The emerald green infinity of the ocean, which merges seamlessly with the horizon, the radiant gold of the sun and the lush green of the pine forests, which rise majestically against the imposing mountain backdrop, create a place of unrivalled beauty.
For more than half a century, the glittering Côte d’Azur has been attracting visitors with its charm, charming little towns, legendary beach clubs and picturesque villages in the hinterland. Pablo Picasso, Brigitte Bardot and Jean Cocteau all felt the appeal of this special region and it is as much in vogue today as ever before.
There are absolute classic places that are no longer insider tips, but are still a must-see, and then there are the undiscovered gems that we naturally share with our community, but still hope that they will continue to retain their previously uncrowded flair.
Spring and summer 2024 is just around the corner, so what could be better than planning and anticipating your next trip?
You can now find our “Côte d’Azur” guide in the Smart Travelling app – where to stay, eat and play the French way? Here is a small preview of our favourite spots.
Where to dine: La Colombe d’Or
Picasso, Matisse and Chagall all dined and spent the night at La Colombe D’Or – a long time ago. Today, Julian Schnabel and Christo are among the guests. La Colombe D’Or is both a hotel and a true art mecca, which art icons and art lovers adore. But even those who have nothing to do with art will definitely feel at home here. In the evening, the tables are set outside under fig trees in the elegant look of the Côte, with white linen and silver cutlery, and grilled peppers with olive oil, served over sea bream and Provençal tomatoes, accompanied by a glass of rosé – perfect.
Where to inhale culture: Fondation Maeght
The Fondation Maeght is one of the first art addresses on the Côte d’Azur. The collector couple Marguerite and Aimé Maeght commissioned the Spanish architect Josep Lluis Sert to build a private museum in the 1950s. Today, this architectural masterpiece with its enchanting sculpture garden emerges from the dark pine forests of Saint-Paul like a treasure chest containing the works of the most renowned artists of the 20th century. Joan Miró, Marc Chagall and Wassily Kandinsky are just a few of the masterpieces in the gallery.
Where to hang out next to the sea: Tuba Club
Tuba Club – this place, this view, this atmosphere. The hotel-restaurant with 5 cabanon-style rooms transports its guests to another world. And all this in the pretty, windy fishing village of Les Goudes, a suburb of Marseilles. Even the locals dream of waking up in the Tuba Club after an unforgettable sunset evening with linguine with bottarga, a focaccia with tomato and pata negra. A wonderful place, not only because of the fresh oysters and the wild waves that can be admired from the fantastic terrace.
Where to stay in Nice: Hotel Amour
The Boutique Hotel Amour Nice is the latest addition to the Amour family and is located on Avenue des Fleurs, just a short walk from the Promenade des Anglais and the Mediterranean Sea. The hotel has a spectacular rooftop terrace with swimming pool and views of the city of Nice. The quirky decor consists of lots of pink, pin-up photos on the walls and objects and furniture that have been collected over the years. And then there’s Amour à la Plage, the hotel’s own beach – with its sun loungers, neon and pastel colours on the rocky beach and the sea in the background.
Where to stay in the countryside: Les Rosées
Les Rosées is a special feel-good place in the idyllic hinterland of the French Riviera. Just 20 minutes from Cannes, the 400-year-old bastide is located opposite the picturesque village of Mougins with cafés, art galleries, a boules court and views of the spectacular Alpine mountain range. Mougin was Pablo Picasso’s last long-term residence. Lovingly renovated with a mixture of beautiful antique furniture and contemporary luxury, Les Rosées is the perfect oasis for romantics and families alike. Here you can relax by the pool, read a book under the olive tree and enjoy a siesta on a deckchair.
Where to check in and stay: Hotel Les Roches Rouges
Les Roches Rouges is located directly on the coast off Saint Raphaël and is both an oasis of well-being and a place to be that you won’t want to leave. Check-in and stay! This place impresses with its elegant design, breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and a photogenic, stone-lined saltwater pool right by the surf. The walls are adorned with abstract works by contemporary artists, reminiscent of the Mediterranean light that has inspired many painters. If you want to get some exercise, you can swim laps in the pool, play a game of table tennis in the garden or book a tour through the Esterel National Park with hiking guide Joseph. The sunsets here are particularly magical with a summery peach wine or French aniseed-flavoured pastis.
… and many more tips on „belle vie“ await you in our Smart Traveling App.