre-Dame de

MuCEM

• Les Roches Blanches 

• Hôtel de la Plage Mahogany. 

• Hotel Restaurant and Spa La Magdeleine 

• Les Pied Tanques 

• Le Clos de la Chèvre Sud

Les Roches Blanches 

Hôtel de la Plage Mahogany

La Magdeleine 

After you’ve checked in, hop on a boat tour of the Calanques, a stunning 20 kms stretch of limestone cliffs and hidden coves that’s part of the protected National Park. There are 26 calanques in all, 25 in Marseilles and 1 in Cassis, but the best way to view them either by hiking or taking a boat tour is from the Cassis side. The water is refreshingly cool in the summer, and I can never resist taking a swim in the crystal-clear sea or lounging on the beach for an hour or two. The boat tour will take the better part of the day, so head back to Cassis before sunset. 

If you have the time, spend an hour or two at the Port de Cassis beach and soak in the views of the boats bobbing up and down at port with the backdrop of many bustling cafes that dot the portside.

Calanques

The boat tour

Middle of Sea @Calanques

• Le Château des Alpilles 

• Hôtel de Tourrel. 

• Domaine de Valmouriane

• Mas Valentine

• Baumanière - Les Baux de Provence

Le Château des Alpilles 

Hôtel de Tourrel

Mas Valentine

Begin your visit with a stroll through the charming town center, filled with boutiques, galleries, and cafés. In the early afternoon, explore the nearby Roman ruins of Glanum and take a scenic drive through the Alpilles mountains. 

Visit the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, the former monastery where Vincent van Gogh stayed and created some of his most famous works. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is also famous for its vineyards and wineries, so a visit to one of them should definitely on your cards.

Just outside of St-Rémy, you’ll find Carrières de Lumières, an indoor quarry transformed into one of the world’s most spectacular sound and light shows. This immersive art experience projects hundreds of Van Gogh’s masterpieces onto the walls and floors of vast rooms, all synchronized with beautiful music. It’s like stepping into a living, breathing canvas—absolutely mesmerizing!

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France

Roman ruins of Glanum

Saint-Paul-de-Mausole

• Le Mas de Peint
• Hotel Jules César Arles - MGallery
• Hôtel du Cloître
• Villa Aurenja

Hotel Jules César Arles - MGallery

Hôtel du Cloître

Le Mas de Peint

From ancient Roman ruins to the sites that inspired many of Vincent Van Gogh’s paintings, there are so many incredible things to do in Arles in one day. Start your exploration with a visit to the Roman Amphitheatre, one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in the region. 

Visit the Fondation Vincent van Gogh to admire contemporary art inspired by the famous painter, and explore the Cryptoporticus, an underground passageway dating back to 1st century BC, during the Roman Empire that was built to provide an efficient and secure means of transporting goods from one part of the city to another

Historic French Village

The Architecture

Fondation Vincent van Gogh