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High Life In French Riviera

May/05/2024 / by Rashmi Gopal Rao

Enjoy spring vibes and good times at this destination

View of a heritage European building and street
Photo via Shutterstock

Few places are better than the French Riviera for a luxe vacation filled with sun, sea, shopping, and culture.  Also known as Côte d’Azur, the French Riviera is located along the Mediterranean coast in the southeast corner of France. 

It’s also an excellent place to get a taste of the good life.  From shopping escapades to art museum visits, SEEMA recommends the best things to do in the French Riviera.

Shop Luxury Brands In Nice

Rich history, awe-inspiring architecture, and a fascinating cultural scene, Nice is a great place to start your French Riviera sojourn.  The city boasts of a bustling shopping scene, from vintage old-style boutiques in Vieux-Nice (the historical old town) to top luxury brands in the town center. 

Head to Jean Médecins Avenue, the main shopping street, for elite boutiques and stores.  Galeries Lafayette, which opened over a century ago, houses a plethora of luxury brands like Prada, Jimmy Choo, Guess, Dolce Gabbana, Gucci and many more.  Centre Commercial Nicetoile is another upscale mall in the vicinity where you can shop for fashion, jewelry, watches, and home décor. 

Satiate The Wine Lover In You

If you are an oenophile or wine connoisseur, the south of France is heaven—producing some of the best wines in the world.  Scores of vineyards between Aix, Provence, and Saint Tropez offer wine along with stunning views and fantastic landscapes. 

Château de Bellet is a vineyard steeped in history and one of the most famous in the region offering guided tours, walks and wine tasting.  The Château de Brégançon located in the heart of Provence is known for its high-quality red and white wines.  Lérins Abbey is yet another unique vineyard located just off the vibrant city of Cannes.  Located on the island of Saint-Honorat, this vineyard is home to an active monastic community who have been cultivating wines for centuries. 

Discover Perfume Making in Grasse

Also known as the perfume capital of the world, Grasse is famous for the cultivation of fragrant blooms like jasmine, rose, and lavender, which are widely used in perfumes and scents.  The city’s legacy of perfume-making has been passed down through generations and this tradition has earned it a special place in the world of perfumery. 

While here, you can visit perfume factories, learn about the process of making perfumes, buy, and even customize your own perfume.  Further, the city is home to the insightful International Perfume Museum apart from the Grasse Institute of Perfumery, a school dedicated to the art of perfume making. 

Chase Art in Saint Paul de Vence

Do you love art? The quaint town of Saint Paul de Vence is for you.  The entire town is akin to an open-air art gallery, filled with studios and exhibitions.  From contemporary to classic art, there are a plethora of shops run by local artists including painters, ceramicists, and sculptors where you can shop for paintings, prints, sculptures, and pottery masterpieces. 

Even if you are looking to buy, a stroll along the narrow by-lanes is a treat for the senses.  From aesthetic shop facades, beautiful window décor, picturesque fountains and even pebbles embedded artistically in the cobbled streets, the entire town radiates creativity.

Get A Taste of the Good Life in Monaco

Known as a playground for the rich and famous, Monaco which is a sovereign city-state in the French Riviera. Monaco is filled with opulent shopping centers, exotic bars, expensive clubs, and of course grand casinos.  Even though the city-state is synonymous with luxurious lifestyles and billionaires, Monaco also has pleasant weather, along with beaches and gardens. 

With major events happening throughout the year including the famous Formula One Race slated to be held on May 26 this year, it is a place not to be missed when visiting the French Riviera. Make it a point to visit the Oceanographic Museum and Monaco cathedral when you visit.