France’s Côte d’Azur is also known as the French Riviera. It’s where turquoise waters meet golden beaches, and charming coastal towns come alive with glamour and luxury. The French Riviera has a rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, from Nice to Cannes to Aix en Province. Here you can relax on their world-renowned beaches or spend an adventurous day.

We initially planned to go to the French Riviera, Bordeaux, and Paris. All in ten days, including travel time. Once we started looking at logistics, it became apparent that we were being overambitious.

Our choice to go to Côte d’Azur would allow us to travel a long stretch of the coastline for which the south of France is famous.

Picking A Home Base

There are so many beautiful cities and coastal towns along the coast. With eight days of travel, we narrowed it down to having Nice and Marseille be our home base. From there, we selected various villages, towns, and cities as day trips. I’ve linked each city to read more about our experiences.

Discover the Magic of Nice

The most popular resort city on the French Riviera. Here you can wander through Old Town’s narrow streets, home to charming squares, restaurants, bars, small shops, and boutiques. La Promenade des Anglais is not to be missed, which follows the Bay of the Angel’s curve. It is where you will find many beach clubs and her famous pebble beach.

Uncover the Hidden Gem of Eze

This Medieval hilltop village has the most breathtaking views and gorgeous botanicals. Here you can climb the cobblestone walkway and steps up to the top, stopping at the shops and galleries. The main attraction is the Jardin Exotique d’Eze. It is well worth the 7 € entrance fee to see one of the most spectacular views of the French Riviera.

The Glamour and Glitz of Monaco & Monte Carlo

This principality of glamour and glitz is most known for the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, Grand Prix of Monaco, and Casino de Monte-Carlo. It is also the second smallest independent country in the world. Our guide explained the arduous process of becoming a resident of this principality. It is a desirable independent state to live in because it has no income tax, wealth tax, local tax, property tax, or capital gains tax on individuals. Corporate and inheritance taxes are minimal. Applicants must deposit 500,000 euros into a local bank account to reside there. There are additional requirements, but it takes ten years to file for Monaco citizenship.

You may visit the Prince’s Palace and the SAS Automotive Collection. You can walk the Formula 1 track (our transportation company is authorized as a Monaco-based company to drive within Monaco and Monte Carlo), walk the old town and take in some of the most luxurious yachts imaginable. Visitors are attracted to Le Casino Monte Carlo’s exquisite Belle Époque architecture. It is a site to behold, but if you want to gamble, the casino charges an 18 euro fee to enter the main lounges. You will need a valid passport and dress appropriately.

Fall in Love With St. Tropez

This glamorous location, lined with beautiful yachts, started as a fishing village with a vibrant cultural scene attracting artists, writers, and celebrities. Now you can wander the cobblestone streets filled with boutiques, cafes, and art galleries. They’re also known for their trendy beach clubs and restaurants, some of which are quite opulent.

Discover the Little Venice of France in Port Grimaud

Port Grimaud is a small village with picturesque canals and quaint homes. It is easy to appreciate this pedestrian-only town that has also been endorsed as a 20th Century Heritage site. It is easy to cover this town in a day but try to get there on a Thursday or Sunday to experience market day. This was a quick stop for us on our way to St. Tropez. Try to allow for time to visit the medieval historic district.

Visit Charming Antibes

This was a quick stop on our way to Cannes. This historic walled town is between Nice and Cannes and is known for its old town’s star-shaped Fort. We drove through the town, stopping to take in Marché provençal. You could visit the Picasso Museum or the famous Hotel Du Cap Eden Roc. In fact, because of its proximity to Cannes, many celebrities stay at this grand palace hotel if not for its beauty but for its privacy. We include our brief visit to charming Antibes with our Cannes trip.

Cannes… More Than Movies & Celebrities

When you think of Cannes, you probably think of the Cannes Film Festival, upscale hotels, designer stores along the palm-lined La Croisette, and beautiful beaches. Not to be missed is their historical area filled with cafes, boutiques, and art galleries.

Marseille

The second largest and oldest city in France, it became our home for two nights to visit the city and Aix-en-Province. Our hotel was along the Vieux Port (old port), lined with over 3500 boats. You can roam around the markets and shop on many streets, including Rue de la Tour, a pedestrian street with many of the trendiest shops and designer labels. There is even a Galeries Lafayette department store near the Old Port. But Marseille is so much more than shopping. I highly recommend a tour, mainly if your time is limited.

Before we left for France, a few people I know mentioned that Marseille is a dangerous city. And an employee at one of the places we were in Nice told us to be careful. Honestly, we enjoyed Marseille. We felt that saying Marseille is dangerous is the same as saying New York City is dangerous. There may be areas to avoid, and you have to use common sense roaming around this large city no more so than any other city in the world.

Experience Provençal Charm in Aix-en-Province

We were excited to visit this college town known for its fountains of all shapes and sizes, charming streets (Rue Fernand Dol), food markets, Cours Mirabeau, the main street in Aix-en-Prvince, Le Grande Marché (open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays). Of course, you must experience the Lavender Fields.

Experience Our Trip

Our mother-daughter trip to  Côte d’Azur was indeed a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters to the charming villages and vibrant cities, this region offers something for everyone. We explored the glamorous city of Nice, indulged in delicious cuisine in Cannes, stood amongst the lavender fields in Aix-en-Provence, and soaked up the sun on the picturesque beaches. The memories we made together will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

What I Would Change

Oftentimes, it is not until your return that you think of places you wished you had gone or sites you wish you had seen. It doesn’t distract from the overall trip, but we include those places and sites in the individual blogs of each city, town, and village we visited. Traveling with my adult daughters is complicated. We must look at three work schedules: personal responsibilities and vacation time.

If we had perhaps an additional five days, here is what I would do differently:

1. Knowing it stays light out until 10 p.m., we would have, at the very least, stayed in the towns and villages that were day trips a lot longer.
2. We would have stayed overnight in St. Tropez, Eze, and Cannes to experience all these villages and cities offer.
3. Make some additional restaurant reservations. We had a few but got locked out of some on our list.
4. Planned more. Our tardiness was due to work and social conflicts, but planning a big trip at least ten months in advance is much better. Better airfare rates, hotel rates, availability, and more time to research our plans for what we wanted to do in each place and where we wanted to eat.

Whether you are embarking on a similar adventure or simply dreaming of one day experiencing the beauty of France’s Côte d’Azur yourself, remember that life’s greatest treasures lie in what we see and with whom we share those moments. So go out there and make your travel dreams come true – create lasting memories that will warm your heart for years.

Bon voyage!

The post Our Mother- Daughter Trip to France’s Côte D’azur appeared first on HaveUHeard.com.

My daughters and I spent eight days in the French Riviera for our Mother-Daughter trip. It’s where turquoise waters meet golden beaches, and charming coastal towns come alive with glamour and luxury.  The French Riviera has a rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, from Nice to Cannes to Aix en Province. Here you can relax on their world-renowned beaches or spend an adventurous day.

Whether strolling down the Promenade des Anglais in Nice or stumbling onto an international advertising festival in Cannes, join us on our journey- filled with charm, elegance, and joie de vivre in the South of France.

Hiring A Travel Company

With few hotel options close to Promenade des Anglais and needing transportation to all of the villages and towns we planned on visiting, I worked with Nadas, Italy. I used their custom travel services when we traveled to Italy and Spain. We wanted more free time for this trip to frolic, shop, and explore. The services we used through Nadas were accommodation, some attractions, and transportation.

Nada’s shared their tipping suggestions. Tipping in Europe is complicated. We’ve traveled to many countries and received contradictory suggestions. It seems strange coming from a country so immersed in tipping, not to tip.  I recently read an article on European etiquette that every American should know. And, yes, we did tip our doormen, bellboys, cleaning staff,  drivers, city guides, and restaurant and bar staff. It seems the proper thing to do.

Getting Around The French Riviera & Provence

In terms of transportation between these cities, multiple options, such as trains or buses, provide convenient connections at affordable prices. For example, train journeys from Nice to Cannes take approximately 30 minutes on average, while bus rides typically last around one hour. During the peak summer months, they are crowded.  Consider using a private transportation company.

LivenUp is the tour company that handled all of our transportation needs. The drivers are also guides, knowledgeable about each town or village you visit. They know all the hidden gems. And, they are the only Monaco-based company allowed to access the hill where the old town and Prince Palace are located, saving you from walking uphill and downhill.

Nice

We arrived late afternoon on a Saturday. The drive from the airport follows the curve of the bay and Promenade Des Anglais. It is hard not to notice the beautiful shades of blue in the bay. It starts turquoise and transitions to dark blue. You won’t find too much sand in Nice, mostly pebbles. You’ll want to pack some water shoes as the rocks get hot, and they are not easy to walk on.

A less appealing feature of the water is jellyfish. Thousands have been spotted along the French beaches in June, mostly due to climate change’s impact on the water temperature and good wind conditions.

During the summer, it is light out until 10 pm allowing for many late-night evening strolls. Since we stayed in Nice, we would walk through Old Town, Place Massena, and Avenue Jean Medecin every evening, known for its shopping. We even popped into Galeries Lafayette, an upscale department store.

Accommodations

We booked the Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel (junior suite with garden view). It is roomy enough for three with a king-size bed and a very comfortable cot or sofa bed (we had both). The bathroom is quite large, with a great shower that includes a waterfall showerhead and handheld showerhead, a separate commode area, and room for us to get ready in the mornings.

The hotel has a rooftop terrace with a panoramic view of the sea and the old city. It is where they serve breakfast, has their rooftop bar, SEEN Bar, and SEEN By Olivier, a contemporary Mediterranean restaurant. We began our vacation at the rooftop bar, having welcome drinks and some appetizers. There is nothing like the view while having coffee Americana in the morning and perhaps a croissant. We ate dinner at SEEN on our last night. It was the perfect way to end our vacation after starting our vacation at their bar.

South of France Itinerary

Our plan for the French Riviera was to combine a few days of relaxation with day trips to specific cities, villages, or towns we wanted to visit. Naturally, you may want to make adjustments when you complete your trip. We made a few during the trip.

Day One & Two: Nice

We arrived late afternoon, which was perfect for easing into the day. Of course, we went to our hotel’s rooftop bar and walked around.  The following day, we spent the afternoon at Ruhl Plage Beach Club after having lunch. We made reservations in advance, which I strongly recommend. The beach clubs get filled very quickly. There are many to choose from up and down Promenade Des Anglais. Fortunately, Ruhl Plage has an arrangement with Anantara Plaza Hotel, so while you have to pay for the lounge bed, at least we could get one. The price for a king bed, which includes the bed, towels, food service, and umbrellas, was 90 euros. We spent our first full day there and our last day there. It which was the perfect way to bookend our trip.

Places to Visit:

• Cours Saleya -This is the largest pedestrian area in Vieux Nice- flower markets, antique vendors, and food. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 8 am to 12:30. If it were legal to bring home their flowers, fruits, and vegetables, we would have done it. Their tomatoes, artichokes, and fruit boast some of the most vibrant colors. We’ve experienced this before in our European trips, and it makes me question why Cannes not (see what I did there?) have food markets with fresh, vibrant fruits and vegetables, olive oils, and vendors every day.
• Castle Hill – Walk the Promenade des Anglais to Castle Hill. Today it is a hill offering views from all sides, including a panoramic view of the city and beaches. It is a free park. We didn’t go to the very top to see the man-made waterfalls, but our trek up 200 steps gave us an amazing view of the city. You can take a lift to the very top, but it is pretty old and unappealing. It would have been another 200-plus steps to the top, which doesn’t seem too difficult, but we did this at the end of the day. I suggest going earlier in the day.
• Old Town – You cannot visit Nice without strolling through Old Town. We loved wandering through the narrow cobblestone side streets and taking in the street life. This is where you will find many restaurants, bars, and markets. My daughters took me to Wayne’s, an English bar restaurant with vintage decor and live music. It’s a fun place worth visiting if you want to experience an English-style pub.

Restaurants

• Peixes and had the most amazing ceviche and succulent scallops. Peixes is considered one of the best fish restaurants in Nice. Highly recommend it, but it is very small and does not take reservations.
• Bocca Nisa Rooftop & Restaurant – I strongly suggest booking to eat on the rooftop in advance. We could not get a rooftop table but did eat inside. Mediterranean cuisine includes labneh, tuna tartar, truffled spaghetti, and more.
• Boccaccio – Considered to be an upscale Italian restaurant. From the outside dining area, I would not have thought that.
• Castel Plage – Located at the north end of Promenade des Anglais, this Mediterranean -inspired restaurant offers great and beautiful views. I would not say it was my favorite place to eat, but the atmosphere made up for it.
• SEEN by Olivier – Mediterranean food with a panoramic view of the beaches and Promenade des Anglais. My girls and I like to order mainly plates to share so we can try as many menu items as possible. It was delicious, and I’d recommend making reservations in advance.
• Wayne’s Bar – My daughters brought me to this Rue de la Préfecture pub. Retro-American decor that was mainly a younger crowd but is packed every night.

appetizers at Anatara Rooftop Terrace                        Entrance to Bocca Nisa                                              Wayne’s Bar- 15 Rue de la Préfecture

Castel Plage Terrace Restaurant                     Bocca Nissa 

Day 3:  Eze and Monaco

Eze

This Medieval town has the most breathtaking views and gorgeous botanicals. We started with a tour of the Fragonard Perfume Factory.  The tour takes you through their cosmetics laboratory and ends with a visit to the store. My daughter had visited ten years ago on a high school trip and brought me back one of their fragrances, which was a favorite. It has since been discontinued, but we spent much time trying out their many fragrances and finding a perfume we liked.

We climbed the narrow pathways involving many steps, so wear comfortable shoes. But it is well worth the climb up this quaint village. Entering the botanical gardens has a small fee (7 €) (Jardin Exotique d’Eze).  It is money well spent to see the cacti and array of beautiful floras.

When you get to the bottom, there is a restaurant called Restaurant Le Mas Provençal, which is considered an Alice in Wonderland experience. Our guide brought us in, where we met the owner, who took us to the kitchen to see their Parmesan wheel and showed us his guest book. It included pictures of the famous people that have dined there, including George Bush, James Bond, Michael Jordan, and Faye Dunaway. Unfortunately, it also included Harvey Weinstein, who I’m sure was considered to be amongst the Hollywood stars that have dined there. I didn’t feel it polite to say, “You may want to remove that photo from your guest book.” The decor is beautiful, with hanging flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Reservations are suggested for this pre-fixe menu tasting. The price is 136 €, and they do not accept checks or credit cards.

Monaco & Monte Carlo

Because our transportation company is the only company authorized to drive through the streets of Monaco, our guide/driver drove us through the old town and the Grand Prix route. We stopped by the Prince’s Palace and walked through the streets and shops. Our next stop was Monte Carlo, where we had a delicious lunch at Cafe de Paris. The inside is old-world elegant, but we chose to eat on their terrace with a view of the Casino. Felt like the lifestyles of the rich and famous, with more high-end designer shopping bags than I’ve ever seen and guests coming into town from their yachts. The service was wonderful and welcoming. Of course, we had the Nicoise salad.  We did not have time to go into the Casino, but seeing it was beautiful. You need a passport to enter, and they charge 18 €.

Day 4:  St. Tropez & Port Grimaud

The drive from Nice to Saint Maxime is over an hour. We took the ferry to get to St. Tropez as it offers wonderful views and is faster than driving. The ferry is 9 € per person. We were surprised by how rough the current was, by our boating experience estimations, 3-5 ft. It was not the most enjoyable ride since we had to stay seated and inside. But well worth saving an hour of drive time.

St. Tropez has the most amazing yachts, luxury designer stores, a market, and narrow cobblestone streets to wander through. We spent three hours walking through St. Tropez, going in and out of the smaller shops and admiring the yachts and the artists.

Had lunch at Le Cafe de Paris.

The town of Port Grimaud was intentionally built to look like Venice; some even call it the Venice of Provence. It is mainly small shops and restaurants. This was not my favorite place to visit since we only had 45 minutes. That meant missing out on visiting the villages of Grimaud.  In hindsight, I would have preferred spending extra time in St. Tropez.

Day 5:  Cannes and Antibes

Our first stop was in Antibes, a resort town enclosed by 16th-century ramparts. Our guide drove us through the town, and we walked around the market Marché Provençal.  It was on our way to Cannes, which we were excited to visit. A typical 30-minute drive, but traffic is congested, especially when you take the coastal drive. It did allow us to see other places like Juan-les Pins, a seaside town very popular with the French looking to get away.

Cannes was one of our favorite places to visit. It happened during Cannes Lions 2023, a global event for those working in advertising and creative communications,  attracting companies including Meta, TikTok, Spotify, Twitter, Apple, Pinterest, Disney, and the larger advertising agencies. It does take up most of La Croisette, the palm tree-lined boulevard that runs parallel to the beach.

Since we all work in advertising/marketing, it was fascinating to see all the activations, from private beach clubs (Pinterest Beach) to TikTok Cabana. To escape the thousands of attendees, we went to Rue d’Antibes. This is where you want to go if you love to shop. That was after visiting the designer stores along La Croisette, including YSL. If you are looking to grab a French designer bag, the prices are less than in the States, and you will get back the VAT tax after uploading it to the kiosk in the airport. Ask the shop for the form, provided it amounts to more than €100.01.

We spent the rest of the time wandering the charming streets filled with local shops, cafes, and restaurants and taking in some luxury hotels, including Carlton Cannes, built in 1913 and set along La Croisette. It is stunning.

Day 6: Marseille

If you are traveling to the French Riviera, you will want to see Marseille and Aix-en-Province. It is close to a three-hour drive from Nice. When I mentioned to a few people that we were going to Marseille, we were warned not to wander Marseille by ourselves. This is why we decided to go on a walking tour. Our guide, Sebastien, was amazing, entertaining, and very informative. Tbh, we never felt unsafe walking around the port area.

The tour took us to Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde, Rue Fort du- Sanctuaire, The Panier, an artistic neighborhood with narrow streets and wall art, Vieux Port,  the old asylum, Cathedral de la Major, Fort Saint-Jean.

Marseille is also known for its soaps. It is a traditional hard soap made from vegetable oils produced around Marseille in France about 600 years ago. If there is a single soap in every French home, it’s the traditional Savon de Marseille, a hard green soap made using pure olive oil, alkali from sea plants, and seawater. It is great for those with sensitive skin and eczema. We were lucky that a soap bar was left in a welcome basket at our hotel, Grand Hotel Beauvau Marseille Vieux-Port.

Marseille is famous for its olive oil chocolates. Sebastien took us to one of the shops he takes his guests. The box of chocolates is presented as an olive branch. We all left with boxes of chocolate. Another edible delight is Navettes, light sweet biscuits made with olive oil and orange blossom water. Another great edible is their shortbread cookies. They are made into emblems of Marseille’s heritage… the sardine, and they also shape them into seahorses, starfish, and seashells. I brought home the lemon shortbread, although their shop sells other flavors, including orange blossom, gingerbread, green anise, and more.

Sebastien has the best vibe- We loved his yellow bucket hat with a smiley face. If you are looking for a tour guide who knows all the traditional and off-the-beaten-track sites, contact Sebastien and tell him bonjour!

Restaurants

Deïa Coffee & Kitchen – Brunch Marseille. Its high ratings and the fact that it was around the corner from our hotel made this the perfect place to grab a healthy and delicious brunch before our three-hour walking tour.

Cantoche- delicious Mediterranean tapas-style selections.

Day 7: Aix en Province

This is one of the cities we were very excited to visit and the impetus for our staying in Marseilles. It is the birthplace of impressionist painter Paul Cézanne and a university and artists’ town. We discovered a town of fountains, cafes, restaurants, shops, and markets.

Must-sees include:

• Cours Mirabeau – This is the main street. You’ll find this pedestrian avenue filled with shops, restaurants, clothing stores, chocolatiers, patisseries, and gelato stands
• Marché aux Fruits et Légumes – we bought these delicious homemade jams
• Buy Madeleines from Christophe Madeleines-  You’ll find it by the line. On Rue Gaston
• Shopping on Rue Clemenceau and Rue Marius Reynard streets
• Rue Fernand Dol
• Lavender fields

Next, we met our wine guide, Caroline, and drove to Domaine Bargemone. This traditional Provence vineyard is dedicated to producing Rosé (90+%) and white wine (10%) “Côteaux d’Aix en Provence” for a few decades. Their new cellar opened, and they added a green rooftop, an outdoor terrace. The inside is open, airy, and filled with light. Outside is a terrace overlooking the vineyard and stairs up to their green rooftop. This is all purposely designed as a gesture to their organic agriculture.

They do not ship their wine to the U.S., but we returned home with a bottle in our suitcase.

On our drive back to Aix en Province to drop off Caroline, our driver stopped at one of the lavender fields. It truly is a site to behold, bees and all.

The Perfect Escape: Create a Lifetime’s Worth of Memories in Only 8 Days on the French Riviera

Exploring the South of France from Nice to Cannes, Marseille to Aix en Province is an amazing experience. From the vibrant colors of the Promenade des Anglais to the glamour and charm of La Croisette, the French Riviera offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Whether strolling through picturesque old towns or indulging in delicious Mediterranean cuisine, there is something for everyone in this enchanting part of the world.

For some outfit inspo, we share some of the favorites we wore.

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This glamorous location, lined with beautiful yachts, started as a fishing village with a vibrant cultural scene attracting artists, writers, and celebrities. Now you can wander the cobblestone streets filled with boutiques, cafes, and art galleries. They’re also known for their trendy beach clubs and restaurants, some of which are quite opulent. And although we only had part of a day here, it is easy to fall in love with St. Tropez.

Getting There: Car or Ferry

The drive from Nice to Saint Maxime is over an hour. We took the ferry to get to St. Tropez as it offers wonderful views and is faster than driving, according to our guide. The ferry is 9 € per person. We were surprised by how rough the current was, by our boating experience estimations, 3-5 ft. It was not the most enjoyable ride since we had to stay seated and inside. But well worth saving an hour of drive time.

The Yachts

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Nice is the most popular resort city on the French Riviera. Here you can wander through Old Town’s narrow streets, home to charming squares, restaurants, bars, small shops, and boutiques. La Promenade des Anglais is not to be missed, which follows the Bay of the Angel’s curve. It is where you will find many beach clubs and her famous pebble beach. Nice became our five-night home base, leaving us plenty of time to indulge in the local cuisine, the vibrant nightlife and experience The Fête de la Musique, a summer solstice music celebration.

After returning from our day trips, we had plenty of time to wander around Nice.  Much to our surprise, it stays light outside until close to 10 p.m. during the summer months.

Accommodations

We booked the Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel (junior suite with garden view). It is roomy enough for three with a king-size bed and a very comfortable cot or sofa bed (we had both). The bathroom is quite large, with a great shower that includes a waterfall showerhead and handheld showerhead, a separate commode area, and room for us to get ready in the mornings.

The hotel has a rooftop terrace with a panoramic view of the sea and the old city. It is where they serve breakfast, has their rooftop bar, SEEN Bar, and SEEN By Olivier, a contemporary Mediterranean restaurant. We began our vacation at the rooftop bar, having welcome drinks and some appetizers. There is nothing like the view while having coffee Americana in the morning and perhaps a croissant. We ate dinner at SEEN on our last night. It was the perfect way to end our vacation after starting our vacation at their bar.

We arrived late afternoon, which was perfect for easing into the day. Of course, we went to our hotel’s rooftop bar and walked around.

A Memorable Day at Ruhl Plage

To experience all that Nice offers, I encourage you to spend a day at a beach club. After researching our options, none of which took reservations, we chose Ruhl Plage Beach Club. We did make lunch reservations in advance. The beach clubs get filled very quickly. There are many to choose from up and down Promenade Des Anglais.

We wanted a peaceful, enjoyable day since Father’s Day is tough for us. We had no idea Father’s Day is also celebrated in France. Fortunately, Ruhl Plage has an arrangement with Anantara Plaza Hotel, so while you still pay for the lounge beds, at least we could get one. The price for a king bed, which included the bed, towels, food service, and umbrellas, was 90 euros.

We spent our first full day there and our last full day at Ruhl Plage. It was unplanned, making it the perfect way to bookend our trip.

Places to Visit

When planning our trips, we create a Google doc of all the places we want to visit. We did not make it to all of the places, but here are the ones we did get to see:

Cours Saleya

This is the largest pedestrian area in Vieux Nice- flower markets, antique vendors, and food. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 8 am to 12:30. If it were legal to bring home their flowers, fruits, and vegetables, we would have done it. Their tomatoes, artichokes, and fruit boast some of the most vibrant colors. We’ve experienced this before in our European trips, and it makes me question why Cannes not (see what I did there?) have food markets with fresh, vibrant fruits and vegetables, olive oils, and vendors every day.

Castle Hill

Walk the Promenade des Anglais to Castle Hill. Today it is a hill offering views from all sides, including a panoramic view of the city and beaches. It is a free park. We didn’t go to the very top to see the man-made waterfalls, but our trek up 200 steps gave us a fantastic view of the city. You can take a lift to the very top, but it is pretty old and unappealing. It would have been another 200-plus step to the top, which doesn’t seem too tricky, but we did this at the end of the day. I suggest going earlier in the day.

Old Town

You cannot visit Nice without strolling through Old Town. We loved wandering through the narrow cobblestone side streets and taking in the street life. This is where you will find many restaurants, bars, and markets. My daughters took me to Wayne’s, an English bar restaurant with vintage decor and live music. It’s a fun place worth visiting if you want to experience an English-style pub.

Place Messina

This is Nice’s main square and is hard to miss. You’ll know you are there from its checkerboard pavement tiles which lead to the main shopping streets. It’s a fun place to people-watch or catch street performers. It is where you will find the fountain with a sculpture of Apollo. At the base, you will find sculptures that symbolize some planets.  Best viewed at night, you can see seven statues on high poles illuminated at night. They represent the seven continents.

Capturing Our Time in Nice

Restaurants We Ate At

• Peixes We had the most fantastic ceviche and succulent scallops. Peixes is considered one of the best fish restaurants in Nice. It is very small and does not take reservations. Well worth the wait.
• Bocca Nisa Rooftop & Restaurant – I strongly suggest booking to eat on the rooftop in advance. We could not get a rooftop table but did eat inside. Mediterranean cuisine includes labneh, tuna tartar, truffled spaghetti, and more.
• Boccaccio – Considered to be an upscale Italian restaurant. From the outside dining area, I would not have thought that.
• Castel Plage – Located at the north end of Promenade des Anglais, this Mediterranean -inspired restaurant offers great and beautiful views. I would not say it was my favorite place to eat, but the atmosphere made up for it.
• SEEN by Olivier – Mediterranean food with a panoramic view of the beaches and Promenade des Anglais. My girls and I like to order plates to share to try as many menu items as possible. It was delicious, and I’d recommend making reservations in advance.
• Wayne’s Bar – My daughters brought me to this Rue de la Préfecture pub. Retro-American decor that was mainly a younger crowd but is packed every night.

Appetizers at Anatara Rooftop Terrace      Entrance to Bocca Nisa                                 Wayne’s Bar- 15 Rue de la Préfecture

Additional Restaurant & Bar Recommendations

• Maison Gusto  Hidden behind the harbor, genuine Italian food with simple but exquisite
  ingredients in the middle of stones, wooden beams, little lights, and bulb lights.
• L͛ane Rouge This tranquil port-side restaurant has been awarded a Michelin star. Ignore the unremarkable decor
  and enjoy the explosive flavors of roast red mullet simmered in fennel and tomato confit, croustillant of cod with basil, or rabbit served with foie gras.  Book a table outdoors in summer for a full view of the illuminated Parc du Château and the big, glamorous yachts.
• Koko Green Established by passionate foodies, Koko Green is a small gourmet restaurant specializing in vegetarian and raw food. Expect delights like a vegetarian sushi dish with black
  rice, edamame, avocado, and wasabi cream or courgette spaghetti served in a creamy cashew and mushroom sauce. The menu changes weekly and offers great vegan or gluten-free cakes,
  drinks, and desserts.

Recommended Places to Shop in Nice

• Alziari This is a shrine for lovers of olive oil. You can buy this oil in London and New York. Buy it here for a third of the price. It is packaged in beautiful cans that preserve the oil better than bottles. The shop is an Ali Baba’s cave selling tapenade and other delicacies.
• La Part Des Anges – This small, inviting shop is where all the star chefs come for tastings and to replenish their cellars. Owner and sommelier Olivier Labarde offers expert advice on his superb selection of local and rare vintages. He serves excellent bistro fare at several tables in the back of the shop.

Our Day Trips

We took day trips throughout the French Riviera. Click here to learn more about the day trips we took.

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Uncover the hidden gem of Eze! This Medieval hilltop village has the most breathtaking views and gorgeous botanicals. Here you can climb the cobblestone walkway and steps up to the top, stopping at the shops and galleries. The main attraction is the Jardin Exotique d’Eze. It is well worth the 7 € entrance fee to see one of the most spectacular views of the French Riviera.

Make Scents of Eze

No visit to Eze would be complete without a visit to the renowned Fragonard Perfume Factory, offering a unique olfactory journey. The tour takes you through their cosmetics laboratory, explaining the intricate process of creating signature scents. The tour ends with a visit to the store. My daughter had visited ten years ago on a high school trip and brought me back one of their fragrances, which was a favorite. It is no longer available.  We spent much time trying out their many fragrances and finding a perfume we liked. Don’t forget to get your VAT tax form if you purchase over 100 €.

Exotic Gardens of Eze

We climbed the narrow pathways involving many steps, so wear comfortable shoes. It is well worth the climb up this quaint village. Entering the botanical gardens has a small fee (7 €) (Jardin Exotique d’Eze).  It is money well spent to see the cacti and array of beautiful floras.

Check out Restaurant Le Mas Provençal. It is considered an Alice in Wonderland experience with the most amazing decor of hanging flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Our guide brought us in, where we met the proud owner. He would take us on a kitchen tour to see their Parmesan wheel.  The restaurant has hosted many rich and famous guests. The owner showed us his guest book which were pictures of the famous people that have dined there, including George Bush, James Bond, Michael Jordan, and Faye Dunaway.  Reservations are suggested for this pre-fixe menu tasting. The price is 136 €, and they do not accept checks or credit cards.

We also quickly stopped at Chapelle de la Sainte Croix, Eze’s oldest monument.

Additional Sights to See

Our day began at Eze, but we had another city to discover. Time was not on our side, so we did not see Château de La Chèvre d’Or Hotel, famous for its gardens and exotic animal statues.

Explore this enchanting village and discover its breathtaking views, charming streets, and rich history. Don’t miss out!

We took day trips throughout the French Riviera. Try to include at least a few day trips.  Click here to learn more about the day trips we took.

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This principality of glamour and glitz is most known for the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, Grand Prix of Monaco, and Casino de Monte-Carlo. It is also the second smallest independent country in the world. Our guide explained the arduous process of becoming a resident of this principality. It is a desirable independent state to live in because it has no income tax, wealth tax, local tax, property tax, or capital gains tax on individuals. Corporate and inheritance taxes are minimal. Applicants must deposit 500,000 euros into a local bank account to reside there. There are additional requirements, but it takes ten years to file for Monaco citizenship.

Cainsos, Yachts, and Cars Oh My!

You may visit the Prince’s Palace and the SAS Automotive Collection. You can walk the Formula 1 track (our transportation company is authorized as a Monaco-based company to drive within Monaco and Monte Carlo), walk the old town and take in some of the most luxurious yachts imaginable. Visitors are attracted to Le Casino Monte Carlo’s exquisite Belle Époque architecture. It is a site to behold, but if you want to gamble, the casino charges an 18 euro fee to enter the main lounges. You will need a valid passport and dress appropriately.

Because our transportation company is the only company authorized to drive through the streets of Monaco, our guide/driver drove us through the old town and the Grand Prix route. We stopped by the Prince’s Palace and walked through the streets and shops. Our next stop was Monte Carlo, where we had a delicious lunch at Cafe de Paris. The inside is old-world elegant, but we chose to eat on their terrace with a view of the Casino. Felt like the lifestyles of the rich and famous, with more high-end designer shopping bags than I’ve ever seen and guests coming into town from their yachts. The service was wonderful and welcoming. Of course, we had the Nicoise salad.  We did not have time to go into the Casino, but seeing it was beautiful. You need a passport to enter, and they charge 18 €.

We took day trips throughout the French Riviera. Try to include at least a few day trips.  Click here to learn more about all of the day trips we took.

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When you think of Cannes, you probably think of the Cannes Film Festival, upscale hotels, designer stores along the palm-lined La Croisette, and beautiful beaches. Not to be missed is their historical area filled with cafes, boutiques, and art galleries.

Cannes Lion

Cannes was one of our favorite places to visit. Our visit coincided with Cannes Lions 2023. My younger daughter works in digital advertising, so we knew this event would take place during our visit.  Cannes Lions is a global event for those in advertising and creative communications,  attracting companies including Meta, TikTok, Spotify, Twitter, Apple, Pinterest, Disney, and the larger advertising agencies. It does take up most of La Croisette, the palm tree-lined boulevard that runs parallel to the beach.

Since we all work in advertising/marketing, it was fascinating to see all the activations, from private beach clubs (Pinterest Beach) to TikTok Cabana.

La Croisette

La Croisette is often compared to Promenade des Anglais in Nice because it is a wide walk with great views of the Mediterranean, upscale stores, and luxury hotels. During our visit, it was wall-to-wall people attending Cannes Lion. To escape the thousands of attendees, we went to Rue d’Antibes. This is where you want to go if you love to shop.  But before that, our shopping began on La Croisette, where you will find many designer stores. My daughters wanted to check out Saint Laurent. That was our first stop. If you are looking to grab a French designer bag, the prices are less than in the States, and you will get back the VAT tax after uploading it to the kiosk in the airport. Ask the shop for the form, provided it amounts to more than €100.01.

From the moment we entered, the staff was attentive and professional. We were offered champagne as we looked around their store, which was beautiful. I remember my first designer purchase and satisfaction when I could afford to treat myself. Watching my daughters have that same reaction was a proud mom moment. I could have purchased it for them. My thought process is complicated. I paid for the entire trip and am proud of their hard work. Both of them do not indulge in extravagant purchases. IMO, I believe they would appreciate it more if they bought it for themselves.

The Charm of Cannes

We spent the rest of the time wandering the charming streets filled with local shops, cafes, and restaurants and taking in some luxury hotels, including Carlton Cannes, built in 1913 and set along La Croisette. It is stunning.  We also went to Le Suquet, a Roman settlement above the city. Here you will find steep cobbled streets and family-run restaurants.

While we did not take a picture on the red carpet in front of Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, we did get close. Again, there were sites we had hoped to visit, but time got the best of us. I would recommend visiting The Villa Rothschild, a historic mansion in Cannes. Today, it is a media library.

A Side Trip to Antibes

Antibes is a town enclosed by 16th-century ramparts. Our guide drove us through the town and walked around  Marché Provençal. We have visited many markets throughout this trip and I am always in awe of the freshness, the vibrant colors, and the variety of fruits and vegetables. You can also visit the Picasso Museum. Picasso lived and worked in Antibes briefly, and the museum displays close to 250 of his original works.

It was on our way to Cannes, which we were excited to visit. A typical 30-minute drive, but traffic is congested, especially when you take the coastal drive. It did allow us to see other places like Juan-les Pins, a seaside town very popular with the French looking to get away.

We took day trips throughout the French Riviera. Try to include at least a few day trips.  Click here to learn more about the day trips we took.

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Marseille is the second largest and oldest city in France. It was our home for two nights to visit the city and Aix-en-Province. Our hotel,  Grand Hotel Beauvau Marseille Vieux-Port, was along the Vieux Port (old port), lined with over 3500 boats. You can roam around the markets and shop on many streets, including Rue de la Tour, a pedestrian street with many of the trendiest shops and designer labels. There is even a Galeries Lafayette department store near the Old Port. But Marseille is so much more than shopping. Take a guided tour to get a true feel for the city.

Is Marseille Worth Visiting?

Before we left for France, a few people I know mentioned that Marseille is a dangerous city. And an employee at one of the places we were in Nice told us to be careful.  Yes, Marseille has suffered from a severe image problem for many years. Much is attributed to urban decay and crime statistics. That has, and is, continuing to change. There are new museums, beautiful streets, and a vibrant scene. Honestly, we enjoyed Marseille. We find saying Marseille is dangerous is the same as saying New York City is dangerous. There may be areas to avoid, and you have to use common sense roaming around this large city no more so than any other city in the world.

Our Day In Marseille

Due to what we had heard about Marseille and not to wander around ourselves, we arranged for a guided walking tour. Our guide, Sebastien, was terrific, entertaining, and very informative. Tbh, we never felt unsafe walking around the port area.

The tour took us to Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde, Rue Fort du- Sanctuaire, The Panier, an artistic neighborhood with narrow streets and wall art, Vieux Port,  the old asylum, Cathedral de la Major, Fort Saint-Jean. Sebastien has the best vibe- We loved his yellow bucket hat with a smiley face. If you are looking for a tour guide who knows all the traditional and off-the-beaten-track sites, contact Sebastien and tell him bonjour!

The Wall project is a collaborative mural project with Ukranian artist Danya Kovach. The mural in Marseille was done by artists Julia Mota Albuquerque and Kovach as a symbol of resistance, stability, and armor that fenced off Europe from the war. According to Kovach, the project’s focus is to illustrate that Ukraine and the rest of the world have a future together of collaboration and prosperity. The title of the piece in Ukraine is “Unfolding Windows.”

Marseille’s Specialties

Marseille is known for its soaps. It is a traditional hard soap made from vegetable oils produced around Marseille in France about 600 years ago. If there is a single soap in every French home, it’s the traditional Savon de Marseille, a hard green soap made using pure olive oil, alkali from sea plants, and seawater. It is excellent for those with sensitive skin and eczema. We were lucky that a soap bar was left in a welcome basket at our hotel, Grand Hotel Beauvau Marseille Vieux-Port.

Marseille is also famous for its olive oil chocolates. Sebastien took us to one of the shops he takes his guests. The box of chocolates is shaped like an olive branch. We all left with boxes of chocolate. Another edible delight is Navettes, light sweet biscuits made with olive oil and orange blossom water. Another incredible edible is their shortbread cookies. They are made into emblems of Marseille’s heritage… the sardine, and they also shape them into seahorses, starfish, and seashells. I brought home the lemon shortbread, although their shop sells other flavors, including orange blossom, gingerbread, green anise, and more. And, definitely try their Calissons, a traditional French candy consisting of a smooth, pale yellow paste of candied fruit and ground almonds topped with a thin layer of royal icing.

Restaurants

Deïa Coffee & Kitchen – Brunch Marseilles. It was the perfect place to grab a  healthy and delicious brunch before our three-hour walking tour.

Cantoche- delicious Mediterranean tapas-style selections.

Well Worth the Visit

Our initial opinion of Marseille before arriving was it was dangerous and unclean. We find that difficult to believe in the day and a half spent in Marseille. There are plenty of activities and attractions to visit. Their architecture is beautiful, and their history is fascinating. If you go, immerse yourself in this city, indulge in its local delicacies, and make magnifique memories.

We took day trips throughout the French Riviera. Try to include at least a few day trips.  Click here to learn more about the day trips we took.

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We were excited to visit this college town known for its fountains of all shapes and sizes. We experienced charming streets (Rue Fernand Dol), food markets, Cours Mirabeau, the main street in Aix-en-Provence, and Le Grande Marché (open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays). Of course, you must experience the Lavender Fields. It was the impetus for our stay in Marseilles, as it is a 30-minute drive.  Aix-en-Provence is the birthplace of impressionist painter Paul Cézanne and a university and artists’ town. We discovered a town of fountains, cafes, restaurants, shops, and markets.

My daughters are fans of the brand Caudalie for skin care products that are natural and clean. So when we stumbled upon their shop in Aix-en-Provence, we all stocked up as it is much less expensive to purchase in France than in the United States. I use the Premier Cru Anti-Aging cream,  anti-aging serum, and eye cream. It has been a few months, and I have to say, the French know how to do skin products. You can purchase it in the U.S.  at Sephora and Nordstrom’s or their website.  If you are in Aix en Provence, definitely check out their store. It is almost a 30% savings.

Must-sees include:

Cours Mirabeau – This is the main street. This pedestrian avenue has shops, restaurants, clothing stores, chocolatiers, patisseries, and gelato stands.

Marché aux Fruits et Légumes – We bought these delicious homemade jams at this outdoor market.

Buy Madeleines from Christophe Madeleines- You’ll find it by the line on Rue Gaston.

Shopping on Rue Clemenceau and Rue Marius Reynard streets

Rue Fernand Dol – is particularly charming with its pastel façades and white wooden doors. Be sure to visit the agnès B. and Confiserie Bremond shops nearby.

Place des Cardeurs (Forum des Cardeurs) is in the city’s center. It is on the site of the old Jewish quarter from the Middle Ages. You will find restaurants, cafes, bars, and a lively atmosphere.

Place des quatre dauphins –  Location of the Fountain of the Four Dauphins.

Love The Wine Your With

We love trying new wines. Winery and vineyard tours are an activity we typically do when visiting a new country. And, of course, France is known for their wines. Aix-en-Provence is known predominantly for its rosé, which accounts for nearly 75% of wine production.

Our visit to Aix-en-Province included a tour with an expert wine guide. Caroline is knowledgeable, engaging, and fun to hang with. And she goes by Caro Wine. The winery she took us to is Domaine Bargemone.  Our guide, Filipina, was so welcoming and informative. This traditional Provence vineyard has been dedicated to producing Rosé (90+%) and white wine (10%) “Côteaux d’Aix en Provence” for a few decades. Their new cellar opened, and they added a green rooftop, an outdoor terrace. The inside is open, airy, and filled with light. Outside is a terrace overlooking the vineyard and stairs up to their green rooftop. This is all purposely designed as a gesture to their organic agriculture.

They do not ship their wine to the U.S., but we returned home with a bottle in our suitcase.

Lavender Fields Forever

On our drive back to Aix en Provence to drop off Caroline, our driver stopped at one of the lavender fields. It truly is a site to behold, bees and all.

Our mother-daughter trip to  Côte d’Azur was indeed a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters to the charming villages and vibrant cities, this region offers something for everyone. We explored the glamorous city of Nice, indulged in delicious cuisine in Cannes, stood amongst the lavender fields in Aix-en-Provence and soaked up the sun on the picturesque beaches. The memories we made together will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

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My husband loved red wine. He had a wine collection, including a bottle from each of our daughter’s birth years. I was not a fan of red wine at that time. Both my daughters enjoy an occasional glass of wine. That is until we went on many wine-tasting and vineyard tours. Now they love wine.

The Benefits of Introducing Your Daughters To Wine

Drinking wine with a meal is part of Europe’s culture. We experienced this on our trips throughout Europe. We certainly did not condone drinking alcohol when our daughters were young. Once they were in their older teens, they were allowed to drink wine with us. It wasn’t an everyday event, more for holidays and special occasions. And on their bat mitzvahs. Many parents may not agree with our approach. It’s a complicated parental choice.

We believe that the benefits of our introducing them to wine far outweighed their being introduced by young friends. That’s not to say they didn’t go to parties in high school and drink. But they knew enough never to drive or get in a car with someone drinking. And they knew they could call us to get them should a problem arise.

Drinking on Vacation

When we visited London in 2015, my younger daughter was 18. She was thrilled to be able to drink legally. Both my daughters are well above the drinking age now. If there is a winery at our vacation destination, you know we will visit.

Toasting Togetherness

We love trying new wines. Winery and vineyard tours are an activity we typically do when visiting a new country or state. Perhaps, my daughters enjoy it because it keeps their dad’s memory alive. Or perhaps they just enjoy it for what it is. Going to a winery with your daughters is a relaxing way to unwind especially when your vacation days are spent running around all day. And it can be a bonding experience. It’s not the wine talking; it is quality time together learning about winemaking.

Wine Tasting Etiquette

After our first wine tasting, we quickly learned there is a wine-tasting etiquette. This includes:

• Make a reservation, especially if it is during the season or one of the more popular wineries. Unfortunately, we did not do this on our visit to Domaine Sigales in Santorini. That meant sitting outside with no shade.
• Hire a driver – If you visit more than one winery or taste many wines, whether domestically or internationally, take the worry out of your visits by booking a private car and driver or taking an Uber.
• Dress appropriately – I suggest flat shoes or sneakers if your trip involves walking through a vineyard. Regarding clothing, it is appropriate to wear something casual but nice.
• Avoid Fragrances – This was explained to us during our San Gimignano visit. Wines have specific aromas that may be altered by fragrance or even aftershave.
• Be Open-minded – I was not a big fan of red wines, but I wanted to avoid appearing judgemental by turning down a red wine during the tasting. You may think you don’t like a specific wine. Give it a chance.
• Taste the Wine Slowly – To avoid getting drunk and enjoying the experience; you’ll want to
• Look closely at the wine’s color, clarity, and overall appearance.
• Swirl: Focus on the viscosity; more droplets sticking to the side means higher alcohol content. Also, this movement helps the oxygenation of the wine and opens the aromas.
• Smell: Bring the glass to your nose and take in the aromas; think about what you smell and don’t smell, and anticipate what the wine will taste like.
• Sip: Take a sip, let it roll around in your mouth for a moment, and savor the taste.
• Try to eat something while tasting. Most wine tastings pair food with wine, such as bread or snacks.
• Hold the glass by the stem so as not to change the temperature of the wine.

Wineries and Vineyard Tours We’ve Visited

The wineries we have been to include:

Napa

My daughters and I took a trip out west which included Napa. I know someone who works in the business, and they got us reservations at three wineries. If you love wine, arrange a trip to Napa or Sonoma. You can hit up three wineries on a day trip. Next time, I would love to stay a few days in wine country and see some other wineries.  On this trip, we went to

Del Dotto St. Helena Estate and booked the Cave Experience & Barrel Tasting.

Robert Mondavi– Our friend arranged for a VIP tour of the winery with an excellent curator. We truly enjoyed his informative presentation and learning about the Mondavi family history.

Domaine Chandon

My daughters will tell you I am a lightweight when it comes to drinking. When we returned to our hotel, we all took a short nap. Suffice it to say the nap was not short, and we missed our dinner reservation.

Hamptons

There are many vineyards in the Hamptons. We visited Wolffer Estate Vineyards 2018 on the weekend with my daughter, sister, and niece. We were lucky to get a table outside, listen to great music, drink good wine, and have snacks. I also recommend their Wine Stand and listening to live music (Friday and Saturday evenings). Just remember to bring a lawn chair or blanket.

Of course, the wineries love to sell you their wines on the way out. It’s hard not to imbibe, especially when their bottle is so pretty. You can also purchase their wines at Total Wine. There are other wineries or breweries to visit if that is your preference. Personally, I have not been, but the more popular ones are Duck Walk Vineyards and Channing Daughters Winery.

San Gimignano

On our trip to Italy, we took a day trip from Florence to Podere La Marronaia winery, where we had the most fantastic wine tasting served with a Tuscan lunch. The food kept coming out; the wine was poured from one of the owner’s sons. To this day, I buy their wine and olive oil, and balsamic and have it shipped.

Santorini

Domaine Sigalas – I strongly recommend booking this winery in advance because we could only get a table outside. If it is brutally hot out, the sun will beat down on you, and there may not be any wind or shade.

Asheville

Asheville has a thriving craft beer scene which I highly recommend. During a December visit, we did visit the Biltmore Estate. HaveUHeard that Biltmore has its own vineyard. We couldn’t take a tour due to the pandemic, but we did a wine tasting. The reds I sampled were really good. I joined the Biltmore Wine Club (free to join) and continue receiving a quarterly shipment of three bottles of wine. I selected the Red Wine Club, which gives me 20% off.

Interestingly enough, they purchase many grapes from California and grow the rest.

Aix-en-Province

On our recent visit to the French Riviera & Provence, we of course included a wine tasting. Located about 15 minutes from Aix-en-Province, which is where we spent the day, we stopped by Domaine Bargemone. This is an organic vineyard where you will find their new wine cellar. We were welcomed by Filipina and accompanied by a wine expert. The wines we tasted were their Classic Rosé,  Classic White, and Classic Red as well as their Cuvée Collection. The cellar is very modern and clean, a reflection of their wines. They do not ship but I did buy a bottle to bring home with me.

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