We’re closing out our France Travel Guide with the ultra dreamy French Riviera (see the Paris guide here , Provence here ). This was a highly anticipated part of our trip. Growing up as a lakehouse kid, I’ve always found water instantly calming and relaxing. So, how could the South of France be anything less that heaven? I’ve also read so many books that have described the location as seemingly the most sought after spot for the chic and rich (a girl can dream right?) We wanted to end our France trip here because we imagined sitting sun soaked by the water each day, rosĂ© in hand. For a psycho planner, I didn’t do the best at planning this leg of the trip, so let’s just dive into what I learned, what we did and how you can make it the best experience possible:
A Guide to the French Riviera
Where to Stay
There are a TON of choices when picking your home base. St. Tropez is mentioned a lot, and while I’m sure it’s fabulous, it’s kind of an isolated location and UBER expensive (in an area that’s already not too budget friendly). Nice and Cannes are both beautiful locations, but there’s not as good of a beach scene. Which is how we landed on Antibes: less touristy, nice beaches, and a good home base to travel around. In Antibes we stayed in an AirBnb, and while it was cute, this was probably a poor choice. I picked it for cost reasons, but I feel like it really impacted our stay. Your absolute best bet would be to stay at a hotel with water access. Lugging your towels, wine and lunch to a tiny public beach in 90 degree heat is less than ideal, and pretty much all of the beach chairs were sold out (#July). SO, stay at a hotel, and these are the ones that looked hella cute:
Courtesy of Beach Cafe Photo by The Blonde Abroad The view from Cheesecake Factory is underwhelming. Courtesy of IG @kry_kokaku IG Photo by @hikarisuperexpress Photo Courtesy of Tasty Island Hawaii Photo Credit: Catherine Toth Fox Chorizo Bolognese Pasta with Avocado Toast LFC Cauliflower “Wings” from Piggy Smalls Saigon Style Iced Coffee from Piggy Smalls The Menu at WowWow Haleiwa Courtesy of Nordstrom Courtesy of Nordstrom Courtesy of Revolve Breezy and stylish white cover up from Revolve Maternity Portrait Baby Shower Menu generational portrait HOLLYWOOD, CA – FEBRUARY 26: Felicity Jones attends the 89th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 26, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic) HOLLYWOOD, CA – FEBRUARY 26: Actor Hailee Steinfeld attends the 89th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 26, 2017 in Hollywood, California. 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(Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) www.thephotographycollection.com Letita Gibson’s Soiree © 2016 Lyndah Wells Photography Letita Gibson’s Soiree © 2016 Lyndah Wells Photography Letita Gibson’s Soiree © 2016 Lyndah Wells Photography Letita Gibson’s Soiree © 2016 Lyndah Wells Photography Letita Gibson’s Soiree © 2016 Lyndah Wells Photography Letita Gibson’s Soiree © 2016 Lyndah Wells Photography Letita Gibson’s Soiree © 2016 Lyndah Wells Photography Letita Gibson’s Soiree © 2016 Lyndah Wells Photography Letita Gibson’s Soiree © 2016 Lyndah Wells Photography Letita Gibson’s Soiree © 2016 Lyndah Wells Photography Letita Gibson’s Soiree © 2016 Lyndah Wells Photography Letita Gibson’s Soiree © 2016 Lyndah Wells Photography Letita Gibson’s Soiree © 2016 Lyndah Wells Photography Letita Gibson’s Soiree © 2016 Lyndah Wells Photography Letita Gibson’s Soiree © 2016 Lyndah Wells Photography Letita Gibson’s Soiree © 2016 Lyndah Wells Photography Letita Gibson’s Soiree © 2016 Lyndah Wells Photography Letita Gibson’s Soiree © 2016 Lyndah Wells Photography Letita Gibson’s Soiree © 2016 Lyndah Wells Photography Letita Gibson’s Soiree © 2016 Lyndah Wells Photography Letita Gibson’s Soiree © 2016 Lyndah Wells Photography Letita Gibson’s Soiree © 2016 Lyndah Wells Photography Letita Gibson’s Soiree © 2016 Lyndah Wells Photography Letita Gibson’s Soiree © 2016 Lyndah Wells Photography Letita Gibson’s Soiree © 2016 Lyndah Wells Photography Letita Gibson’s Soiree © 2016 Lyndah Wells Photography Letita Gibson’s Soiree © 2016 Lyndah Wells Photography Letita Gibson’s Soiree © 2016 Lyndah Wells Photography Letita Gibson’s Soiree © 2016 Lyndah Wells Photography Letita Gibson’s Soiree © 2016 Lyndah Wells Photography Letita Gibson’s Soiree © 2016 Lyndah Wells Photography Lauren & Elobuike’s Wedding at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel http://www.joshuadwain.com Lauren & Elobuike’s Wedding at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel http://www.joshuadwain.com Lauren & Elobuike’s Wedding at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel http://www.joshuadwain.com Lauren & Elobuike’s Wedding at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel http://www.joshuadwain.com Pasha Belman Photography | Myrtle Beach Wedding Photographers www.thephotographycollection.com SAMSUNG CSC SAMSUNG CSC Via: Just A Little Bit of Bacon Via: Cookistry Via: No Spoon Necessary Via: Nutmeg Nanny Via: The Roasted Root Via: The View From Great Island Via: The Speckled Palate Via: Floating Kitchen Via: Sprinkles and Sprouts Via: Grumpys Honey Bunch Via: The Kitchen Is My Playground