#travellinkup: Côte d’Azur, Mon Amour

The stunning Côte d’Azur is one of those places that seem to change depending on time of day. It’s easily associated with the superficialities presented in media, but it’s also romanticised in in well-oiled works of respected artists and writers.

To some, it’s a pretty holiday spot where you’d expect to blow out a few pennies. To a few, it’s a home. To a handful, it’s a close city break that has everything you need during sunnier climes. To me, it’s a place I genuinely have an affinity for and a place where I’ve found myself again. A place where I feel I’d like to retire to when I’m older.

Most people think the South of France is a playground for the rich and a haven for the bourgeoisie. There may be a teensy bit of truth in that as evidenced by the number of beautiful yachts moored in ports and fantastic homes and villas. But in all honesty, glitz and glam in the region is overhyped. In actual fact, the whole “seen to be seen” aspect is possibly the biggest misconception and the least appealing part about the place.

There’s so much more to love.

The stunning beaches

Sun, sand, crystal clear waters where you can walk for miles and still stand on your toes. From Les Lecques to the resorts in Saint-Trop, to the plages in Cap Ferrat and Antibes, to the isle of Porquerrolles… this is as good as European beaches get in my opinion. Imagine being able to swim for yonks only to find out your feet can still touch the ground. For water babies like me, it’s heavenly.


The Vieille Ville Charm


I love how each city in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region throws a nod to their old towns. Fairly apparent in the architecture, the country and seaside feel marry in a fashion unique to the region.

Food and fresh produce

First off, the gelato is bloody brilliant.


You can’t not have a Salade Nicoise in Nice, nor sample the petits farcis. You can’t not try the ratatouille in Provence, nor can you skip the anchois pizza in Montecarlo. It’s a place abundant in fresh produce where you can taste the bittersweetness of each leaf, the sweetness of each fruit, the depth of flavour in each protein. Go to any seaside restaurant and you’re sure to have the best catch of the day. And they do have amazing pizzas.


The produce is brilliant as well. I love how they have farmers markets here and people definitely support them. Why buy a bag in plastic when you can go to your local vendors for a paperbag of wild champignons for pennies?

History


Each village, town, city in the French Riviera has a really fascinating history that would put your childhood medieval fantasies to shame. From legends filled with witchery to kidnapped princes; from interlopers fleeing the plagues to affluent aliens settling to set the scene of indulgent holidaying.


The French are very proud of their heritage, and it’s the very core of “liberté, égalité, fraternité” that makes them who they are as people. It’s rather apparent in their towns, too.

It’s no wonder that most film-makers, writers, and artists come here for inspiration. There’s so much depth in character yet there’s still heaps to explore.

The untouched waters

Calanques des Cassis by The Girl Next Shore

Now I’ve said something about the beaches, but let me tell you that the best swims I’ve ever had were in the calanques. Coming to the calanques can be a trek and a hike, but you do get the luxury of fresh, clean pockets of nature that usually cater to locals. There’s a sort of liberation that allows you to just be one with the ocean and at the same time feel at ease with natural beauty.

Calanques des Cassis by The Girl Next Shore
Boats, boats, boats

From sailboats to super yachts, from the little ports in Carry-Le-Rouet and Cassis to the bigger moors of Saint-Trop and Monaco… *sigh* The region is filled with these gorgeous modes of transport.

Calanques des Cassis by The Girl Next ShoreCalanques des Cassis by The Girl Next ShoreCalanques des Cassis by The Girl Next Shore

Art is literally everywhere


From city installations to funky museums and exhibitions in wineries, Côte d’Azur can guarantee a feast for the eyes when it comes to art. Everyone here seems to be an artist of some sort, and there is a lot of beauty to draw inspiration from.

The pleasurable drinking

I say this with a warning to drink in moderation.

Which I suppose can be hard in the South of France because 1) rosé is the best in the world, 2) it’s cheap, and 3) it’s refreshing ala piscine (ie avec glaçons).


But even non-alcoholic drinks here are fantastic, and they’re definitely sociable.



But of course, you’re better off with bubbly.

Picture-perfect views

Because what is life without something beautiful to look at?

Calanques des Cassis by The Girl Next Shore

See? There’s a lot more to love.

My love for the Côte d’Azur continues to grow. Last time I left, it was rather emotional. It felt like I was leaving a place where I felt I really belonged.

But what I mega-love about this place? It loves you back. Look beyond all the glitter and you’d see that the Côte d’Azur is a fantastic place to relish things you take for granted. And giving you joy that’s less romanticised. Like ice cream dripping on your foreams as you stroll by a port. Or swimming in waters and exploring rock formations below. Or tasting a freshly picked ripe tomato. Or knowing how history shaped a sense of the world.

Or knowing how it can shape you.

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25 Comments

  1. 8th August 2018 / 3:23 pm

    It’s a truly beautiful place. I’d love to spend more time there.

    • Honey de Gracia
      Author
      18th August 2018 / 8:28 am

      Teehee me too! Take me back!

    • Honey de Gracia
      Author
      18th August 2018 / 8:28 am

      Ahhh Emma I’m jealous of myself in those photos, too! I want to go back!

  2. 12th August 2018 / 3:37 pm

    oh my gosh the looks amazing and i love little back street cafes - nothing better than sitting watching a whole different way of life!

    • Honey de Gracia
      Author
      18th August 2018 / 8:28 am

      Yes and that’s what most people do there too, I feel hahaha. They’re so chilled out!

  3. Vicki
    12th August 2018 / 5:40 pm

    It looks wonderful there, I’m feeling very jealous right now! The beaches look absolutely amazing and don’t even get me started on the food!

    • Honey de Gracia
      Author
      18th August 2018 / 8:27 am

      Ahhh it’s my favourite place in the world! x

  4. 12th August 2018 / 9:37 pm

    Oh wow how gorgeous!! I have never been there but now I really want to! The food looks delicious!

    • Honey de Gracia
      Author
      18th August 2018 / 8:27 am

      Food is so fresh and scrumptious! x

  5. 13th August 2018 / 8:41 am

    I would love to see the Côte d’Azur but I think I would love to see it without the kids in tow

    • Honey de Gracia
      Author
      18th August 2018 / 8:19 am

      Ahhh there are kid-friendly spots too but agree, it’s easier to explore with a partner/mate.

  6. 13th August 2018 / 9:08 am

    You’ve summed up the Cote d’Azure beautifully, Honey! I must try swimming in the calanques one day, is it quite warm in Summertime?

    • Honey de Gracia
      Author
      18th August 2018 / 8:17 am

      Very warm, Suze =) Literally goes up to 34 (or more) degrees in the Summertime. I love it there.

    • Honey de Gracia
      Author
      18th August 2018 / 8:17 am

      Aren’t they just! =)

  7. 13th August 2018 / 5:54 pm

    Cote d’Azur always seems really romantic to me. Your photos just reinforce that - you need a dashing French man in a vintage Jag to wisk you round! I’d never heard of the calanques - definitely something to bear in mind

    • Honey de Gracia
      Author
      18th August 2018 / 8:16 am

      Haha there’s a number of them there, Fiona. The ones near Cassis are probably the most popular ones.

    • Honey de Gracia
      Author
      18th August 2018 / 8:12 am

      Ooh yes please! Go and take lotsa photos! =)

  8. 16th August 2018 / 9:08 am

    Oh, wow! The Côte d’Azur looks like an absolutely gorgeous place to spend time. I would love to visit myself one day 🙂

    Louise x

    • Honey de Gracia
      Author
      18th August 2018 / 8:12 am

      It really is, Louise! Hope you get to go soon! x

  9. 18th August 2018 / 9:47 am

    I would love to visit the South of France, it looks so beautiful but I’ve always been put off by the costs! Your photos are so stunning though, really inspiring a trip! It looks so idyllic!

  10. 17th October 2018 / 9:11 am

    Lovely images of that place…Thanks for sharing us …Definitely, Cote Dazur is an amazing place for travelling. Your pictures make me crazy and now I’m planning to explore it.

  11. same day Agra tour by car | Hinashu
    5th November 2018 / 10:00 am

    Cote Dazur looks so beautiful place and you shared good information about that place. Its really enjoyable and stunning photos you shared. Thank you so much for sharing fantastic photos and wonderful experience with us keep posting.

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