Côte D'azur (east)

France

Coastline: Glittering Riviera
Coast life: Sea and be seen

On the coast that defined seaside glamour, you can never be too rich or too brown.

Despite countless imitators, there is only one Riviera and one Côte d’Azur, and the original retains a distinctive cachet that keeps the starlets and socialites flocking here year-round. The high-rollers may glitter in the chic beach bars and fine French restaurants, but it’s the coast itself, floating between the green mountains and the warm indigo sea, that outshines everything. The landscape of parasol pines and terracotta-hued villas is bathed in Provençal light and colour, where Picasso and Matisse paid hotel bills in masterpieces just for the chance to stay another day.

Pictured: Toile Blanche

Boutique hotels in Côte D'azur (east)

Our round-up of the hippest hideaways and boutique hotels in Côte D'azur (east)

Getting there

Planes, trains, automobiles, or maybe even helicopter – we tell you the best way to go.

Worth getting out of bed for

Highlights the best Côte D'azur (east) has to offer, from art and culture to fun-packed activities; we've even found the most inspiring place to enjoy the views from.

Côte D'azur (east) eating, drinking and dancing

Eating, drinking & dancing

We've tracked down the best cafés for people-watching, the bars with the coolest cocktails, the most accomplished restaurants and the liveliest local nightlife in Côte D'azur (east). All you have to do is make sure you've packed your favourite threads…

Smith Maps

Here is the map of Côte D'azur (east); each Mr & Mrs Smith hotel is marked by a flag; click it for more details.

Taxis: You can hail taxis on the street if they display a yellow light, although it’s better to use a taxi rank. Prices are expensive.
Tipping culture: By law, a service charge is automatically added to all restaurant bills, but it’s nice to leave a euro or two.
Siesta and Fiesta: Shops are normally open 9h–12h and 14h–18h. Banks close at 16h30. Restaurants are often closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Packing tips: Your most glamorous wardrobe – nothing else will do. Very big, very dark sunglasses (to be worn at all times).
Recommended reads: To Catch a Thief by David Dodge; The Last Life by Claire Messud; Tender is the Night by F Scott Fitzgerald.
Cuisine: Provençal cuisine for ladies who lunch: elegant pasta dishes, tapenade, salads, fruits de mer. Provence rosé is delicious, but sometimes it just has to be champagne all the way.
Currency: Euro.
Dialing codes: Country code for France: 33. Provence: 04.
Do go/don't go: Mediterranean rules apply: spring and autumn are perfect, with July and August crowded and hot. May sees the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix take place.