France: The Best of Cannes & Antibes, South of France
We praise de French Cote d'Azur. We haven't wanted to give in to that for years... Going on holiday to France, isn't that actually the path of least resistance? And then only with children. No, France we'll do that later. When we grow up... Oh well, we may be grown up now, with or without offspring, but we fully understand all Francophiles. Although we don't do the camping kids version, but the slightly decadent version from the French coast.
Although we should immediately get rid of the most important Southern France hack: where many Dutch people fill up their cars and drive to France in the middle of the night (hello Black Saturday), we would rather opt for a flight to Nice and rent a car at the airport with which you can travel to Cannes, Antibes and possibly Provence. Believe us: that saves time and, above all, stress. And then it's fun too stopovers to make. In fact: Transavia Holidays has already written out the best options for you on this page.
Delicious, but really delicious food is served (for years) at Bobo bistro. Moreover, the place is run by very nice people, and that is also worth something.
It is always pleasant there... Read: the restaurant is popular for a reason and it is always busy, both inside and on the terrace at the front. So go on time or make sure you make a reservation. The food is a mix of Italian, French and European. A top favorite.
A must-do is the Provencal Forville market. The daily market is completely covered and open every morning in the summer period (Tuesday to Sunday the rest of the year). it is a place full of local products grown by gardeners near Cannes, although it is certainly the fish stands that you should not miss: you can't get any better and everything is freshly caught in the bay of Cannes.
From September 15 to June 14: Tue – Fri: 7.30:12.30 am – 7.30:13.00 pm Sat and Sun: XNUMX:XNUMX am – XNUMX:XNUMX pm.
From June 15 to September 14: Mon – Sun: 7.30:13.30 am – XNUMX:XNUMX pm
La Colombe d'Or, Cannes is a household name to say the least. An institution. Almost as much museum as hotel. If it weren't for the fact that, if you have deep pockets and can afford a room + can find a gap in the overcrowded occupancy, you would never experience any discomfort. That is truly a luxurious stay. That started as it often does in the case of truly unique, and above all, authentic addresses: La Colombe d'Or Once a weekend meeting place for artists and other bon vivants, it grew from a three-room box to a 25-room boutique hotel with a pedigree for fine arts. Guests like Matisse, Miró and Chagall once stayed there and, and that's the beauty of the story, each left their legacy on the walls - literally - in exchange for an overnight stay and/or a few good meals. Obviously the reason why this charming, buckwheat-colored hostel between Nice and the Alpes Maritimes is a worthy rival to almost any formal museum in the area, such as the nearby one Maeght Foundation (which is highly recommended).
Despite these wall cons, this place is simple yet chic in the best possible way: the simple stone facade, built from blocks quarried from a castle in Aix-en-Provence, is covered in Spanish tiles. The rooms and suites are understated and elegant, with four-poster wooden beds shaded by patterned canopies, accented by white lace duvets and worn oriental rugs. Of course, that simplicity is only enhanced by the art above your head. This is especially true in the dining room, where traditional Provencal dishes such as Chicken Fricassee with cream and morels are served under exposed beams and, tadaa, a Picasso masterpiece. Or maybe a sketch by Matisse? The swimming pool is located under well-maintained shrubbery, with views of the nearby mountains, surrounded by lazy loungers.
images via St-Paul-de-Vence
You can know the Penrod family from their eleven different locations Nikki Beach, a luxury beach club. Now the owners have opened a new hotel in Cannes, Lucia. The mantra they use is 'we don't blend in with the crowd, we stand out'. And they do that all too well, because here everything is slightly different, and yet it gives that same welcome home feeling that you are used to from beach clubs. Lucia is a beachside restaurant, wrapped in colors and patterns. You just feel the originality, the character, and the personality as soon as you step inside.
Just like twenty years ago, with Lucia they try to do something slightly different from everything else you see in Cannes. We love.
When live gives Cannes, then especially put Hôtel Belle Plage on your to do, a beautiful hotel with several restaurants. The terrace is great for a small bite and a drink anyway, but... Restaurant Bella by Eyal Shani is Next Level. Chef Eyal Shani has several restaurants in Israel, where he earned his stripes restaurateur best known for his innovative and creative approach to cooking. If you ever go to Israel If you go, then consider HaSalon restaurant in Tel Aviv wishlist, also from him and a household name. The menu focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients and offers a range of dishes inspired by Israeli and Mediterranean cuisine. Roasted cauliflower, pita bread, stuffed vegetables – everything is equally delicious.
oui oui, we are in love. On la douce France. Because France is close by and secretly still has a lot of beautiful ones undiscovered pearls.
In Antibes, the fashionable, artistic (traditionally, but now you don't necessarily see much of it anymore) suburb of Cannes, you will find a row of beach bars. Not really striking or anything to write home about, except for one: MOOREA. The orange-colored hippie mecca is not only a family business, it is also the home of the family, managed by a gray authentic hippie who considers his dip in the sea slightly more important than your order (read: asking three times is no exception). That could be annoying, if it weren't for the fact that it just fits the tent. And the advantage of such a mentality is that anything is possible. Delicious. The latter also applies to simple, healthy beach meals. Chicken and pepper fajitas, lemongrass beef salad, and a barbecue fish. Just right.
Dear people, if you are in Cannes and Antibes, you cannot possibly ignore one of the most iconic hotels in all of France, immense? Hotel and restaurant du Cap-Eden-Roc stands on top of a mountain on the coast and has been a household name for forever the lucky few. Chanel likes to show off its resort collection and falls for one celebrity throw a party, then it happens here. Priceless? Yup. But where there's a will there's a way: the champagne bar. And, if you want to go out for a fancy dinner: the restaurant (where you eat from pink plates). Women, put on a nice suit and, if possible, high heels (or Gucci loafers, always work well too). Men, put on a jacket. Make a reservation (or tell us at the gate that you have a reservation) and drive in with confidence. At the gate you will be thoroughly checked by security (including your car - don't be alarmed, that is standard) after which you will drive to the restaurant. Don't be shocked by the valet parking either; which is also standard. The undersigned feigned a reservation (and that went smoothly, although to the man's great irritation) and once at the restaurant, honesty helped: 'Hey, we just want a drink, is that allowed?' An honesty that was reciprocated by the friendliest waitress ever who took us to the beautiful champagne bar (and gave us the very best spot there). BAM.
On the west side of Cap d'Antibes, almost directly opposite La Garoupe and a stone's throw from Hotel du Cap Eden Roc, lies this small, public beach. Although open to all, Plage des Ondes (named after the nearby Chemin des Ondes) is mainly used by locals as the only parking available is in the streets perpendicular to the beach and the space is quickly disappearing.
Image via Riviera Beaches
Make sure you go at the end of the afternoon and catch the sunset - then that glass of champagne at 35 euros per glass will taste just that little bit better (the man took a coke, because it was a hassle, but hey, I'm happy, he (eventually) also happy). Oh, and the nuts are free. Then again, yes. And the memory is for years. Restaurant Du Cap-Eden-Roc.
(text continues below)
If you look up Cannes on Instagram, there is a good chance that you will see the beautiful blue-white terrace on the jetty Hotel Belle Rives sees passing by. Picture perfect. The restaurant that belongs to the hotel and to the sea view terrace is actually called La Passagère (much less known) and is an excellent restaurant for a romantic evening by the sea. If only because of the history of the hotel and the restaurant: in the 20s the building (not yet a hotel) was called La Villa Saint Louis and F. Scott Fitzgerald stayed there when he wrote down his experience about expat life. the French Riviera. Nowadays the chef cooks modern typical French dishes such as ham with truffle and pasta, and a mouth-watering one prime rib. The Passenger
Priceless? Yup. But where there's a will there's a way: the champagne bar. And, if you have an evening fancy want to eat out: the restaurant (where you eat from pink plates). Women, put on a nice suit and, if possible, high heels (or Gucci loafers, always work well too). Men, put on a jacket.
If you want to book an affordable hotel in Cannes (and you have a dog with you, and you are once again far too late in making your reservation), you will soon end up at a row of charming but rather faded glory hotels. Which, nine times out of ten, turn out not to be so clean upon arrival. In comes de OKKO Hotel group. Less of the charming French, much, much more of the affordable, comfortable, light, fresh and mega central. The white block of concrete that is the hotel from the outside is adjacent to the city's central station.
If you want to go to Cannes and Antibes, fly up Nice (tip: it is also very nice there, so both cities in one holiday is really good advice), and from here you can reach Cannes in another 30 minutes by car. And so you immediately get to experience the best of the Côte d'Azur! (While we're still tipping: St. Tropez and Ramatuelle from the same airport). A two-hour flight from Amsterdam Schiphol or Eindhoven Airport with Transavia and you're there! Sky blue sea, waving palm trees and delicious Provencal dishes: check, check check.
You may not have known, but due to the mild climate the Côte d'Azur often provides fantastic temperatures well into October. Have a late summer! And what about winter? The city is then the airport for nearby winter sports areas. From Nice you can reach the Auron, Isola2000 and Saint-Dalmas Le Selvage ski areas within an hour and a half.
Au Pot de Vin
In a quiet side street, a former garage (= a proven recipe for success) with 30s decor (= the same because: Hello Mad Men) is restaurant Du Pot de Vin. Well worth seeking out, especially because of the perfect wines by the glass and the seasonal dishes that are served in small portions. Start or end with cheeses from Provence and ridiculously delicious ham. And: very good prices (although your perception of prices changes slightly in Cannes). Au Pot de Vin
Boulangerie Jean-Luc Pelé
If life gives you France… You go to the boulangerie. Basta. The best option in Cannes is Boulangerie Jean-Luc Pelé where owner Jean-Luc Pelé bakes his bread with sustainable flour of the best quality. Although he is trained as pastry chef and chocolate maker. So don't miss both. Perfect for a light lunch (you can also sit down) or a picnic on the beach. Boulangerie Jean-Luc Pelé
Nonna's House
Your grandmother's house, Italian style. Seems crazy when you're in France, but really, join grandma's table. The friendly, older couple who run the restaurant took care of one easy going atmosphere that you don't find much in Cannes, and they also cook magnificently. For relatively small prices. In addition, there is a variety of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes on the menu. La Casa di Nonna
From Laura
We stay Italian for a while: at the beginning of the 'restaurant street', tripping three times OKKO hotel, has been home to the beloved Da Laura since 1992, run by a pizza chef from Turin. The Italian dishes are seriously good and the owners have a strong following. Arriving last minute is therefore not an option - which is surprising since the restaurant with the colored terrace chairs gives that idea. Reserve and order the Vitello tonnato and the risotto with truffle, the house specialties. And the burrata. And the spaghetti all vongole. A favorite in town. From Laura
Golfe Juan is exactly the kind of beach you expect when you go to the Cote d'Azur: apparently relaxed and then prices that would make a horse hiccup. And yet we fall for it again and again. Well. It really is an exceptional location on the coast, in a prestigious quality town. So. Well.
La Petite Plage Golfe Juan, at 4 avenue des Frères Roustan in Antibes-Juan Les Pins (look, even the name sounds expensive), is simply wonderful dining with your feet in the sand, in the mythical setting of the Quai Jean Jaurès (read: where the most prestigious yachts).
At lunchtime, the atmosphere is relaxed and the choice of dishes is comparable to the best beach restaurants in Saint-Tropez. Mediterranean flavours, actually tasty without fuss. Fish and seafood come from the fish bar and the mussels with parsley butter are a must. In the evening, the restaurant transforms into a lounge bar, and in the cocktail bar a DJ does his thing.
And while you're there: also put restaurant + beach Plage Keller Cap d'Antibes on your to do!
la Petite Plage
You all too quickly forget it in your list where to's for a quick mini-break but really, Lille aka Lille – as you please – is thanks to the super-fast train connection (with the Thalys less than three hours, and if you book in time for less than thirty euros) one of the best up-and-down trips for a weekend away. Just over the border in France and for that reason alone great (better weather, joy of living and remarkably good food and drinks). Twelve of the nicest addresses to stay in, and There you go.
La Cave (cellar)
A small charming bistro, from the books, with an equally small and charming terrace that you should not miss because of the wine drink with oysters, shrimps and cheese. La Cave (cellar)
Fromagerie Ceneri
Did we already mention it about the bakery, this is how you can use the cheese factory of course don't miss it either. Fromagerie Ceneri has been a popular address for the best cheeses in the area since 1968. Choose cheese for two (or more) and have a picnic on the beach. Fromagerie Ceneri
If you have ever been to Cannes, you can hardly help but love it Le Baoli Cannes you have heard, a concept on the peninsula of the city (pointe croisette). The place is known as a place where they know how to throw a party, but it has to be said: we actually like to join in before the festivities start. Better yet, actually. Because then you have a classic from a French restaurant. You can also take the boat to here La Guerite (you have to choose in Cannes: always, we repeat, ALWAYS choose La Guerite).
A short walk on the same almost that pointe croisette is called, and you are at the Fred L'ecailler restaurant. Also a classic, not on the water. The restaurant is recommended for classic French cuisine: boiled calamari, sea bass and the famous fish soup. Fred L'ecailler
La Guérite Cannes
Favorite place of all. With dot. Costs a few cents (although it can certainly be done for less... But that's less fun). You can read how, where and why here: The Sentry Box
The Arbor
The 'simpler' version of La Guérite. So it's still a dream. The restaurant was styled a bit more simply with wooden chairs and more sober tones, but the food is in no way inferior to La Guérite. The Arbor
Beach Waikiki: In the category nothing to worry about in striped yellow. For all day, every day. No website but you can find more information here: Waikiki Beach
Le Figuier de Saint Esprit: In the old town of Antibes you have to look for a centuries-old, charming restaurant where you can enjoy an extensive (and pricey) meal in the shade of equally centuries-old olive trees. The chef cooks one superb contemporary French menu, everything with a generous dash of that sunny Mediterranean style that only chefs in sunny countries seem to master (or it's the entourage, that's also possible). Guests come back for the desserts, just saying. La Figuier de Saint Esprit
And one more, back in Cannes: bee restaurant Table 22 cooks chef Noël Mantel, who mainly made a name for himself because he learned the trade from chef Alain Ducasse. Okay, and because he mastered that damn thing of course. Noël's menu includes delicious Provence-inspired dishes such as risotto with veal jus or lobster ravioli. The restaurant recently received a good lick of paint with a soft yellow/green summery result. Restaurant Mantel
Just like Nice, Cannes also has one restaurant La Petite Maison. It must be said: Nice was earlier, but we like the one in Cannes better. Newer, with an amazing view and with the same classic French swung.
The same pretty much applies restaurant Vesuvio: a classic French restaurant on the boulevard. A very good place if you think you are in a place that is too touristy. No, it's fine here.
At Jade you eat Vietnamese dishes for a change. Soup, lemon chicken and pork and a very good wine list. In short: a Vietnamese in France is one winning combination for an affordable and tasty evening out.
Al Charq is really a winner in the category, don't tell anyone else. Because while most kebab shops in most Western countries often don't appeal to us, and sometimes even lead us to dismiss Middle Eastern food as something to tuck into on the way home, Al Charq is something different. . Al Charq is split into two parts by Rue Rouaze and has a takeaway and sit-down restaurant. The food is a mix of grills, salads, falafels and a range of interesting vegetarian dishes that can only come from the Middle East. And: great value for money.
More tips
-
The best (and tastiest) tips in Lille (aka Lille) in France
-
La Villa Guy Beziers
-
When we are allowed again: on a great adventure in Auvergne Rhône-Alpes, France
-
small-scale, child-friendly and full of character in Normandy? On to the gites of lieu thomain!
-
Enjoy a chic stay at Hotel Regina Experimental – overlooking the Bay of Biarritz
-
Château Gonneville sur Honfleur in the heart of Normandy