Paris

The City of Lights and Love is truly special. There is so much to do, see, and taste in Paris and often too little time, making it easy to feel overwhelmed when planning. Besides the major sites, our favorite way to enjoy the French capital is just walking around the different neighborhoods, stopping in a café to just enjoy the moment.

Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly are the two nearest international airports. Orly is smaller and offers the Orlybus shuttle from the airport to Paris Denfert-Rochereau Station in the city center. The bus costs about €8, takes roughly 30 minutes, and departs every 15-20 minutes. It is also possible to take a bus from de Gaulle into the city but may take longer due to traffic. Uber is also in the city and an efficient option.

If you are coming from London, take the Eurostar from St. Pancras Station direct to Paris Gare du Nord. The trip takes about 2.5 hours total.

While Paris is magical any time of year, we love it best in spring and fall. The weather is milder and the tourists that descend upon the city in summer have long gone home. Try visiting during the first weekend of October, when Parisians celebrate Nuit Blanche. “White Night” is an all-night festival when museums, art galleries and other cultural institutions are free and open all night. The city also celebrates special installations and performances which are hosted in public spaces throughout the city.

While in France attempt to speak French! Parisians are friendly but even friendlier if you dust off your rusty high school French.

EAT

Brasserie Bellanger- Cozy and inviting traditional French Brasserie in the 10th Arr.

Café de Flore A Paris staple. Head here for brunch- one of the best french onion soups in town!

Chez Alain MIam Miam - Hearty sandwiches and crepes in the 2nd Arr. Go during the weekday to beat the crowds.

Derriere A fun and funky spot for dinner. Good for groups.

Ellsworth Casual spot where the Parisians take on some American classics

Restuarant Girafe Paris - trendy and upscale restaurant in the 16th. Go for the views and the vibe.

Le Comptoir du Relais A well-known bistro in St. Germain.

La Jacobine A tiny, adorable and affordable restaurant in St. Germain. Make a reservation for dinner.

Le Marais Boulangeries (bakeries) Wander around the neighborhood and treat yourself to the local specialities: croissant, pain au chocolate, baguette tradition, and chausson aux pomme.

La Petite Perigourdine Quintessential French restaurant in the Latin Quarter. Try the steak and aligot, a smooth, buttery potato side.

Le Relais de L’Entrecôte No menu, only Steak and Fries- a trademark spot in Paris. The food is simple but done to perfection. No reservations so we recommend to go early!

Saint Pearl Tasty brunch option in Saint Germain-des-Prés. Try the dirty chai and pancakes. Its a small spot so you to need be patient with the service!

Will`s Deli Not your traditional French lunch but great for a quick lunch. The Reuben is one of the best we have found in Europe!

DRINK

Bar du Marché This St. Germain bar is open late and a great stop for a night cap.

Candelaria Not far from Le Marais, this taqueria features a hidden, speakeasy in the back. Good for cocktails.

Chez Jeannette Hip bar between the 3rd and 10th arrondissements with a PYT crowd.

Gramme Paris - Cute coffee shop & restaurant in le Marais

Le Perchoir Marais Chic neighborhood rooftop bar

Les deux Maggots Hemingway is rumored to have frequented this old world, St. Germain cafe. Stop here for a coffee or beer and watch the world go by.

Le Syndicat An amazing cocktail bar in the 10th.

Lockwood Relaxed and understated cocktails in the 2nd.

OChateau Wine + Cheese tasting lunch Lunch and learn!

Prescription Cocktail Club Posh cocktail lounge in St. Germain. Recommended by friends.

PLAY

Centre Pompidou- This is home to the largest modern art collection in Europe and is home to a large public library. Pompidou is also known to host many traveling exhibits so be sure to check out whats on during your next visit!

Eiffel Tour Paris’ most beloved icon. Sit on the lawn and admire the view with a picnic.

Jardin du Luxembourg A lush sanctuary in the heart of the 6th arrondissement.

L'Arc de Triomphe Stop to admire this monument built to honor Napoleon before strolling down the posh Avenue des Champs-Élysées.

Le Marais One of Paris’ coolest neighborhoods, go for the delicious French pastries, medieval cobble-stoned alleys and trendy boutiques. We especially love Blue Lemon Paris, Merci and Sézane.

Louvre Home to da Vinci’s timeless Mona Lisa, plan to spend at least a half day at the world’s most famous museum. While here, check out the nearby Tuileries Gardens. Bring some cheese, wine, baguettes, and enjoy the views.

Montmartre This village-esque art enclave on a hill is one of our favorite neighborhoods in Paris. Stop by the Sunday Brocante des Abbesses market, admire the Sacre Coeur church, observe the street artists and musicians, and look out across the gorgeous city view. The Moulin Rouge is also nearby.

Musée d'Orsay Internationally recognized for its Impressionist art, including works by Monet, Manet, Degas, Cézanne and more. The museum is closed on Mondays.

Notre Dame Cathedral A must see. Truly beautiful architecure inside and it. Aside from your day visit, we recommend an evening walk along the river to photograph the illuminated cathedral.

Saint Germain and the Latin Quarter The 5th and 6th arrondissements are traversed by the ghosts of literary and artistic legends who flocked here in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today these bohemian, student neighborhoods are excellent for a mosey around. Be sure to check out Le Bon Marché (the oldest department store in Paris) for a little shopping!

Seine river cruise A bit touristy but offers amazing views of the city from a different vantage point. Go at sunset.

Day Trips

No trip to France is complete without a visit to the Champagne region. Home to Moet, Veuve Clicquot, and Dom Perignon, this region is a must see. Rent a car for a self-guided trip or book a tour through Ô Chateau.

Palace of Versailles The opulent, former seat of the French monarchy is an easy day trip from the center of Paris. About an hour by train, go in the morning to tour the chateau before spending an hour or two in the gardens. For a little insider tip, rent a golf cart to explore the full extent of the gardens. Buy tickets online in advance.

STAY

Our favorite neighborhoods to stay in are Le Marais (3rd arrondissement), the Latin Quarter (5th) and Saint Germain (6th). Airbnbs are generally the best value for money. We enjoyed our stay at Bonsoir Madame, this four star boutique hotel is perfect for a short stay! Great location, cute (but small!) rooms and lovely staff. Friends have also recommended the four star Hôtel Atmosphères near the Sorbonne in the 6th arrondissement.

Paris

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Bordeaux

Picture a mini Parisian city, without the crowds but surrounded by the most significant wine-growing terrior in France - this is Bordeaux! Expect incredible places to wine and dine, amazing architecture and an all around charming city.

Bordeaux is the largest and most significant wine growing region in France. It is the leading appellation (AOC) of France, attributed to the great diversity and high quality of its terrior. If you enjoy wine, this should be a must stop region when in France.

Bordeaux is located in the southwestern region of France and easily reached by car, plane or train. Arriving by plane? We recommend flying into Bordeaux-Merignac International Airport (BOD), which is about 10 kilometers from the city center. There is also a high-speed train (TGV) from Paris-Montparnasse which only takes two hours.

In wine terms, the city is divided into two parts, the Left Bank were you’ll find the famous, premium AOCs of Margaux, Médoc, Graves and Sauternes, and the Right Bank where you’ll find Pomerol and Saint-Émilion. Four of the most well known appellations on the Left Bank are St-Estèphe, Pauillac, Saint Julien and Margaux.

EAT

Bordeaux offers a taste of many French delicacies in the city and surrounding regions. There is so much to try that you can easily fill up a weekend eating and drinking your way through the city. Note that some restaurants close between lunch and dinner service, so be sure to time meals accordingly! Reservations are recommended (especially in the current COVID-19 environment) .

Chai Pascal A more casual option compared to L'Huitrier Pie but tasty nonetheless! Great for lunch.

Restaurant Cromagnon Chef Oxana delights with a creative menu, combining flavors and tastes to excite your pallet. Order a la carte or go for the tasting menu with the wine pairing.

L'Huitrier Pie Another amazing stop. This gem is right off the main entrance to the city of Saint-Émilion and should be at the top of your list. Beautifully crafted plates with an explosion of flavors, this stop was a genuine delight.

Le M Lovely ambience and incredible modern, French food. This spot should be high on your list. We chose the five course tasting menu: unforgettable!

Marché des Capucins is a historical local market offering local produce, cheese & wine, plus prepared foods & coffee.

The Place du Parlement is a square filled with great restaurants right in the city center.

Restaurant Soléna This Michelin star spot is well worth a visit. The food is creative but not overwhelming. Dishes are fairly simply (no more than three ingredients per recipe). They also offer a surprise menu for those daring to try!

DRINK

We highly recommend booking a wine tour or renting a car for a self-guided tour through the region. There is so much to see and try in the region. If you chose the self-guided route, be sure to research and select your wineries in advance, making reservations where needed.

Not keen on driving? We loved our tour with Ophorus. The company offers small group tours with English speaking guides. We have been on both the Medoc and the Bordeaux, full day tours. We really enjoyed the wine tastings and freedom provided in the tour to explore Saint Émilion.

The following are a few of our favorite places for wine and more:

Cave Wine Not Traditional wine shop in Saint-Émilion where you can organize tours and tastings, or simply stop in and buy your favorite vintage.

L’Alchimiste Right off the main street, this is a cute little spot to grab a coffee and chill. The service is very friendly.

Le Bar à Vin Wine bar offering local Bordeaux wines.

Thunevin Wine producer, distributer and shop located in Saint-Émilion. We stopped in to try a few wines are were not disappointed. The owner was very kind, spoke English with us and explained all of the wines in great detail.

PLAY

Garaonne Riverfront Promenade Perfect for a walk!

Jardin Public a beautiful 25 acres of gardens, small ponds, bridges, and flowers. This is the perfect spot to relax, picnic, go on a run through, or even nap. Passing through, stop at the l’Orangerie for coffee or lunch.

La Cité du Vin A museum dedicated to all things wine. Learn about the history, geography, geology, and also how it’s made around the world.

Miroir d’Eau - Be sure to check out the world’s biggest reflecting pool. Take a stroll along the river and enjoy the beautiful reflections of the Place de la Bourse.

Porte Cailhau Visit this historic site which used to be the main entrance into the old city walls of Bordeaux.

Shop and stroll through Sainte Catherine Street, with over a kilometer of boutiques, restaurants and bars. For smaller boutiques with local designers, try Mieux and Apache.

DAY TRIPS

Saint-Émilion is definitely a must stop for wine lovers, but this medieval, UNESCO World Heritage Site is charming with or without wine. The town is about 40 minutes from Bordeaux. We have noted above some of our favorite restaurants in the area.

Head west to the sea and check out Arcachon Bay. The perfect stop for sunshine, world renowned oysters and some prestigious wine.

Rent a car for a day and head to the beautiful beaches in Biarritz. Biarritz is located 2.5 hours from Bordeaux, and an awesome place to go to enjoy the sun, sand and surf. In the evening, be sure to check out Les Halles, the trendy area of Biarritz.

STAY

We recommend staying in the city center if you are only in Bordeaux for a few days and doing day trips to the vineyards. If you are not interested in a city stay, try Saint Émilion as your base. We personally prefer to stay in AirBnbs in this region. There are several options in the city which allow you a bit more flexibility and price ranges.

Chateau Gassies This is BnB offers the perfect stop away from it all. A great place to stay in the summer, fully equipped with a swimming pool, gym and sauna. Breakfast served daily but no restaurant on-site so plan to dine outside the Chateau in the evenings.

In the city, we enjoyed our stay at La Maison Bordeaux, a boutique 4-star hotel. This dog-friendly hotel was a great option for exploring the city and in walking distance to all major sites and top restaurants. Breakfast is available but not included.

Yndo Hotel A beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of the city! This private 19th century mansion has been transformed into a five-star hotel. The hosts are warm and welcoming and there is a restaurant on-site to indulge in.

If you are staying in wine country, we loved our stay at Chez Henri . This simple and rustic BnB is 10 minutes from St. Émilion . The owner, Henri, is a kind-hearted Norwegian sommelier who will ensure you have the best stay. He is even available as a guide for wine tastings and tours.

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Southern Corsica

A week in southern Corsica

Remote and rustic, Corsica is not yet as well known by the Anglo world as its southern neighbor Sardinia. The birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, for centuries Corsica was governed by the Italian Genoese, though the French eventually won the land grab. While an island in the Mediterranean, there is no party there. The Corsicans fought and won against development and today their island enjoys peaceful, Caribbean-grade beaches while avoiding the massive crowds of the Côte d'Azur. There are no hotel or restaurant chains here. Come to Corsica for real, off-the-grid rest and relaxation.

While the summer busy season is the second half of July and all of August, the island is still lovely in June and September. We recommend planning a trip longer than just a 3-4 day weekend, as the airports in the south are an hour or two by car from the best beaches.

Flights between the UK and Corsica run a few times a week, mostly on the weekends. Flights run much more frequently during the busy season between mainland France and Corsica. For easy access to the south, the closest airports are in Ajaccio and Figari. Alternatively, fly into Corsica’s capital, Bastia, which also has the island’s largest airport. However, Bastia is in the north and approximately a 2-3 hour drive south.

A rental car is absolutely needed in Corsica. Drivers take heed as the roads are winding and not for the faint-hearted. Public transport exists (though we didn’t see it), but bus routes are likely few and run far between. Many of Corsica’s prettiest beaches are remote and downhill a long, bumpy, unpaved road.

More below to help you build your itinerary for a week in southern Corsica.

EAT

Chez Ange Swanky spot at the beautiful Plage Rodinara. The road down to the restaurant and beach is long but the view was worth it. Go for lunch and try one of their decadent salads.

Chez Dume A nice, shady spot for an informal lunch in the tiny hamlet of Sainte-Lucie-de-Tallano. Ask to sit on the veranda to admire the mountain view. This orange-roofed village makes for a sweet stop between Sartene and Zonza on the route through the Alta Rocca.

Hotel la Terrasse Quiet, romantic restaurant in Zonza with a beautiful view of the mountains and valley. Food is traditional Coriscan and delicious.

La Cave à Huile d'Olive While lunching in Sainte-Lucie-de-Tallano don’t miss a stop to this little olive oil producer.

Rotisserie chicken This road-side delicacy seems to be the unofficial national food of Corisca. Food trucks are everywhere and the value for money really can’t be beat.

Rotisserie Chez de Franky, north of Porto Vecchio, is one such reputable truck. Pick up a rotisserie chicken with jus and sautéed onions, and a side of pommes de terre, for a casual picnic dinner.

U Arniella Cute-yet-casual beach-side restaurant in Porto Pollo. Great seafood and pizzas. Stay for drinks and the DJ after dinner.

DRINK

Domaine de San Michelli While this winery does have a small shop in Sartène, it unfortunately doesn’t offer tastings yet. However, the wine is good (if you like juicy reds!) and can be found at most restaurants and supermarkets on the island.

Pietra Try the local beer! Order a “pression” (draft) of either blonde or amber.

PLAY

Alta Rocca This mountainous region of southern Corsica features tiny, orange-roofed hamlets, stunning vistas of sharp, rocky peaks, excellent hikes and sparkling gorges. Take a break from the beaches and spend one to two days exploring Corsica’s interior.

Bonifacio Old Town This medieval fortress town overlooking the southern-most cliffs of Corsica has stood for hundreds of years, being passed back and forth between the Italians and French. Its location is incredibly dramatic, as the Old Town and citadel are built high above what appears to be a fjord leading from the Mediterranean several miles inland. While touristy, the Old Town is adorable and quintessentially medieval. Worth a few hours of exploration and an overnight in one of the romantic boutique hotels overlooking the cliffs.

Beach hopping Corsica’s beaches are world class and we spent a perfectly relaxing vacation visiting one to two beaches each day. We’ve listed our favorites below by location:

West Coast Cupabia (quiet and family-friendly), Porto Pollo (small but is connected to a sleepy little beach town), Propriano, Campomoro (hands down our favorite and worth the trek to this western tip of the island) and Roccapina (while the drive down is treacherous, the beach is beautiful. But bring supplies as there are no facilities).

North of Porto Vecchio Favone, Pinarello (stunning, quiet and family friendly)

South of Porto Vecchio Palombaggia, Rodinara, Santa Giulia (near to Porto Vecchio, each of these were definitely the busiest beaches we came across and the most glamorous in terms of clientele)

Boating There is nothing like viewing Corsica from the water. We spent a day with Crosiere Exclusive on this day trip, visiting the islands of Lavezzu and Cavallo, and the remote coastline of southeastern Corsica.

Cascades de Polischellu Natural pools within the Alta Rocca mountain canyon that runs along the D268. Park along the side of the road and find a more secluded spot to enjoy a swim and picnic lunch after hiking in the area. This is a good stop on the D268 between Zonza and Solenzara.

Sartène 16th century town that lies at the entrance to the mountainous interior, with sweeping views of the valley below. It’s is worth a drive by and stopover for an hour or two of exploration. Wine from the Sartène AOC is also renowned on the island.

Zonza Outdoors enthusiasts will delight in this tiny, traditional mountain town in the Alta Rocca region. While the streets role up at night, it is a quaint, quiet spot from which to base oneself for mountain hikes, biking and more. Our biggest regret was not spending another night here to enjoy an extra day hiking in the mountains and swimming in the gorges.

STAY

The south of Corsica is large and the drive from the west to east coast through the Alta Rocca, from roughly Propriano to Solenzara, is about two hours. On either side of the island there are many beach towns and remote beaches dotting the coastline. Corsican towns are also quite small, exempting Bonifacio and Porto Vecchio, so be prepared to relax with long dinners and early-ish bedtimes. We are enclosing a mix of suggestions for a well-rounded road trip.

Bonifacio As previously mentioned, worth staying overnight at one of the hotels overlooking the cliffs and ocean.

Porto Pollo We loved spending two nights in this quiet beach village. The 3-star Auberge Kalliste Hotel Eolabel was a cozy, unassuming option with excellent breakfasts and a two minute walk from the beach.

Porto Vecchio area While there are lots of hotels and Airbnbs close to the city center, for a peaceful retreat closer to the beaches north of Porto Vecchio, check out the 3-star resort Le Kilina. It has a pool, bar, bocce court and restaurant on-site, and its rooms are shaded by tall beach pines.

Zonza As mentioned above, we wished we had stayed another night in this Alta Rocca town. While there are several options to choose from, we enjoyed the boutique Clair de Lune, a short walk from the main street and featuring a small pool.

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Corsica

Provence

France’s southern region of Provence is celebrated internationally for its rosé wines, lavender products, sunshine, stunning landscapes with medieval villages, and it’s proximity to the glamorous Côte d'Azur. With so much to see and do, it is easy to spend a week exploring the region.

If traveling to Provence in the summer, you will almost surely cross paths with tourists. The lavender is in bloom in June and July, and is typically harvested in mid-July (this varies by farm). We visited in late June and while some fields were still early, others were in perfect purple splendor. If the lavender fields aren’t at the top of your list, we recommend avoiding the tourists by traveling during the spring or fall shoulder season.

Provence is a large region and our travels have covered only portions. The region is best accessed via the Marseilles or Nice Airports, and for full flexibility on schedule and timing we recommend renting a car. Choose one area to base yourself from or plan a road trip, staying somewhere new each night. We’ve highlighted our favorite towns and routes in the recommendations below.

Attempt to speak French, no matter how rusty it may be! While many in the hospitality industry will have some basic English, this is more difficult to find in smaller towns. It is easy to get by with a mixture of French, English, Google translator, and well-meaning hand gestures, but attempts at their language will go a long way with the locals.

EAT

La Fleur de Thym This gem of a culinary experience was recommended by our bed and breakfast hosts. It’s an unassuming space in the unassuming village of Flayosc, but the fish and meat dishes were fantastic. Try the three course menu.

La Guinguette du Lac This market nearby Plage Galetas and the Lac de Sainte-Croix is a good place to stock up on food stuffs and water before heading to the beach and lake.

Lavender ice cream Nothing quite like it! Find a small stall in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie featuring a non-dyed variety (many glaciers use a purple food die in their lavender ice cream, and while it looks nice it’s not necessary).

DRINK

Restaurant Le Styx at the Hotel Le Provence This restaurant and hotel in La Palud-sur-Verdon is the perfect stop for un café au lait, un biere, or snacks before continuing to or from the Gorges du Verdon. Pleasant outdoor seating in a quiet space.

Rosé wine Provence is one of the world’s top producers and exporters of rosé. There are numerous wineries and vineyards dotting the region, but if you are looking for a special tour or visit we have heard good things about Chateau d'Esclans and Domaine Rabiega. We also recommend Château d'Estoublon. We visited the Chateau while staying in nearby Les Baux-de-Provence. The winery has a selection of reds and rosés, and a delicious olive oil!

PLAY

Lavender Fields The Valensole plateau in Provence has a high concentration of lavender fields, with lavender distilleries (check out Terraoma Jaubert and Lavandes Angelvin) dotting its roadsides. Start just east of Manosque at the intersection of the D4 and D6, and take the D6 east towards Valensole. From Valensole turn left onto the D8 and head northeast. You’ll past a myriad of fields along this route, and we’ve pinned our favorite one just before the intersection of the D8 and D953.

Gorges du Verdon and Parc Naturel regional du Verdon The Gorges du Verdon are considered Europe’s Grand Canyon, and a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Come here for hiking, biking, white water rafting, kayaking, swimming, and more. Also visit the nearby icy, turquoise waters of the Lac de Sainte-Croix, where the gorge begins. The nearby village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is built into the craggy mountainside and located within the Parc.

Pont du Gard This relic remaining from the Roman occupation of France is a first century AD aqueduct. It is considered the highest of all Roman aqueduct bridges and remains one of the best preserved today, so much so that it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a magical experience to walk across the bridge and marvel at the skill of Rome’s early engineers, and admire the view across the countryside.

Provence’s many medieval villages Make time to explore! Some of the ones we’ve passed include Aups, Comps-sur-Artuby, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, La Palud-sur-Verdon and Villecroze. Stop and spend an hour in a traditional Provençal market, often held one day during the week and one day on the weekend.

DAY TRIPs

Arles and Pont du Gard Formerly a provincial capital of ancient Roman, today the sunny city of Arles retains temples and vestiges of its earlier days. Tucked up against the banks of the Rhône River, its charming streets served as inspiration for the painter Van Gogh. We highly recommend an overnight stop here, to or from your way to the Pont du Gard.

Cassis Warranting a weekend visit, this fishing village is known for its beaches, bistros and beautiful calanques. Take a boat tour of the calanques (coves formed from dramatic limestone cliffs that line the Mediterranean coast). We bought tickets the day-of at the ticket stand toward the left of the Port. The 5 Calanques tour was the perfect length! The calanques can also be explored by foot via hiking in the area or by kayak. Eat at Le Grand Bleu, located central in front of the port. While in Cassis be sure to try the local rosé and Provençal mussels.

Gorges du Verdon, Lac de Sainte-Croix and La Palud-sur-Verdon This area could easily be broken down to 2-3 days, for an easier pace. The road leading in and out of La Palud-sur-Verdon, D952, has stunning views of the Gorges far below. For a really wild ride, take the steep and craggily D23 for even more panoramas. Warning, we only recommend this route for experienced and confident drivers! The villages of Aups, Comps-sur-Artuby and Villecroze are adorable and not far from these main sites. Stop for a few hours at one of the beaches along the Lac de Sainte-Croix. We loved Plage Galetas, where we rented a paddle boat for two hours to explore the lake and gorge, and swim.

Les Baux-de-Provence One of the most beautiful villages in France, Les Baux-de-Provence sits between Arles and Saint Remy de Provence. This medieval village rests atop the hill within the Regional Park of the Alpilles, and offers charming store fronts, scenic terraces, and delicious local cuisine. We stayed one night at the bottom of the village at the 4-star Benvengudo.

Valensole Plateau and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie See above under lavendar fields. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a great stop for a late lunch after a long morning on the D6 and D8 visiting the lavender. Stay overnight night here and then head into the Parc Naturel regional du Verdon the next day to visit the Gorges du Verdon.

STAY

Make the most of a visit to the region by road-tripping and staying in a few places. We would recommend overnight stays in some combination of Arles, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, La Palud-sur-Verdon and Draguignan. Choose a well-reviewed French bed and breakfast for a truly delightful experience with local jams and marmalades, and homemade baguettes and pastries.

We adored our overnight at Bastide des Selves, a quiet country retreat a few miles outside of in Draguignan. Run by a local couple, this small B&B has four spectacularly decorated rooms and serves up a delicious breakfast. We would come back to use Bastide as a base for a longer visit to enjoy the region’s wineries, the nearby Parc Naturel regional du Verdon and beaches of the Côte d'Azur. Both are approximately 40 minutes away by car.

Provence

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Nice

Welcome to the Côte d’Azur! This casual and cool beach town in the French Riviera boasts sparkling Mediterranean coastline, bleached pebble beaches and dramatic cliffs with creeping bourgainvillea and breezy jacaranda trees.

If you are flying into Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, and plan to explore Nice in addition to surrounding areas, hire a car. It is possible, however, and quite easy, to take buses from Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Eze, and a train to Monaco. Taxis and ubers to and from Nice and Monaco are quite expensive.

EAT

Niçoise specialities include socca (thin, chickpea pancake), pissaladière (a savory tart), gnocchi and the well-known Niçoise salad.

La Cave Nature Chic wine bar with fresh, delicious food in Villefranche-sur-Mer. A great stop for lunch on the way to the beach.

L'Escalinada Romantic restaurant in the Vielle Ville Old Town. We recommend the pissaladière and gnocchi.

DRINK

Provence has been producing rosé wine for nearly three millennia, and the pink drink makes up nearly half of the region’s entire wine production.

La Cave de la Tour Excellent little wine bar in the Vielle Ville. Go for happy hour, they close at 8pm!

PLAY

Eze A short drive from Nice, this charming medieval village on a hill has stunning views of the coastline. Spend time exploring its shops and the beautiful Jardin Exotique.

Parc de la Colline du Chateau This green park, also known as Castle Hill, used to house an 11th century citadel. The hill looks out over the Vielle Ville and coastline, and is worth the climb.

Place Garibaldi An 18th century square in central Nice decorated with powder puff trees.

Promenade des Anglais The Promenade running parallel to Nice’s public beach and bay. Don’t miss the gelato stands!

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat This forested peninsula, just a few miles from Nice, is known for its old-world glamour.

Villefranche-sur-Mer Another adorable, coastal village with a medieval town, sleepy harbor and beautiful beach.

STAY

Stay near The Promenade for easy beach access or the Vielle Ville Old Town for proximity to restaurants and nightlife. That said, Nice is small at the Vielle Ville is only a 20-30 minute walk from the far side of The Promenade.

We stayed at Hotel de la Fontaine, a 3-star, budget option two blocks from The Promenande and a short walk from central Nice.

Nice

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