Travel guide: Fall for the French Riviera
Pack your bags and head to the South of France…
The French Riviera has long been a luxurious haven for sun-seekers. From the glitz and glamour of Cannes to the jaw-dropping views of Monte-Carlo, this stunning stretch of coastline offers endless opportunities for indulgence and relaxation.
Take a journey through some of the hottest spots to eat, party, chill, and stay on the Côte d’Azur…
Where to party
Nikki Beach Monte-Carlo
Nikki Beach Monte-Carlo is a must-visit throughout the summer season. Its hedonistic vibe and elevated service combine to offer an experience you won’t forget. Located in Fairmont Monte-Carlo, the venue is located directly on the ‘world’s most famous bend’ – the hairpin of the Formula 1 track. A large central pool takes centre stage, surrounded by elegant white parasols and Nikki Beach’s signature boho-style furniture in the alfresco restaurant. Endless sea views provide a picturesque display on one side of the venue, while the hairpin and Monte-Carlo’s ever-growing skyline decorate the other. The resident DJ kicks things off from the early afternoon, as the space fills with locals and jet setting travellers here to enjoy the warm rays and good vibes. With double sunbeds from Dhs780 plus a bottle of wine, the price of a good time in Monaco doesn’t come cheap, but for an unforgettable day celebrating life, you can always rely on Nikki Beach to deliver.
Where to eat
Lucia Cannes
From the team behind Nikki Beach comes Lucia, a vibrant new beachside restaurant with the same joie de vivre as its global powerhouse sibling. Named after the group’s co-founder and CEO, Lucia Penrod, this new spot is bursting with energy as the new kid on the croisette (block). With a vibrant open restaurant and lounge, colourful custom-designed parasols and chic sun loungers, Lucia hasn’t come in quietly. A supersized menu of Mediterranean delights offers options such as crudo de thon (Dhs95) and citrus sea bass tartare (Dhs105) to start and linguine vongole (Dhs115) or entrecôte panzanella (Dhs175) for mains. The dishes are light and refreshing, served on colourful plates by friendly, experienced servers. The beach area is intimate without being crowded, lined with pastel-hued beach huts that serve as changing rooms. The sun loungers are priced by row and can only be reserved by guests of local hotels, otherwise are first come first served, starting from Dhs275 for the day.
Zuma Cannes
Having just opened, the newest outpost of ever-popular izakaya, Zuma, is already abuzz. Found in a brand new luxury complex at the tip of Cannes’ Cap de la Croisette, Zuma joins LPM and Nammos to make Palm Beach the freshest hotspot for rubbing shoulders with the who’s-who of the French Riviera. The outdoor terrace provides one of the best views in the city, especially for sunset, as the amber skies stretch behind the foothills, deepening in colour as dusk draws to a close. Zuma’s menu is filled with the popular signatures from its other venues, with only one dish unique to this venue – a pavlova-like dessert topped with fresh seasonal fruit. Consistency must be Zuma’s middle name, as plates of maki and sashimi are delivered just as flawlessly as they do in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The spicy tuna with chilli miso and yuzu tobiko (Dhs85) is a particular highlight, as is the wagyu tartare sushi with summer truffle (Dhs228), an interesting mix of perfectly seasoned raw wagyu wrapped in rice paper and topped with a delicate slice of truffle. In true Zuma fashion, the bar is soon filled with people glammed up and dancing to house beats. Despite opening just several weeks prior, it seems this breathtaking alfresco terrace has quickly become the place to be in Cannes.
Where to stay
Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo
There’s nothing quite like being in the heart of the action, and you can’t get much closer than Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo. Just a stone’s throw from the famed Monte-Carlo Casino, and directly next door to the Monaco outpost of Dubai’s homegrown restaurant success story, Gaia, this property is packed with prestige. With a history that dates back to 1886, the hotel is steeped in stories, told through the walls of its lobby, which are lined with masterpieces by Picasso and Andy Warhol.
With just 125 rooms and suites, Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo feels exclusive without being stuffy. Our spacious Deluxe Junior Suite overlooks the central courtyard and the long driveway lined with supercars. The interiors reflect the heritage of the hotel, as warm neutral walls are accented with burnt orange curtains and cushions with a delicate floral pattern.
For an added touch of luxury, Spa Metropole by Givenchy is a haven within the heart of Monte-Carlo. Designed by architect Didier Gomez, guests are welcome to use the state-of-the-art fitness studio, serene relaxation room, hammam and sauna; or to really switch off, a number of de-stressing treatments are on offer.
In 2003, the late Karl Lagerfeld designed Odyssey, the hotel’s pool and alfresco restaurant, with its menu curated by chef Christophe Cussac. Throughout summer, chef Cussac has teamed up with talented founder-chefs, Manon Santini and Rocco Seminara, to bring the ZIA pop-up to Odyssey, which a special pizza menu served in a hidden garden at the far end of the pool.
Room rates start from Dhs4,340 per night. metropole.com
Where to chill
Plage de la Mala, Cap-d’Ail
In the French commune of Cap-d’Ail, you’ll find a serene, secluded beach that has been described as the best in the French Riviera. Choose between the public section or the music-filled private beach bars (sunbeds are Dhs120), although both offer the same view of crystal-clear waters and towering chalky cliffs. The trek down is easy-going, the way back up a little less-so, although still possible for novice hikers. Our favourite spot is a concrete bank on the left side, with direct access to the sea that saves you from having to walk on the small pebbles. Take a picnic and stay for sunset for the ultimate break from the Côte d’Azur’s hustle and bustle.
La Tête De Chien, La Turbie
Nicknamed The Dog’s Head, this is the ultimate spot for the best view of Monaco from above. If you have enough courage to trek before sunrise, you’ll be treated to an epic morning light as dawn breaks on the horizon; but the evening view is just as magical, with a warm glow bathing over both you and the vibrant city below. The best way up is to take a car to La Turbie observation deck, and walk through the rocky, overgrown pathway until you see signs for La Tête De Chien. The mountain edge is free and unmanned, so go with caution and wear sensible shoes.
Images: Unsplash and supplied
