The history of Antibes is very rich. The location of the old town was most probably already used more then 2000 years ago and was famous in Greek times as Antipolis. Nowadays the centre abounds of Museums, monuments and Provençal style boutiques. The Picasso museum, the cathedral, the Port Vauban with its famous billionaires' dock are not to be missed. The Provencal Market is another pearl of the historic town: every day, except monday, it welcomes guests from all over the world with its colours, exceptional local products and lively atmosphere. 2 km away from the hotel – 5’ drive - 20/30' on walk.
This village perched up high dates to 154 BC and overlooks hills covered with mimosas and olive trees. Visiting Biot is to take a real tour through Provencal history. One can't help but admire the beautiful doors, vaults, stairways, stonework, sundials, cobblestones, and the perspectives from one street to another. The village is famous for its hand-made glass. The glass creations can be bought at the famous "Verrerie de Biot" or in one of the ateliers in the historic centre. 9 km away from the hotel - 17' drive.
150 years ago Cannes was nothing more than an unimportant fishing village. Since then it has become an elegant city known around the world and attracts an international clientele. The main things to see are the Old Harbour, the Souquet (Historic Village) and the Palais des Festivals on the wold famous Croisette. 11 km away from the hotel - 20' drive.
Old Town: one gets to the top of the city by climbing the Mont Chevalier up to Suquet. The panorama at the top is breath-taking with the whole city below surrounded by the blue sea and the Lérins Islands.
The Old Harbour: all along the Quai St Pierre in the old port you can find fishing boats and pleasure boats side by side. The fishermen work on their nets next to their colorful barks. On the pier Albert Edouard the most beautiful yachts in the world come to moor.
The Croisette and the Palais des Festivals: the Croisette is one of the most famous promenades in the world. For three kilometers following the curve of the bay one can see flowering gardens, lawns planted with palm trees, umbrella pines and the best designers'shops in the World! On the Croisette, you will find also the Palais des Festivals, where the Film Festival takes place. Do not forget to take a photo on the stairs...like a Hollywood star!
Just in front of the Belles Rives, a short boat ride away, the Lerins Island await you with their exceptional natural setting. Situated in an unspoilt environment, these Mediterranean beauties offer visitors a unique combination of flora and fauna, as well as an unusual history that includes the mysteries of the Man in the Iron Mask (Sainte Marguerite)and the tranquility of Cistercian monks (Saint Honorat). Saint Honorat is definitely our favourite island. Here you will be able to visit the monastery, with its peaceful cloister, the vineyard (where the monks still produce their wine) and, last but not least, have a delicious lunch under the trees at the Restaurant "La Tonnelle".
For further information, to book your boat or a table, e-mail us.The old village of Valbonne, located in the hills between Antibes and Nice, has retained much of its 16th century character, though mixed with an active town atmosphere. The Place des Arcades, located at the cetre of the village, is the right place to stop for a drink or a lunch in one of the pictoresque restaurants and cafés. At the bottom of the village you can visit the 12th-century Eglise Saint Blaise, the attached Chalaisien Abbey (or "Ancien Couvent Chalaisien"), the Moulin des Moines (now a restaurant), and a very ancient-looking carved-stone monument. 15 km away from th Hotel - 20' drive.
The village of Mougins, located at few kilometres from Cannes and the lights of the Coast, has always had a direct link with the world of the painters and arts. In the centre of the village you will be able to discover a selection of artists boutique, Provencal ateliers and some interesting restaurants. 15 km away from the hotel – 20’ drive.
Saint Paul’s village is a real gem of the French Riviera. Inside the city walls you will discover a dedalus of little streets rich of art galleries and typical shops. Take the time to meet local people, around the famous balls game. You will have the pleasure to know a new way of life, typical of Southern France. 20 km away from the hotel - 25’ drive.
Nice, the fifth largest city in France, acts as a magnet attracting people from all over the world. Both elegant and simple, Nice's charm comes from its exceptional climate as well as its beauty. Even in the winter the terraces of the cafes are filled with people happily drinking and contemplating the ultra famous Promenade des Anglais. Here you will be able to see some traces of the golden years of the Belle Epoque; the most famous one is without doubt the pink dome of the Hotel Negresco. The only way to get to know the real Nice is by strolling through the ochre colored streets listening to the "Nicois" speaking their own language (Nissart) and by tasting their savory cooking, Do not miss the onion, anchovy and olive tarts called Pissaladieres, the vegetable and tuna sandwiches known as Pan Bagnat, the Salade Nicoise or the famous Socca, a crispy thin cake made by cheak peas and olive oil. In Nice you will find also interesting museums, like the Chagall Museum or the Matisse Museum and, last but not least, a beautiful Italian-Style historic centre with its famous Flowers'Market, one of the most historical and famous of France. 25 km away from the hotel - 45' drive.
Gourdon is located in the hills between Cannes and Grasse. Getting to Gourdon is an adventure itself! Gourdon is the archetype of a perched village, sitting like an eagle's nest at the end of a rocky spur, enjoying a truly exceptional panoramic view over more than 80 kilometres of coastline from Theoule sur Mer to Nice. It also forms a remarkably harmonious ensemble of white stone-built medieval houses, nestling around the feudal castle. Inside the village you will find a good selection of charming shops, ateliers and restaurants. But the highlight of the village is without doubt the castle, with its imposing round and squared towers, its arrow slits and Renaissance entrance gate, its cobbled inner courtyard and its gargoyles and vaulted hallways, not forgetting its monumental 14th century fireplace. Inside, you can visit superb gardens laid out by Le Notre, Versailles' landscape gardener: a true Eden on the earth. 30 km away from the hotel - 40’ drive.
Eze Village, one of the nicest on the Riviera, is located on the hills behind Monaco and it offers a magnificent view from the Italian Coasts to the Cap Ferrat and Nice. On the top of the village, rich of local shops, you will find a beautiful exotic garden filled with precious varieties. 46 km away from the hotel - 40’ drive.
The Principality of Monaco is located between the French towns of Cap d'Ail and Roquebrune Cap Martin. It is one of those magic glamorous places that has a world wide reputation. There is sun here almost all the time, and fabulous parks and gardens have been laid out throughout the city. There are sumptuous boutiques with the latest fashions, palacial luxury hotels, and very chic restaurants. The cultural and sports centers are fitted out to perfection.
Everywhere you look there are long limousines gliding, or little Porsches zipping around the famous curves of Formula One Grand Prix. This is Monaco!
This perfect little Paradise is one of the "IN" places for the international jet set and the very famous. It is also the best place to see and be seen. 46 Km away from the hotel - 45' drive.
The medieval village of Roquebrune is perched on an a hill between the Principality of Monaco and the town of Menton at 300 metres on the sea level and it is dominated by a castle. The church of Sainte Marguerite hosts a copy of Michelangelo’s Universal Judgement. From the main square of the village you will be able to enjoy a breathtaking view on the coast and the skyline of Monte Carlo. 54 km away from the hotel - 50’ drive.
La Riviera italienne, mieux connue sous le nom de Riviera des Fleurs, est la terre des couleurs, du soleil, du ciel bleu et du printemps éternel. Des fleurs multicolores décorent les parterres et jardins.
Balzi Rossi est un village près de la frontière française; vous pouvez y visiter des grottes spectaculaires où l'homme paléolithique avait pour habitude de vivre. Non loin de là, vous pourrez trouver les jardins luxuriants de la Villa Hanbury, avec une grande variété de plantes succulentes.
Le passage dans l'arrière-pays vous permettra de visiter plusieurs villages comme Dolceacqua, avec l'ancien château de la famille Doria, et Apricale, un village perché sur le flanc de la montagne, caractérisé par des « carrugi » étroits (c’est-à-dire des ruelles escarpées qui sont typiques de la Ligurie), des ateliers d'artistes et des fresques qui ornent les maisons. Cervo, un peu plus loin, est un beau village perché au sommet d'une colline surplombant la mer. Ne le manquez pas! Dans le village de Bordighera, vous trouverez la palmeraie la plus au nord d'Europe et des villas qui datent de l’époque liberty (XIXème siècle).
Sanremo est certainement l'une des plus célèbres petites villes de la Riviera ligure. Dans le passé, elle été fréquentée par l'aristocratie européenne de la Belle Epoque. Les années d'or ont maintenant disparu, mais la ville reste un endroit agréable, surtout pour le shopping, avec un climat agréable toute l'année. Dans la rue centrale (Via Roma), à proximité du casino, vous trouverez toutes les meilleures marques italiennes. Juste derrière le casino, vous trouverez la vieille ville, nommée "Pigna", en fait un groupement de maisons sur la colline, avec plusieurs petites boutiques typiques.
A 55/75 km de l’hôtel - 50'/1h15' en voiture.
International tourist mecca, Saint Tropez's mythical village has played a largepart in the renown of the whole Côte d' Azur. Saint Tropez became "St. Trop" when the show business people, artists and writers all fell under the spell of this charming little port in the 1950's. In the summer one could bump into Picasso, Francoise Sagan, Jacques Prévert and many others. With the arrival of Brigitte Bardot in the 6O's the myth was installed for good. Since then Saint Tropez has become the glamorous vacation spot for chic Parisians and the international jet set. 96 km from the hotel - 1h45' drive.