The Côte d’Azur, aka The French Riviera, is a stretch of captivating Mediterranean coastline found in the southeast corner of France. Known for its luxury yachts, party culture, designer boutiques, heavenly beaches, glitzy restaurants and fine wines, there are few places that draw the rich and famous crowds quite as well. It’s also a hugely historically and culturally significant area, with medieval villages and old fishing inlets that have served as the setting for classic French films.
Recent research from Booking.com found that hotels accounted for 46% of all properties ‘wish listed’ by Canadians through spring 2020 – slightly higher than the global average of 40%. To help out those of us who are in that percentile and looking for an incredible place to relax in the lap of luxury, we’ve found four of the most striking stays for you to choose from on your next getaway to the luxurious Riviera region.
Hotel Provençal
Hotel Provençal has been a family-run business for four generations, so the staff are absolute pros at catering. Located in the French and Niçoise fishing village of Villefranche-sur-Mer, the hotel has large bedrooms decked with dark stained oak furniture and world class views of the piercing-blue bay. Guests relax on the sun terrace, surrounded by the scent of pine needles, enjoying a crisp beverage while the Mediterranean laps the rocks below. Visit the shaded gardens of the Citadelle Saint-Elme (the town’s 16th-century fortress) or spend the day balancing on a stand-up paddleboard at the Plage de Passable in nearby Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Or if you fancy a road trip adventure, rent a car and take the 2-hour drive up to Monaco, along the same winding roads of the famous Monaco Grand Prix.
Hôtel Les Roches Blanches
Sitting on the edge of a limestone cliff just one kilometre from Cassis’ city centre, you’ll find Hôtel Les Roches Blanches. This stunning hotel has hosted guests the likes of Winston Churchill and Edith Piaf, and is now a popular spot for those seeking a romantic rendezvous set back somewhat from the coast’s cities. Lounge away the day playing a game of pétanque (also known as boules), followed by a magic hour dip in the black mosaic infinity pool. There is truly no better nightcap than gazing at the view of Cassis harbour’s twinkling yachts, with the cliffs of Cap Canaille in the distance.
Radisson Blu Hotel Nice
Just outside city center on Nice’s Promenade des Anglais is Radisson Blu Hotel Nice. This is an ideal spot for the traveller who values luxury but not at the expense of the community or the environment. A fifth of the hotel’s electricity comes from renewable sources, and environmentally friendly practices are in place to reduce and reuse day-to-day waste. When you arrive, head to the rooftop terrace and relax under the gentle afternoon sun while gazing at sailboats on the Baie des Anges take part in Nice’s traditional regatta and luxury liners cruising along the horizon.
Tiara Miramar Beach Hotel & Spa
After a night out in Cannes, the best place to end up is by the luxurious pool.
The coastal city of Cannes is well acquainted with Hollywood and international A-listers and plays hosts to festivals including the renowned International Film Festival and Cannes Lions, to name a few. For those looking to dive headfirst into the quintessential lavish Riviera lifestyle experience, stay at Tiara Miramar Beach Hotel & Spa. The rooms are decorated with refined, classical furnishings that are made to feel even more luxurious alongside views of the Mediterranean. Spend the day lounging by the pool, on the hotel’s private beach or by indulging at the free onsite spa with a steam bath and sauna. If you’d rather head out into Cannes in hopes of spotting a Naomi Campbell or a Bono, a public bus to the centre of Cannes stops directly in front of Tiara Miramar Beach Hotel & Spa. Just because you’re fancy now doesn’t mean you should pass up a good transport deal, now does it?
With a mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world where it’s safe to travel again, you can find excellent property stays with discounts starting at 15% on Booking.com’s Travel Deals page.