Nice, Cannes, St-Tropez, Cap-Ferrat and Cap d’Antibes… for decades, the picturesque seaside towns of the Mediterranean have lured the rich, the famous, and the beautiful to the French Riviera.
Yet the area’s golden sunshine, clear turquoise waters, and pastel-colored bistros and hotels also make the Cote d’Azur the perfect spot for a South of France romantic getaway.
Nice: Begin Your South of France Getaway Here
The sophisticated city of Nice is the ideal starting point for a South of France jaunt. Its international airport is only a short taxi ride from the Promenade des Anglais, the frequently-photographed beachside walkway that gently curves along the coast.
To the south of the wide promenade are pebbly white beaches dotted with blue umbrellas, ideal for sunning or taking a dip in the salty Mediterranean.
On the north is a vibrant city crowded with lavish hotels like the glamorous hundred-year-old Hotel Negresco, lush flowers and palm trees, and small parks and scenic squares with fountains, gardens, and ponds.
Explore Nice, admiring the ornate buildings with their red-tiled roofs and glowing facades in warm shades of yellow and orange. Browse in tiny shops cluttered with the floral fabrics of Provence, the sunny yellows and bright blues that capture the colors of the neighboring landscape.
Another “must” of a South of France honeymoon is lingering in a sidewalk café or bistro, surveying the street life. Or stroll through the market in Old Nice, poking through the displays of antiques and bountiful local produce including figs, olives, raspberries, and melons. Add a fresh baguette from a boulangerie, some goat or ewe cheese, a bottle of local wine, and voila! You’ve got a romantic pique-nique for two.
Cassis: A Distinctive Getaway for Two
The intimate resort town of Cassis is a short drive from Marseilles. This picturesque town provides a truly romantic backdrop for a South of France getaway. Colorful cafés and restaurants line the harbor, creating a relaxed spot for watching the boats or enjoying the sunset.
A small beach is conveniently located next to the port, making a dip in the Mediterranean another key ingredient in South of France romance.
A high point is the scenic calanques, secret inlets reached most easily on the boats that leave the port of Cassis every half hour. Hop off to enjoy one of the small, private beaches with their turquoise water, white beaches, and dramatic cliffs.
Cassis is only one of many charming beach towns that line the South of France coastline. Famous spots such as Cannes and St. Tropez, as well as lesser-known hideaways such as Villefranche-sur-Mer and nearby Beaulieu-sur-Mer, all feature beautiful beaches that are perfect for sun worshipping during the day and romantic strolls in the evening.
Tiny hotels, often decorated in warm shades of yellow and rust, create a feeling that the two of you really are the only people in the world.
Monaco: A Sophisticated Stop on Your South of France Romantic Getaway
The ultimate Cote d’Azur destination is Monaco. This tiny, bustling, cosmopolitan country, which hosts the famous Grand Prix auto race every May, also boasts sophisticated restaurants, clubs, and of course the famous casinos of Monte Carlo, Monaco’s capital.
The famed Monte Carlo Casino, housed in a lavish 18th century building, has long been a favorite with the Beautiful People.
Other casinos provide a more Las Vegas-style experience. Touring the palace that Princess Grace and Prince Rainier once called home is another experience that’s not to be missed.
Sightseeing: Museums & Ancient Treasures >
