CThere are places and addresses that have entered myth. And the French Riviera is one of them. From Cannes to Saint Tropez via Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, this strip of land squeezed between the Mediterranean and the French Alps is precisely one of these places. Over the decades the Riviera has been a destination for celebs who have visited, lived in, loved it, even just for the time of the famous Cannes Film Festival. Everyone has passed through here. Stopping and making some of the addresses in the area famous.
French Riviera, between hotels and restaurants, the places of the Riviera loved by celebs
The Hôtel Martinez but also the Carlton, not to mention the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d’Antibes or the restaurant-beach club La Guérite. And the list goes on. The Côte d’Azur is not doubly linked to the world of cinema thanks to the Cannes Festival, the first edition of the Cannes Film Festival dates back to 1946, but it has been the backdrop for many filmslove stories, villas of celebrities who have always found refuge in this piece in the south of France. It’s not just Cannes though. Along the Moyenne-Corniche or the Grande-Corniche and then off to Saint Tropez, a selection of famous addresses frequented by celebrities of yesterday and today.
1. In Cannes, on the French Riviera, the three icons of hospitality: Carlton, Martinez and Le Majestic
For a dream holiday or even just to do some celeb-watchingthese three hotels are the undisputed addresses of Cannes. It is in their luxurious rooms that the celebs stay during the Festival, and beyond. Each with incredible stories. The Carlton Cannes opened its doors in 1911 and he was also the protagonist of many films. Among the most iconic films? Thief Huntstarring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. Who, moreover, met Prince Rainier III for the first time here.
Instead it dates back to 1929 the Hôtel Martinez in Art Deco style which over the years has hosted stars of yesteryear such as Gina Lollobrigida and today’s celebs such as Demi Moore, Irina Shayk and Bella Hadid but the favorite address of Hollywood stars remains there‘Hotel Barriere Le Majestic, opened in 1927. Among the most frequent guests are Paul Newman, Catherine Deneuve and Vincent Cassel.
2. The Palme d’Or, where to find film memorabilia on the French Riviera
Completely overlooking Cannes Boulevard, inside the Hôtel Martinez, La Palme d’Or is a Michelin starred restaurant that has always been frequented by Belmondoso much so that inside you can find lots of film memorabilia, like in a museum. It is the perfect address to stop for a gourmand lunch or dinner alongside celebrities from all over the world.
3. La Môme, the chic brasserie
Looking for a simpler address, for a faster lunch? La Môme is the perfect address. It is a braserei where you can taste typical local dishes, including the catch of the day. Maybe next to some celeb like Selena Gomez.
4. Zuma Cannes, the most famous Japanese restaurant
Hidden, exclusive, practically always full. Zuma Cannes is located on top of the world-famous Palm Beach and overlooks the marina. Inside a 1929 building, from its tables you can admire the entire coast. The cuisine is Japanese, izakaya-style, and the menu includes some of the most famous dishes of Japanese cuisine.
5. La Guérite, on Ile Sainte Marguerite
The La Guérite restaurant has been an institution since 1902 and is located in front of the Bay of Cannes on Ile Sainte Marguerite, which is part of the small archipelago of the îles de Lérins, and can be reached by boat that goes back and forth between the island and the coast. Frequented by the entire international jet set, the cuisine is Mediterraneanthe products are local and the environment is perfect to fully enjoy the view of the bay and the sea.
6. In Saint Tropez the Café Sénéquier
You say Café Sénéquier and you immediately think of Saint Tropez. Because this café is the symbol of the town and is perhaps its most iconic address. Opened in 1930, it is easily recognizable thanks to the bright red of the chairs, where Sting, Elton John, Giorgio Armani, Brigitte Bardot have found their place over the years.
In addition to being the backdrop to Chanel’s Cruise 2010-2011 fashion show and also being chosen by Emily in Emily in Parisduring his escape from the capital. What to try? The famous white nougat, as well as pasta with lobster.
7. Le Club 55, the Saint Tropez institution
It truly is one of the iconic places of the Côte d’Azur and was born a bit by chance. What today is a club with a wild and natural flavor, in 1955 it was nothing more than a simple hut on the beach that hosted the filming of Et Dieu…créa la femmewith Brigitte Bardot. From that moment, it has entered the collective imagination and today it is among the addresses to try if you are in Saint Tropez. An alternative? Le Jardin Tropezinaa more reserved beach club, and therefore loved by the more discreet celebs.
8. In Antibes, the historic Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc
Halfway between Nice and Cannes, the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc is one of the most iconic addresses on the French Riviera. Born as good retreat by Hyppolite de Villemessant, founder of Le Figaro in 1863, once it became a hotel it hosted some of the most famous personalities of the twentieth century, from Cole Porter to Ernest Hemingway to Picasso and witnessed the tormented story of Elizabeth Taylor and that between John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Designed to be a “home away from home”, the hotel was the backdrop for many iconic images of the last century such as some famous shots of Slim Aarons or Dior commercials that have become famous.
