SOUTHERN FRANCE AT A GLANCE – AMANDA MILLS
SOUTHERN FRANCE AT A GLANCE – AMANDA MILLS. This slice of heaven a short flight from Paris and the hustle and bustle of city life. Let's get back to luxury travel in Summer 2022
SOUTHERN FRANCE AT A GLANCE – AMANDA MILLS
It is no secret that the south of France is one of our favorite destinations in the world. SHOP AMLA simply adores the beach environment mixed with the slow-paced European lifestyle and beauty of the Mediterranean. There are so many things to see and do in the many picturesque seaside towns that dot the southern French coast; however, if you are looking for a quintessential riviera experience, I recommend a visit to Cap d’Antibes and St.Tropez. Welcome to the Cote d’Azur my way .
MONTE CARLO
Glitz & Glamour await at the tiny country once ruled by our beloved Princess Grace . Seek shelter at Hôtel de Paris an enchanting location between the sea and Place du Casino, with outstanding service and amazing wine cellars. There are some truly exceptional luxury hotels out of which legends are born like its famous 3 restaurants: Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse à l’Hôtel de Paris (3 Michelin star restaurant), Le Grill, and Le Côté Jardin. Warning many tourist types outside during the day so I say shop till your drop or hit the pool.
DINNING & DRINKING MONACO
CIPRIANI – MONTE CARLO – 1 AVENUE PRINCESS GRACE +377 93 25 50
BAR SASS – MONTE CARLO – FOR LAUGHS
CHÂTEAU EZA
Of all the hotels on the Cote d’Azur, Château Eza is the most stunning, with its Gourmet Restaurant, tucked away in Eze in one of the most enchanting locations on the Côte d’ Azur.
The 14 intimate rooms and suites of this 400 year old Chateau, also a former residence to a Swedish Prince, offer epic vistas over the Cote d’Azur, often from private balconies and terraces, as does Chateau Eza’s Gourmet restaurant, itself overlooking the sun-kissed horizons of the FRENCH RIVIERA. Reservations
CAP FERRAT & ANTIBES
Twelve summers prove I love Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc its rich history filled with stories and iconic people that spans decades. The hotel was originally built in 1869 as a destinations for writers seeking inspiration and was opened as the Grand Hotel du Cap in 1889 by an Italian hotelier. Over the years, the property became the preferred spot of the likes of Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and the Kennedy family. Because of its vibrant history and its development into the “it” spot on the French Riviera, the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc exudes classic riviera glamour and sophistication.
If you are visiting Eden-Roc for the day, I recommend lunch at Eden Roc grill or an evening cocktail at the Eden Roc Champagne lounge (open during the high season) which serves some of the world’s finest champagnes.
All the tables have wonderful views so it seems like there is not necessarily a bad seat in the house. The property is so iconic, being featured in Dior advertisements and a myriad of Slim Aarons photos that looking out across the famed infinity pool is a surreal experience.
Expect to dine amongst an international jet-set crowd in a relaxed environment.
LE PLAGE
In the summer, there are also three beaches to visit: the prettiest by far being the small shingle cove of Plage de Passable, which offers stunning views of Villefranche’s harbour and citadel across the deep blue waters of the Rade de Villefranche. If you’re feeling extravagant, you can take lunch at the elegant beach restaurant built into the foot of the cliff. Alternatively, pack a baguette and join the crowd of locals on the public section of the beach if you dare ….Im not one for public spaces and no wait staff…
CAP FERRAT, FRANCE – A PLAYGROUND FOR THE RICH AND FAMOUS ( AND SOME RANDOM TOURIST …. BOOO HISSS )
The brilliant light, the unspoilt beauty and the Cap Ferrat luxury villas make this French Riviera’s oasis of greenery a playground for the rich and famous. This precious peninsula dotted with grand villas, spectacular gardens and quaint coves bathed in sunshine has been named among the world’s most expensive residential areas, second only to Monaco.
But the champagne set’s villas set amidst stunning gardens are not the only attractions on the cape. Once a small fishing village, the picturesque town of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is now one of Cote d’Azur’s last destinations where the undisputed beauty of the place meets not the bustle and glitz of today’s Riviera, but the sweet old-fashioned glamour of what was once this marvelous bit of France.
The wonderfully preserved Belle Epoque architecture enchants the eye, while the beaches – quiet and exclusive – make for picturesque natural escapes, without being crowded or too commercial. Yet, what really strikes the visitor to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is not the opulence of the place, but the setting, the greenery and the utter peace here. Not to mention the town’s mild Mediterranean climate allows for comfortable year-round walks and recreation. Taking a coastal walk around Cap Ferrat is by far the best way to experience this place and to take in the French Riviera’s spectacular scenery. Most of the routes start around the port and lead you to the headland’s most fascinating spots, including the beautiful Paloma Beach and the picturesque seaside village of Beaulieu-sur-Mer, which is only 35 minutes along the Promenade Maurice Rouvier.
Other interesting sights in town include the 19th-century Chapel of St Hospice with its huge bronze statue of the Madonna and Child; the small, but pretty glamorous Port de Saint-Jean; and Le Phare – a lighthouse built by Napoleon III in 1962. Nevertheless, the undisputed jewel of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is the magnificent Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, perched on a hill, on the northern tip of the peninsula. Also known as Musée Île-de-France, the gorgeous Belle Epoque mansion was once the property of Baroness Béatrice de Rothschild, who filled it with an amazing collection of objects d’art such as rare porcelain, antique furniture, Old Master paintings and notable sculptures. Even more impressive than the grandiose, art-filled interiors of the villa are the nine stunning landscaped gardens that surround it. Ranging from exotic, Spanish or Florentine to Japanese and rose gardens, these lovely oases of greenery designed by landscape architect Achille Duchêne are now part of the “Notable Gardens of France”, a designation received from the French Ministry of Culture.
The exquisite Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild can be visited each day all year round, and during summer it plays host to two wonderful events: The Painters’ Day (June) and Les Azuriales Opera Festival (August).
As Other interesting sights in town include the 19th-century Chapel of St Hospice with its huge bronze statue of the Madonna and Child; the small, but pretty glamorous Port de Saint-Jean; and Le Phare – a lighthouse built by Napoleon III in 1962. Nevertheless, the undisputed jewel of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is the magnificent Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, perched on a hill, on the northern tip of the peninsula. Also known as Musée Île-de-France, the gorgeous Belle Epoque mansion was once the property of Baroness Béatrice de Rothschild, who filled it with an amazing collection of objects d’art such as rare porcelain, antique furniture, Old Master paintings and notable sculptures. Even more impressive than the grandiose, art-filled interiors of the villa are the nine stunning landscaped gardens that surround it. Ranging from exotic, Spanish or Florentine to Japanese and rose gardens, these lovely oases of greenery designed by landscape architect Achille Duchêne are now part of the “Notable Gardens of France”, a designation received from the French Ministry of Culture.
Cap Ferrat is – and it has always been – an exclusive holiday resort for the world elite and one of the most sough-after destinations for French Luxury real estate. But most of all is a sensational place, and probably one of the few remaining, to experience the French Riviera as it was once – glamorous, intriguing and full of old-world charm.
LITTLE HOUSE NICOLE – NICE
This exquisite hot spot in the Mediterranean sun, located in the heart of the Hotel Majestic, La Petite Maison de Nicole excels in the art of magnifying mullet and shellfish. Perfumes and southern flavors delight the plates.
Dinner in a trendy atmosphere and cozy comfort. Admire the original decoration, portraits “Popartisés” and vegetables as a bouquet on white tablecloths. Enjoy the soft light of the chandeliers, the alliance of wrought iron and diaphanous curtains. zucchini flower fritters, stuffed and calamaretti fritti, crab tempura or marinated tuna salad of artichokes, red and yellow peppers and basil burrata. and likes sunny recipes and dishes all in color. A delightful mix of conviviality and sharing, orchestrated by Chef Brice Morvent and enhanced by a live musical entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights. It is not uncommon to come across celebrities.
Promenade des Anglais , Nice
- La Petite Maison de Nicole
- +33 (0) 4 92 98 77 00
Days and hours:
Every day from 19:30 to 23:00. July / August and congress periods: from 19:30 to midnight.
For you Nice novices for the past 21 years La Petite Maison (11 Rue Saint-Francois de Paule, Nice France) has been the most beloved restaurant in Nice, France, tucked away between Place Massena and Old Nice. Celebrated Nice owner and creator Nicole Rubi. AMLA
Located on the sidewalk of a busy pedestrian road where a number of restaurants are located, two giant candy sculptures mark the entrance of the huge balcony fully packed with people. Customers start arriving early; tables are booked twice every night until midnight… It’s no wonder, this eatery is ranked #20 of 217 things to do in Nice by Lonely Planet travelers. Owned and run by Nicole Rubi, La Petite Maison has come a long way in the past two decades. She welcomes you into her restaurant, although in an unfriendly manner at times, she seats people like they are just another number… It’s understandable, I guess, with the success and popularity of the place, it would be hard to be friendly and get personal with everyone that walks in…
Read Amanda’s Article About Nicole – HERE
DINNING ANTIBES
MICHELANGELO / MAMO – ANTIBES -2 RUE DES CORDIERS ( THE BEST )
Who doesn’t know Mamo? This engaging food enthusiast with the gift of the gab has made his restaurant one of Antibes’ hot spots. Superb pizzas are created by a Sicilian pizzaiolo, the pasta is homemade, and the vegetables – courgettes, aubergines, tomatoes, artichokes – come straight from Italy. Che buono!
MICHELIN guide inspectors – MAMO RESERVATIONS
ST TROPEZ
“St. Trop” as it is often called by those who summer in southern France’s playground, started off quite humbly as a port city and fishing village. By the early part of the last century, Bohemian artists from Paris made it their summer playground and soon jet setters from around the world flocked to this Mediterranean gem. Made famous by Brigitte Bardot, Saint-Tropez has become the ultimate summer playground.
SHELTER IN ST TROPEZ
CHATEAU DE LA MESSARDIERE
Château de la Messardière offers the very best for discerning travelers. You’ll be a quick 3-minute ride from the beach, three minutes from the center of Saint-Tropez, surrounded by elegant gardens and glistening waters of the Mediterranean–and living your own fairy tale in this castle on the hill. Prices for rooms start at €360 in low season. The Prestige Suite, which is pictured, starts at €800 per night in low season. You can find the chateau online at www.messardiere.com or by calling +33 (0)4 94 56 76 00.
Some history this castle perched on a hillside overlooking not only the town but the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, miles of vineyards and the beaches of Pampelonne, this 118-room chateau started out as a real-life fairy tale castle. Built in the early 19th century, it was a wedding present for a French cavalry officer and his bride. The couple had seven children and lived a peaceful life until the officer–Henry Brisson de la Messardière–met with an untimely death. His wife rented out rooms in the chateau throughout the Roaring 20’s and it was frequently the sight of prestigious visitors partying well into the morning hours.
LE PLAGE’ CLUBS ST TROPEZ – A MUST ! -DAY BEACH CLUBS
TO PARTY
http://www.bagatellesttropez.com
TO CHILL
PHILIPPE SHANGTI LUXURY OVERDOSE
FABULOUS DINNING AT L’OPERA
A unique experience in the heart of the
Saint-Tropez village. Built as an arena, the restaurant
mixes with refinement an exceptional gastronomy.
Every dinner will delight in soaking up the glamorous
and sumptuous atmosphere, be enthralled by the
creative and modern shows and enjoy the seclusion
of the private club. Ask for Nicolas – MORE
http://www.opera-saint-tropez.com/en/
WHAT TO WEAR ON THE FRENCH RIVIERA ? LAS NOCHES IBIZA SHOP AMLA
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