Lifestyle

The French Riviera: Where My Sun Took Me

Let me begin today’s journey by introducing you to the word that best defines my personality and selects my vacation destinations: Heliophilia. What is heliophilia you ask? Well, it’s the constant desire to stay in the sun. Now that you understand, you can see why I would chase the sun anywhere and everywhere around the globe.

But enough about me, where are YOU going this summer?
If you haven’t yet decided, here’s a suggestion: the French Riviera aka, the Cote d’Azur. It is simply the glitz and glamour of the Mediterranean coastline of the southeast corner of France, and the best times to visit extend from the months of June to September when most of the fun happens.

 

1st destination: Cannes

We picked Cannes as our mainstay location. The city is best known for its annual movie festival, and just walking there would make you feel like a star under the spotlight. There is nothing about Cannes that doesn’t scream glam. People walk around wearing the latest fashion trends as if they’re all showcasing the summer collections of all the major designers. So ladies, plan your outfits well if you want to impress.

The beaches extend along the Boulevard de “La Croisette”, but my two favorite locations were:

  • The Intercontinental Carlton hotel’s beach, which is mostly reserved for the hotel residents, where you can experience the luxury of French service while enjoying the sun.
  • Bâoli Beach which offers great food, perfect atmosphere and amazing music. Food tip: the Truffle salad is a must.

Beach tip: ask your hotel concierge to book your beach beds ahead of time (on the day of your beach visit) as they get booked up pretty fast.

Cannes is also known for its annual Pyrotechnic Art festival that has been taking place in the Mediterranean waters facing “La Croisette” since 1998. This festival happens during the week of the 14th of July to celebrate la Bastille Day and the 14th of August.

Festival tip: most of the hotels arrange dining setups on their rooftops during the shows, offering the best view of the fireworks.

As relaxing as it can be during the day, the city party spirit emerges once the sun sets. Most of the beach clubs turn into major party scenes with different cultural exotic shows. And to top that off, you never know which celebrity you might bump into while you dance the night away.

 

2nd destination: St. TROPEZ

“Welcome to St. Tropez” as the famous summer song states. This city has acquired a reputation to have the most vibrant beach locations, and the best parties the world has to offer. “Bagatelle”, le “Club les Palmiers” & “Nikki beach” are there to feed your passion for sun, sea and dancing. The most renowned artists and DJs are there every summer to help you release the party animal in you, and you can bet your bottom dollar, you will dance like nobody’s watching.

 

3rd destination: Monaco

I think there’s absolutely no need to introduce Monaco; after all who hasn’t heard of the magical place for which “Grace Kelly” once left the glamour of Hollywood to become a Monegasque Princess. It’s the best place to enjoy visiting historical monuments, namely the Monaco-Villa where the prince’s palace overlooks the dazzling harbor.

This modern monarchy is also the home to the celebrated Monte-Carlo Casino. You can place your bets there, but make sure your attire matches the elegance and grandeur of this famous locale.

Don’t forget to explore La Place du Casino where you can have lunch, or enjoy an afternoon coffee at the famous Café de Paris.

 

4th destination: Èze

Well, I saved the best for last; this is a little fortified village perched 1400 feet above sea level on top of the hill, and it took my breath away. I spent the whole afternoon wondering around its little cobbled narrow streets, as if I took a walk back in time and found myself wandering in a medieval setting.

An absolute must when in Eze is a visit to le Chateau de La Chèvre d’Or hotel, which is “an open-air museum” wedged between the sky and the sea. This 5-star hotel offers a to-die-for panoramic view of the Mediterranean from its restaurant and outdoor bar with an interior that evokes grandiosity.

It’s also the home of the two Michelin star restaurant, La Chèvre d’Or. Maybe, if you’re lucky, you might manage to find a reservation.

 

Every time I visit a place, something inside of me changes. So as long as I’m breathing I will keep going where I feel the most alive, and definitely keep chasing the sun.

Until next time…

Marie-Therezia Hadchiti
Instagram: @therychoux



Share article