Côte d'Azur

Whichever name you call it – the Cote d’Azur or the French Riviera – it’s undeniably one of the most glamorous spots in Europe.

A renowned luxury playground for the rich and famous, the Cote d’Azur has it all: a sun speckled shoreline that wraps itself around the southeast coast for 200km or so, right up to the border with Italy. There’s the vivid blue waters for which it’s named, Provencal dining, seductive cities, golden beach resorts, plus a wealth of luxury boutique accommodation and a sparkling nightlife all contribute to the Mediterranean’s most alluring luxury vacation retreat.

Along the coastline you’ll discover picturesque beaches and marinas populated with superyachts, idyllic Provencal countryside and national parks, and pastoral towns that have a range of inspired painters from Matisse to Picasso.

The star of the show – the capital and largest city – is Nice. With its film star good looks and famous Promenade des Anglais lined with grand Belle Époque hotels. The old town, Vieux Nice is a warren of cobbled streets; the shoreline has pebble-strewn coves and inlets, while its dining scene remains unapologetically extravagant.

Nice epitomises the style and elegance of the Cote d’Azur, but the same could also be said for neighbouring Cannes, which hosts the world-famous film festival each year. From the Hollywood glitz to the palatial hotels on the boulevard de la Croissette, everything is A-list in Cannes. La Croissette itself stretches of 12 sandy kilometres, divided into exclusive private beaches. Some of France’s finest Michelin-starred restaurants and who’s who of designer boutiques ensure Cannes remains the complete luxury vacation package.

East of Nice lies the spectacular principality of Monaco, southwest of Cannes the world-famous luxury vacation resort of St Tropez. The former with its ritzy casino, Grand Prix street race and opulent palaces is one of the most exclusive enclaves under the Mediterranean sun. The latter has been famous for its Champagne-fuelled excesses since Roger Vadim and Bridgette Bardot filmed And God Created Woman here in 1956. Its golden beaches are some of the best on the whole Cote d’Azur.

When booking a luxury vacation to the Cote d’Azur with Lightfoot Travel, our France specialists will design your own highly-personalised bespoke experience, including impartial advice on the best accommodation for your needs. Enquire now!