When it comes to the ultimate travel destination for luxury lovers, it doesn’t get much better than the south of France. The French Riviera is renowned for its breath-taking coastline, opulent hotels, lavish fine dining eateries and sophisticated beach clubs, and draws in thousands of affluent visitors each summer as they flock in to enjoy its abundance of sunshine, pretty beaches and renowned casinos.
A playground for the rich and famous, it isn’t uncommon to rub shoulders with the stars here, and with luxury yachts lining the harbours of some of the Cote d’Azur’s most sought after destinations, it’s a place where people come both to see, and be seen.
If you’re planning a lavish getaway to the south of France this summer, then suffice it to say that you’re in for a treat. Here, we take a look at some of the top destinations you won’t want to miss – glitz and glamour guaranteed.
Monaco
Each spring, thousands of Formula One fans descend on the tiny independent nation of Monaco to take in the annual Monegasque Grand Prix, when the city of Monte Carlo comes to life as some of the world’s most famous drivers battle it out to win this iconic race. The atmosphere is quite simply electric, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best times to be in Monaco – but if Formula One isn’t your cup of tea, then there’s plenty of other reasons to visit besides.
Home to the historic Casino de Monte Carlo, which dates all the way back to 1865, Monaco is certainly a place of excess, and high-rollers can regularly be found placing huge wagers at its roulette wheel and poker tables – so if you’re in search of a place where you can let off some steam, or simply spectate as some incredibly nail-biting action unfolds, then look no further.
According to the experts at Manekinekocasino, Casino de Monte Carlo remains one of the most iconic casinos in the world, and is a must-see during your time in the city. So, if you’re ready for a night of opulence and sophistication, then look no further.
For accommodation, the lavish Hotel de Paris Monte Carlo ticks all the right boxes, and as well as offering up a range of premium facilities and impeccable service for guests, it’s right in the thick of the action.
Cannes
The French Riviera’s most stylish resort of all, Cannes is a haven for luxury lovers, and is awash with expensive supercars, high-end designer boutiques, and of course, a whole host of beautiful people. Host to a string of prestigious events throughout the year – from the famous Cannes Film Festival to the annual Cannes Yachting Festival, you’ll almost invariably find something going on here during the summer months – making it the perfect time to visit.
If you’re looking to splash some cash on your travels, then you’ll have little trouble doing it here. Home to some of the world’s finest Michelin-star restaurants like Le Park 45 at Le Grand Hotel and La Palme d’Or on the iconic Boulevard de la Croisette, you’ll need to book well in advance if you hope to get a table for dinner – and after shopping up a storm at Chanel, Fendi and Cartier beforehand, you’ll certainly be in need of a refuel.
Check in at the ultra-luxe Hotel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes for a few days and be sure to visit Cannes’ stylish beach clubs, where you can sip on the finest champagne and take in evening entertainment from a star-studded line-up of world-renowned DJs throughout the summer.
Nice
The vibrant, cosmopolitan city of Nice has long been a favourite summer destination amongst the affluent. Featuring stunning Belle Epoque architecture with pretty, pastel-coloured buildings and quaint, narrow streets in its historic old town, it’s the perfect place to get lost for a few weeks of the year and provides endless opportunities for fine dining, shopping and enjoying its seafront location.
Its pebbled beaches are home to a plethora of stylish beach clubs serving up fresh seafood and coming alive at night with live music events, making for the perfect place in which to relax and unwind. To take it one step further, head to one of the city’s high-class hotels and take advantage of their opulent on-site spas – the Boscolo Nice and the Hyatt Regency Palais de la Mediterranee both offer a host of lavish facilities and impeccable service, too. The latter also has its own casino, which attracts high-rolling gamblers throughout the year – so if you’re after a little evening entertainment, then look no further.
