It is essentially the coastline of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, which includes Provence just a couple hours north from the beach. It’s a mountainous, Mediterranean landscape with hilltop villages that used to belong to Rome, now full of lovely wineries known for their rosé production, lavender fields, noble bastides turned chic stays and glamorous jetsetters frequenting shops and beach clubs along the ritzy coast.
On this most recent trip we explored Provence, which will require it’s own dedicated guide coming soon, in addition to going back to some of our favorite spots on the Riviera. I choose to stay in Saint Tropez this time as we were further east on the coastline last time in Nice and it’s much closer to Provence which makes it a perfect destination for any travelers looking to experience both. If you have any specific travel questions feel free to DM me on Instagram, enjoy!
Getting to and around the French Riviera
FLY
Nice (NCE) is the largest airport in the region with the most international flights and closest to the eastern region (Nice, Monaco, Cannes, Antibes).
Toulon-Hèyres (TLN) is a small regional airport and the closest to Saint-Tropez. It’s great for getting to
Marseille-Provence (MRS) is also on the western region of the riviera, making it a better option for travelers to Saint Tropez, Cassis and Provence. It’s a good choice for international flights within and outside Europe, especially if you’re not planning to be farther east in Nice, Monaco or Cannes.
BY CAR OR TRAIN
Renting a car is my top recommendation if you aren’t too fearful of some narrow roads. The drive in from Provence or any of the neighboring airports is fairly simple as they mostly involve a freeway with defined lanes, however, if you’re looking to explore smaller villages inland of the sea you will run into small country roads that aren’t for the faint of heart! Also keep in mind everything takes longer along the coast by car especially during the height of summer season from June through August so I recommend you check google maps for the dates and times you plan to drive ahead of time (google maps has that feature) so you can plan your itinerary accordingly, especially if traveling to an airport by car. Nice airport has all the car rentals agencies set up perfectly for picking up or dropping off a car before or after a flight so I recommend you use any company from here.
Trains run from Paris making it possible to get from Paris to Nice in only 6 hours via the high speed TGV train or 5 hours to Saint-Raphael/Valescure which is about 90 minutes from Saint Tropez by car. Book your tickets here through SNCF, where you will find the most legitimate tickets and avoid scams. Additionally there are trains that run through the riviera so you can go from Nice to Saint Tropez to Monaco, etc and book your tickets from the same site here.
FERRY FROM NICE TO SAINT TROPEZ
We took a ferry on our last visit from Nice to Saint Tropez and it’s a great way to travel to many towns along the coast while taking in the view from the water. Definitely a great option for day trips or splitting your time between two different towns along the coast. You can book ferry tickets in advance here.
UBER
Uber works extremely well getting around the riviera and we used it our entire trip this time to Saint Tropez. There are also plenty of taxis you can find in populated areas or have a restaurant or hotel call for you.
Where to Stay
SAINT-TROPEZ
Airelles Chateau de la Messardière // The pinnacle of luxury in Saint-Tropez this former castle has been renovated to absolute perfection with breathtaking views of the coast, gorgeous French gardens and several places to drink or dine under the stars. We came here at sunset for a drink before dinner and it did not disappoint. Perched on a hilltop just above town it’s a short little drive into the center of it all.
La Bastide de Saint Tropez // I tried to reserve here after a recommendation from a friend but they were fully booked! This 5 star hotel has the feel of a villa rental, perfect for a couple and only a ten minute walk from town. Definitely on my list of next time.
La Bastide L’Bastide d’Antioned’Antione // We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this boutique hotel with a beautiful pool, full service bar and restaurant located right outside the port of Saint Tropez. Located in a residential neighborhood it’s about a 10-15 minute ride into the city center depending on traffic on the main coastal road. I loved running along the coastline into town each morning and the staff were extremely helpful and friendly with all of our needs. The room could have been a bit more spacious but the bed was extremely comfortable.
Arielles Pan Dei Palais // An excellent 5 star luxury choice for a stay in the middle of town, just a hop, skip jump to all the fabulous shops and restaurants! With a pool, restaurant and car service to the nearby sister hotel, Arielles Chateau de la Messardière, it’s a great place to land.
NICE
Boscolo Nice Hotel and Spa // We stayed here on our last trip back in 2017 and it was a super convenient location to explore downtown Nice being close to all the restaurants, shops and beaches. They have a lovely spa and is rated 5 stars, definitely would recommend.
Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel // One of the most prestigious hotels in the French Riviera and located on one of the most stunning peninsulas in the world, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. It’s an extremely beautiful property and only a 20 minute drive to Nice and 25 minute drive to Monaco. Luxury at it’s finest!
Hôtel Petite Palais // A charming hotel I came across that I would definitely consider staying in next time, located in the city center but appears to have the chateau like feel and with great reviews from guests.
ANTIBES – CANNES
Hotel du Cap, Eden Roc // The gem of the French Riviera and a bucket list hotel for most. If you can, you must stay here or at least visit for a fancy dinner where you will truly feel like Grace Kelly!
Carlton Cannes // A piece of history from the glamours summers in the 1920’s but renovated with modern amenities and a beach club right in the center of Cannes. Definitely on my list for a ritzy stay!
Hôtel Juana // A chic boutique hotel 5 star hotel on Belle Rivas Beach, only 9 minutes from Antibes and 20 to Cannes. I would most certainly consider a stay here as the property is considered a historical landmark!
Hotels on The Riviera
What to Do
BEACH CLUBS IN SAINT-TROPEZ
La Guérite Cannes // Perhaps my top recommendation if you can make it to the small island of Île Saint-Marguerite which is only accessible via ferry or private charter, which would make a great boat day for any group of party goers looking to see celebrity clientele.
Le Club 55 // One of the most famous beach clubs in the world, known for it’s fashionable lunch crowd and classic raspberry desserts! It’s a kid friendly place to post up for the day and still have an elevated experience, not the party place but still pretty sceny.
Loulou à Ramatuelle // The Saint-Tropez version of Loulou’s Paris, very chic and fun for an elegant party or day at the beach. My friend recommended but we didn’t have time.
Shellona // For the party people, grab a table for lunch and enjoy the DJ and young, hot crowd that follows. We enjoyed some dancing here after lunch at Club 55 and it was very easy to grab a drink from the bar and make our way down to the dance floor, no reservation needed.
Bagatelle // A bit more chic than Shellona or Nikki Beach, we’ve been to the locations in Los Angeles, Cabo and St. Barts, all of which have been great experiences for a fabulous lunch and party to follow. We unfortunately lost our reservation to bad weather on this trip but would still go for a party next time!
Saint Tropez Beach Clubs
TOWNS AND VILLAGES TO EXPLORE
EASTERN RIVIERA (Nice, Monaco, Antibes)
St-Paul-de-Vence // Super charming little village we came to back in 2017 and loved. I still remember the delicious cheese and meats we found at a little deli for a picnic from, wish I had the name but honestly any cheese from France is superior!
Èze // A hilltop little village nestled between Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Monaco, an easy day trip from Nice and beautiful views of the ocean. We went back in 2017 and loved the old town charm, proximity to the coast and cute little shops.
Menton // Right on the border of France and Italy, on the water, what could be a more perfect union?!!
WESTERN RIVIERA (Saint-Tropez, Cassis, Saint-Maxime)
Grimaud & Port Grimaud // A beautiful quaint little village outside Saint Tropez blooming with flowers and pastel colored buildings, be mindful that Grimaud is often confused with Port Grimaud which are near one another but Port Grimaud is on the water, like Venice and Grimaud is a hilltop village about 15-20 minutes inland. We went to Port Grimaud and it was definitely touristy, next time I would just go straight to Grimaud village!
Ramatuelle // The hilltop village, 20 minutes inland of the glittering beaches of Rametuelle near Saint-Tropez, is a great way to spend an afternoon. It was very cute and had a bakery I am still swooning over with the best tart tropézienne obvi and the best lemon meringue called La Tarte Tropézienne! The whole village is circular and very kid friendly.
Provence // Get in the car and drive a couple hours northwest of Saint-Tropez and visit the endless amounts of charming places like we did! I am working on my Provence Guide and will link it here once it’s ready but a few highlight villages are Aix-en-Provence, Gordes, Avignon, Arles, Saint-Remy-de-Provence, Lourmarin, Valensole to name only a few! More to come soon!
SHOPPING
Hermès // All the high-end fashion brands are on the Riviera, but I would recommend if you are trying to get reservation for leather goods at Hermes that you do it here, given Paris can be a more difficult appointment to schedule. I bought a super cute scarf in the colors of pinks and oranges in Saint-Tropez that remind me of all the sunset hued villages here on the riviera that will always be special because it was here. Also, the luxury goods in Europe are a tad cheaper with the VAT tax return at the airport so make sure to request a VAT receipt/instructions when you purchase.
BOUTIQUES OF SAINT-TROPEZ
Lulu // Sunday // By Marie // Bridgette B
MUSEUMS AND GARDENS
Villa & Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild // An ornate rose colored summer estate turned museum with the most enchanting gardens that never end! With stunning views of the riviera, this gem on Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is not to be missed during any trip along the Côte d’Azur!
Château de la Napoule // A castle about 20 minutes outside of Cannes with activities for kids and adults that I would most certainly take Parker too!
Where to Eat
NICE, ANTIBES, CANNES, MONACO RESTAURANTS
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc // At the most stunning hotel in all of the Riviera, any of the bars or restaurants here are spectacular but my I recommend any with a view! Eden-Roc Restaurant for lunch or Michelin starred Louroc for dinner are pristine.
Le Plongeoir // A wonderful spot in Nice, it’s as beautiful as pictured, a great spot for dinner and epic photos. The food was very good, make sure you book at sunset!
Le Louis XV // For any Michelin star goers looking for the pinnacle of luxury in Monaco. Set in one of the most ornate and Instagram worthy dinning rooms in the world, this is truly a once in a lifetime experience.
Mamo Michelangelo // A cozy Italian eatery in Antibes that has been around a longtime, known for it’s truffle pizza!
La Petite Maison // A fancy, romantic classic right in the center of Nice.
Baioli Cannes // Asian cuisine in a tropical outdoor setting that transforms into a nightclub.
SAINT-TROPEZ RESTARAUNTS
L’Opera // A dinner show turned club that is a must see for any couple or group looking for a nightclub experience in true French fashion. I call it the Le Ti Saint Barts of Saint-Tropez as professional dancers take the stage while you drink and dine before you’re tempted to shimmy on a table yourself!
Kinugawa Ramatuelle // A chic sushi spot by the beaches of Ramatuelle!
Senequier // A staple casual chic restaurant in the heart of the port of Saint Tropez, a must stop for coffee and their famous version of a tart tropézienne, only sit outside and watch the yachts go by!
Le Café // A friend of mine who was just in Saint-Tropez before me recommended it and even though we ended up going elsewhere because we desperately needed sushi it looked super fun with live music and a fantastic ambiance.
Gigi Ramatuelle // The beach version of it’s outlet in Paris with no direct beach access but a beautiful pool, shop and restaurant perfect for a beautiful lunch or dinner. I am sad we missed gorgeous decor and stunning Italian desserts this trip but we loved many of the other fabulous restaurants in the Society group.
Le Tigrr // With beautiful views just life it’s Gordes outlet we visited a few days before, it was high on our list but unfortunately we chose a different spot for sushi that wasn’t quite as good!
Dior Des Lices // Everyone Instagrams this place but ultimately I decided there were too many other spots his on my list but definitely seems like a great breakfast or lunch spot in a cute French Maison!
Airelles Chateau de la Messardière // They have a bunch of different restaurants, including a Matsuhisa, but I say skip the meal and just go for a fancy cocktail in their beautiful bar under the pergola and bask on those chintzy pink cushions leaving time to explore the stunning castle!
What to Wear on the Riviera