An Insider's Guide to the French Riviera
Warmer weather and brighter skies kick off the jet set’s annual pilgrimage to the sandy shores of the French Riviera. Here, an insider’s guide to summer on the Côte d’Azur.
For centuries, France’s sleepy coastal towns have played refuge to artists, writers, and royals seeking respite from city life. Today, the French Riviera in summer attracts a who’s who of visitors from around the world. Some seek a modicum of tranquility, while others are more than happy to share the luxe lifestyle of the Côte d’Azur with their millions of followers.
Kicking off the high season is the Cannes Film Festival, where A-list celebrities, socialites, and deep-pocketed individuals gather in a frenzy of fashion and film to celebrate the latest achievements in cinema; later, the Monaco Grand Prix, the Tour de France, the Voiles de Saint Tropez, and a myriad of local festivals are highlights in between yacht parties, sunbathing, and beach-club hopping.
Whether you're building a trip to the French Riviera this summer, next summer, or five summers from now, it's key to know the essentials so you can plan accordingly for the best trip possible. Here, discover L'OFFICIEL's insider's guide to French Riviera gems—some new, some classic—that deserve a coveted spot on your itinerary.
10 Bd de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes
Luxe, relaxing, and visually pleasing accommodations are vital to any trip, but especially on one along the French Riviera. Founded nearly 100 years ago, Hotel Le Majestic predates the Cannes Film Festival, which takes place just across Boulevard de la Croisette at the Palais des Festivals. Like the city itself, this four-star hotel has evolved over the last century to match its clientele, from French bourgeoisie and American novelists to Hollywood stars. The hotel is unwavering in its pursuit of providing an unmatched experience, whether you’re spending the night in a city-side room or the Penthouse Majestic—a two-story suite featuring a sun deck, private rooftop pool, and panoramic views of the city. Streamlined but chic allow the beauty of the bright skies, shining sea, and tall palms to be the star of every suite, decorated in simple whites, blues, and neutral tones.
But Le Majestic separates itself from a coastline of upscale resorts by embracing the sensorial excellence of nature’s little luxuries. Inside the hotel’s cocktail lab, mixologists distill ingredients like bergamot, saffron, and lemongrass grown in the property’s rooftop garden down to their essence. These flavorful concoctions serve as potent bases to a menu of Bar à Parfums cocktails as well as a line of perfumes exclusive to the hotel. And for those with a sweet tooth, the garden is also home to a colony of bees that aid in the plants’ growth and produce tasty servings of honey.
623 Chem. des Gardettes, 06570 Saint-Paul-de-Vence
In January, Simon Porte Jacquemus gave France’s fashion set a taste of the Côte d’Azur in the off season when he showed his namesake brand’s latest ready-to-wear collection at the Fondation Maeght. Famed for its collection of works by artists such as Alberto Giacometti, Marc Chagall, and Joan Miró, the museum—France’s first private art institution—has exhibited art connected to the region for decades. This summer, the Fondation Maeght celebrates its 60th anniversary. Festivities will coincide with the opening of two new galleries as the Fondation expands its cultural programming to concerts, performances, film screenings, and more beginning in late June through July. Simultaneously, the museum will present Amitiés, Bonnard-Matisse, an exhibition exploring the contemporaneous work by Pierre Bonnard and Henri Matisse within and related to the South of France, as well as the painters’ connections to the Fondation’s co-founder, famed art dealer Aimé Maeght.
5 Rue Antoine Gautier, 06300 Nice
Onice, the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it storefront tucked away in Nice’s quartier du port neighborhood, is the latest addition to the French Riviera’s standard of fine dining. Last summer, chefs Lorenzo Ragni and Florencia Montes—both alumni of Mauro Colagreco’s three-Michelin–star restaurant Mirazur—opened Onice with the intention of imbuing their Italian and Argentinian roots into traditional French cuisine. In March of this year, the restaurant earned its first Michelin star. The petite dining space and open-concept kitchen invite guests to embrace the sensorial intimacy of experiencing a dish from start to finish. Patrons can choose a set seasonal menu of either five or seven dishes that incorporate ingredients from local markets and producers, and that harness the city’s unique flavors Not-to-be-missed offerings include saffron-coated asparagus and mussels via Tamaris Bay near Toulon, or a traditional Italian babà topped with Madagascar bourbon vanilla ice cream.
There’s no shortage of designer stores in the South of France, but a day trip just north of Marseille to the quaint village of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue opens the door to a shopping experience that reflects the region’s artisanal history. Nicknamed “Little Venice,” this island-city known for its picturesque canals is about as close to the idyllic countryside hamlets of yesteryear as one can get in the age of box stores and Amazon Prime. Despite the occasional chain, the antiques trade has largely become a hallmark of this provincial town. While permanent sellers can be found daily at the Village des Antiquaires and L’île aux Brocantes, Sunday flea markets bring in vendors who offer everything from antiques to street art to handmade goods. And for those seeking an even larger selection of unique pieces to add to their personal collections, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue plays host to the biannual International Antiques Fair. There, you’ll find over 500 antique and secondhand dealers from across the globe showcasing their unique treasures.
2 Av. de Monte-Carlo, 98000 Monaco
Adventuring through sites and side streets on foot during the day and enjoying the nightlife in heels at night—not to mention the jet lag—takes its toll on the body. And what is summer if not a time to catch up on R&R, perhaps poolside? Luckily, pampering is not hard to find on the Côte d’Azur. Just east of Nice, spend a day in Monaco, a billionaire’s paradise, with a world-class, luxurious full-body wellness experience at the Thermes Marins Monte Carlo spa. Find doctors, nutritionists, therapists, athletic trainers, and other experts available on-site to help customize a treatment based on one’s wellness needs. Choose from various massage techniques, infrared and cryotherapy, and a meditative mindfulness course. Facial rooms are stocked with nutrient-rich anti-aging products from La Prairie and Cellcosmet. Other amenities include a solarium, hammam, and sauna. Just be sure to leave time to order an Aperol spritz and soak up the waterfront views from the outdoor pool or the spa’s wellness-minded [gluten-free, green detox, and sustainably-caught seafood dishes] restaurant L’Hirondelle.
43 Bd Patch, 83350 Ramatuelle, France
When traveling to the French Riviera, a visit to Saint-Tropez is simply non-negotiable. From its picturesque harbor filled with luxury yachts to its vibrant streets lined with chic boutiques and cafes, Saint-Tropez captivates visitors with its magnetic allure. Whether basking in the Mediterranean sun on its pristine beaches or exploring its cultural heritage at landmarks like Citadelle de Saint-Tropez, Annonciade Museum, and Place des Lices, this iconic destination embodies the essence of the Côte d'Azur experience. But if there's one thing we're certain about, it's that you should never leave Saint-Tropez without visiting at least one of their hottest beach clubs. Our top recommendation? None other than Le Club 55, a beachfront French restaurant that epitomizes laid-back luxury and indulgence. It's even a favorite haunt of celebrities like Kris Jenner and the Beckhams whenever they're in town.
