Chic Stops & Hidden Gems: Mama Bijoux’s Guide to the South of France

For our 10 year anniversary, my husband Tim and I escaped to the South of France, and it was everything we dreamed of and more! From seaside towns to wine-soaked sunsets, here are all of my favorite stops and experiences if you're planning your own French Riviera getaway!

Where to Stay:

We checked into Villa Mirae Cap d’Antibes and it was absolute serenity. Tucked away in Cap d’Antibes, the villa felt like our own little sanctuary. Quiet. Elegant. Wrapped in Mediterranean charm.

Antibes Highlights

Antibes has this perfect mix of seaside chic and Riviera tradition. Some of our favorite moments were at:

Maison de Bacon: A relaxed but refined seafood restaurant perched above the sea. Go for the views. Stay for the langoustine.

Le Grill at Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc: Iconic and timeless. This hotel defines old-school glamour. The terrace overlooks the Mediterranean and everything on the menu is perfection.

Dinner at Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc: Romantic, elevated and designed for slow, unforgettable evenings. Reserve well in advance.

Villa Djunah Beach:  A chic day club set on the sand. Bohemian energy meets beachside cocktails. Ideal for a slow afternoon that turns into golden hour.

Cannes Adventures

Cannes was our absolute playground. We mixed sun, style, and a little indulgence:

Lucia Cannes: A boutique beach club with that perfect South of France energy. Come for the light bites and rosé. Stay for the vibe.

Rue d’Antibes: Designer shopping heaven. Think everything from Chanel to local French concept stores. We may have splurged, but when in Cannes…

La Guérite: The party of a lifetime. Pro tip: snag the 3 PM seating, sit on the left side facing the restaurant, and you’ll be swept into the best dance party of your life.

Splurge Worthy

One of our absolute highlights was renting a boat for the day. We cruised around Cap d’Antibes and into Billionaires Bay, stopping to swim in quiet coves and sip rosé in the sun. If you're considering a splurge, make it this. It is pure Côte d’Azur magic.

Visit Èze Village: The Best View in the South of France

If you have a free afternoon, head up to Èze Village, a medieval hilltop town between Nice and Monaco. We climbed to the top of Jardin Exotique d’Èze and were rewarded with panoramic views of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and the deep blue sea below.

Bonus tip: Book lunch or a sunset drink at La Chèvre d’Or.This five-star Relais & Châteaux property is tucked right into the cliffs of Èze. The views from the terrace are unreal and the atmosphere is pure French Riviera elegance. Even if you don’t stay the night, a meal or cocktail here is an unforgettable experience.

This was one of the most romantic stops of the trip. Even the overcast skies couldn't dull how stunning it felt to stand above the sea with the world stretched out below us!

The South of France is everything you dream it will be. Whether you're planning an anniversary trip, a honeymoon, or a luxurious escape for two, I hope our favorites inspire your own journey along the French Riviera.

If you have questions or want more tips, feel free to drop them in the comments!

 À la prochaine, France!