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Côte d’Azur Travel Guide: How to Make the Most of Your Trip to the French Riviera

Cheval Blanc St-Tropez

Where the southeast of France meets the Mediterranean Sea, the French Riviera, also known as the Côte d’Azur, offers a see-and-be-seen hotspot of natural beauty and cultural curation. From the beaches and art museums of Nice to the charming villages and iconic palm-lined boulevard of Cannes, the French Riviera is an enticing portal to the glamour of France, past and present.

Get the most out of your visit by staying at one of our Fine Hotels + Resorts® properties and enjoy benefits* such as daily breakfast for two, a $100 experience credit unique to each property and a room upgrade upon arrival, when available.1 Plus, if you haven't received the annual $200 Hotel Credit* yet, you'll get $200 back in statement credits on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection2 bookings each year through American Express Travel when you pay with your eligible Platinum Card®. Explore insights below from Alex, one of our American Express Travel Consultants and a Côte d’Azur destination expert. 1Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade. 2The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

May through September. The high season is July and August. Avoid the rainy season during March, October and November.

GETTING THERE

Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) Commercial

Cannes - Mandelieu Airport (CEQ) Private

La Môle - Saint-Tropez Airport (LTT) Private

Where to Stay in the Côte d’Azur

INTERACT WITH MAP TO EXPLORE OUR FEATURED HOTELS:

MAP LEGEND:

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  • LANDMARK
  • AIRPORT
FINE HOTELS + RESORTS

1Cheval Blanc St-Tropez

PERFECT FOR: Trendy Trips

Cradled by century-old pine trees, Cheval Blanc St-Tropez is a haven of tranquility on the Mediterranean. The maison is ideal for escapades in the heart of the French Riviera, outings to the vibrant night scene of St-Tropez, or seaside pleasures on the private beach. Rooms and suites feature bright, modern decor, separate dressing rooms, and spacious bathrooms, and most include private terraces with views of the sparkling water. ​Indulge in an exquisite gastronomic experience at the award-winning restaurant, La Vague d'Or, featuring the authentic flavors of Provence, innovative cuisine, and spectacular sea views.

INSIDER TIP:

Spend the day on the maison's beach for a sun-basked break by the Mediterranean Sea.

TRAVEL CONSULTANT INSIGHT:

“The hotel offers complimentary chauffeur service throughout your stay so you can explore the trendy town. Shop at the open-air flea market, Place de Lices, only open on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. Visit one of Saint-Tropez’s famous beach clubs for a lively lunch.”

FINE HOTELS + RESORTS

2Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Oetker Collection

PERFECT FOR: Couples and Families

Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Oetker Collection is located on the southern tip of Cap d’Antibes, centrally situated in the French Riviera with an environment that inspired Picasso, Charlie Chaplin, and F. Scott Fitzgerald over the years. Accommodations are spread over three locations: Hotel du Cap, Eden-Roc Pavilion, and Les Deux Fontaines Residence. Rooms throughout are decorated in 18th-century style and have courtyard, garden, or Mediterranean views.

INSIDER TIP:

Be sure to dine at Eden-Roc Restaurant featuring traditional French cuisine with views of the Lérins Islands and the Mediterranean.

TRAVEL CONSULTANT INSIGHT:

“Families can take advantage of the kids program offering circus acts, balloon sculptures, a floral workshop, and afternoon snacks prepared by the pastry team.”

FINE HOTELS + RESORTS

3Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel

PERFECT FOR: Couples and Families

Centrally located on the French Riviera, Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel has graced the Côte d’Azur for more than a century. Featuring an original rotunda designed by Gustave Eiffel as well as white marble interior touches, the hotel provides a light and airy escape. Enjoy an exclusive, two-hour astronomy lesson with a world-renowned scientist followed by a private dinner under the stars, prepared by the hotel's award-winning chef.

INSIDER TIP:

Explore the sights up and down the coast in the hotel's vintage 1960s convertible.

TRAVEL CONSULTANT INSIGHT:

“Don’t miss the night show from the garden, one of the best places to enjoy stargazing on a romantic evening.”

FINE HOTELS + RESORTS

4Château Saint-Martin & Spa, Oetker Collection

PERFECT FOR: Foodies

Set amidst 34 acres of rocky hills and centuries-old olive groves, Château Saint-Martin & Spa, Oetker Collection offers sweeping views across the Provence countryside and the Côte d’Azur from Nice to Cannes. Visit the Chapelle du Rosaire above Vence, or explore the hotel grounds for a taste of history—the château dates back to the 12th century, when it belonged to the Knights Templar.

INSIDER TIP:

Take a guided trip into the historic wine cellar to sample from the fine selection, carved into the rocks beneath the Château.

TRAVEL CONSULTANT INSIGHT:

“Take a seat on the panoramic terrace and savour the one Michelin-starred gastronomy at Le Saint-Martin, while flavours of the Mediterranean are presented at L'Oliveraie in a shady olive grove.”

FINE HOTELS + RESORTS

5Cap Estel

PERFECT FOR: Couples

Set on a private, gated peninsula a brief drive from Monaco, Cap Estel is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea and boasts stunning panoramic views. This serene oasis offers lush gardens and a private beach, with gardens and a pool built onto the cliffs overlooking the turquoise waters. The 28 rooms and suites are spread across the estate and feature bright, elegant interiors.

INSIDER TIP:

You don't have to miss out on watching sporting events at this secluded hotel. Just head to the 38-seat Cinema to watch soccer matches, auto races, and more.

TRAVEL CONSULTANT INSIGHT:

“From June to September, attend one of the Dime On live concerts to discover talents from the 4 corners of the world.”

FINE HOTELS + RESORTS

6La Reserve Ramatuelle hotel spa & villas

PERFECT FOR: Couples

Nestled in the hills just outside Saint-Tropez and awash in ochre and white hues, La Reserve Ramatuelle hotel spa & villas offers a peaceful retreat with spectacular views of the Mediterranean. Ramatuelle combines the virtues of the coast and the countryside of France: Explore the restored 16th-century Paillas mill, sip a local vintage at Château Volterra, or wind your way up the beach pathways to the Cap Camarat lighthouse.

INSIDER TIP:

Be sure to enjoy a meal at La Voile, an award-winning restaurant where local organic produce is served alongside Mediterranean flavors.

TRAVEL CONSULTANT INSIGHT:

“Perched on cliffs and removed from the glitz of Saint-Tropez, the hotel is a quiet and romantic oasis. Savor a Japanese menu prepared by two master sushi chefs on the Muna Terrace."

THE HOTEL COLLECTION

5Radisson Blu Nice

PERFECT FOR: Familes

Located on the iconic Promenade des Anglais, the Radisson Blu Nice boasts a private beach, sleek modern interiors, and a rooftop swimming pool with panoramic views. Stroll the streets of Nice and take in the mix of Italian, English, and French architecture, visit the olive groves and thermal baths of the Garden of Arenas Cimiez, or explore the renowned Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.

INSIDER TIP:

While away your afternoon at the beach club and end the day with dinner at the beachfront restaurant and bar Régence Plage.

TRAVEL CONSULTANT INSIGHT:

“Take children to the Parc Phoenix to spot lemurs, white-brushed marmosets, otters and wallabies as they stroll around the animal section.”

Explore all Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection properties in the Côte d’Azur View all

What to Do in the Côte d’Azur

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Featured in this Article

7 Properties
FINE HOTELS + RESORTS
Cheval Blanc St-Tropez, the only hotel in Saint-Tropez with its own beach
Cheval Blanc
Cheval Blanc St-Tropez
Saint-Tropez, France
FINE HOTELS + RESORTS
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc
Oetker Collection
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Oetker Collection
Antibes, France
FINE HOTELS + RESORTS
Exterior
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France
FINE HOTELS + RESORTS
Château Saint-Martin & Spa
Oetker Collection
Chateau Saint-Martin & Spa, Oetker Collection
Vence, France
FINE HOTELS + RESORTS
Exterior hotel shot with main bulding
Cap Estel
Eze, France
FINE HOTELS + RESORTS
La Réserve Ramatuelle - bedroom
The Leading Hotels of the World
La Reserve Ramatuelle hotel spa & villas
Ramatuelle, France
THE HOTEL COLLECTION
View
Radisson Blu
Radisson Blu Hotel Nice
Nice, France
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Casa Cipriani Milano
Spotlight Hotel
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