South of France + Monaco
The glamour of the South of France, is a MUST darling. Just a train ride away from Paris, or even a direct flight into Nice, the proximity of these Cities makes it easy to split up your time between them. The Mediterranean coast of southeastern France includes famously glamorous beach resorts such as Saint-Tropez and Cannes, and the independent microstate of Monaco. So throw on your oversized hate, sun glasses & Hermes scarf , and pour yourself some champagne.
Nice
Nice, capital of the Alpes-Maritimes department on the French Riviera, sits on the pebbly shores of the Baie des Anges. Founded by the Greeks and later a retreat for 19th-century European elite, the city has also long attracted artists (such as Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall). NY Times has a great “36 hours in Nice” round up, and here are some of ours:
See
• Walk the Promenade des Anglais, or the Walkway of the English, while taking in the shorelines of The French Riviera
• Learn more about Russian history far from the Kremlin at La Cathédrale Orthodoxe Russe
• Sit courtside and enjoy a match at the Nice Lawn Tennis Club, opened in 1890
• Make an afternoon run to the Cours Saleya Flower Market for a fresh bouquet
• Stroll through the Matisse Museum and admire its massive collection of works by the 20th Century fauvist and impressionist, Henri Matisse
• Visit the Théâtre de la Photographie et de l’Image, which boasts a massive collection of photographs dating back to the 19th century
Stay: There are a lot of local hotel options, but Hi Hotel, Hôtel Le Negresco, and Hôtel Villa la Tour are all good options
Eat: Chez Thérésa, Fenocchio, Nissa Socca
Cannes
Cannes, a resort town on the French Riviera, is famed for its international film festival. Its Boulevard de la Croisette, curving along the coast, is lined with sandy beaches, upmarket boutiques and palatial hotels. It’s also home to the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, a modern building complete with red carpet and Allée des Étoiles – Cannes’ walk of fame.
Monaco
Monaco is a tiny (499 acres) independent city-state on the coastline known for its upscale casinos, yacht-lined harbor and prestigious annual Grand Prix motor race. Monte-Carlo, its major district, is home to an elegant belle-époque casino complex and ornate Salle Garnier opera house. It offers multiple luxe hotels, boutiques, nightclubs and restaurants – we would recommend a day trip OR a one night, over-the-top stay extravaganza.
