The Journal
The French Riviera Travel Guide
The French Riviera Travel Guide
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2 min
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JOIN PHOTOGRAPHER AND CONTENT CREATOR, MADELINE LU, ON HER MOST RECENT TRIP TO THE SOUTH OF FRANCE AND GET SOME EXCLUSIVE INSIDE TIPS
The French Riviera is calling and we must go. When looking up the history of the region, I learned that it was actually Stéphen Liégeard, a French lawyer and poet, who first coined the phrase “Côte d’Azur” in 1887. He defined it as “the strip of coast between Marseille and Italy”. The region was increasingly frequented by the English aristocracy and the European elites after they developed a taste for travel back in the 18th century. They called it the “Garden of Eden” and found the area charming and healing during mild winter months. Nowadays, the French Riviera is known for its beach, picture perfect water, views, Medieval villages, yachts and as a playground for the rich and famous.
— Madeline Lu’s travel companion wearing the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Ref. IW388110
PROVENÇAL AND MEDITERRANEAN FLAIR
To experience that timeless elegance and iconic glamour on the Côte d’Azur, we stayed at the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel. With a guestbook signed by everyone from Elizabeth Taylor to Winston Churchill, this property has been the epitome of Côte d’Azur since 1908 when it was first founded. Perched on the hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat has sumptuous rooms with views to Nice and Monaco, a James-Bond-style funicular leading to the clifftop beach club and pool, and a Michelin-starred restaurant that excels Provençal and Mediterranean cuisine. The property was also featured in the recent Netflix romantic drama “Emily in Paris” (S2E2) as the perfect place for a fun girls’ trip and healing some broken hearts.
For dinner, we thought to try out the “Secret Garden” private dinner by restaurant “Le Cap” of Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat. This Michelin-starred restaurant is one of the finest dining addresses on the French Riviera. It is hidden by the lush gardens, but facing the beautiful Mediterranean view. The immensely talented chef Yoric Tièche crafts some exquisite French dishes with some Italian influences. As it turned out, it was one of the most romantic dining experiences we have ever had. Surrounded by flickering candles and large fresh bouquets, we drank champagne and savoured catch of the day, fresh peas picked from the nearby French countryside, and freshly baked warm bread rolls. Every bite was simply a pleasure for the senses.
Being known for the panoramic view of the sea from its hill top, Èze has also many boutique shops, galleries and luxury hotels housed in medieval style buildings. I feel like being transported back to the Middle Ages, when strolling along narrow streets.
LETTING TIME TICK AWAY
After waking up to wonderful view, it is time to explore the region. Just a short ten-minute drive away from the hotel, we arrived at Villefranche-sur-Mer, one of the most charming authentic fishing villages on the French Riviera. Red tile roofs, bricked church and bell tower in the village centre, and narrow cobblestone streets leading towards the sea, Villefranche-sur-Mer gives me quite the medieval feeling here. The focal point of the village is the quai, French word for “a path beside a waterway”, where a line of cafes and restaurants facing the yacht harbour are located. I loved sitting there, sipping coffee, watching people, enjoying the blue of the Mediterranean Sea and letting my IWC Portugieser Chronograph tick away.
Next stop on our itinerary is to visit Èze, another Medieval village we simply can’t miss at the Côte d’Azur. Being known for the panoramic view of the sea from its hill top, Èze has also many boutique shops, galleries and luxury hotels housed in medieval style buildings. I feel like being transported back to the Middle Ages, when strolling along narrow streets. Since we are also botany lovers, we have to see the Exotic Garden, Le Jardin exotique d’Eze, which has a lots of exotic cacti and other botanical species.
— Madeline Lu wearing the Portugieser Chronograph IW371611 with green rubber strap
— When food meets view: Le Plongeoir in Nice
FROM FISHING VILLAGE TO TOP-CLASS SPOT
Of course, our trip to the French Riviera will not be complete without setting our feet into St. Tropez, which is quite simply the most famous and glamorous village on the French Riviera. The village was once the summer escape for the Parisian Left Bank. Many of the artistic and dissolute in Europe were the loyal visitors, Picasso, Juliette Greco, and Boris Vian, just to name a few. However, it was Brigitte Bardot, the rebellious French starlet who really put St. Tropez on the map. With her film 'And God Created Woman’ and her living on the island, she transformed St. Tropez into a desirable vacation spot for the wealthy and, over the next decade, the once small fishing village became synonymous with international celebrities.
Restaurant Le Plongeoir has been long on our list as a place to dine. Located on a rock planted in the middle of the waves, the restaurant offers a breathtaking view from its cliffside terrace. The guests can enjoy some breeze from the sea and a view that extends to the horizon. The delicious dishes offered are Mediterranean inspired, evolving with the seasons and products from the market. I think many people will find the magical and romantic dining atmosphere here to be unique and unforgettable.
Enjoying an amazing breakfast with the Portugieser Chronograph Ref. IW371611
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Pool view at the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat
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Charming medieval town of Èze near Nice
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Time for dinner at Le Plongeoir
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Images and text by @madelinelu
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