In southern France, lying on the magnificent waters of the Mediterranean, is perhaps the most lustrous and glamorous stretch of coast in the world. The Cote d'Azur has long been a destination for royalty, artists and celebrities, many of whom own property in the area. While there is some contention as to the boundaries of the area, otherwise known as the French Riviera, it contains glamorous cities like Cannes, where they hold the prestigious film festival, and Nice, which has more than its fair share of beautiful hotels.
The coast has many wonderful beaches and extends over five-hundred miles. All along the coast are towns and cities which offer the rich and wealthy a playground of pleasures and distractions all year round. If this is the impression you have of the Cote d'Azur, then you are not wrong. It depends on what kind of trip you're planning and what your tastes are, but this is where to find those exclusive ocean-front resorts which cater to people of a private nature and offer services and amenities above and beyond those that most travelers have come to expect. Head to Nice and enjoy superb five star hotels, perhaps along the Promenade des Anglais, which has many luxury resorts.
Expect anything from Art Deco buildings with understated features to Mediterranean villas. If you're booking a room, suite or villa at one of the best French Riviera resorts or hotels, you're probably not short of money, so you'll be able to take advantage of the myriad pleasures that are found both on and off the premises of your lodgings. Aside from places which offer one or more pools, sometimes heated, although with 300 days of sunshine a year you probably won't need the extra bit of warmth, the grander establishments offer a wide array of sporting and leisure activities.
This is where the rich and famous come to escape their high-profile lives and enjoy, among other things, spa treatments designed to meet their exacting standards. Which is say that you'll be staying in a hotel or resort which has a world-class spa. Expect to find steam rooms, private whirlpool tubs and couple's treatment rooms, not to forget the specialized treatments and therapies which are always administered by experts in the field, and with a range of products to make the most jaded celebrity pay attention. Although many who visit the French Riviera prefer to get their exercise out at sea, perhaps water skiing or windsurfing, there are those who prefer the comfort of a gym. All the top establishments, and many who trail by only a star, have excellent fitness centers where guests can enlist the services of a personal trainer and enjoy a workout tailored to their specific body type, age and needs. But if you would rather take your exercise in the sea, then you'll be surrounded by sun and pleasure seekers. It's worth noting that the Cote d'Azur is the yachting capital of the world, filled with the biggest and most impressive specimens of luxury boating. It's estimated that the area is home to around the half the world's super-yachts.
Styles and options vary from hotel to hotel and resort to resort. But if you're one to languish in the tub in a marble bathroom with a bottle of chilled Dom Perignon at your side, you'll have a wealth of choices. Similarly you'll be treated to a butler service if you want one, valet parking and 24-hour in-room fine dining. All the finest establishments have superb restaurants, if not restaurants which have won awards for their cuisine. Haute cuisine is widely available, and you'll be tempted to compare renowned chefs' exciting contemporary iterations of traditional French fine dining staples. Being on the Mediterranean, you will be able to sample fine fresh offerings from the sea from brunch till midnight, as well as all those hearty, nourishing flavors of Mediterranean cookery. And you are assured of the finest wines and champagnes wherever you stay. The French Riviera is partly an excessively well-stocked cellar, which doesn't only have the best wines from France but all over the world. Sip the best Australian and South African new world whites while you eat that fresh fish which has been grilled right in front of you.
If you're staying in Nice or one of the other popular spots during the high-season, you'll be able to take advantage of shuttle services offered by some hotels. Of course, if you're arriving in high-season, it's advisable to book well in advance, especially if you're hoping to book into a hotel in Cannes during the film festival.
It's worth noting that not every pleasure of the French Riviera is about languishing in the sun, taking a cruise and enjoying glasses of champagne while you eat slow meals with great views of the sand and sea. This is a place with rich heritage, which has been the home to some of the greatest artists and writers in history. Head to the local galleries and museums to marvel at the works of Picasso and Matisse, who spent a lot of time in the area. Your front desk will be able to help your organize a tour or just point in the right direction.
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