How To Plan A Sublime South Of France Vacation, According To Insiders
The South of France never loses its appeal – from charming villages to beguiling beaches and utterly spectacular hotels. Here, three travel insiders – from some of the region’s most outstanding hotels – with an expert knowledge share their secrets for a South of France experience like no other. By KATIE BERRINGTON
Valérie Muller, of Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc and Château Saint-Martin & Spa
My favorite places in the South of France…
The Lérins Islands (Saint-Honorat and Sainte-Marguerite), Porquerolles island, and Gorges du Verdon.
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the South of France, you must…
…view the coast on a boat trip to enjoy the iconic landscape and see the beautiful private houses perched on the rocks. You should also visit the countryside villages of Saint-Paul de Vence and Eze.
The local delicacies to eat and drink while you’re there…
Try tarte tropézienne in Saint-Tropez; les farcis [stuffed vegetables] in Nice, as well as salade niçoise and bouillabaisse. And drink a Pastis while playing a game of boules.
To see the best views in the South of France…
The best views are from Château Saint-Martin & Spa in the stunning French countryside in Vence, including phenomenal 180-degree views over the Mediterranean. And also the Fort Carré [a 16th-century fort] in Antibes.
Why do you think there is such an enduring love of the South of France?
I would say the historical side of the region with hundreds of medieval villages, the proximity between the Mediterranean Sea and beauty of the countryside, and the thousands of local artisans. Renowned artists have long been writing, painting and creating after being inspired by the area: F. Scott Fitzgerald with Tender Is The Night, Picasso, Matisse, Chagall, Jacques-Henri Lartigue, Slim Aarons, Stefan Zweig, and many others.
Boris Messmer, general manager of The Maybourne Riviera
My favorite place in the South of France…
Without a doubt, the Promenade Le Corbusier in our town, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin.
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the South of France, you must…
…admire a breathtaking sunset from the Golfe Bleu beach, also in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin.
The local delicacies to eat and drink while you’re there…
There is an amazing food market in Menton. I would pick up a pavé au citron [lemon cobbler] from one of its stalls, Chez Mimi. The dream pairing would be a glass of champagne with violet liquor. Violets are grown nearby, in Tourrettes-sur-Loup, so this is exceptional. Ask for one in our hotel bar, Le 300.
To see the best views in the South of France…
The Maybourne Riviera, of course. Our views of Monaco and Italy are unparalleled.
Something that only insiders know is…
…to go to Mala beach in Cap-d’Ail in the low season to enjoy blissful privacy.
Why is there such an enduring love of the South of France?
The endless summer, the millions of shades of blue and the amazing light.
To see the best views in the South of France…
Head to Vence, specifically the restaurant Le Saint-Martin at the Château Saint-Martin & Spa.
Something only insiders know about is…
Les beignets de poutine – the poutine is a small fish caught in the waters of Nice. There are very few of them because fishing is limited. Also les oursinades: the sea urchin is in the spotlight in March and April, so this is the time to organize a sea-urchin lunch with friends.
Why is there such an enduring love of the South of France?
Its blue sky, its unique light, its proximity to the sea and the feeling of freedom that you can feel in front of its nature… You can experience the dolce vita: with its sunsets, its villages illuminated on summer evenings, the music on every street corner… you can let yourself stroll. Life is smooth in the South.
“The Cap d’Antibes is still the jewel in the crown of Antibes, with its wild side and magnificent views over the Mediterranean Sea
”
Kimberley Cohen, co-owner and artistic director of Hôtel Crillon Le Brave
My very favorite spot in the South of France…
Le Bistrot de L’Oustalet, in Gigondas. It’s such a delicious restaurant.
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the South of France, you must…
…go vintage-furniture shopping at Isle sur la Sorgue, rent a classic car, and see the lavender fields.
“There is this je ne sais quoi… the scent, the light, the noise of the cicadas, the food, the wine. It is like time stops and allows you to refill your batteries
”
The local delicacies to eat and drink while you’re there…
Drink pastis or rosé, and eat a pissaladière [flatbread with anchovies] and a beignet de courgette [zucchini fritter] – and la fougasse [Provençal bread], of course.
To see the best views in the South of France…
At Hôtel Crillon Le Brave, you’ll see a beautiful view of the valley of Ventoux, facing the vineyards from the rooms or our two restaurants: the bistronomic La Table du Ventoux and gastronomic La Madeleine.
Something that only insiders know is…
…the wonderful Synagogue de Carpentras – a monument not to be missed.
Why is there such an enduring love of the South of France?
There is this je ne sais quoi… the scent, the light, the noise of the cicadas, the food, the wine. It is like time stops and allows you to refill your batteries.
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