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South of France in the summer is a dream, and one that you need to treat yourself to sooner rather than later! Yacht parties, beach clubs, champagne overflowing, rosé under the sun, baguettes for breakfast, you name it. It is where luxury meets Mediterranean summer charm and leaves you breathless with its beauty wherever you look.
Call me an expert because I spent over a month on the coast on the final summer of my twenties. I thought what better place to party until sunrise with people who can actually afford to buy you drinks and hang out on yachts than South of France. And it turned out to be absolutely magical. So, without further ado, let’s dive straight into it, town by town, beach club by beach club, with everything you need to know for your upcoming coastal getaway!
Marseille
I have heard mixed reviews about the city of Marseille and thought about skipping it and heading directly for where the yacht parties are, but I am so glad I didn’t! It has a young population making it vibrant, energetic and also a must-visit spot for anyone who is into art! You will stumble into unique art pieces in its little alleys, find yourself in hidden bookstores, and enjoy aperitivos in its outdoor terrasses.
Marseille Art.
As soon as my friend from Canada, who now lives in Marseille, picked me up from the train station, we immediately headed for a chilled glass of pastis by the Vieux-Port paired with a charcuterie board. This famous Marseille drink is an anise-flavoured liqueur enjoyed at any time of the day, especially during the summer months.
I could have this for every meal!
We then went to the rooftop of Les Terrasses du Port, overlooking the sea, for a live concert accompanied by more pastis. You will come across many bars and venues offering live music in outdoor patios around the city.
Pastis on arrival!
To tame my craving for Spanish food, we went for tapas for dinner. Most places offering tapas come paired with a glass of wine, with a very generous pour, as you will see in the next picture!
Tapas for dinner.
Another must-visit spot while in town is Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, a Catholic Basilica and the city’s best-known symbol. It is quite the hike to get up there, and you may have to brave the wind like I did, but the panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea are worth it.
Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde.
I also quickly noticed the signs from Camino de Santiago as we reached the top, realizing it is part of the pilgrimage route, making it even more of an interesting stop.
Nice
For the majority of my time on the coast I based myself out of Nice. It is perfectly located in close proximity for night outs in Monaco, beach days in Villefranche-sur-Mer, day trips to Cannes and to many charming nearby towns, such as Èze, Valbonne or Antibes.
Parc de la Colline du Château.
The town itself is laid-back and offers great options for shopping and dining. Waka Bar, right by the beach, is a fun spot to hang out, grab a bite, and later hit the dancefloor. There are tons of other options by the beachside and the overall atmosphere is lively.
Our summer crew out and about.
For an unforgettable stay, consider staying at Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel. I stopped by their rooftop several times, as they offer some of the most luxury rooftop atmosphere in town, accompanied by private guest DJs and delicious cocktails.
My summer in France coincided with Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, meaning the whole country was buzzing with excitement. It also meant due to the Olympics, Tour de France finished in Nice instead of Paris for the first time ever. I got to witness cyclists crossing the finish line right in front of me. The energy of everyone and the celebrations were epic!
Tour de France celebrations.
You will want to hit the beach on hot summer days and I must confess that the pebbly city beach was not my favourite, although the easy access still makes it a solid option. There are better beaches not far from the city that I recommend you check out, Monaco being one of them, which is next up!
Monaco
If you asked me to summarize Monaco I would say the iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo, luxury cars, super yachts and nights filled with champagne. Here, I found my ideal of South of France, the elegance and the luxury.
Typical sighting in Monaco.
Monaco is both a country and a city-state, so you are technically no longer in France. I was surprised when I realized I had to roam to use the internet. It is the second smallest country in the world by area, with only Vatican City being smaller.
Modeling session in Monaco.
I was also mesmerized by its cleanliness. You can safely walk back home barefoot after a night out when your high heels start to hurt, and still have clean feet.
Monaco vibes.
When you’re ready for a dance-all-night experience, Monaco offers some great options. Some of the must-check-out spots are Sass café, Buddha Bar and Twiga. They all offer chic and warm décor, dimmed lights, Mediterranean inspired cuisine and an eclectic ambiance to dance all night.
I blend right in.
You cannot say you have been to Monaco if you haven’t been inside the iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo. Whether you decide to try out your luck gambling or just want to admire the architecture, it is an absolute must!
Casino de Monte-Carlo.
When it comes to daytime options, I truly enjoyed Larvotto beach, on Avenue Princesse Grace. It has both private and public areas. Nikki Beach Monaco Beach Club is great for when you are feeling energetic and ready for a beach club day.
Beach day in Monaco.
St. Tropez
Another huge bucket list item I got to check off was visiting St. Tropez and hearing “Welcome to St. Tropez” play in a nightclub while in St. Tropez. This former fishing village, turned playground of the rich, is full of contrasts. You can immediately feel the laid-back vibe of the town contrasting with a backdrop of mega-yachts lined up side by side.
Money vs. Love.
The old town has its own charm. Its narrow streets are lined with luxury shops from brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, Versace and Gucci. When I was there, the town center had billboards displaying artists and actresses who had an influence here. Brigitte Bardot, especially, is credited with popularizing Saint-Tropez by filming the iconic movie “And God Created Women”.
La Durée – St. Tropez.
Although there is a small beach in town, the main action happens at La plage de Pampelonne. This is where you will find jet-setters and celebrities enjoying the high-end beach clubs. Nikki Beach, Shellona and Club 55 are some of the most famous ones, but the sandy coastline is lined with tons of options. It is an absolute must-visit while in St. Tropez, and absolutely worth the high cost of drinks.
Ready for the night!
The town comes alive at night, with lively restaurants, bars and clubs. When it comes to dining and dancing, there are several options. Les Caves du Roy is a must, if you want to live that typical St. Tropez nightlife experience. VIP Room is another late night hotspot, often associated with celebrities. L’Opera Saint Tropez Restaurant is also great for exceptional gastronomy, tasty cocktails and partying. And not to mention the infamous private villa and yacht parties, though you will need to be invited!
Nightout at L’Opera – St. Tropez.
Cannes
Most of you will know Cannes from its annual Cannes Film Festival and its world-famous red carpet. This city lives and breathes elegance, glamour and style. Cafés and patios are filled with celebrity-looking people at any hour of the day. In fact, every person you will come across is dressed to a T and makes you feel underdressed, no matter how chic you thought you looked. The famous promenade, Promenade de la Croisette, runs along the Mediterranean Sea and offers countless options for luxury shopping and luxury hotels. Palais des Festivals hosts many events throughout the year, including the Cannes Film Festival. You can climb the steps and take photos walking on the red carpet, and be the hero of your own French Riviera show.
Walking down the red carpet – Cannes.
Alongside the promenade, there are beach clubs lined up side by side. The atmosphere they offer is relaxing and high end, and one of the most luxurious you will find on the South of France coast. For the ultimate French Riviera experience, I recommend spending at least one full day lounging on sunbeds while sipping on cocktails in Cannes. Carlton Beach Club, Hyde Beach Cannes and La Plage Du Festival are solid options.
Rocking that careless summer look.
Cannes is a festive city that never sleeps and the possibilities for a night out are countless. You will have to choose from speakeasies, wine bars, rooftops and casinos. Some of my personal recommendations are Le Speakeasy Cannes, Bisous Bisous Club and Chrystie Cannes.
Antibes
Located between Cannes and Nice, Antibes is a laid-back alternative if you want to enjoy the beaches or go out at night. It is a popular spot for yachts and therefore yachties, so keep in mind that the nightlife heavily caters to that crowd.
Sculpture by the waterfront – Antibes.
The historic streets of the Old town are worth a visit, to admire the architecture and to browse the many art stores. There are great restaurants and brunch options in the Old Town if you want a change of atmosphere. Be sure to stroll along the waterfront paths to take in the view of the Mediterranean and the sculptures scattered throughout.
Juan-les-Pins
Another great alternative for a beach day or a night out is Juan-les-Pins. It is a vibrant coastal town and has better sandy beaches than the nearby Antibes. At night, you will come across all types of different music including salsa and reggaeton! It is great if your soul starts missing those Latin beats like mine did!
Another round of drinks, please!
Villefranche-sur-Mer
This town is the ultimate dreamy Mediterranean backdrop meets colourful European houses postcard Instagram-y spot! So, make sure to have your camera packed with you before visiting. It is just gorgeous and although it tends to get busy on weekends, weekdays are calm for when you are craving a break from the beach clubs or need a hangover cure day. There are many beautiful restaurants and bistros lined up by the seaside for your much-needed aperitivo break!
Villefranche-sur-Mer: a postcard come to life.
Èze
You must add this charming hilltop village to your South of France itinerary! It instantly takes you back to medieval times and makes you feel like you are in an old French movie. Walk around enjoying the views from the village and check out the many perfumeries.
Living the medieval dream in Èze.
When your feet get tired, stop for a cold glass of rosé and a cheese platter for the ultimate lunch break, but make it French!
Rosé o’clock, my favourite time of day.
Valbonne
Another must-have spot in your itinerary for that charming medieval village feel! The historic square is lined with cafés, boutiques, and shops, making it a great place to wander and take some great photos.
Wandering through Valbonne.
The local market is great if you want to buy some fresh produce or taste some delicious cheese. If you plan to dine here, make sure to have a reservation as the restaurants tend to get busy during dinner time!
Mussels for dinner, on repeat!
San Remo (Italy)
Okay, no judging here, I know Italy is not exactly part of a South of France itinerary. But this nearby Italian town is definitely worth checking out while you are on the coast. Offering a total change of atmosphere (and country), San Remo gives you that ultimate summer feel and lets you live your own version of “The Talented Mr. Ripley” movie. It is only a short 30 minute-drive from Monaco. And as an absolute fan of Italian culture, food and men, I couldn’t turn down the offer when an Italian guy invited me out for dinner in his hometown.
Quick pit stop in San Remo!
Trust me, you won’t regret switching your dinner to aperitivo and pizza for one day! If you are interested in more Italy travel tips, make sure to read my full Italy guide here.
Cape d’Agde
As an adventurer who lives by the motto “experience everything in life at least once”, visiting Cape d’Agde has been on my bucket list ever since I first heard about this naturist resort village. Nudist beaches and European summers are basically synonymous but this village takes it to a whole other level.
I’ve been to Berlin nightclubs before, so the bar for my expectations wasn’t exactly low, but I was surprised regardless. I recommend going with a partner and keeping an open mind.
Cheers to the Ultimate South of France Summer!
And that’s a wrap for one of the most fun and wild summers of my life! South of France is definitely where it’s at for hot European summer meets luxury. The extravagance and lavish lifestyle and parties reflect that. So, pack your best chic outfits and bikinis, and get ready for a champagne-soaked summer!
Ready to make your own South of France dream come true? Book your trip with me here and let’s plan your ultimate getaway!
I had been meeting Sera from hosting her . she is great, funny, smiling , and smart, bringing positive vibes . Never miss the opportunity to meet her.
merci bcp Jeff!