The French Riviera is a glinting stretch of coastline along the Mediterranean. Known locally as the Côte d’Azur (azure coast), it has long been the home of luxury, elegance and Mediterranean glamour. A playground for the world’s elite, this sun-kissed coastline is built on glittering cities, quaint hillside villages and inconspicuous beaches. Whether drawn to the cinematic allure of Cannes, the artistic heritage of Antibes or the timeless beauty of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the Riviera offers an enchanting mix of history, culture and unparalleled charm.
Best Spots Along the French Riviera
The French Riviera is a treasure trove of diverse landscapes and legendary destinations, from cosmopolitan cities to secluded coastal gems, each has its own charm.
- Nice – A city of contrasts, where Belle Époque architecture meets vibrant street life. Stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais, or get lost in the maze of Vieux Nice. Savour the floral fragrance of Cours Saleya’s flower market and a hike up Castle Hill for stunning views of the shimmering coastline.
- Antibes – A fusion of history, art and mega-yachts. Walk in the footsteps of Pablo at the Musée Picasso, housed in the former Château Grimaldi. Soak up the decadence of Port Vauban, a marina home to Riviera mega-yachts, or the golden age beauty of Plage de la Garoupe.
- Cannes – Beyond the cinematic glamour and red carpets, the Boulevard de la Croisette offers the old-world charm along the winding streets of Le Suquet. Be sure to stop by the Hilton’s rooftop restaurant Marea for sunset cocktails and sushi! Take a boat to the hidden covers of the Lérins Islands, explore the seclusion of Île Sainte-Marguerite or visit the Monastery of Lérins on Île Saint-Honorat where monks have been making wine for centuries.
More Spots Along the French Riviera
- Saint-Tropez – The Riviera’s luxury playground. Yachts fill the Vieux Port, bronzed bodies line the exclusive beach clubs like Club 55 along Pampelonne Beach. Local bakeries serve up the irresistible tarte tropézienne. Once a sleepy fishing village, now the epitome of jet-set chic.
- Cap d’Antibes – This luxurious peninsula is the Riviera’s hidden jewel, where pine-scented coastal trails lead to secret coves. Stay at the legendary Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, a sanctuary for Hollywood stars and literary legends. For exclusivity and tranquility, sail around the peninsula for a glimpse of the coast’s most exclusive estates.
- Villefranche-sur-Mer – A breathtaking fishing village nestled between Monaco and Nice, where colourful houses tumble down to a cerulean bay. Its harbour has welcomed artists, sailors and dreamers for centuries. The Chapelle Saint-Pierre, adorned with murals painted by Jean Cocteau, is a poetic tribute to the sea.
- Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat – Where the elite retreat, this quiet peninsula is home to the opulent Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. This pink-hued mansion enshrouded in fairy-tale gardens offers a taste of old-money Riviera glamour. With quiet beaches and winding coastal paths, it promises an escape from the crowds.
French Riviera Living: Luxury & Leisure
Life along the Côte d’Azur is a seamless blend of natural beauty and sensorial indulgence. It has been home to artists, aristocrats and glamorous Hollywood icons since the 18th century. Beyond the high-staked tables of Monte Carlo, the Riviera embodies a lifestyle of luxury and leisure. The region’s vineyard-cloaked hills are renowned for their exquisite rosé wines, best enjoyed at a seaside terrace with fresh catch-of-the-day. Yachting is equally an essential part of Riviera culture, with Antibes’ Port Vauban and Saint Tropez’s Vieux Port serving as docks for some of the world’s most tantalising sea vessels.
The Riviera is not just a world drenched in exclusive luxury. For incomparable beauty, the lavender fields of Grasse and the picturesque streets of Villefranche-sur-Mer provide a tranquil escape from the glitz and glamour. With its captivating landscapes and beauty, the Côte D’Azur proves that true luxury and wealth extend beyond what money can buy. Luxury is found in the kindness of the locals, in the abundance of exquisite cuisine made from the region’s finest produce, in the sun-drenched shores and crystal seas of the Mediterranean!
Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel
For an unforgettable stay along the French Riviera, the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel, is an unrivalled retreat. Perched along the verdant peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, this historic white palace, built in 1908, is an architectural jewel set within 14 acres of manicured gardens. The hotel converges Belle Époque elegance with modern sophistication, featuring sunlit suites designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon and two restored early 20th-century villas offering undisturbed luxury. Guests can relax at the iconic Club Dauphin, where an Olympic-size heated seawater pool overlooks the Mediterranean. For an exclusive dining experience, Le Cap, presents a curated menu crafted by Michelin-starred chef Yoric Tièche. Whether for a summer retreat or quiet off-season escape the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat delivers a singular Riviera experience. Undoubtedly, it encapsulates the timeless allure of France’s Côte d’Azur.
Whether you’re wandering through Nice or sipping ice-cold rosé in Saint-Tropez, the French Riviera offers a perfect marriage of luxury, culture and coastal beauty. With direct flights from London starting at only £43 with British Airways, the French Riviera has never been closer!
Ready to bask in the glamour of the Côte d’Azur? Book your flight to the French Riviera today and indulge in the ultimate Mediterranean escape!
