Top 10: Cote d’Azur
Château de la Messardiere in Saint Tropez (Image supplied)
Embrace nature
Along the coastline just outside of Marseille there’s a series of extraordinary limestone cliffs known as the ‘calanques’ – and its widely considered to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. With plenty of turquoise waters and secret coves, this is a must-visit, and the best way to do it is paddling in a kayak. Raskas offers kayak hire from nearby Cassis.
Get arty
The Cote d’Azur has long been a popular destination for artists, including big names like Pablo Picasso, who was draw to its beauty and spend much of his life on its shore. In honour of his passion for the area, the Musee Picasso was established in 1966 and is still a major draw. Housed in the Grimaldi Castle, which was once the artist’s workshop, it contains numerous pieces by Picasso and his contemporaries.
Sun yourself
Relaxing on the beach is essential along the Cote d’Azur and one of the most stylish places to do it is on the chic Pampelonne Beach near Saint Tropez. Book a day bed at one of the glamorous beach clubs stretching along the golden sand. Then follow the trail of beautiful people heading for lunch at Bagatelle. Order their famous sea bass carpaccio and pair it with their signature rum and champagne cocktail.
Make lemonade
Menton is known as the lemon capital of France, and for excellent reason. This quaint seaside town hosts a festival in honour of this mighty citrus for two weeks every February and it is a major event attracting thousands of visitors and featuring giant themed floats made entirely from lemons. If you can’t get there in February, you can have your own mini-festival by savouring some of the incredible lemon meringue pies and lemon curd tarts on sale in the local pastry shops.
Discover a new scent
The village of Grasse has unique mineral-rich soil making it the perfect place to grow fragrant flowers for perfume. Fragonard has been making their signature scents here for almost 100 years and its museum in the centre of Grasse is worth a visit for fragrance lovers. They also have the Provencal Museum of Costume and Jewelry, as well as new and old factories just outside of town that are all free to visit and offer paid perfume making workshops.
Have a special lunch
There are plenty of high-end French restaurants along the coastline, so for something a little different stop for lunch at Em Sherif. This plush eatery gives a taste of Lebanon at the Hôtel de Paris in Monte Carlo, one of the most iconic hotels in the area. Start off with the mezze then pick either the slow cooked lamb shank or the epic beef fillet shawarma.
Treat yourself
There are countless luxury hotels along the Cote d’Azur, yet the newly opened Château de la Messardiere still manages to stand out. This sprawling five-star resort is located near Saint Tropez and offers its guests a truly memorable experience. Swim in the hotel pools or head down to their exclusive beach club. Dine at one of the five on-site restaurants. Get a massage at the luxurious spa. Dream about staying forever.
Hit the markets
In the heart of the old town of Nice, the Cours Saleya is the street to head to for market paradise. If you’re lucky enough to be there on a Monday you’ll catch the city’s famous brocante (flea market) full of antique treasures. But there are plenty of good things on offer on other days of the week, including the local flower market and daily food markets, where you can pick up local marinated olives and chickpea fritters for the ultimate picnic.
Sip rose
The Cote d’Azur is famous for its light and fresh rose wine, which is grown and produced all along the coastline. Head to one of the local wineries for a taste, such as the newly renovated Chateau Minuty. This extensive estate has a stylish cellar and offers visitors a chance to learn about and taste their full range of famous pink wines.
Pay your respects
Admirers of Princess Grace will want to stop off at the Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Monaco to pay their respects. Her somewhat unassuming but elegant tomb lies alongside that of her husband Prince Rainier and is popular stop for those wanting to remember the late movie star and royal. While you’re there, take a stroll around the harbour to the charming Princess Grace Rose Garden in Fontvieille Park.
