French Riviera: Where to Eat, Sip & Stay in Style

Favorite moments

Private wine tasting at Château de Berne

We toured the wine cellar and enjoyed a private tasting in one of the estate’s elegant salons. I can honestly say their La Grande Cuvée Rosé is one of the best I’ve ever had—so smooth, drinkable, and delicious. I’ve been on the hunt for it ever since I returned home to New York!

Racetrack stop at Le Castellet

On our way to Saint-Tropez, we made a spontaneous stop at the legendary Circuit Paul Ricard. Watching the cars practice laps was a thrill! Whether you’re a racing fan or just curious, it’s a unique, high-energy experience I absolutely recommend.

Playing pétanque with a French champion in Saint-Tropez

Pétanque (think French bocce) is harder than it looks! Learning from a local champion was both humbling and hilarious. We wrapped the day with a stroll through Saint-Tropez’s old town and sunset cocktails at Bar du Port overlooking the harbor—prime people- and yacht-watching!

Exploring Grasse, the world’s perfume capital

We visited the Fragonard Perfume Museum for a behind-the-scenes look at how fragrances are made—and even created our own custom scent. It was such a fun, hands-on experience. Don’t skip the gift shop! (Rêve d’une Nuit was my favorite scent to bring home.)

Beach day at Monte-Carlo Beach Club

Whether you choose a private cabana or a lounger by the Olympic-sized pool, this beach club redefines Riviera glamor. One of my favorite moments of the entire trip: sipping rosé by the pool under the Mediterranean sun.

Morning at the Antibes farmers market

The covered market in Antibes was bursting with fresh produce, flowers, cheeses, and spices. It’s surrounded by charming shops and cafés—perfect for wandering, tasting, and boutique-hopping. For something unexpected, we also visited a nearby absinthe bar and sampled the famous green spirit (an experience in and of itself!).

Discovering the storybook town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence

During our stay at Domaine du Mas de Pierre, we spent a day exploring Saint-Paul-de-Vence, one of the most enchanting villages I’ve ever seen. Perched on a hilltop and wrapped in medieval walls, it feels frozen in time. The town dates to antiquity and is filled with galleries, cobbled lanes, and incredible views.

• Le Jardin de Berne, a Michelin-star restaurant (with a Green Star for sustainability). While staying at Chateau de Berne, we were treated to dinner at the chef’s table. The desserts were so inventive. We also took a baking class to learn how to make Madeleines.

• Lunch on the patio at La Bastide Saint-Antoine: A 17th-century estate with panoramic views over Cannes. The estate is surrounded by olive trees said to be over 1,000 years old. Chef Jacques Chibois prepared a morel mushroom and cream of asparagus and pea soup as an appetizer and a John Dory fish with a medley of vegetables. Dessert was next-level.

• La Chèvre d’Or, a two-Michelin-star restaurant is located in luxury Relais & Châteaux hotel Château de La Chèvre d'Or. The hotel is perched above the Mediterranean in Èze. The restaurant is a bit more formal, with a dress code; however, if you can score a table on the outside patio, the panoramic view of the Cote d’Azur is well worth it. It’s known for its extensive wine cellar (29,000 bottles).

• Lunch at Baba (at Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel): One of my favorite meals by far. BABA’s chef, Assaf Granit, has created an informal and elegant atmosphere, where his delicious menu is served outside on a terrace overlooking the beach. The food is served mezze-style (to be shared). I could NOT stop eating the bread—it was the most delicious thing I’ve ever tasted (picture above) with a drizzle of sea salt.