Yachts, casinos, and stylish villas, the Côte D’Azur, famed as the French Riviera, is the ultimate image of luxuriating on a beach in Europe. This glimmering stretch on France’s Mediterranean Coast is where sunbathers, jet-setters, and celebrities voyage on a first-class beach vacation to enjoy pebbly beaches, colorful old towns, glitzy resorts, and the sea, bluer than you have ever seen.
Spanning from the Italian-bordered town of Menton to glamorous St Tropez, the French Riviera, in the 1800s, became a fashionable getaway for British aristocrats who fled to the region to escape cold winters in exchange for Nice and Cannes’ sun-kissed beaches and warm weather. Over the following years, the French Riviera quickly transformed from being a winter holiday destination and started to build a reputation of luxury and to be a spot for the wealthy. From Queen Victoria to Pablo Picasso, the Riviera’s surreal beauty inspired artists and attracted the wealthy from all across the globe. To date, the Côte D’Azur’s everlasting charm never fails to sweep its visitors off their feet.
As nature, glamour, and relaxation intermingle so seamlessly on the dreamy French Riviera, the region offers an unparalleled blend of art, cuisine, culture, and, surreal landscapes. For this same reason, vacationers are lured in search of the riviera’s private and world-class experiences. Whether you’re planning a family holiday with the kids, a romantic honeymoon, or an adventurous vacation, be ready to fall in love with all that the French Riviera has to offer. From sailing on a private yacht, boutique shopping, and gourmet dining, the opulent Côte D’Azur gives a whole new meaning to luxury.
Here are some of the most luxurious things to do, superior places to see, and memorable experiences you cannot miss on a luxurious holiday on The French Riviera:
As your plane descends at Nice Côte D’Azur airport, the third busiest airport in France, catch your first glimpse of the broad Promenade Des Anglais. Stretched along Nice’s coastline, the Promenade Des Anglais is where tourists come to unwind on this beach that is famed for its pebbly shores. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush while parasailing or just working a perfect tan, this beach has it all. Spend countless hours lounging at your private beach section’s lounge chair while relishing a Niçoise salad or cycling along the stretch’s bike path that overlooks spectacular views of the sea.
For a picturesque aerial view of the promenade’s clear waters meeting the tanned rooftops of Vieux Nice, climb up to the Château de Nice which was once a hilltop castle. From the Château, enjoy the most romantic beachside sunset while you picnic at this hilltop’s expansive gardens.
One of the most popular regions on the Riviera, Cannes, is home to high-class private beaches that are sprinkled with classy cafés and posh restaurants. Each of these beaches is perfect for soaking up some sun with your family.
From your luxury villa booked with Riviera Luxury Rentals, have access to some of the most upmarket gems on Cannes’ stunning beaches. RLR’s 5 top beaches are La Môme Plage, Croisette, Carlton Beach, Plage de la Bocca, and Palm Beach. If you find yourself in Cannes during its infamous Film Festival season, you’re assured of seeing a famous face or two in Cannes’ abundance of beach clubs and restaurants. Plunge into the cold Mediterranean waters, build a sandcastle with the kids, and walk back to your villa with sandy feet, tanned skin, and a camera roll full of memories.
St Tropez is home to the most glamorous beaches on the Riviera, and perhaps, in the world. On these beaches, arrive large luxury yachts and celebrities to enjoy St Tropez’s calm waters and warm sand. Each of St Tropez’s beaches is studded with ambient beach clubs and chic restaurants that serve up gourmet cuisine by the sea. RLR’s top 5 favourite beaches in St Tropez are Pampelonne Beach, La Glaye, Nikki Beach, Les Jumeaux, and Plage des Salins. Most of these beaches are the perfect pick for children as they offer gardens and fun activities attached to them. Once the sun sets, watch the glittering beach bars and lounges come to life.
Antibes is where tourists come to sunbathe on craggy rocks and enjoy quiet beaches, and Cap D’Antibes’ pristine coves. Spread across Antibes’ coastline, every beach is perfect for a quick plunge with stunning backgrounds of Antibes’ charming old town. RLR’s top 5 beaches in Antibes are Plage de la Gravette, Plage du Ponteil, Plage Keller, Plage de la Garoupe, and Plage du Fort Carre.
Casinos on The French Riviera
A luxurious holiday to the Côte D’Azur would be incomplete without playing a game at one of its abundance of casinos. For the best casinos on the Riviera, head straight to the stunning city of Monte Carlo, Monaco. Visit the famous Casino de Monaco Carlo, as you have probably seen in blockbusters. Every inch of this grand casino screams luxury. Strike “playing roulette in Monte Carlo” off your bucket list! Other casinos to look out for are the Casino Barrier de Cannes and Casino Du Palais De La Mediterranee in Nice.
Yachting
The French Riviera is a haven for anyone that loves yachting and sailboating. Why not charter a yacht and explore the region’s glam ports, awe-inspiring islands, and warm azure waters? As you sail from Nice to Monaco, enjoy postcard-perfect views of the riviera’s stunning old towns, including Villefranche Sur Mer, Èze, and more. Each of these enchanting towns invites you for a refreshing experience.
Gourmet Dining and Wine Tour
Riviera Luxury Rental’s stunning villas in St Tropez, Cannes, and Cap D’Antibes, have the most remarkable restaurants on the Riviera, just a short walk away from your stay. Every town offers unforgettable culinary experiences in unique settings. Here are a few of the countless world-class restaurants the French Riviera is home to:
Enjoy a two Michelin star meal at The Chateau de la Chèvre D’or in Èze which is renowned for Chef Arnaud Faye’s poetic dishes inspired by the region’s local produce and sea. Accompanied by the region’s fine wines, you are guaranteed an unforgettable meal.
At the Toile Blanche restaurant located in the heart of St-Paul-de-Vence, with a backdrop of a vivid-hued sunset, dive into a world of the region’s exquisite gastronomy.
Le Vague D’or, one of St Tropez’s two Michelin-starred restaurants, is where celebrities and jet-setters come to enjoy mouthwatering Mediterranean cuisine made with only the finest ingredients.
At La Villa Archange, excite your taste buds with sea bass, king prawn tartar, and, caviar while being surrounded by lush gardens and vegetation. During the Cannes Film Festival, find yourself dining alongside famous artists and celebrities at their favorite restaurant.
Head out on a private day tour to the region’s expansive wineries. Choosing between the sea-facing wineries of Billet and the serene wineries located in the medieval village of St-Paul de Vence will leave you spoilt for choice. While you sip on the velvety wine, the riviera’s wineries are perfect for the kids to enjoy horse riding in the mountains with a backdrop of the sea. Trust your villa’s concierge with bookings and recommendations of the finest wine tasting tours in the region.
Nightlife
The French Riviera is known for its hedonistic summers, the thriving nightlife scene is one that cannot be skipped. From pool terraces with bars to cosmopolitan nightclubs and lounges, the Riviera’s club-studded beaches come to life at night. Le Meridien and Le Radisson Blu, in Nice, are rooftop bars where the elite come to enjoy an evening cocktail while overlooking a spectacular sunset on the promenade. Post enjoying a few drinks and good music, head to High Club, the most famous club in Nice.
Cannes’ abundance of lively nightclubs and posh bars is bound to leave you overwhelmed. If you want to enjoy great electronic music and tropical vibes, visit Bâoli, an open-air high-class restaurant club in the heart of Port Canto. At Medusa Club Cabaret Restaurant, experience a unique cabaret stage show before the club transforms into one big party. If you’re looking for a more quiet experience, head to the bars of Croisette’s hotels and restaurants. These clubs are synonymous with some of Hollywood’s most famous faces.
In St Tropez, experience one of the most glamorous nightlife scenes in Europe. Dance till dawn at St Tropez’s larger-than-life nightclubs, Les Caves du Roy and VIP Room, or, socialize at one of St Tropez’s beachside bars.
