America's favorite destinations on the Côte d'Azur

The Côte d'Azur, located in southeastern France, has long been a dream destination for travelers from all over the world. In 2022, international visitors accounted for almost half of all tourist stays on the Côte d'Azur, with Americans leading the way.

In this article, we'll take you on a tour of the 5 most popular destinations for American customers, highlighting their tourist attractions, luxury hotels and services, must-do activities, exceptional natural environments and unique lifestyles.

Nice

Nice, the pearl of the Côte d'Azur, is a destination of choice for many Americans. With its iconic Promenade des Anglais, pebble beaches bathed by the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean and picturesque old town, Nice seduces with its authentic charm. Explore Vieux-Nice with its narrow streets, colorful markets and the Colline du Château for panoramic views over the city.

Luxury hotels such as the Negresco or the brand-new 5-star Anantara offer sumptuous accommodation. The major Hilton hotel group is also setting up shop in Nice, with a remarkably large-scale project close to the Nice train station, right in the city center. Visitors can enjoy exquisite, top-of-the-range cuisine in Michelin-starred restaurants such as Le Chantecler and newcomer Le Flaveur. It's an exceptional culinary experience. For authentic Mediterranean cuisine, visit the Cours Saleya market and sample local specialties in the surrounding restaurants.

On the Promenade des Anglais, numerous restaurants offer shingle terraces. These include Les bains du Castel, which, in addition to its private beach, opened this year as an extension to its terrace and offers a high-quality seafood and fish menu. Also not to be missed: the many private beaches and their festive restaurants, which come alive in the evening.

Local activities include visiting museums such as the Musée Matisse or the Musée Chagall, discovering local markets and excursions into the Provencal hinterland. Nice's pebble beaches are among the most famous on the Côte d'Azur. Plage Beau Rivage and Plage du Castel are popular and timeless options for relaxing in the sun, while the range of prestigious and festive beaches grows more diverse every year.

Discover our exceptional sea-view properties and apartments in Nice.

Cannes

Cannes, famous for its Film Festival, is a glamorous destination prized by Americans. The palm-fringed Croisette is home to luxury hotels such as the Martinez and the Carlton, offering breathtaking sea views.

Cannes also abounds in top-quality restaurants. The Michelin-starred restaurant "La Palme d'Or" at the Hôtel Martinez is a renowned gastronomic experience, today run by the chef dear to French hearts, Jean Imbert. For a more relaxed atmosphere, the restaurant La Môme, located in the lively streets of Cannes, offers delicious Mediterranean cuisine.

For those in search of a sea view in a hushed, intimate atmosphere, head to the Five Seas rooftop for a dazzling sunset and quality cocktails. Guests can stroll along the private beach, explore the old port of Cannes, and indulge in designer shopping. Michelin-starred restaurants and a lively nightlife add to the city's appeal.

In addition to the private beaches of the hotels lining the Croisette, Cannes has a wealth of independent private beaches that contribute to the town's prestigious reputation. Choose Bijou Plage at the Palm Beach for its family atmosphere and top-quality service, or the Plage du Festival, a renowned Cannes address with an ideal location in the center of the Croisette.

Discover our prestigious villas and sea view apartments in Cannes.

Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez embodies the elegance and chic lifestyle of the French Riviera. Americans flock to this destination for its sandy beaches, trendy beach clubs like Nikki Beach, and luxury boutiques. Also famous for its exclusive beach restaurants, Saint-Tropez is inseparable from its Club 55, an iconic place to enjoy fresh seafood with your feet in the sand.

The Michelin-starred restaurant "La Vague d'Or" at the Hôtel Cheval Blanc is another prestigious option. Renowned hotels such as the Château de la Messardière offer sumptuous accommodation. Don't miss a visit to the port of Saint-Tropez and a stroll through the narrow streets of the village.

Explore the port of Saint-Tropez to see the luxury yachts, then stroll through the La Ponche district to discover the authentic soul of the town. Don't miss the panoramic view from the Citadelle de Saint-Tropez.

The beaches of Pampelonne, such as Nikki Beach, Bagatelle and the beach of the Byblos hotel, are famous for their festive atmosphere and crystal-clear waters.

Discover our Provencal bastides and waterfront villas around the Tropézien basin.

Monaco and the Monegasque Riviera

Monaco, the small independent state on the French Riviera, attracts Americans with its iconic casino, luxurious marina and exclusive ambience. World-class hotels such as the Hôtel de Paris offer luxury accommodations, while Monaco's historic district, the old town of Monaco-Ville, is a cultural nugget.

In Monaco, the Michelin-starred restaurant "Le Louis XV - Alain Ducasse à l'Hôtel de Paris" is an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

The Café de Paris is also an emblematic place to enjoy a coffee on the terrace. The communes around Monaco abound in charm and upscale attractions for travelers seeking a luxury Côte d'Azur experience.

Discover our properties around Monaco.

Cap-d'Ail

Cap-d'Ail is a charming seaside resort located between Monaco and Beaulieu-sur-Mer. Its rocky landscapes offer breathtaking sea views.

La Mala beach is one of the region's most popular beaches, famous for its relaxed atmosphere and seaside restaurant.

Èze

Èze is a small commune perched on a hill offering breathtaking panoramic views. Its medieval village and the botanical garden overlooking it are major attractions in the region.

The Hôtel Cap Estel is a luxury seaside hotel in Èze, offering first-class accommodation and a Michelin-starred restaurant.

In the old village, in the heights, we also find the very famous Hôtel de la Chèvre d'Or and its Michelin-starred restaurant, as well as Château Eza, whose restaurant is newly Michelin-starred.

Beaulieu-sur-Mer

Beaulieu-sur-Mer is a charming seaside resort with a picturesque marina and magnificent gardens. The Hôtel La Reserve de Beaulieu & Spa is a renowned establishment offering elegant accommodation and gourmet restaurants. Situated opposite the Casino, the hotel enjoys a prime location.

Villefranche-sur-Mer

Villefranche-sur-Mer is a beautiful bay surrounded by green hills. Its picturesque old village and citadel are must-sees. Plage de la Darse and Plage de la Marinière are renowned beaches in Villefranche-sur-Mer, ideal for swimming and water sports. Between the two beaches lies the old town and its harbor, lined with charming restaurants.

These neighboring communes to Monaco offer upscale experiences, with quality accommodation, dining and beach options for travelers seeking luxury on the Côte d'Azur.

Cap d'Antibes and its Baie of Billionaires

Cap d'Antibes and its Bay of Billionaires is the destination of choice for Americans seeking privacy and tranquility. With its unspoilt beaches, secret coves and hiking trails, Cap d'Antibes is a true haven of peace.

Luxury hotels such as Cap-Eden-Roc offer spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. Visitors can also explore the Cap d'Antibes lighthouse and sample fine Mediterranean cuisine in local restaurants.

Explore the coastal paths of Cap d'Antibes for breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and discover the Cap d'Antibes lighthouse. Cap d'Antibes is also home to a number of peaceful beaches, including Plage de la Garoupe, renowned for its natural beauty and crystal-clear water.

Discover our prestige villas on Cap d'Antibes.

The charming hinterland

Discovering the exceptional quality of life in the hinterlands of Nice and Cannes is an experience that transcends the imagination. From Mougins to Grasse, via Valbonne, the art of living here is imbued with a Mediterranean gentleness, where the rhythms are peaceful, and where you take the time to savor every moment.

The green hills, picturesque vineyards and hilltop villages with their stone-built houses bear witness to a harmony with nature. Tourist activities are varied, with winding hiking trails, vineyards renowned for their local wines, and a rich cultural scene thanks to typical Provencal festivals and markets. Locals and visitors alike are invited to soak up the relaxed atmosphere, savor delicious Mediterranean cuisine and explore the region's rich cultural heritage.

The Fondation Maeght in Saint Paul de Vence and the Picasso trail in Mougins are just a few of the cultural attractions on offer, punctuated by gourmet breaks at Michelin-starred restaurants such as L'Amandier in Mougins or Alain Llorca's restaurant in La Colle sur Loup.

Home to some of the world's greatest names, the Cannes hinterland welcomed the Kennedy family on vacation, notably at Domaine de Beaumont or Château Lérins. Not to be outdone, Nice's hinterland was favored by Monaco's Princess Grace Kelly, who loved to recharge her batteries at Moulins du Villars.

Explore these unspoiled lands for a true taste of quintessential Mediterranean living.

In conclusion, the Côte d'Azur continues to charm American travelers with its dream destinations, unparalleled luxury, varied activities and Mediterranean lifestyle. Each of these sectors offers a unique Côte d'Azur experience, from the glamour of Cannes to the tranquility of Cap d'Antibes.

Whichever you choose, get ready to experience memorable moments on the beautiful French Riviera.

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