Paola & Patrick

The French Riviera has a treasure trove of destinations to discover. From the charming town of Mandelieu-La Napoule to the glamour of Monaco, each place offers a unique experience for those who take joy in the art of flânerie—wandering with no particular purpose but to soak in the pleasures of life! Mandelieu-La Napoule: Just a few kilometers from Cannes, you’ll find the peaceful retreat of Mandelieu-La Napoule. This delightful town is where Paola spent her summers growing up. A haven for relaxation, exploration, and adventure. Whether you wish to unwind by the sea, engage in sports or lose yourself in the untouched natural surroundings, Mandelieu-La Napoule is the perfect destination. Cannes: A short journey away, Cannes stands as the epitome of French sophistication. Stroll along the Boulevard de la Croisette, where sandy beaches meet upscale boutiques and hotels. Here are a few suggestions: - La Guérite: Party lunch spot on the island of Sainte Marguerite. You need a reservation to eat here. The restaurant operates a boat shuttle out of the Port Canto in Cannes, which is the easiest way to get there. Additionally, you can visit the prison fortress on the island, where it is rumored the Man in the Iron Mask was held captive. - Maschou: A hole-in-the-wall in the heart of the Old Town of Cannes, located on the charming street of Saint-Antoine. They offer Italian-style dining, specializing in grilled meats and fish. Naturally, this is one of Patrick's favorite spots to eat. This is a great option for a big group. A reservation is a must, as well! - Table 22: An elegant french restaurant located in the Old Town of Cannes. Also on the charming Rue Sainte-Antoine, find this restaurant and a bunch of other cute options. - Salsamanteria di Parma: An Italian restaurant on the Rue Meynadier that serves authentic homemade food of the Parma region. Try their freshly made pasta or their "stracotto" with polenta paired with a china bowl of lambrusco. -Astoux & Brun: An establishment known for its seafood platters and grilled fish. -Pizza Cresci: Local pizza joint that has been around since 1960. -La Mome: A hospitality group that has a few restaurants in town and a beach club, best known for their ambiance. -La Petite Maison: The French dining chain recently opened its doors in Cannes. -Baoli: Restaurant that gives you access to their nightclub. -Palm Club Cannes: Miami-style night club. -Flea Market Days & Times (Cannes): Every Saturday from 8-6 PM and every first Sunday of the month. Antibes: A small town between Cannes and Nice, the cap is home to a few high-end hotels. - Juan-les-Pins: is a neighboring walkable town with cute boutiques, bars, and restaurants. - Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc: Make a reservation at one of the many restaurants and have a night cap at the bar. This is a great place to celebrate a special occasion! - Hôtel Belles Rives: This hotel has an old-school sophisticated vibe with art-deco touches. Reserve lounge chairs and spend the day. One of Paola's favorite hotels in the region for lunch, to lounge on beach chairs or grab a drink. - Cap d'Antibes Beach Hotel: Stylish hotel in Antibes with beach bar and restaurant. Saint-Raphaël: The next town after Théoule, Saint-Raphaël is known for its terracotta boulders and coves. Plan a boat ride or an excursion to paddle-board amongst the natural beauty of this area. - Hôtel les Roches Rouges: A curated boutique hotel with plenty of charm located en route to Saint Tropez. Paola and Patrick love spending the day here or planning a short stay. - Bistrot Loudet: On the wharf in town, this restaurant is perfect for fish and seafood aficionados. Saint-Tropez: Further along the coast, Saint-Tropez is an iconic village steeped in old-world charm, with its pastel-colored houses, narrow cobblestone streets and shaded town squares. Here, the mesmerizing deep-blue waters meet the Mediterranean countryside providing a glamorous yet laid-back destination. - Place des Lices: Quaint town square with cafes, petanque courts and stores. - Les Graniers: Charming restaurant by the sea hidden in an alcove, frequented by locals. - Club 55: An institution on the Plage de Pampelonne for a true South of France experience. Savor fresh fish, baskets of crudite, the famous tarte tropezienne and delicious fruit then make your way to their sun beds to tan off the food coma. - Gigi Rigolatto: A cute Italian lunch or dinner spot in Ramatuelle. - Loulou: The French chain has a lunch/beach club in St. Tropez, you can always expect good food and service from their team. - Indie beach: A cool lunch spot and beach club with fun DJ sets for weekend parties on the beach. - Shellona: Reigning from St. Barths, Shellona is a luxe beach club with party vibes in the afternoon. - Hôtel Lou Pinet: Right by the Place des Lices, nestled in the heart of St. Tropez this boutique hotel is a Mediterranean gem. - Chateau de la Messardière/ Pan Dei Palais: Gorgeous Hotels with incredible restaurants. Another special place for a celebration. - Lily of the Valley: Relaxing hotel with a nice spa and tranquil atmosphere. Nice: As the second largest city on the coast, after Marseille, Nice is full of history. Visit the Promenade des Anglais, the many museums and plazas in this city. - St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat/Beaulieu-sur-Mer/Villefranche-sur-Mer: resort towns in the Alpes-Maritimes situated one after the other. - Le Plongeoir: Restaurant atop a rocky cliff that juts out into the sea. - Grand-Hôtel du Cap Ferrat: Luxurious hotel in the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. - Hôtel du Couvent: A convent from the 17th century transformed into a luxury hotel with roman baths and farm-to-table cuisine. - Villa & Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild: Villa built during the Belle Epoque by a Baroness of the Rothschild family. Upon her death, she donated the property to the Academy of Fine Arts. - Musée Matisse & Marc Chagall: The post-impressionist, European modernist artists have a collection of their chef-oeuvres in Nice. Èze: For a truly breathtaking experience, visit Èze, a medieval village perched atop a cliff in St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Known as one of the most beautiful spots on the French Riviera, Èze captivates visitors with its stunning landscapes and winding, cobblestone streets. - Anjuna Beach: Fun, surf themed beach club. Provence: Venture into the countryside and discover the plethora of different picturesque French villages. La Garde-Freinet, Gordes, Luberon, Saint-Remy, Rousillon, L'isle sur la Sorgue and Aix-en-Provence are just a few of the different towns/cities to discover. These enchanting villages offer a slower pace of life, with artisanal boutiques, flea markets and delightful spots to enjoy a leisurely meal or a refreshing drink. Pick one to experience the rustic charm of Provence. - Château la Coste: A unique futuristic domaine for gastronomie, wine and art. - Carrieres des Lumieres: Located at the foot of the village Baux-des-Provence, find a beautiful stone quarry with maritime fossils. - Château St. Martin & Spa: Beautiful hotel in the area. - Caumont: Fine-arts museum in Aix-en-Provence. - Flea Market Days & Times (Aix-en-Provence): Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 8:30-12:30 PM. Saint Paul de Vence: A charming artsy medieval town frequented by artists like Picasso, Matisse and Chagall. - Fondation Maeght: Paola's favorite museum in the French Riviera. - La Colombe d'Or Hotel & Restaurant: Hotel with a cult-following where artworks by Picasso and sculptures by Calder are on display in every corner of the property. - Chapel Matisse: Matisse helped sisters build this chapel. Marseille: As the largest city in the South of France, Marseille has a lot to offer. Its grungy, cool charm makes this one of Pat's favorite cities. Make sure to visit the port and the Calanques but, most importantly, catch an Olympique de Marseille game. - Tuba Club: Intimate, modish hotel with only five rooms, situated on a seaside cliff. Stop by for a drink and snack if you can't snag a room. Monaco: One of the most luxurious spots in the world, reknown for its casino, royal family and harbor. Easily accessible via a scenic coastal train ride, Monaco dazzles with its opulence and elegance. Monaco offers a glimpse into the high life, making it an unforgettable stop on your journey. San Remo: The closest Italian city to the French border, you might as well make a stop! Why not?