Spending a Lavish Weekend on the French Coastline
Jet off for a weekend of sun, splurging, and sultry vibes with a trip to Nice, France – just two hours from London's gloomy skies!
The French Riviera is renowned as the playground of the rich and famous, and while cruising the coastline on a yacht would be ideal, the convenient connections between Nice, Cannes, and Monaco make a last-minute weekend getaway a reality. So round up your squad, book a flight to Nice, and find your perfect pad among the fantastic holiday rentals France has to offer. It's time to roll the dice, sip on cocktails, and indulge in the finest French cuisine like a high roller.
Friday: A Champagne Start
Quit work early on Friday (with visions of airport beers dancing in your head) and touch down in Nice before sunset. Check into your weekend abode, then pop open that bubbly you picked up at duty-free or embark on a beloved French pastime: cheese and wine.
Yolo (or Flume as it's known by the locals on the weekends) is one of the trendiest bars in Nice. Offering wines for every palate and budget that pair perfectly with their scrumptious charcuterie boards, it's the perfect spot to start your long weekend. Centrally located at 10 Rue du Marécha, the festivities wind down at midnight, ensuring a semi-early night for tomorrow's adventures.
Saturday: Sailing the Cote d'Azur
even if a private yacht might stretch your budget, a boat ride on the turquoise waters of the French Riviera is a must.
Tran Cote D'Azur provides seasonal return boat rides from Nice to Cannes for just 40 EU round trip. With an eight-hour respite in the city to explore, it's a pricey but worthwhile way to admire the coastline from the water.
Cannes may be famous for its star-studded film festival, but its Old Quarter, Le Suquet, is worth exploring regardless of the glitz. Narrow cobblestone streets and hidden staircases lead to charming bars and eateries, and the breathtaking views of the sea and town are the reason for the climb alone.
Wander through the quarters archaic structures and take in the views of the castle and clock tower before hitting the Musée de la Castre to check out the collection of art, local artifacts, and fascinating history.
When hunger strikes, head down to L'Alba (Boulevard Jean Hibert), where you can dig into fresh seafood and crisp white wine while watching the waves crash on the shore. The food here might take a while to arrive, but the ambience and views make up for it.
Take a walk along La Croisette, the bustling promenade that follows the bay. sun-kissed tourists, fashionable ladies, and old men playing petanque can all be found strolling this glamorous stretch of beach.
The Palais des Festivals, an eyesore even after a fresh coat of paint, is the main event during the film festival, but for us, it's just another beautiful part of the walk.
If time permits before the boat ride back to Nice, browse the boutiques lining the way for some retail therapy that will put a dent in your wallet.
For a creative cocktail experience, head to Fred's bar (9 Rue Antoine Gautier). This hidden gem whips up drinks that will keep the party going long into the night, and the tapas will hopefully help prevent a hangover tomorrow.
Sunday: Monaco, Baby!
Take it easy in the morning before hopping on the train to Monaco, one of Europe's smallest countries (second only to Vatican City).
Monaco's real estate might seem flashy, with its marina, Formula 1 race track, and dazzling casino, but there's more to it than meets the eye.
Just before noon, the Changing of the Guard takes place at the Palace, making it worth stopping by to get a glimpse of the ceremonial pageantry.
Afterwards, meander through the Grand Prix circuit before settling in at Café de Paris for a leisurely lunch. It's overpriced and mainstream, but when in Monaco... If the weather's nice, grab a seat on the terrace and order a glass of champagne to toast the opulence of it all.
Indulge in a little chance at the casino, perhaps trying to recoup some of your weekend expenses. I came out empty-handed but managed to put my winnings to good use by booking the shortest flight to another country I've ever taken.
Wrap up the day with a stroll along Monaco's Marina, marveling at the fleet of luxurious yachts you dream of owning.
For the ultimate luxe experience, helicopter to Nice for a sunset flight back to the airport. The ride only takes seven minutes, but if you've ever fantasized about crossing borders by air, this could be your chance.
Toast the end of your weekend with dinner at La Terrasse, the rooftop restaurant of Le Meridien Hotel on Prom. Des Anglais. While it might lack the refinement of Michelin-starred restaurants, its fusion menu offers mains starting from 25 EU and lobster dishes for around 40 EU.
Monday: Nice and Easy
Spend your last day leisurely soaking up the sights and laid-back vibes of Nice's Old Town. Begin in Vieux Nice, with its narrow roads, hidden eateries, and quaint boutiques – perfect for a relaxing breakfast. Pick up some fancy macarons as a token of your weekend of decadence for your colleagues back at the office.
next up, meander down the famous Promenade des Anglais, where you can marvel at the lapping ocean waves and enjoy a glass of wine while watching the world go by.
Take a break at Parc de Chateau, where you can soak up breathtaking views of Nice in both directions. The gardens are a serene escape worth exploring, too.
Wrap up your weekend by strolling through Port Lympia and taking in its colorful architecture – a feast for the eyes that will transport you to Venice.
If you have some extra time before your flight, immerse yourself in the history of the city at one of Nice's many museums, like the grand architectural Musse Massena.
And there you have it – a long weekend to remember in Nice, France!
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Enrichment Data:
If you're looking to make the most of your weekend in Nice, France, here are some additional suggestions for activities, restaurants, and experiences to enhance your trip:
Top Activities
- Chillon Castle: A picturesque medieval castle located on Lake Geneva, just a short train ride from Nice.
- Grasse: Visit this charming Provencal town known as the world capital of perfume, and explore the Fragonard Museum.
- Nice Jazz Festival: Held every summer, this festival attracts talented musicians from around the world and creates a lively atmosphere in Nice.
Suggested Restaurants
- Château de la Chèvre d'Or: Located in the picturesque village of Èze, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers stunning views and exquisite French cuisine.
- Le Quatremère: This cozy bistro in Nice serves delicious Mediterranean dishes and has a friendly atmosphere.
- Restaurant de l'Hotel du Cap opt Cap: Overlooking the Bay of Cannes, this upscale restaurant offers breathtaking views and gourmet food.
Bars and Nightlife
- Le Vieux Port: Located in the heart of Nice, this vibrant area is filled with bars, cafes, and restaurants where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful waterfront.
- Le Ventano: This beach club in Nice offers a lively atmosphere, live music, and cocktails with views of the ocean and the city.
- Le Peacock Alley: This hidden gem is located in the Hotel Negresco and offers a sophisticated, retro atmosphere perfect for a cocktail.
Additional Tips
- Beaches: Nice is known for its pebble beaches, but there are also some great sandy beaches nearby, such as those in Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
- Day Trip to St-Paul-de-Vence: A picturesque hilltop village nestled in the rolling hills of Provence, just a short drive from Nice. Famous for its narrow streets, art galleries, and views of the enchanting countryside.```
Spend your Sunday afternoon exploring the home-and-garden charm of the hilltop village of St-Paul-de-Vence, taking in the art galleries and the country views, before heading back to Nice. As you reminisce on your long weekend getaway filled with travel, eating, and lifestyle indulgences, you might decide to plan your next adventure in France – perhaps traversing the splendors of the 'home-and-garden' towns in the Loire Valley or savoring the family-owned vineyards in Bordeaux's 'wine region'.
