Côte d’Azur – a Leisurely Sense of Luxury
As a token sign of solidarity, we decided to head for the Côte d’Azur this month. Antibes, Saint-Tropez, Cannes, Cassis and of course Nice have lost none of their appeal and beauty. For us, it is safe to say that the Côte d’Azur will never go out of style. And September is actually the perfect time of year to stock up on sunshine. You will also find it easier to get a table in the fancy beach clubs without reservation.
10 Favourite Tips for Elegant Days on the Côte d’Azur
Tip no. 1: Château de Valmer – Quiet Days by the Sea
Fancy green or blue? No need to choose, because this place features both in abundance. While residing in a vast garden complex with a view of the vineyards, the private beach on Gigaro Bay is just a walk through the palm grove away. What you will find at Château de Valmer is space rather than confinement, tranquillity instead of the tourist bustle, and quiet luxury rather than nightlife revelry for millennials.
Tip no. 2: Royal Riviera – Box Seat with a Sweeping View
Situated in a well-groomed garden on the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula between the mansions Ephrussi de Rothschild and Kerylos lies the Royal Riviera. The place takes exception to the stereotype of Côte d'Azur glamour. We appreciate the casually cordial atmosphere and the staff's honest smiles.
Tip no. 3: Toile Blanche – Staying with Artist Friends
The Leroy Brothers are artists and genial hosts all wrapped into one. Having spent the wintertime working in their studios in Shanghai, they return for the summer season to welcome guests at their Toile Blanche boutique hotel in the artist community of Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Tip no. 4: La Colombe d’Or – Dining with Picasso
"La Colombe d’Or" counts among the most famous restaurants on the Côte d’Azur. Marc Chagall, Sophia Loren, Alain Delon, Yves Montand, Pablo Picasso – they all stayed or dined here. Many an artist paid for his fare or lodgings at La Colombe d’Or with one of his pieces. The awesome art collection is world-class, and bears comparison with any museum. So if you don't make it to Fondation Maeght, reserve a table here (well in advance) and combine the beaux arts with culinary art.
Tip no. 5: Maison 9 – a Destination for Sophisticates
In 2007, interior designer Cynthia Kayser-Maus from Hamburg acquired this 300-year-old wine estate in Cassis. She completely overhauled the old country manor, converting it into a luxurious Bed & Breakfast of just four suites and with a vast garden. One of the things we are particularly fond of at Maison 9 is the large pool with its gorgeous view of Cap Canaille, the highest cliffs in France.
Tip no. 6: Villa Marie – Rooms to Fall in Love with
Villa Marie is set inside a lavish garden complex studded with cypresses and citrus, and bordering on a three-hectare forest of stone pines. The nifty 45 rooms of boudoir character are decorated in the colours of southern France. If you crave plenty of privacy and love to try new rooms, you will have a fantastic time in Suite #47 “Cap Taillat” (50 sqm) which is done in hues of turquoise and grey, and which we consider the most beautiful suite. Coup de coeur: the private patio catches the morning sun, and affords a magnificent view of the sea and Cap Taillat – the southern tip of the bay of Pampelonne.
Tip no. 7: Le Club 55 – a Living Legend
Le Club 55, named after the year it was founded, is an integral part of the cult and myth of Saint-Tropez. It has been this way ever since Brigitte Bardot, Curd Jürgens and the film crew of “And God Created Woman” showed up in this untouched stretch of beach and had Madame de Colmont cook for them. Even in 2016, Le Club 55 appears to be miraculously frozen in time. No other beach club along the Plage de Pampelonne does a better job at keeping the myth of Saint-Tropez alive.
Tip no. 8: Five Seas Hotel – Splendid Cannes
A chic cosmopolitan address, irresistible not just to celebrities. You will find the five-continent theme everywhere in the Five Seas Hotel – from the lobby, throughout the rooms and in the spa, all the way to the culinary creations of the restaurant “SeaSens by Arnaud Tabarec”.
Tip no. 9: Restaurant Jan – Modern French Cuisine with South African Soul
Jan Handrik van der Westhuizen, a native of South Africa, made a name for himself as food photographer and chef on a private yacht in Monaco before opening his own Restaurant Jan in Nice. Jan Hendrik was awarded one Michelin star in 2016. It is no surprise therefore that the place is rather hip and en vogue.
Tip no. 10: Couleurs Jardin – Boho Chic in Every Nook and Cranny
© Restaurant Couleurs Jardin, Plage de Gigaro, La Croix Valmer
Everybody seems to congregate at the Couleurs Jardin: locals, mansion owners who moved here permanently, and sun worshippers here for a visit. This is perfectly plausible because the owners turned an inconspicuous beach hut into a celestial place suffused with boho chic. The atmosphere is pleasantly upbeat. A trendy place for playing the voyeur and eating well at the same time. The Côte d’Azur just the way we like it.
Ready for more? We have compiled 23 tips for hotels and restaurants along the Côte d’Azur for you on pillowandpepper.com – each one of them tested in person, on location.
We hope you have lots of fun planning your next trip and yet more pleasure on the road!