Luxury on the French Riviera: Where to Stay and What to Do

Few places on earth embody timeless glamour quite like the Luxury French Riviera. Stretching from the Italian border to Saint-Tropez, this sun-kissed coastline of sapphire seas, belle époque villas and Michelin-starred dining has long been Europe’s most stylish escape. Yet the Riviera’s magic lies not only in its shimmering façade but in its rhythm — unhurried breakfasts overlooking the Med, perfume-scented markets, and sunset champagne on private terraces.

Whether you’re drawn to Monte Carlo’s glittering casinos, Cannes’ cinematic allure, or the quiet elegance of Cap Ferrat, the Luxury French Riviera invites you to live beautifully, however you define it. At Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, we craft bespoke itineraries where every journey begins with you — designed for travellers who seek more than a holiday, but a story worth telling. For more inspiration on extraordinary hotel experiences around the world, explore our feature on Luxury Stays at the Oberoi Amarvilas.

Monaco & Monte Carlo — Where Grandeur Meets Grace

The tiny principality of Monaco sits like a polished jewel on the coast, radiating a unique blend of royal prestige and Riviera glamour. Synonymous with superyachts, Formula 1, and casino soirées, Monaco is the beating heart of the Luxury French Riviera — and yet, beyond the glitz, it reveals a surprising serenity for those who know where to look. Learn more about Monaco attractions via Visit Monaco.

Where to Stay: Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo

Few addresses define Riviera luxury like the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. Since 1864, it’s been the crown jewel of Casino Square, welcoming royalty, film stars and discerning travellers to its marble halls.

The rooms balance Belle Époque romance with modern refinement — think silk drapes, private balconies with sea views, and bathrooms carved in Italian marble. For the ultimate indulgence, book the Princess Grace Suite, spanning 910 m² with a rooftop infinity pool overlooking the harbour.

Dining is an experience in itself: Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse holds three Michelin stars, offering Riviera flavours elevated to art. After dinner, enjoy rare cognacs at Le Bar Américain before strolling to the casino under a canopy of palms and starlight.

If wellness calls, the Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo spa connects directly to the hotel — an ocean-view sanctuary where thalassotherapy pools and personalised treatments restore balance after a day exploring Monaco’s boutiques or the Prince’s Palace gardens.

What to Do in Monaco

• Sail in Style – Charter a private yacht from Port Hercule to cruise past Cap Martin and the French-Italian border, complete with a champagne picnic.
• Casino Nights – Step into the legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo, where chandeliers glitter above velvet tables and every moment feels cinematic.
• Old Town Strolls – Wander Monaco-Ville’s pastel lanes, discover Saint Nicholas Cathedral, and stop at a quiet café for a perfectly chilled rosé.
• Grand Prix Luxury – Visit during the Monaco Grand Prix to experience the city’s electric energy from a private terrace suite or VIP yacht mooring.

Every visit to Monaco promises both spectacle and soul — the perfect introduction to your Luxury French Riviera adventure.

Ready to make the Riviera your next story?

Awake & Wander Luxury Travel offers hand-picked hotels and curated experiences across the Côte d’Azur. Speak to our travel specialists to explore Monaco’s finest suites, private transfers, and exclusive spa escapes designed entirely around you.

Cannes & Cap d’Antibes — Glamour, Sand & Sea

Where the Riviera sparkles brightest, Cannes balances old-world elegance with a film-set allure that never fades. The Croisette’s palm-lined promenade feels like an open-air catwalk, lined with luxury boutiques, legendary hotels and a constant hum of excitement. It’s the epitome of the Luxury French Riviera lifestyle — refined yet playful, indulgent yet effortlessly chic.

Where to Stay: Hotel Martinez, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

An icon of Art Deco splendour since 1929, the Hotel Martinez is the beating heart of Cannes’ golden age. Recently restored to its glamorous best, it combines vintage style with contemporary design — white lacquered furniture, soft gold accents, and panoramic Mediterranean views.

The Penthouse Suite, one of Europe’s largest, spans 1,000 m² of understated opulence. Step onto its terrace for sweeping vistas of the Bay of Cannes and the Esterel mountains — best enjoyed with breakfast served by your private butler.

Dining is led by the two-Michelin-starred La Palme d’Or, where Chef Christian Sinicropi turns Provençal produce into poetic tasting menus. Afterwards, slip down to Martinez Bar for live jazz and an expertly crafted martini, or to La Plage du Martinez for sun-loungers, chilled rosé and Riviera rhythm.

What to Do in Cannes

• Walk the Croisette – Stroll beneath the palms past Chanel, Dior and Cartier; stop for gelato or champagne with sea views.
• Private Beach Days – Reserve a cabana at one of Cannes’ private beach clubs; we love the calm elegance of Z Plage or Baoli Beach.
• The Lérins Islands – A short boat hop leads to Saint-Honorat, where Cistercian monks make wine in peaceful seclusion — a secret slice of the Luxury French Riviera away from the crowds.
• Festival Season – Visit during the Cannes Film Festival to see the city at its most glittering. Even without a red-carpet pass, rooftop soirées and harbour lights offer plenty of cinematic moments.



Cap d’Antibes — The Riviera’s Quiet Side

Just along the coast, Cap d’Antibes feels like Cannes’ graceful twin — a private peninsula where pine trees meet turquoise bays. Here, the pace slows, the air sweetens, and discreet luxury reigns.

Where to Stay: Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc

Arguably the most romantic hotel on the coast, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc has hosted everyone from Fitzgerald to Madonna. Hidden within 22 acres of gardens, it’s the kind of place where staff remember your name, your favourite cocktail and the exact shade of sunset you prefer.

Each suite feels like a dream of Riviera refinement — white linen, French doors and terraces opening onto private coves. The sea-water infinity pool carved into the cliffs is one of the Riviera’s most photographed spots. For dinner, Eden-Roc Restaurant offers modern Mediterranean fine dining with views that linger in memory.

Discover more with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel

We design seamless journeys that move from Cannes’ glamour to Cap d’Antibes’ quiet grace — from helicopter transfers to private wine tastings in the hills. Every itinerary is tailored so your Luxury French Riviera experience feels entirely your own.

Saint-Tropez — Bohemian Soul of the Luxury French Riviera

No place captures the Riviera’s playful decadence quite like Saint-Tropez. Once a sleepy fishing village, it became a legend after Brigitte Bardot turned it into a jet-set playground. Today, pastel-painted streets, designer boutiques and champagne-filled beach clubs create a heady blend of charm and glamour.

Yet beneath the buzz, Saint-Tropez still offers moments of quiet perfection — a sunrise stroll through the old port, a long lunch under parasols at Pampelonne Beach, or a sunset sail along the Golfe de Saint-Tropez. Couples seeking romance on or off the coast can also explore our hand-picked Romantic Getaways.

Where to Stay: Cheval Blanc St-Tropez

Part of LVMH’s prestigious collection, Cheval Blanc St-Tropez is the epitome of Riviera refinement. Blending Provençal warmth with contemporary elegance, its 30 rooms and suites are decorated in serene shades of blue and white, each opening onto gardens or sea-view terraces.

The three-Michelin-starred La Vague d’Or, led by Chef Arnaud Dauvergne, celebrates local flavours — think line-caught seabass with fennel pollen and Riviera citrus, paired with a cellar of rare French vintages. The Cheval Blanc Spa by Guerlain offers bespoke rituals infused with Mediterranean botanicals — a sanctuary of scent, sea and serenity.

What to Do in Saint-Tropez

Pampelonne Beach Clubs – Lounge in style at Club 55 or Byblos Beach — icons of Riviera chic with impeccable service and crystal-clear waters.

Market Mornings – Visit Place des Lices for artisanal cheeses, linen, lavender and antiques.

Art & History  – Explore Musée de l’Annonciade, home to Matisse and Signac originals, in a former chapel.

Sail the Sunset – Charter a private yacht for a golden-hour cruise past Cap Camarat with champagne on deck.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat — Discreet Elegance by the Sea

Halfway between Nice and Monaco, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is the Riviera’s secret garden. Favoured by aristocrats and artists since the Belle Époque, its pine-draped headland offers secluded coves, botanical gardens and villas wrapped in privacy. This is the Riviera at its most refined — understated, peaceful, and profoundly beautiful.

Where to Stay: Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel

Perched on the cliffs amid 17 acres of manicured gardens, the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat defines timeless sophistication. Its guest list reads like a century of European royalty and Hollywood icons — yet the atmosphere remains intimate and welcoming.

Each room features crisp white linens, marble bathrooms and terraces that open to the scent of pine and sea air. The Club Dauphin infinity pool, cascading above the Mediterranean, is legendary — accessed by funicular through the gardens. Dine at Le Cap, a Michelin-starred restaurant celebrating Côte d’Azur produce, then enjoy a digestif beneath the olive trees.

What to Do in Cap-Ferrat

• Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild – Wander its pink façade and themed gardens, a treasure of Belle Époque artistry.
• Coastal Path Walks – The Sentier du Littoral wraps around the cape, revealing secret coves and endless sea views.
• Private Boat Charter – Glide to nearby Villefranche-sur-Mer or Èze for lunch at seaside bistros.
• Spa & Wellness – Enjoy sea-view yoga or a lavender-infused massage at the Four Seasons Spa.

Explore with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel

We craft itineraries that flow effortlessly from Saint-Tropez’s electric glamour to Cap-Ferrat’s quiet sophistication — connecting the Riviera’s finest addresses through private drivers, yacht charters, and insider access only available to our travellers. Because on the Luxury French Riviera, perfection lies in the details — and that’s where we begin.

Our Take:

“Luxury holidays to the French Riviera are about more than the destination. They’re about personal touches, curated experiences, and the peace of mind that comes from booking with experts who understand what luxury travel should feel like.”

Booking Protections — Travel with Total Peace of Mind

When you book your Luxury French Riviera  escape with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, you’re protected from the moment your journey begins. Every booking includes ATOL protection and Supplier Failure Insurance, giving you complete confidence that your investment — and your holiday — are fully safeguarded.

We work only with trusted luxury suppliers and five-star partners across the Riviera, from hotel groups like Four Seasons and Cheval Blanc to private yacht operators and concierge services. Your dedicated travel specialist manages every detail: flights, transfers, dining reservations, and experiences tailored to your style. Every journey you book with us is fully protected — just as outlined in our article on ATOL Protected Holidays.

Luxury travel should never involve uncertainty — only anticipation.

Why Choose Awake & Wander Luxury Travel

At Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, we believe the world’s most beautiful places should be experienced without compromise. Whether you’re exploring Monaco’s marinas, Cannes’ golden beaches, or Cap-Ferrat’s quiet headlands, we handle every element with precision and personal care.

You’ll have one point of contact — a seasoned Riviera expert who gets to know you, your preferences, and what luxury means to you. From private chauffeurs and exclusive villa rentals to after-hours museum tours and personal shopping, we make the impossible effortless. Prefer a more personal touch? Begin your Bespoke Travel Planning experience today.

Because here, luxury isn’t about how far you travel — it’s about how it feels to be completely taken care of.

📞 Call us on 01495 400011 or submit an enquiry form to begin planning your Riviera escape.

Or, use our holiday search tool to craft a bespoke itinerary as unique as you are.

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