The French Riviera is one of the most luxurious and picturesque travel destinations in the world. This European slice of heaven is on every globetrotter’s bucket list, with its azure waters, yacht-lined ports and sunny Mediterranean climate. Indeed, tourists flock to its hot-spots every summer during the busy season. But if you’re considering a trip along the Côte d’Azur, beat the crowds and wait until September.
It is no surprise that the French Riviera is home to some of the world’s most lavish hotels and resorts. If you are planning your September getaway, here are our top accommodation recommendations that will make your trip truly unforgettable.
Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo, Monaco
The Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo is a golden mini-metropolis of luxury. It is in Monaco’s Carré d’Or, also known as the Golden Triangle. From the posh Givenchy spa to the Michelin-starred Yoshi restaurant, this Belle Époque retreat is the height of luxury.
The 150-square-meter Suite Carré d’Or penthouse has beautiful old-world (but not old-fashioned) interiors by Jacques Garcia and breathtaking views of the Monte-Carlo Casino and the sparkling Mediterranean coast.
Even though you might not want to leave the hotel, it has a lot of experience packages so you can see everything there is to see in Monaco. Some of the best things to do are ride electric bikes along the San Remo cycle path, look sharks in the eye at the Oceanographic Museum, or relive Grace Kelly’s famous 1956 wedding to Prince Rainier III at the Monaco Cathedral.
Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
The Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat is a luxury palace on top of the Cap-Ferrat peninsula. It is spreads out to over 17 acres of lush green land.
This five-star resort is a Four Seasons hotel with high ceilings, fancy rooms, and a perfectly kept lawn with cypress trees on either side. Diners have so many choices at this culinary paradise.
Le Cap, which has a Michelin star and serves gourmet food, is run by Chef Yoric Tièche of Aix-en-Provence. This upscale restaurant serves seasonal specialities like fresh red mullet from the sea and herbs picked from the hotel’s garden. There are also more than 600 French wines to try.
At the clifftop Club Dauphin, you can eat a Mediterranean feast by the pool. It feels more like a private island than a grill restaurant. The stylish La Véranda bistro has a more casual vibe and serves Italian-style food all day in a garden setting. The venue was recently renovated and reopened last year with some impressive new features, like a 33-meter saltwater infinity pool and cabanas designed by Dolce & Gabbana in a Sicilian style.
Château de la Messardiere, Airelles Saint-Tropez
The Chateau de la Messardiere in Airelles-Saint-Tropez is on a 25-acre plot of beautiful Provencal land. With its stunning views of Pampelonne Bay, this seaside retreat is like a rosé-colored castle from a storybook. It was built for Henry Brisson de la Messardière and his wife as a gift in 1904. In fact, Christophe Tollemer, a well-known French architect and interior designer, just finished a huge, multi-year renovation of the chateau. This is the first summer that the hotel has been open to guests since rebranding and relaunching. It’s a five-star resort, so you won’t be bored there.
You can use the free shuttle to get to the Jardin Tropézina beach club, where you can sip cocktails while watching people or swim in the outdoor lap pool. A well-known Japanese chef named Nobu Matsuhisa has made a limited-time summer food project. Food fans won’t want to miss it. Then, if you want to see more of the area, the hotel has exclusive luxury experiences like a private helicopter tour over Gorges du Verdon or a perfumery workshop.
Pan De’ Palais, Airelles Saint-Tropez
The stylish Pan De Palais is a new member of the prestigious Airelles group. It is also in posh Saint-Tropez. This boutique hideaway is right in the middle of the action because it is in the busy Place des Lices. Pan De Palais is the place to go if you want to experience the glamour and glitz of life in Tropez. The yacht-filled harbour, where the rich and famous go every season, is only a five-minute walk from the hotel. The building, which has a butter-yellow front, was built in 1820, but it doesn’t look old at all. The rooms are chic and up-to-date because they are based on Indian design. Soak up the sun by the oasis pool, which is surrounded by beautiful plants.
At the hotel’s Dolceva restaurant, Marco Garfagnini, a chef from Tuscany, is in charge of the kitchen. Sea bream tartare, homemade fagottini, and lemon baba are some of the best things on the menu. Pan De Palais has only ten guest rooms and two suites. But if you have enough money, you can rent the whole place out for a hefty sum of money.
Cheval Blanc, Saint-Tropez
People say, “Money talks, wealth talks.” At the Cheval Blanc in Saint-Tropez, this saying comes to mind. EThey say that “money shouts, wealth whispers”. This adage comes to mind at the Cheval Blanc in Saint-Tropez. Though it sounds like a contradiction, this iconic hotel’s luxury lies in its subtlety. It feels plush and upscale without trying hard to be excessively grand. For instance, the hotel has a signature scent created by Guerlain perfumer Thierry Wasser, but you wouldn’t know unless you asked specifically. Owned by LVMH, its design oozes class. Its Mediterranean colour design includes deep sea blue, white, and cream that would fit in a bridal atelier.
Also, Chef Arnaud Doncke’s restaurant La Vague d’Or is a land-and-sea-themed spot with a rare three Michelin stars. You can swim in the beautiful pool or on the private beach to cool off. Or you can go to beaches near Saint-Tropez and the French Riviera.
After a long day of sightseeing, you can relax at the Guerlain Spa, which has special treatments like hammam and snow showers.
JW Marriott, Cannes
Lastly, the JW Marriott in Cannes has a lot of old Hollywood charm that makes it hard to turn down. It has a retro facade made of glass and steel that is lit up at night by bright red lights. This five-star beachfront resort is a must-stay because of where it is. Also on the Promenade de la Croisette, which has palm trees and is close to the Mediterranean Sea. The Palais des Festivals et des Congrès is a prominent 1800s landmark. In fact, every May they hold the Cannes Film Festival. Speaking of which, this high-end, star-studded event was held at the JW Marriott for the first time. It still has a red carpet theme, with big pictures of famous people from the Golden Age on the walls and an American-style breakfast buffet.
No matter where you choose to stay, the French Riviera is a once-in-a-lifetime trip. At each stop along the way, you can get something different. Really, each one will make you feel like you have too many options, no matter how you live or how much money you have. Start making plans for your trip right away.
