Solo Summer in the South of France

The beaches

Cannes and Nice have tons of beach clubs and nice public beaches. I chose Cannes because their beaches are sandy, while they’re rockier up the coast. Walking down La Croisette, I checked out the prices and offerings at the clubs my first day there. As a guest at Barriere le Gray d’Albion, I was able to use a food and beverage credit at the beach club, so I spent the first of my two beach days at La Plage Mademoiselle Gray, with a visit to Hyde Beach a few days later.

Other hotels with affiliated beach clubs on La Croisette include Hotel Barriere Le Majestic, The Carlton, Hotel Martinez, The Mondrian, The Croisette Beach Hotel, and Hotel Belle Plage.

Èze

Èze is a charming medieval hilltop village. There are a number of shops, a luxury hotel with a fine dining restaurant, and a world-renowned botanical garden at the tippy top. This village is beautiful, but not ideal for people with mobility challenges—there are hills and steps around every corner. Follow the path up to the Jardin Exotique d'Èze for stunning gardens, waterfalls, and views over the Mediterranean. After your visit to the village, walk down the Nietzsche Path for a bit of nature and more views en route to the train station.

I opted for a last-minute low-key lunch at Le Cactus, but for a Michelin-starred dining experience with incredible views, make a reservation at Chateau Eza, just two minutes' walking distance from Jardin Exotique.

Vieux Nice

Don’t make any plans for the day you plan to explore Vieux Nice, the historic old town. Start in Place Massena, walk east, and get lost in the streets—pop by Cours Saleya for a bite and the vibrance of morning market culture before strolling Promenade des Anglais. On the north side of Promenade des Anglais, queue for the elevator to Colline du Chateau. This historic hilltop park is the perfect place for a picnic. Take in expansive views of the port, Nice, and the Mediterranean sea, and simply enjoy time outside in nature—but in the city. After a Colline du Chateau visit, walk down the path, have a reflective visit at the Israelite Cemetery—an important Holocaust memorial—and end at Place Giuseppi Garibaldi for a rest, a coffee, and people watching.

Cannes

• Bobo Bistro: Make a reservation for this hot spot near La Croisette! This restaurant with a seasonally inspired menu focuses on pasta, pizza, and steak. It was here I read a few pages with an incredible vibe and insanely good entrecôte.

• Il Viaggio: In the upper corner of Cannes, Il Viaggio literally brings the inside out. When I was there, every table in the restaurant was arranged on the plaza across the street, serving as an idyllic al fresco escape with delicious pasta and wine. Their cacio e pepe was molto bene.

• Hotel Belle Plage Rooftop: Hotel Belle Plage is great for everything—the guest experience, the spa, the restaurant, and especially the rooftop. This hotel is a bit outside the core Croisette area but the walk is worth it! This rooftop bar serves incredible cocktails and snacks with a side of stunning sea views.

• La Plage Mademoiselle Gray: Lunch at this beach club was delicious and fresh—can’t beat a Caesar salad, fries, and a Hugo Spritz on a sunny day. As a guest of Hotel Barriere le Gray d’Albion, you can use property credit perks here for your day at the beach.

Èze

• Le Cactus: Le Cactus is a very casual spot with incredible views from the outdoor seating area. This easy-going eatery—no reservation required—provided the perfect opportunity to recharge before journeying down the Nietzsche Path from the village.

Nice

• La Popote d’Ondine: This brunch spot was recommended by my hotel and it didn’t disappoint. It was the perfect casual breakfast to enjoy outside on my way out of Nice.