Chic elegance, glamorous parties and lofty living
The Côte d’Azur, otherwise known as the French Riviera, has been synonymous with chic elegance and lofty living for well over a century. It’s still a playground for the rich and beautiful, especially at stylish resorts such as Nice, Cannes, Cap Ferrat, St Tropez, Montecarlo and Frejus.
St Tropez On the magical Cote d’Azur St Tropez retains its diamond encrusted crown as the must go to destination. Despite all the hype, St Tropez retains its original charm & seduces its guests in a surprising manner. Wander the picturesque port & central areas to gain an appreciation of what first led artists & actors here, then head just outisde of St Tropez, to experience full on contemporary beach life. The beaches on the Baie de Pampleonne boast facilities including restaurants, lounge chairs, changing room, sometimes dance floors, hot tubs & DJs. Experience La Volle Rouge, a hedonistic beach club (think sexy bikinis) or if that it not your choice opt for quieter La Bouillabaisse which is ideal for families with calmer, shallower waters. Try the club scene, where French movie stars, aristocratic young couples & wealthy businessmen mingle amongst the sound of popping champagne corks. Don’t overlook the quiet islands of Porquerolles & Port Cros or the fact that Cannes, Monte Carlo, Nice, Mougins & Antibes are still on your doorstep to discover.
Cap Ferrat Nestling between Nice and Monaco, this forested peninsula has always attracted the rich and famous, drawn by the benign climate, stunning sea views and a pretty Provencal coastline. Despite its long term allure, Cap Ferrat remains relatively unspoilt. To explore follow a coastal path, maybe starting at the little port of St Jean Cap Ferrat and on to Beaulieu, past David Niven’s former home. Visit the mini baraoque palace which is Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, set high on a hill with superb sea views and filled with precious porcelains and tapestries, and see its magnificant fountain gardens that dance to changing music and which form the backdrop to summer Operatic concerts. Explore the atmospheric Italianate town of Villefranche, west of Cap Ferrat or enter the parallel world of Monte Carlo and its achingly exuberant Casinos.