The South of France has always been one of the most popular holiday destinations for celebrities, VIPs and the world’s elite with its beautiful scenery, miles of sun drench coastlines, rows of designer shops and some of the world’s most exclusive luxury villas and five star hotels.
How much does it cost the most VIP visitors for the most unforgettable vacation to the Cote d’Azur? For the ultimate luxury experience, £250,000 per week is often a price not to be flinched at.
So what do the rich and famous do when they go to the French Riviera? The Elegant Address award-winning team of South of France specialists have created a hand-picked, ultimate luxury itinerary that they would personally recommend (and enjoy themselves!) to clients looking to experience the very best of the Cote d’Azur.
The Best Luxury 5* Stay
With over 1,100 properties in our luxury villa portfolio it was a very tough decision, and an interesting office debate as to which villa we would recommend for this article!
Villa CN-912 is one of the most outstanding properties in the A-list hotspot of Cannes with its truly unique, contemporary style and unrivalled views. Located in the highly-exclusive area of La Californie, this property, offers the most extraordinary views over the rolling green hills, glistening coastline and entire bay of Cannes – best enjoyed from the incredible 25-metre infinity pool!
This incredibly sophisticated and stylish villa is set in 1.1 hectares of manicured land and compromises of 8 stunning bedrooms, very spacious living areas, sun soaked private terraces as well as a long list of additional luxuries including cinema room, wine cellar, gym/dance studio, jacuzzi and, of course, a full scale replica of a dinosaur skeleton.
CN-912 also has a warmly welcoming and fantastically efficient team of staff that make any client feel like royalty, including a wonderful hostess, security guards, gardeners and housekeepers; all of whom work 8 hours each day of your stay. You’ll be so relaxed and well looked after, you will never want to leave!
Your Luxury Transport Awaits
There is plenty of the dazzling Cote d’Azur to explore on our itinerary and time is precious, so we recommend indulging in some ‘alternative’ transport to travel the long, winding coastline during your special visit.
Helicopter transfers – What better way to the South of France than from a magnificent, birds-eye view? Admire the breathtaking, iconic scenery as you fly over traffic, beating the queues for a quick and stress free way of exploring the seafront towns and wonderful Cote d’Azur sights!
Superyacht – No VIP trip would not be complete without arriving at the famous St Tropez harbour to board your very own luxury Superyacht! Spend a sun-filled day cruising down the golden coastline, sunbathing on the top deck before stopping opposite a private cove to swim in the clear blue waters or for an adrenaline fuelled ride on your private jetskis before enjoying an incredible, three course meal by your own private chef. Yachts aren’t just for the daytime though, why not party the night away like a rockstar with endless cocktails and dancing along the decking with friends or VIP guests as you set sail under the stars.
Now that our wonderful concierge team has organised your transport, it’s time to tailor your sight seeing and activities!
One Week Itinerary for the French Riviera
Day One: Saint Jean Cap Ferrat and Eze
Perfectly nestled between the bustle of Nice and the glitz of Monaco; the quiet peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat remains what locals call the last gem of the Côte d’Azur. Here you can explore rocky coastlines, luscious green hillsides and the narrow streets of colourful maritime villages.
Villa Euphrussi de Rothschild
Take a sunny stroll around the nine, individually-themed gardens and magnificent, decadent interiors of the most beautiful French Riviera Palazzo once owned by the notorious Rothschild family.
Chateau St Martin – Wine Tasting
In this exclusive aperitif event, eight guests are invited to explore the local wine and produce. Head Sommelier will present one of his favourite vintages followed by executive Chef Jean-Luc Le François placing one local produce centre stage to taste. It’s held every Wednesday and Thursday with different wines and food partnerships.
Chateau Eza
One of our favourite dinner destinations on the whole of the French Riviera. An outstanding gourmet restaurant in the heart of the enchanting village of Eze. Stroll around the pretty streets before walking up the hill of stone carved stairs and enjoy a delicious cocktails or glass of champagne as you take in the stunning sunset before a Michelin-star dinner with superb views over the hills and seafront.
Day Three: Monaco
Just 45 minutes drive (or 15 min helicopter) from the heart of the Cote d’Azur, Monaco entices the rich and famous year round with its famous casinos, Grand Prix, Michelin star restaurants and one of Europe’s most glamorous shopping scenes. Monaco may only be small, but there is plenty to see and do!
Old Town and Palaces
Explore the picturesque Place Saint Nicolas, Placette Bosio, the Chapel of Mercy, Palais de Justice and remains of ancient city walls on this magnificent rocky promontory perched above the Mediterranean Sea. The Place du Palais is a must see, the grandeur of ancient tradition is not only beautiful on the outside but also houses as an incredible Italian art gallery, courtyard and panoramic sea views from the Saint Martin Gardens. We highly recommend getting a spot outside the Princely palace before the 11.55am (precisely) changing of the guard ceremony which takes place daily.
Monte Carlo Bay
Fabulous 1-Michelin star restaurant with innovative culinary style, Chef Marcel Ravin runs the superb Blue Bay in Monaco. Whether you’re sitting on the terrace with a panoramic view or opposite the open kitchen, the Blue Bay offers an unforgettable culinary ballet whilst you eat! Inspired by his origins and travels, Marcel Ravin creates dishes where Barbagiuan, caviar, manioc and truffle all dance together harmoniously on the same plate. This is also the best place in Monaco to people watch!
Day Five: Saint Tropez
The ultimate South of France itinerary culminates in the glamorous resort town of Saint Tropez. Days are spent at one of the many exclusive beach clubs or browsing the beautiful boutiques along such streets as Rue Georges Clemenceau, Rue Allard, Rue Gambetta and Place de la Garonne before grabbing a front-row seat at a café at the Port de St-Tropez. Lined with mega-yachts, the marina invariably offers the best people watching in summertime France.
Polo Tournaments
St Tropez is the polo players playground. Every year, teams travel from all over the world to compete in all different and unique tournaments all attended by high wealth spectators and VIPs. Watch World Class Polo in the Cote d’Azur sunshine at the St Tropez Polo club with the ‘Gold Wave’ tournament in June and the ‘International Polo Cup Saint-Tropez’ at the beginning of July. An event not to miss!
Club 55
A visit to St Tropez would not be complete without a day on the beach at the famous Club 55. This legendary address is the place to be seen ever since its opening in 1955. It’s philosophy is summed up in one sentence, “Here the customer is not the king…because he’s a friend.”
Soak up the sunshine in a relaxed chic atmosphere, enjoy a delicious lunch and take on some exciting water sports or dance the night away at one of their infamous pool parties.
Old Town & Place des Lices
The atmospheric Vieux Port is the heart of Saint-Tropez, where the old fishing village first sprung to life. See the fashionable yachts docked in the harbour, lined by pastel-coloured Mediterranean houses and lively cafés with outdoor terraces.On Tuesdays and Saturdays, enjoy the open air market in Place des Lices which sell a fantastic selection of fresh food and antiques.
La Residence de la Pinede
Small and select, this place has what all other deluxe hotel in this luxury seaside retreat – a private white sandy beach. Experience a unique Mediterranean dining experience at La Pinede, with the youngest ever chef to receive three Michelin stars. Under the shade of pine trees, La Terrasse is the perfect place for a relaxed meal with dazzling views of the sea. This celebrity hotspot was built in 1936 and has served many celebrity visitors including Audrey Hepburn.
Day Seven: Cannes
Private Yacht to Illes Des Lerins
Time to fire up the engines of your super yacht docked in Cannes Harbour. Set sail just a few minutes away from Cannes coast to the incredible islands of Sainte-Margurites, the home of the man in the iron mask and ÎleSaint-Honorat. Full of history and natural beauty; explore the historical churches, prisons and remains of forts.
Wine Tasting with Monks
This is a once in a lifetime experience, and definitely a story to tell friends on your return home. Tour the vineyards of Îles Saint-Honorat and discover the wines produced by the legendary monks of the Lerins Abbey. Feel the serenity of the monastic presence and discover a unique land that produces internationally recognized great wines. A glass of this rare wine is best enjoyed with a hearty serving of French Riviera sunshine and panoramic sea views.
La Croisette
Undeniably one of the most iconic destinations in Cannes. This famous stretch of coastline is home to the famous Palais de Festival – home of the annual Cannes film festival attended by international A-listers – and lined with designer shops and busy cafes. Stroll down in the sunshine before people watching with a café or bierrepresson or enjoy a beachfront lunch on a stunning private beach – make sure you book well in advance!
Fireworks & Pyrotechnic Art Festival
What better end to a holiday than with an incredible, colourful night of fireworks reflecting over the sea? The art festival is in the fantastic setting of an open bay between the Iles de Lérins and the Pointe de l’Estérel. Experience a mezmerizing, colourful show that fills the coastline, from the best pyrotechnicians, who will come to compete to win before an audience of 200,000 people. This is a meeting of the gods of the world of fireworks.
Elegant Address South of France, are the UK’s largest independent luxury property consultants for the French Riviera. We take great pride in offering all of our clients the very best personal service. Each client has direct access to their own personal award-winning South of France consultant who will be delighted to answer any questions and organise any special requirements, with no request too big or detail too small.
The Elegant Address team are genuinely passionate about the Cote d’Azur and visit the areas regularly to be able to offer the very best local knowledge, experience and recommendations.
Get in touch today to start your tailor-made, luxury South of France villa rental experience.
