Art of living in Provence and the Côte d'Azur

Arrive in Nice and let the “French Riviera” atmosphere hit you! Leave your luggage at Hôtel Apollinaire Nice and have lunch at Bella Bay. Head for the 4th floor and the Galeries Lafayette Nice Masséna bar–restaurant and get a fantastic view over the town and the Mediterranean. If you feel like doing a bit of shopping, you’ve come to the right place: All you have to do is go down a few floors to the mall – refined good taste is everywhere! And when night falls try one of the magnificent Nicois addresses: upper-class gourmet restaurants or bistro-type cuisine, it’s up to you!

Head for Cagnes-sur-Mer and the Musée Renoir in the artist’s former home. You’ll be able to see some of his paintings and personal items as well as the magnificent gardens created by Renoir himself. After this cultural morning have lunch in the Cucina Victoria restaurant: Mediterranean cuisine, leafy pergola and a rooftop with an incredible view, ideal for lunch in Cagnes.

Now for the Château-Musée Grimaldi in the medieval village of Haut-de-Cagnes. Perched on a hilltop, it has a fantastic view of the sea and the surrounding area. inside the château, you can see a collection of artworks and historical objects including works by Picasso and Chagall. The château is impressive and its ceilings and inner courtyards are well worth seeing.

And what about a coffee break? For a quiet moment in a relaxing atmosphere, we recommend Château le Cagnard. In an exceptional 13th-century building on the ramparts of the village of des Haut-de-Cagnes, it’s the ideal place for a well-earned break.

And in the evening have your meal in the “Cuisine Nissarde” labelled Lou Balico restaurant for a typical atmosphere and local specialities. Great little dishes with regional wines!

Would you like a guided tour of the paved streets of Nice? Listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list as “Nice, seaside town of the Côte d’Azur” you’ll fall in love with its dolce vita atmosphere at any time of year. And don’t miss the stalls and colourful striped awnings of the famous flower market on Cours Saleya! Make the most of the show and wander around the market! A few metres away, the Promenade des Anglais needs no presenting: the promenade along the sea is a real must. Take to the heights from the gardens of the Colline du Château and enjoy the view of the Nice coastline and the Mediterranean as far as the eye can see. After your open-air break, you can see the current exhibition at the Musée National Marc Chagall.

Head for Antibes for lunch at Le Bistrot Margaux on the Port Vauban. And after having enjoyed some good food, explore the town as far as Juan-les-Pins. The typical atmosphere of the Côte d’Azur, with its lovely buildings, straw huts on the beach and local crafts to take home as souvenirs. For dinner, head for L’Institution Restaurant and spend the night at Les Belles Rives, a historic hotel which has welcomed many celebrities. The little extra: its view of the Mediterranean!

Start your day with a tour of Cap d’Antibes! This walk is a real must and it will take you along the coastal path to the luxury villas of the Baie des Milliardaires. Creeks with turquoise water, a rocky trail, and a pine forest: the perfect cocktail for an athletic but easy walk!

You’ve worked up an appetite with your walk, so head for Le Paseo for a 5-star brunch at Hôtel Juana. A flower-filled Riviera setting on the terrace for a moment of relaxation and some scrumptious dishes: pastries, seafood, a cooking show for the desserts; what a programme!

Now head for Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade. Get a breath of Provencal air and discover Château La Coste. Louise Bourgeois’ spider sets the scene and welcomes you on a mirror of water! The estate is home to an impressive art circuit: wander through the vineyards and see the works of art dotted around the estate. And after your art break, dinner at La Terrasse to try the Château’s wine under the arbour.

To end this beautiful day, book a table at Le Saint-Estève, Hôtel Les Lodges’ Sainte-Victoire gourmet restaurant. Hidden away in the pine forest of Provence, the hotel is an invitation to peace and quiet and unplugging. You can stay the night there or go to one of the hotels in the middle of Aix-en-Provence.

Finish your trip with some shopping in the streets of Aix-en-Provence. The best way to explore is on foot! But look up so as not to miss the beautiful period facades and enjoy the cultural and architectural heritage of the town. Known as the town of a thousand fountains, Aix-en-Provence is both natural and contemporary. And don’t miss the Hôtel de Caumont cultural centre: all year round, you can discover a rich programme with references in the field of art in a magical setting. It’s an oasis in the middle of the town: a beautiful building, a majestic staircase, French-style gardens, a little café and a fountain. Musée Granet is also a favourite spot for art lovers with an impressive collection of art and objects which is well worth a visit. Our tip? Take a gourmet break and succumb to the delicious calissons du Roy René! The much-loved delicacy of the people of Aix, this local speciality will appeal to your sweet tooth.