MY TRAVEL
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Below is a well researched list of iconic hotels + restaurants that I would love to enjoy someday. Some of the locations I have first hand knowledge about from family + friends who have stayed at some of the hotels or dined at some of the restaurants mentioned below.
If you would like to book a stay at one or more of the hotels below, just click on the hotel name + it will take you to the Expedia website with my affiliate link. Thank you to Expedia Group for partnering with me on this post.
FRENCH RIVIERA
Otherwise known as the South of France includes: St. Tropez, Saint Raphaël, Antibes, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. The French Riviera is Europe's most storied summer playground. Stretching from Marseilles to Menton, expect a scenic, rocky coast speckled with iconic hotels, beautiful white sand beaches, hidden coves + free-flowing rosé.
Iconic PLACES TO STAY
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc - 167-165 Bd J. F. Kennedy, 06160 Antibes, France
This heavenly setting above the rocks has captivated all at first sight. When Le Figaro’s founder, Auguste De Villemessant, first set eyes on ‘Le Cap’, he envisaged Villa Soleil, a place of inspiration for writers. Dashing Russian aristocrats Paul de Fersen, + then Alexis de Plestcheyeff, eventually brought his idea to life + in 1870 Grand Hotel du Cap began her elegant history. It was visionary hotelier, Antoine Sella, who established a halcyon retreat for creative spirits + grand romantic encounters, the Riviera legend was born.
CANNES
Iconic PLACES TO STAY
Hôtel Martinez - 73 Bd de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes, France.
A luxury eco-certified hotel near Promenade de la Croisette. Located close to Palace of Festivals + Conferences + Cannes Harbour, Hôtel Martinez, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt provides a beach bar, a terrace + shopping on site.
With a private beach, beachfront dining + sun loungers, this hotel is the perfect place to soak up some sun. For some rest + relaxation, visit the Turkish bath/hammam, + indulge in a body treatment, a body scrub, or a manicure/pedicure.
At the 3 on-site restaurants, enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner + a Michelin star rated meal. Yoga classes + fitness classes are offered at the gym; other things to do include water skiing + bike rentals.
Instagram: @Hotel.Martinez_Cannes
Where To EAT
Bijou Plage - Private Beach, Restaurant + Cocktail Bar (Square Verdun, Bd de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes, France)
Bistrot Casanova - 4 bis rue Hoche 06400 Cannes France
MONACO
Monte Carlo
Iconic PLACES TO STAY
The Maybourne Riviera - 1551 Rte de la Turbie, 06190 Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France
A luxury boutique hotel near Casino Monte Carlo. Consider a stay at The Maybourne Riviera, Maybourne Hotel Collection + take advantage of free breakfast, a beach bar + a poolside bar.
This hotel is a great place to bask in the sun with a nearby private beach, sun loungers + a free beach shuttle.
Indulge in a manicure/pedicure, hydrotherapy + a body wrap at The Maybourne Riviera Spa, the onsite spa.
At the 4 on-site restaurants, enjoy lunch, dinner, kids' meals, light fare + a Michelin star rated meal.
Instagram: Part of @MaybourneHotelGroup w/ Michelin starred @RestaurantCeto
Hotel Metropole Monte Carlo - 4 Av. de la Madone, 98000 Monaco
A luxury family-friendly hotel near Casino Monte Carlo. Located close to Circuit de Monaco + Grimaldi Forum, Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo – The Leading Hotels of the World provides a poolside bar, a terrace + a shopping mall on site. Active travelers can enjoy pilates at this hotel. Indulge in a deep-tissue massage, a body treatment + a facial at Spa Metropole By Givenchy, the onsite spa. At the 4 on-site restaurants, enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner + a Michelin star rated meal. Yoga classes are offered at the gym; the property also has a garden, a library + dry cleaning/laundry services + a free kid's club.
NEARBY TOWN TO VISIT - Limone Piemonte
Limone Piemonte (Vivaro-Alpine: Limon) is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Cuneo in the Italian region Piedmont, located about 100 kilometres (62 mi) south of Turin + about 20 kilometres (12 mi) south of Cuneo, on the border w/ France.
Limone Piemonte is a mountain resort in Italy's Cuneo province that's accessible by car from Monaco + the French Riviera. It's also possible to reach Limone by train from Monaco-Monte-Carlo, which takes about 5 hours + 26 minutes.
Limone is near the Ligurian Riviera + the Riserva Bianca ski area, which has 80 km of slopes + 17 ski lifts.
Other ways to get to Limone include:
Helicopter: Charter a helicopter from Monaco to Limone for a scenic flight over the Alps.
Bus: Take a scheduled bus to the hamlets, ski slopes + ski lifts.
Shuttle: In winter, take a shuttle from the town center to the ski lifts.
NICE
Where To EAT
Le Petite Maison - 11 rue Saint François de Paule
Refined niçoise + Mediterranean meat + seafood dishes in an elegant setting with sidewalk dining.
Instagram: @lapetitemaison_nice
Email: lpmnice@gmail.com
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Where To STAY
Airelles Gordes, La Bastide - 61 Rue de la Combe, Gordes 84220
Luxury family-friendly palace near Luberon Regional Park. Located close to Château de Gordes + Village des Bories, Airelles, La Bastide de Gordes provides a free breakfast buffet, an adjacent golf course + a poolside bar.
Indulge in a facial, reflexology + a massage at the onsite spa.
The on-site Michelin star rated restaurant, L'Orangerie, offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner + French cuisine.
Fitness classes + yoga classes are offered at the gym; Airelles, La Bastide de Gordes also has a terrace, shopping on site + a garden. In addition to a playground + a hair salon, guests can also enjoy a seasonal outdoor pool + an indoor pool.
Instagram:
An @AirellesCollection Hotel
Restaurant: @CloverGordes
Restaurant: @BastideDePierres
Hotel Les Roches Rouges - 90 Bd de la 36ème division du Texas, 83530 Saint-Raphaël, France
A luxury hotel located in Le Dramont. Consider a stay at Les Roches Rouges, part of the Beaumier Hotels Collection + take advantage of a free breakfast buffet, a poolside bar + a terrace.
Adventurous travelers may like the scuba diving, cycling, + beach yoga. Treat yourself to a massage at the onsite spa. Guests can find other amenities such as a garden + a library.
Be sure to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine + a beachfront location at the 2 on-site restaurants which includes the Michelin star restaurant Récif by Chef Jose Bailly.
Instagram: @JoseBailly
Hôtel Cap-Estel - 1312 Av. Raymond Poincaré, 06360 Èze, France
Luxury hotel by the sea. A poolside bar, a terrace + a garden are just a few of the amenities provided at Hôtel Cap-Estel. This hotel is a great place to bask in the sun with a private beach + sun loungers.
Treat yourself to hydrotherapy, a body scrub, or a massage at the onsite spa.
The on-site restaurant offers lunch + dinner.
Chateau La Coste + Villa La Coste - 2750 Route De La Cride, 13610 Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade, France. A 600-acre sculpture park, art destination + organic winery in Provence. The property includes Villa La Coste a luxury hotel.
Instagram:
@VillaLaCoste
Host @FrancisMallmann_Provence
Château de Fonscolombe - Rte de Saint-Canadet, 13610 Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade, France. A luxurious 5-star hotel + vineyard in Provence, France, nestled in a secluded area near Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade, offering a blend of history, elegance, + relaxation.
Hôtel + Spa des Gorges du Verdon - 50 Chem. de Boulogne, 04120 La Palud-sur-Verdon, France. Enjoy 4-star luxury, great local cuisine with exceptional views over the Natural Regional Park of Verdon.
Crillon Le Brave - Place de l'Eglise, 84410 Crillon-le-Brave, France
A 5-star hotel in the heart of the Vaucluse, occupying virtually all of a 17th-century village perched in the foothills of the Mont Ventoux, it's a draw for the elevated location + views. Be sure to dine at the restaurant, La Madeleine.
Instagram: @La_Madeleine_Restaurant Part of @MaisonSpariente
Château de Berne - Chemin des Imberts, 83780 Flayosc, France
A prestigious 18th-century estate in Provence, France, known for its wine production, 5-star Relais & Châteaux hotel, Michelin-starred restaurant + spa, making it a popular destination for wine tourism + relaxation.
Ultimate Provence - 7270 Route du Luc, La Garde-Freinet
Sitting within immaculate organic vineyards, UP Ultimate Provence Hotel, a Member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is the perfect place to unwind. It is a contemporary boutique hotel with its own vineyard, chic outdoor bar and award-winning rosé in the South of France.
Instagram: Part of @SmallLuxuryHotels + @ARTravelHotels
Where To EAT
Loulou Restaurants - Plage de Pampelonne, 1080 Chem. des Tamaris, 83350 Ramatuelle, France
Loulou Restaurants - 46 Av. Winston Churchill, 06190 Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France
edú restaurant - 17 Av. Albert Schweitzer, 13210 Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France
TOWNS TO VISIT IN
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Village de Lourmarin - Lourmarin is not a typical perched, hill-top village, but it is one of the loveliest Luberon villages + also officially one of The Most Beautiful Villages in France.
If your idea of a perfect Provence village includes cafes + restaurants spilling out onto the cobbled streets, Lourmarin is the place for you.
There must be 15 restaurants + cafes to choose from, from simple to Michelin-starred. In the centre of the village where the roads converge there are tables everywhere on the sidewalk for anything from a coffee in the morning sun to a 5-course dinner.
Where To STAY
LE MOULIN - Av. Raoul Dautry, 84160 Lourmarin, France
An inn + local shop in a typically charming Provençal village. Inspiring, harmonious + full of life!
LE GALINIER - 46 Av. du 8 Mai 1945, 84160 Lourmarin, France
The guest house (on the Le Moulin property mentioned above) offers the perfect setting in which to rest as you gaze at the beautiful scenery.
Bonnieux - One of the most impressive Luberon villages, in size + amenities, with plenty of restaurants + cafes to choose from, a really good market on Friday morning, even a bakery museum!
Where To STAY
CAPELONGUE - Les Claparèdes, 550 Chem. des Cabanes, 84480 Bonnieux, France.
With views over the village of Bonnieux + Mont Ventoux, amid cicadas + fig trees, sits a perfect Provençal haven of peace + quiet.
MORE TOWNS TO VISIT IN
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Saint-Raphaël - A resort town on the French Riviera (Côte d'Azur) in southeastern France, in the Var department, known for its beaches + proximity to the Massif de l'Estérel. Numerous beaches line the Mediterranean coast, some in rocky coves like Fournas + Maupas.
Èze is a seaside commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in Southeastern France. It is located on the French Riviera, 8.5 km to the northeast of Nice + 4.5 km to the west of Monaco.
SAINT-TROPEZ
Nestled along the French Riviera + a short drive from Nice or Cannes, St. Tropez is one of the liveliest towns along the coast during the summer.
Where To STAY
Hôtel Le Y - Av. Paul Signac, 83990 Saint-Tropez, France
A charming boutique hotel located on the heights of the mythical village, at the foot of the Citadel, two minutes from the Port + the beach of La Ponche.
Lounge at the pool + be sure to order the club sandwich!
Chateau de la Messardiere - 2 Route de Tahiti, Saint Tropez.
An Aires Collection Hotel. A palace hotel that celebrates pleasures great + small. Close enough to Saint-Tropez + its sizzling beaches to be convenient for guests. Set within 13 idyllic hectares of parasol pines, cypress trees + jasmine, Château de La Messardière is a jewel of the Côte d'Azur.
Instagram: @airescollection
Where To EAT
Mory Sacko at Louis Vuitton - Place des Lices, 83990 Saint-Tropez
Michelin-starred Mory Sacko is shaking up the French dining scene, from Paris to Saint-Tropez. Featuring a menu inspired by African + Japanese cuisines.
Check out these Instagram accounts:
@mory_sacko_
@MorySackoatLouis Vuitton
@CarraraRestaurant
@MatsuhisaSaintTropez
SOUTHEASTERN FRANCE
GORDES
+
LES BAUX DE PROVENCE
(Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France)
Where To STAY
Domaine de Manville - 13520 Les Baux-de-Provence, France
A country house hotel in the heart of the Provence with 5-star service villas + a luxury, olive-enshrouded spa.
Where To EAT
Mesiba - 15 B Av. André et Denis Pellissier, 13210 Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France
La Tete d'ail - 13 Bd Anatole France, 13600 La Ciotat, France.
The cutest family owned restaurant.
La Chassagnette - Mas de la Chassagnette, D36 Route Sambuc, 13200 Arles, France. A Michelin starred restaurant on an organic farm.
Things TO DO
Biarritz - In June - end of July, visit the lavender fields when they are in full bloom. Go to Abbaye de Senanque Notre Dame to check out the fields.
Les Baux de Provence - Carrier de Lumière + visit the Château.
Visit all the neighboring villages in the area. Rent a car to make it easy.
Visit Saint Remy, Luberon + Gordes which is known as the most beautiful place in the world.
Outdoor market in the heart of Saint Remy on Wednesdays from 7am - 2pm.
Where To STAY
Villa Hautvallon - 783 Rte de Murs, 84220 Gordes, France
Located just 10 minutes walk from the center of the historic village of Gordes, Villa Hautvallon is the ideal place to stay during your visit to the region.
BIARRITZ
Southwestern France
Where To STAY
Hôtel Du Palais Biarritz - 1 Av. de l'Impératrice, 64200 Biarritz
The Unbound Collection by Hyatt. An iconic gem of Biarritz, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Founded in 1854, this former imperial residence of Napoleon III + Empress Eugénie invites you to a unique stay, where history + charm meet the extraordinary.
Where To EAT
La Table d'Aurélien Largeau - Located inside the Hôtel Du Palais Biarritz.
BORDEAUX
Saint-Émilion - near Bordeaux. Bordeaux isn't just a city with the same name as the famous French wine. With 350 historical buildings + monuments, dozens of museums + art galleries, a brand new wine experience center + some of the best food in all of France, it's no wonder even the Parisians are leaving Paris for Bordeaux.
VINEYARD + WINERY
Château Ambe Tour Pourret - D243, Secteur Pourret, 33330 Saint-Émilion, France
Email: visite@vignobles-lannoye.fr
Where To EAT
Le Poulailler d'Augustin Volailler Rôtisseur - 1 Pl. du Pradeau, 33000 Bordeaux, France
Loulou Restaurants - 145 Rue de la Poste Airelles, 73150 Val-d'Isère, France
HOSSEGOR
A tiny coastal surf town in southwestern France.
Where To STAY
Villa Seren Hossegor - 1111 Av. du Touring Club, 40150 Soorts-Hossegor, France
The spacious + comfortable guestrooms offer an uninterrupted view over Lake Hossegor.
Where To EAT
Le Bistro Balneaire - 1830 Av. du Touring Club, 40150 Soorts-Hossegor, France
Things TO DO
Surf Rental + Lessons
Chipiron Surfboards - 358 Av. des Charpentiers, 40150 Soorts-Hossegor, France
Check out these Instagram accounts:
@Madame_Chipiron
@Goldie_Blondie
MASSIGNAC
+
MIDI-PYRENEES
(Southwest France)
Where To STAY
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