• About
  • How It Works
    • Process
    • Fees
    • Client Benefits
  • Travel Stories
  • Mentions
  • Resources
  • Set Sail

Haute Holidays Travel

  • About
  • How It Works
    • Process
    • Fees
    • Client Benefits
  • Travel Stories
  • Mentions
  • Resources
  • Set Sail

French Riviera + Provence (1 of 2)

03/30 2016

The South of France conjures some amazing images, doesn’t it?  Dramatic coastal landscapes, sipping rose over lunch at a cute outdoor bistro, quaint hilltop villages, wineries, and infinite lavender fields (when in bloom, June-August!).  The Cote d’Azur and Provence has something for everyone- from family holidays to girls getaways to honeymoons and romantic getaways.  I recently had the great pleasure to explore the best that the region has to offer, and I saw so much in just one week!  In a nutshell, I visited:

  • Nice
  • Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
  • Antibes and Juan-les-Pins
  • Eze
  • Saint-Paul-de-Vence
  • Tourrettes-Sur-Loup
  • Cassis
  • Aix-en-Provence
  • Gordes and Abbaye de Senanque
  • Roussillon
  • Lourmarin

And several sites in between like the Rhone American Cemetery in Draguignan and several great wineries.  It is easy to drive between the Riviera and Provence, and even better to take advantage of a great driver-guide like I did so that you may relax and enjoy the scenery rather than having to keep your eyes on the road!

While summer is high season in this area- the temps are warm, the beach clubs are open, and the lavender and the grape vines blooming- there was something so lovely about visiting in the spring at the end of March!  Properties are just opening for the season, the brisk morning air is perfect for a coastal walk, and the towns feel so wonderful and local without the crowds that swarm in the warmer months.

Here are my top picks for your next holiday in the French Riviera (blog 2 of 2 will cover Provence):

ROYAL RIVIERA HOTEL

The hotel Royal Riviera is an absolute gem of a property, perfectly situated at the top of the peninsula Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, and equidistant from both Nice and Monaco.  You are within 15 minutes walking distance of the Cap, the town of Villefranche, and a casino (which is literally a minute down the road from the hotel).  As well, the Royal Riviera features the area’s only private, and sandy (!!) beach, open from May to September.

But the best part of this hotel is the vibe.  It is a 5* property, but oh-so-relaxed at the same time.  The service is outstanding, and it feels like a little home away from home.  No pretense or snobbery here!  The exterior is a pale pink, with cute striped awnings over the windows.  My favorite rooms were those which overlook the pool and have a partial sea view.. light and bright with pops of color.

As a Virtuoso property, my clients here enjoy extra VIP treatment, and amenities which include:

  • Daily buffet breakfast for two (can enjoy on the beautiful outdoor terrace!)
  • Complimentary 50-minute massage for two
  • Upgrade if available upon arrival
  • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Royal Riviera

Royal Riviera

Royal Riviera

Royal Riviera

Views from the Royal Riviera

Views from the Royal Riviera

Views from the Royal Riviera

Views from the Royal Riviera

Royal Riviera Beach Club, which is open May-September

Royal Riviera Beach Club, which is open May-September

Royal Riviera, beautiful sea & garden view room

Royal Riviera, beautiful sea & garden view room

One of the benefits of the location of the Royal Riviera is the proximity to the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat which is encircled by a walking path (up to 2 hours, if you choose!), a yacht-filled harbor, great restaurants, and Paloma Beach.  (At the very tip of the Cap Ferrat is the more secluded and formal Four Seasons Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat.)

Also, the Royal Riviera is just a few minutes walk from the stunning Villa & Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild.  Definitely worth an afternoon to stroll the grounds, tour the villa, and have a drink or tea on the terrace!

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.. boats and yachts for miles

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.. boats and yachts for miles

Paloma Beach on the Cap- will be fully set up by summer

Paloma Beach on the Cap- will be fully set up by summer

Getting oriented on the Cap

Getting oriented on the Cap

Seafood & champagne lunch is always a good idea on the Cote d'Azur

Seafood & champagne lunch is always a good idea on the Cote d’Azur

A great seafood lunch at La Cabane de L'Ecailler in the Cap Ferrat harbor

A great seafood lunch at La Cabane de L’Ecailler in the Cap Ferrat harbor

Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

Of course, from here, it is easy to explore other Cote d’Azur destinations such as Cannes and Monaco, or even a day in Nice!  From the cafes and outdoor markets of Vieux Nice (Old Nice) to the new Promenade du Paillon (great for kids with water features for splashing).. Nice has something for everyone!  It had been a while since my first visit to Nice, so it was great to be back.

Cours Saleya outdoor market in Nice

Cours Saleya outdoor market in Nice

Cours Saleya outdoor market in Nice

Cours Saleya outdoor market in Nice

Cours Saleya outdoor market in Nice

Cours Saleya outdoor market in Nice

Nice

Nice

Nice

Nice

Promenade du Paillon

Promenade du Paillon

Promenade du Paillon

Promenade du Paillon

Nice cafe life

Cutest Nice cafe

A delicious lunch at Le Safari in Vieux Nice

A delicious lunch at Le Safari in Vieux Nice (I mean, what more does one need in life than a great salade nicoise and a glass of rose?)

Another cute town on the coast to explore is Antibes and its neighbor Juan-les-Pins.  The port of Antibes is bobbing with small fishing boats up to mega-yachts and encircles the 16th century rampart walls of old Antibes.  The old town is lined with shops, cafes, and a Picasso museum.  Juan-les-Pins is a beach town with leafy streets and cafes that beg you to relax over a glass of rose.  This is where the Virtuoso property Belles Rives is well-located, an art-deco area property with inspiration from F. Scott Fitzgerald and the roaring 20s.  (And further down on the Cap d’Antibes, the highly exclusive Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, also Virtuoso.)  There was something I couldn’t quite put my finger on, but my brief time through these towns really conjured a more authentic air than their highly built-up neighbors to either side, Nice and Cannes.  Next time.. I will make sure I stay for that glass of rose.

Antibes cafe

Antibes cafe

Antibes beach just outside the ramparts

Antibes beach just outside the ramparts

Antibes colors

Antibes colors

Picasso museum in Antibes

Picasso museum in Antibes

Antibes

Antibes

When you are ready to head a bit inland, it is time to explore Eze!  This fortified medieval hilltop town from the 12th century is about 15 minutes from the Royal Riviera hotel and boasts incredible views of the coastline and the Cap Ferrat.  The two 5* properties there are built right into the old castle walls, and you could easily lose yourself exploring the shops and narrow alleys of the town.  I recommend staying overnight so that you have the town to yourself in the morning and evening, after all the day-trippers have left.  It feels downright magical.  Also, a stay in Eze is a perfect compliment to a stay at a coastal resort like the Royal Riviera!

The charming village of Eze

The charming village of Eze

The charming village of Eze

The charming village of Eze

Chateau Eza, a storybook-perfect 5* property with just 12 guestrooms

Chateau Eza, a storybook-perfect 5* property with just 12 guestrooms

Stunning views from Chateau Eza

Stunning views from Chateau Eza

Chateau Eza, very romantic rooms

Chateau Eza, tres romantique!

Chateau de la Chevre D'Or, a 5* property with 38 rooms, set just a bit lower in the village than Chateau Eza

Chateau de la Chevre D’Or, a 5* property with 38 rooms, set just a bit lower in the village than Chateau Eza

Beautiful terrace at Chevre D'Or

Beautiful terrace at Chevre D’Or

Incredible meal at the two Michelin star restaurant at Chevre D'Or.. a must no matter where in the area you are staying!

Incredible meal at the two Michelin star restaurant at Chevre D’Or.. a must no matter where in the area you are staying!

Chateau Eza is a Virtuoso property, and my clients enjoy the following exclusive amenities:

  • Daily breakfast for two guests
  • A complimentary menu du Chateau for up to two people per room, once during stay, alcohol, taxes and gratuities are excluded
  • Upgrade if available upon arrival
  • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

Chateau de la Chevre d’Or is a Virtuoso property, and my clients enjoy the following exclusive amenities:

  • Daily breakfast for two guests
  • Welcome gift from a local shop
  • Upgrade if available upon arrival
  • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

After you have relaxed on the beaches of the Cote d’Azur and enjoyed the vistas from high atop Eze village, it is time to go back toward Nice and then head north into the hills to visit the ancient hilltop towns of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, as well as a less-touristed town called Tourrettes-sur-Loup, which is only about a 10 minute drive from St. Paul.  It would be helpful to have a car as taxi fares can be quite high, or as I prefer, a great driver guide so you can just relax and enjoy!!

I explored both in an afternoon and then stayed the night at the delightful Le Mas de Pierre, a 5* Relais & Chateaux property just south of the town of St. Paul.  I loved it for 3 reasons:

  • It is just close enough to busy St. Paul without being IN it, with the advantage of the most beautiful setting- 5 acres of olive trees, herb garden, and terraced landscaping, along with an inviting outdoor pool.
  • The decor is fabulous- very French and charming without being chintzy (no flowered wallpaper)
  • This resort is just 10km from the Nice Airport, so you could end your journey here, as I did, and be close enough to fly home.

Of course, if you prefer to be IN St. Paul, I recommend Le Saint Paul, which is also Relais & Chateaux, and a Virtuoso property, with great perks for my clients!

Saint-Paul-de-Vence:

Bienvenue a St. Paul!

Bienvenue a St. Paul!

St. Paul-de-Vence

St. Paul-de-Vence

SP5

A super cute wine shop in St. Paul that I can set up tastings at

A super cute wine shop in St. Paul that I can arrange tastings at

St. Paul-de-Vence

St. Paul-de-Vence

Le Mas de Pierre hotel:

Sunset hour at Le Mas de Pierre

Sunset hour at Le Mas de Pierre

Le Mas de Pierre

Le Mas de Pierre

Le Mas de Pierre

Le Mas de Pierre

Classic room at Le Mas de Pierre, traditional French decor but oh-so-cozy!

Classic room at Le Mas de Pierre, traditional French decor but oh-so-cozy!

View from my room over Le Mas de Pierre

View from my room over Le Mas de Pierre

Lounge at Les Mas de Pierre

Lounge at Les Mas de Pierre

Tourrettes-sur-Loup.. I mean, it is straight out of a French story book:

Tourrettes-sur-Loup

Tourrettes-sur-Loup

Tourrettes-sur-Loup

Tourrettes-sur-Loup

Tourrettes-sur-Loup

Tourrettes-sur-Loup

Tourrettes-sur-Loup cutest little wine bar

Tourrettes-sur-Loup cutest little wine bar

Tourrettes-sur-Loup

Tourrettes-sur-Loup

Tourrettes-sur-Loup

Tourrettes-sur-Loup

Tourrettes-sur-Loup

Tourrettes-sur-Loup

Tourrettes-sur-Loup

Tourrettes-sur-Loup

Tourrettes-sur-Loup

Tourrettes-sur-Loup

Tourrettes-sur-Loup

Tourrettes-sur-Loup

Tourrettes-sur-Loup views for days...

Tourrettes-sur-Loup views for days…

Tourrettes-sur-Loup cutest little shop

Tourrettes-sur-Loup cutest little shop

Now please hop on over to French Riviera + Provence (2 of 2) to continue on this fun journey across the south of France!

You may also like:

French Riviera + Provence (2 of 2) Viceroy Riviera Maya Riviera Maya Mexico Hermitage Bay, Antigua

Filed Under: Beach, Chateau de la Chevre d'Or, Chateau Eza, Family, France, Girls Getaway, Honeymoon, Le Mas de Pierre (Saint-Paul-de-Vence), Romance, Royal Riviera Hotel, Wine 1 Comment

You may also like:

French Riviera + Provence (2 of 2) Viceroy Riviera Maya Riviera Maya Mexico Hermitage Bay, Antigua

Trackbacks

  1. French Riviera + Provence (2 of 2) — Haute Holidays Travel says:
    03/30 2016 at 7:36 am

    […] This is the area in which I was able to explore better, winding our way through several towns before ending up in Aix-en-Provence.  (Hopefully you have already read about my journey on the Cote d’Azur in my blog French Riviera + Provence (1 of 2). […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories

  • Destinations
    • Amalfi Coast
    • Amelia Island
    • Anguilla
    • Antigua
    • Argentina
    • Arizona
    • Aspen Snowmass
    • Brazil
    • Cabo
    • California
    • Capri
    • Caribbean
    • Colombia
    • Colorado
    • Coronado Island
    • Costa Rica
    • Croatia
    • Europe
    • Florida
    • France
    • Georgia
    • Grand Cayman
    • Greece
    • Hawaii
    • Italy
    • Kenya
    • Kiawah Island
    • Laguna Beach
    • Las Vegas
    • Lisbon
    • Mexico
    • Montana
    • Montenegro
    • Napa Valley
    • Nevis
    • New Mexico
    • New York
    • Palm Beach
    • Portugal
    • Positano
    • Punta Mita
    • Riviera Maya
    • Santa Barbara
    • Sea Island
    • South Carolina
    • Spain
    • St. Barth
    • Texas
    • Turks and Caicos
  • Experience
    • Beach
    • Fall travel
    • Family
    • Fashion
    • Girls Getaway
    • Girls weekend
    • Golf
    • Health and Wellness
    • Honeymoon
    • Mini-moon
    • Packing
    • Passport
    • Road Trip
    • Romance
    • Safari
    • Ski
    • Spa
    • Travel tips
    • US Travel
    • Virtuoso Travel Week
    • Wine
  • Hotels
    • Auberge du Soleil
    • Auberge Resorts
    • Banyan Tree Mayakoba
    • Belmond Copacabana Palace
    • Belmond El Encanto
    • Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas Iguazu Falls
    • Belmond La Samanna
    • Belmond Maroma
    • Breakers Palm Beach
    • Calistoga Ranch
    • Canyon Ranch Tucson
    • Cape Hotel
    • Carneros Inn
    • Chateau de la Chevre d'Or
    • Chateau Eza
    • Cuisinart Anguilla
    • Disney's Aulani Resort Oahu
    • Dorchester Collection
    • El Silencio Lodge
    • Fairmont Mayakoba
    • Fairmont Orchid
    • Fasano Rio de Janeiro
    • Four Seasons
    • Four Seasons Anguilla
    • Four Seasons Hualalai
    • Four Seasons Nevis
    • Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina
    • Grand Velas Riviera Maya
    • Hermitage Bay
    • Hotel Alfonso XIII Sevilla
    • Hotel Urso Madrid
    • Hotel Yountville
    • Imanta Resort
    • JL Bar Ranch & Resort
    • Kahala Resort Oahu
    • L'Auberge Carmel
    • La Bastide de Gordes (Provence)
    • La Fuente de la Higuera Ronda
    • Le Mas de Pierre (Saint-Paul-de-Vence)
    • Malliouhana Anguilla
    • Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
    • Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows
    • Meadowood Napa Valley
    • Montage Laguna Beach
    • Montpelier Plantation Nevis
    • Nayara Springs
    • Nizuc Resort
    • One & Only Resorts
    • Palmetto Bluff
    • Parrot Cay
    • Poetry Inn
    • Ponta Dos Ganchos
    • Post Ranch Inn Big Sur
    • Punta Islita
    • Regent Palms
    • Resort at Pedregal
    • Ritz Carlton Amelia Island
    • Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman
    • Ritz Carlton Laguna Beach
    • Ritz Carlton Reynolds Lake Oconee
    • Rosewood Mayakoba
    • Royal Riviera Hotel
    • Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia
    • Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena
    • Solage Calistoga
    • St. Regis Dana Point
    • St. Regis Punta Mita
    • The Greenwich Hotel
    • The Ranch at Rock Creek
    • The Sanctuary
    • The Springs Resort
    • Turtle Bay Resort Oahu
    • Ventana Inn Big Sur
    • Vermejo Park Ranch
    • Viceroy Riviera Maya
    • Viceroy Snowmass
    • Villa Magna Madrid
    • Volcano House
    • Zemi Beach House Anguilla
LETS CONNECT!
@hauteholidaystravel
So excited for our sweet clients who will soon be So excited for our sweet clients who will soon be unwinding on this beautiful beach at @oomandarina!🌴☀️ This secluded cove gives me all the Bali meets Hawaii vibes with the thick jungle rising up behind the golden sand🏖 What I wouldn’t give to be back there with a skinny marg right now😍

Our clients here get free daily breakfast, $100 resort credit & upgrade if available🙌🏼 Who’s ready for a little Mexican getaway??🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️ #oomandarina #oomoments #rivieranayarit #hauteholidaystravel 

📧: laura@hauteholidaystravel.com
Families love Hawaii. Couples love Hawaii. But the Families love Hawaii. Couples love Hawaii. But the honeymooners don’t necessarily want to be splashed by kids diving in the pool, ya know what I mean?!🤪 

When I travel, I am ALWAYS thinking about which properties are best fits for which clients. Since most hotels in Hawaii are family-friendly, I look for things that make resorts friendly to romantic getaways as well💙🌺

The old Mauna Lani had one large freeform pool, but the new Auberge @maunalanihawaii has 3 pools! One family-friendly1️⃣, one adults-only2️⃣, and one (just 1.5 foot deep with a sandy bottom) for the littlest keiki3️⃣! So, everyone has their space & place, and I can personally confirm that parents will also love sipping a mai tai while watching their kids run on the adjacent grassy lawn😉🍹💁🏼‍♀️ #hauteholidaystravel #maunalani #alwaysauberge #bigisland #hawaii 

📧: laura@hauteholidaystravel.com
Lindblad has just announced the resumption of thei Lindblad has just announced the resumption of their small ship expeditions (96-100 guests max) in Alaska & the Galapagos for THIS SUMMER!! Normally these voyages book 1+ years out.. this is a unique opportunity to plan a trip like this at the last minute!😬 (Also a great time to think about that 2022 bucket list!!) Happy to help with your questions of rates, availability, protocols, etc🙌🏼 

I experienced a Lindblad expedition on the National Geographic Venture in Alaska👆🏼two years ago and cannot highly recommend enough!!!💯 This is for those who want a deeper experience in these destinations- the smaller ships can go places the large ones cannot, like up close with glaciers in a zodiac➡️ But, the Nat Geo specialists on board honestly make the trip. They are the BEST and truly it makes me smile knowing that they get to be back at work, doing what they love!🛳🤗 @lindbladexp #hauteholidaystravel #lindbladexpeditions #nationalgeographicventure #alaska #expeditioncruise 

📧: laura@hauteholidaystravel.com
You know when you give your phone to a stranger to You know when you give your phone to a stranger to get a group pic on vacation, and they hold it down real low (noooo.. angles, people!), and then put your head square in the center, cutting you off at the torso??🙅🏼‍♀️ 

Yeah, @flytographer doesn’t do that! We love using this service all over the world to get some professional photos while traveling📸 But on THIS evening on Oahu, the steady wind gusts blew our hair straight up off our heads, threatened to give me a Marilyn moment, and I was nervous..🤣 

Of course @natalieschulte for Flytographer came through with some cute pics anyway! Don’t know how she did it... but she is awesome, if you are traveling to Oahu and need a Flytographer!!👏🏼 (Love this service.. and, @flytographerlife started her biz in 2013, just like me🥳) #hauteholidaystravel #oahu #flytographer #hawaii
Waikiki by day...➡️ or night?🤩 Either way, Waikiki by day...➡️ or night?🤩 Either way, can’t beat the view from an Ocean View room on the top floor of @royal_hawaiian Mailani Tower! Adjacent to the historical building, these rooms feature VIEWS over the iconic Waikiki Beach with Diamond Head at the end🌴

Historical building rooms are also spacious but feature a more traditional style and many have garden views- as the original hotel entrance actually faced in towards a lush palm grove! Apparently, after sailing across the ocean for weeks in the hotel’s early days, the last thing the new guests wanted to look at was the water!🤣 #hauteholidaystravel #waikiki #onlyattheroyal #onlyatmailani #royalhawaiian #oahu 

📧: laura@hauteholidaystravel.com
Haute Holidays is an independent associate of Brownell, a Virtuoso agency.
© 2021 Haute Holidays Travel | a doodle dog creative website