From the Monte Carlo casino to the five-star hotels on the Croisette,
when it comes to luxury, the French Riviera has a lot to offer. Over
10 million tourists visit the Côte d’Azur for a holiday in the sun every
year, but very few are lucky enough to experience the grandiose
lifestyle that makes it so desirable. Here are five tips that will
ensure you make the most of your luxury holiday in the South of France.
Timing is everything
There is one month in the year when everyone on the Riviera steps up their game to welcome the world’s glitterati—May. The Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix
are two of the most globally publicised events, making the area the
place to be for a couple of weeks. The best restaurants and nightlife
venues migrate to short-term locations on the coast, giving visitors the
opportunity to taste food prepared by top chefs and dance to mixes by
hot DJs. Heaven’s Floor in Cannes and Amber Lounge
in Monaco are among the most select clubs, and Alain Ducasse’s
Electrolux Agora pop-up restaurant created a huge buzz last year.
Location, location, location
Although quite small, the Côte d’Azur offers a lot of variety when it
comes to choosing where to stay, and there is a location for every type
of holiday you can wish for. If you enjoy 24-hour activity and don’t
feel like driving too much, book a hotel or a penthouse apartment on the
Croisette in Cannes, or on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. Both the Carlton and the Negresco are registered historic monuments due to their beautiful architecture, and the Palais de la Méditerranée
offers a terrace with a great sea view. All three hotels also have a
selection of restaurants and bars accessible to the public. If what
you’re looking for is a quiet haven away from the crowds, look along the
cliff roads between Nice and Monaco. The area is home to some of the
prettiest towns, including Villefranche, St Jean Cap Ferrat, Beaulieu
and Eze, all full of sumptuous villas, more intimate than a hotel yet
close to the beaches and other amenities. And for a real feel of
Provence, go further inland; Grasse and its surroundings offer a choice
of authentic village houses that will give you a taste of the history
and traditions that made the Riviera what it is today.
Maximise the private beach experience
Beaches on the Côte d’Azur can get very crowded, so sometimes there
is no better satisfaction than having one all to yourself for a day. A
few restaurants in the Cannes area allow you to book private events for
special occasions. La Guérite, on the Lérins Islands, offers a shuttle
boat service to and from Cannes, and can take care of the whole
organisation of your party, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the
peacefulness of the islands with a panoramic view of Cannes.
See it from above
Spoiling yourself with a helicopter tour over the French Riviera is
something you will never regret. From the azure of the Mediterranean to
the majestic peaks of the Alps, the view is absolutely breathtaking.
Various providers advertise transfers from Nice to St Tropez in less
than half an hour, probably the most worthwhile trip as it would take
you over the Esterel Mountains, its pine trees and red rocks— the
natural jewel of the Riviera.
You ought to rent a yacht
There is a reason the area between Antibes and Juan les Pins is
called Baie des Milliardaires (Billionaires’ Bay). The most luxurious
way to enjoy the French Riviera is from the water. There you can
appreciate the weather, the sea and the view, all from the quiet
intimacy of your boat. To rent a yacht, you will need your passport and a
deposit of about 50% of the total amount. There are a variety of sizes
and charter durations available but Alexander J. Coles, senior charter
broker at Moody Yachts France,
recommends booking as far in advance as possible, as most summer
charters are booked four to five months ahead. Taking the time to make
your selection in advance will prove worth it, because with the perfect
yacht, your trip will take on a completely different dimension.
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