The Cote D'Azur aka The French Riviera is ICONIC, it's sexy, and a great getaway destination! It is also a bubble of sorts, when you look around you the amount of wealth that surrounds you is hard to grasp at first. I remember my first visit to Saint Tropez; seeing 16-year-olds driving around in Ferraris, only super high-end fashion, it was insane! It is a bit like seeing how the other half lives.

I have always loved the South of France and the lifestyle it offers.
The Cote D’Azur has a breathtaking scenic landscape, history, chicness, and unique ambiance.
The Mediterranean Coast of Southeastern France has attracted the jet setters for decades, and it's a glitzy and glamorous setting indeed. From icons such as Karl Lagerfeld to superstars Beyonce and Jay-Z to the Kardashians. A-listers flock to these famously glamorous places; Saint-Tropez, Nice, Cannes, Monte Carlo, and Monaco.

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Practical Travel Tips For The Cote D’Azur

The beaches in some areas along the coast are not sandy but pebbly.
Getting into a high-end hotspot or making dinner reservations, in general, can be tricky, ask for the concierge at your hotel to assist you with that. And do it well in advance!
Going during the off-season months means the rates are better than during the high season and it’s a lot less crowded making it a more pleasant visit.

Packing for a trip is always challenging as it depends on several factors; how long will we be gone? What type of trip is it? What are the weather conditions we are expecting? Our needs vary per trip. Having said that, there are essential travel items we should always have with us.

Before You Start Packing Use My Check List!

The Best Time To Visit The Cote D’Azur

The French Rivera has a Mediterranean climate meaning warm and sunny summers. The summer months of July and August are extremely busy as you can imagine. The beaches are absolutely packed, seeing the sights, getting into the trendy hotspots, and even making dinner reservations are way harder during this period.

Keep in mind the Cote D'Azur is on the small side with cliffside narrow roads and small city centers so it can be too crowded to enjoy. Consider going during the months of September-October just after the high season or during spring between April to June.

I traveled during the springtime (at the end of April) which was just perfect.

Where To Start And How To Get Around The Cote D’Azur

Fly into Nice, the biggest city on the Riviera making it a great starting point. From here the best way to get around is by renting a car.

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Where To Go, What To Do

PLUS

An Itinerary In Cote D'Azur You’ll Love!

NICE

Nice is the capital of the French Riviera located right on the pebbly shores of the Baie des Anges. Aim to stay between two to three days. We stayed in two hotels while in Nice, both were in great locations, offering incredible views, and the facilities and room comfort were excellent.

These two hotels offer great value for money

Radisson Blu Hotel is located on the Promenade des Anglais with great sea views, a rooftop pool and bar, and easy access anywhere in the city.
Hotel Aston La Scala is more at the heart of the city and closer to the old city. They offer meals on the rooftop as well as featuring a gorgeous swimming pool and breathtaking views of the Promenade and the sea. Being closer to the old city offers a different type of atmosphere.

Top 7 Things To Do In Nice

Walk the Promenade des Anglais all the way past the old city to the top of the hill where you'll find the best and most stunning panoramic viewing point.
Enjoy time on the beach. I admit that pebbly beaches are not my favorite however, rent a sunbed, wear beach sandals and you're good to go!
Wander around Place Masséna, the old city ~ This is my favorite thing to do when in Nice! Packed with restaurants, boutiques, and bars. The main attraction here is, of course, the Cours Saleya market. Here you can find anything from food, flowers, and souvenirs to art and jewelry. Don't forget to stop by one of the crêperies on one of the squares in the old city, so delicious!
Visit the Musée Masséna ~This building was donated by the Duke of Rivoli in 1919 on the condition it stays open to the public as a museum of local history. Seeing such a mansion from the inside is quite a treat! Some of the treasures you can find here are Napoleon’s death mask and a tiara belonging to Empress Joséphine.
Visit the city's Cathedrale ~ It was built in the 17th century in a lavish baroque design. It has no less than ten chapels decorated with sculptures, and paintings.
Visit an art museum: For example Musée Marc Chagall.
Visit Cap-Ferrat, where Riviera luxury and old money meet: This is a short 20 minutes ride from Nice, on the panoramic Boulevard Napoléon III. Prepare to be DAZZLED! Absolutely sensational mansions.

From Nice, you have two options: Going left towards Monaco and Monte Carlo, or turning right towards Cannes and Saint Tropez.

We chose to start with Cannes and Saint Tropez and end with Monaco and Monte Carlo.

Cannes

Cannes is about a 45-minute drive from Nice, it's famous for the International Film Festival held here each year.

Top Things To See In Cannes

Walk on the Boulevard de la Croisette.
Enjoy the beachfront ~ The beaches here are sandy beaches so well worth taking some time for sunbathing.
Stop by Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. It might take you by surprise as it is a modern building and not as beautiful as one might expect nevertheless, it features a red carpet and showcases Canne’s walk of fame!
It does have a small center so spending a day here is enough to soak it all in before continuing to Saint Tropes, a place that for me held all the magic!

Saint Tropez

From Cannes to Saint Tropez it's about an hour and a half drive, and ST is absolutely FABULOUS!

This is the chicest little town on the Cote D'Azur! Famous for incredible sea views, pretty streets, and high-end everything! The beautiful restaurants and clubs along the harbor offer colorful cocktails to match your amazing surroundings. Glorious views, especially with those super chic gigantic yachts in front of you! Just by writing this, I want to go back immediately!

ST is so picturesque! Perfect for enjoying the beach or taking a swim in the swimming pool. If you get the chance, go out on the water.

Where To Stay In Saint Tropez

We chose to stay at Le Mouillage, it's just 10 minutes walk from the harbor and city center. It’s cozy, small and offers privacy, it also has free parking which is a must when driving down and is not as easy to find. Aim to stay at least three days in this magical place.

Top Things To Do In Saint Tropez

Get serious breakfast treats at La Tarte! Their pastries are too delish for words!
Spend the day at Plage Le Club 55 ~ It is the beach club to see and be seen in! Views, super vibes, food, and sunbathing.
Have dinner at Senequier in the harbor.
Explore the high-end boutiques. It is a fun experience even when you're not purchasing anything.

Did you know St.Tropez was the late Karl Lagerfeld's favorite hang out? He was and still is one of my favorite fashion designers and icon. While I was having dinner in Senequier, I was lucky enough to see him enter and sit down not far from me. It was quite an evening!

Spending 1 perfect day in Monaco & Monte Carlo

From here start the two-hour drive to Monaco. You will be driving the most beautiful and scenic cliff roads with pretty viewpoints to stop along the way to take the perfect photo.

Did you know this is the second smallest country after Vatican City?

This tiny monarchy has supplied fairy tale stories, much gossip, and scandals too over the years however there's something special about this place and its royal family. Monaco; it's about luxury, yacht-filled ports, the old town, Monaco Villa, and of course the very swanky Monte Carlo Casino.

4 Things To Do In Monaco

Start at the top by visiting Palace Monaco and watch the guards change at midday.
Wander the beautiful streets going downhill and follow the Grace Kelly Route. You can find landmarks while learning more about this iconic woman who started as an Oscar-winning actress, and became loved and admired princess.
Visit the Cathedral where Grace Kelly is buried. It is a very touching and sad place and still, it’s not to be missed.
Check out the main marina where the Grand Prix Formula 1 is also held.

Go into Place du Casino in Monte Carlo. It's quite a unique experience, it is possibly the most glamorous spot in all of Europe! Even if you're not a gambler this place is so much more!

Have a drink and a bite at the iconic Cafe de Paris. It's the perfect spot to watch the comings and goings out of the Casino, just checking out the cars and people walking into the casino was amazing!

If it's a chi-chi lunch or dinner you're looking for, make a reservation at Nobu. This hotspot is located in the 4-star Fairmont Monte Carlo Hotel, the trendiest restaurant you'll ever try on for size.

Did you know The Monte Carlo Casino was featured in James Bond movies such as Never Say Never Again & GoldenEye? Have I mentioned this tiny hilltop is legendary?

Monte Carlo Practical Tips

The entrance to the casino is 10 Euros.
You need to be over 18 so no children allowed in, not even for a peek.
You will need to show ID.
Jackets are recommended for the men when visiting after 7 p.m. and the ladies are expected to be dressed to a T, that is if you don't want your outfit to scream tourist.

BONUS TIP!

An easy daytrip from Nice to San Remo, Italy ~ Visit La Pigna in the oldest part of the city, the Madonna della Costa Sanctuary, the Corso Dell’Imperatrice and of course the market.

Enjoy all the glitz and beauty this place has to offer!

Don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions you might have ~ Email me at fromadifferentangle@gmail.com

Travel Guide To The Côte D'Azur PLUS A Suggested Itinerary You'll Love!