The French Riviera: 8 Must-See Spots on the Côte d’Azur

Sun-kissed Cannes is an A-list destination year-round, however no more so than in May, when the who’s who of Hollywood descends on the town for the Film Festival. Spot some of the industry’s major players on Promenade de la Croisette, a glittering boulevard along the Mediterranean coast, where there are views of big-name boutiques like Dior and Dolce & Gabbana, and sun lounger-striped shores on one side on the other.

Your hotel, the impossibly glamorous and not to be missed, the iconic Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel. This hotel has a prime perch right on the boulevard.  If you want to escape the maddening crowds, then head to your guestroom’s private sea-view terrace. Once you’re rested up, rub shoulders with the glitterati at The Carlton Bar and Terrace – a popular film festival hangout with killer Aperol spritzes (my fav)– then it’s off to the upscale Le Relais des Semailles eatery downtown in Old Town of Le Suquet, to feast on modern Provençal dishes like roast veal with artichokes and summer truffles.

Stay like a filmstar in Hotel Le Majestic. If you aspire to bask in the glamour of a film star and immerse yourself in the full Film Festival vibes of Cannes, Le Majestic (Hôtels Barrière) is your ultimate destination. Explore every facet of this exquisite haven, including the captivating details of the very special Christian Dior Suite – Room No. 4520, in our comprehensive hotel review.

Asking yourself why artists like Picasso, Monet, and Boudin were drawn here? One glance at Antibe’s sparkling azure seawaters, narrow, cobblestone streets, and bobbing boats in the harbour, and it’s easy to understand.

Learn all about the seaside town’s influence on Impressionism at The Picasso Museum in Château Grimaldi, where Picasso himself lived for six months in 1946. Or, stroll along the Promande des Arts to see modern Catalan artist Jaume Plensa’s Nomade, the 25-foot sculpture of a man looking out to sea.

The grand 19th-century Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, in nearby Cap d’Antibes, is arguably the most luxurious place to stay in all of the Cote d’Azur. Tuck into roasted sea bass and lobster with tarragon at the restaurant of Eden-Roc, take a dip in the heated, saltwater swimming pool – you know it from that famous Slim Aarons photograph—or just take in all the action from the ocean-liner-like terrace. You probably may never want to leave.

Unquestionable, the Cote d’Azur is primarily known as a playground for the rich and famous, however, if slow-paced village life is what you seek, the region can offer that, too.

Enter Èze, a charming, hilltop town in between Nice and Monaco. The village’s centrepiece is Jardin Exotique d’Èze, a picturesque cactus garden that overlooks the village and the old castle ruins. Hang back there to study the garden’s exotic vegetation, then set out to wandering the cobbled medieval streets and charming storefronts for which Èze is best known. Picture-perfect guaranteed.

La Chevre d’Or, a Relais & Châteaux chateau that is situated on a cliff edge, is a satisfactory place to hang your hat. Enjoy a glass of sauvignon blanc and a belly-filling Mediterranean feast in the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, then retire to your guestroom, where exposed stonework, sea views, and wide terraces only add to the romance.

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For a coastal journey, head to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, a hidden gem on the French Riviera, and discover why it should be at the top of your travel list. This enchanting destination offers pristine beaches, lush botanical gardens, and the iconic Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild (a must-see), showcasing the opulence of the Belle Époque era. Entrance is around EUR20 per person for the museum and botanic garden which is absolutely stunning.

Indulge in leisurely strolls along the scenic coastal path or take a dip in the azure Mediterranean waters. For a truly luxurious experience, consider staying at one of the exclusive waterfront resorts like the iconic Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, a Four Seasons Hotel. Unwind in elegance and relish unparalleled views of the Mediterranean, making your visit to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat an unforgettable rendezvous with sophistication and natural beauty.