Cote D’Azur
The Côte d’Azur, also known as the French Riviera, blends Mediterranean charm with a sense of effortless glamour. From the elegance of Nice’s Belle Époque architecture to the art deco curves of beachfront hotels in Cannes, the region is a mix of historic character and coastal sophistication. Wander through the winding lanes of old Antibes, or admire the exotic gardens and dramatic sea views in Èze. Monaco, a short train ride away, offers a different take altogether — a tiny principality where modern architecture, luxury yachts and royal palaces sit side by side.
This stretch of southern France has long drawn artists, writers and musicians, and their legacy is still very much alive. Visit the Marc Chagall Museum in Nice or the Fondation Maeght in Saint-Paul-de-Vence for world-class art in beautiful settings. Summer brings a packed calendar of music festivals — from jazz in Juan-les-Pins to classical concerts held in grand courtyards or seaside amphitheatres. Even outside the festival season, the atmosphere is lively, with open-air performances and galleries tucked into shaded streets.
Food in the Côte d’Azur draws heavily on Provençal flavours and the bounty of the sea. You’ll find traditional dishes like pissaladière, pan bagnat and daube Provençale alongside fresh seafood platters and Italian influences in towns near the border. Market stalls overflow with local cheeses, olive oils and herbs, and there’s no shortage of beachside cafés for a long lunch with a view. Wine lovers will find plenty to explore too, especially the rosés of Provence which are perfect for the Mediterranean climate.
Highlights of The Cote D’Azur
Our Favourite Hotels on the Cote D’Azur
Negresco, Nice
We’ve Stayed Here
The Negresco, built in 1913 by Henri Negresco, is a globally recognised French hotel. A National Historic Monument, it stands on the Promenade des Anglais, overlooking the stunning Baie des Anges.
The hotel boasts sumptuous furnishings throughout, including a spectacular lounge and numerous original artworks. ‘Le Chantecler’, a one-star Michelin restaurant, and ‘La Rotonde’, a less formal brasserie, offer dining options. There are 117 bedrooms decorated in a classical style, and private beach facilities are available at an additional cost.
Royal Riviera
This elegant hotel, located at the entrance to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, has been a favourite among the affluent since its opening in 1904. Renovated in a fresh Mediterranean style, the 78 rooms in the main building and the 14 rooms in the Orangerie, nestled in the delightful gardens, feature Art Deco touches.
Guests can dine at the gastronomic restaurant, ‘La Table du Royal’, which offers stunning views of the gardens. A lighter menu is available at ‘Jasmin Grill & Lounge’, which serves lunch by the beautiful heated outdoor swimming pool from May to September. During the summer, guests can enjoy watersports at the hotel’s private sandy beach, and there’s a fitness centre with a sauna and treatment rooms.
Majestic, Cannes
This renowned ‘palace’ hotel boasts an ideal location, conveniently situated near the Palais des Festivals and the port, surrounded by picturesque landscaped gardens.
As the epitome of luxury in Cannes, offers 305 beautifully appointed bedrooms that harmonise classical furnishings with the latest in-room technology. For a culinary delight, indulge in the exquisite French brasserie experience at ‘Fouquet’s’. In the summer months, the hotel’s private beach transforms into a seafood lover’s paradise, where ‘La Plage Le Majestic’ serves an array of fresh seafood. Watersports enthusiasts can enjoy the beach’s amenities, with local charges applying for sun loungers.
Juana
Located on the edge of a pine grove at the entrance to the Cap d’Antibes, the Juana is a beautiful, small hotel with an Art Deco façade. Although the area is renowned for its glitz and glamour, the Juana has a private, civilised atmosphere that gives it an oasis-like feel.
The 40 bedrooms overlook the sea, the pine forest or the quiet courtyard. It has a beautiful white marble swimming pool. Light dishes are served at the relaxing and informal restaurant.
Belle Rives
In the 1920s, this delightful villa was the private home of F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda who did much to transform what was a sleepy fishing village into the glamorous haven that Juan-les-Pins is today. It opened as a hotel in 1929 after being bought by the Estène family who still own and run it today.
It is located in a tranquil spot, right on the sea, a ten-minute stroll from the centre of town.There are 43 bedrooms, each decorated in an Art Deco style and the atmosphere reflects the jazz-filled days of the Fitzgeralds.
Canberra
This delightful hotel is located on the main shopping street, the Rue d’Antibes, and is just 100 metres from La Croisette and the beach. It reopened five years ago after a complete refurbishment and has been transformed into a stylish contemporary property.
The 35 bedrooms overlook either the bustling street or the pool. ‘Le Café Blanc’ is open every day for drinks and light meals. In addition, there is a large terrace with a heated swimming pool.
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01442 879787
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