The South of France: Best Places to Stay, What to Do and Where to Eat and Drink

Where to Stay:

From opulent city hotels to rustic village retreats, the South of France has it all. Below, discover some of the places we're currently coveting.

Hotel Byblos, Saint-Tropez

The glitzy Riviera town of Saint-Tropez is a must if you’re seeking beautiful beaches, designer shopping, and luxurious yachts. Home to numerous five-star hotels, Hotel Byblos stands out thanks to its expert blending of storied heritage with opulence. Highlights include the hotel’s panoramic views, its skybar, and its Byblos Beach restaurant on Pampelonne Beach.

For the 2026 season eight suites and four rooms have been renovated, alongside a new fitness centre, two new Sisley spa treatments, and a new on-site boutique.

Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo, Monaco

Tucked away in the heart of Monaco, Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo is a luxurious haven with nods to the glamorous Belle Epoque. Rooms and suites are beautifully sophisticated with a touch of Mediterranean elegance.

It features a plethora of restaurants, including the two Michelin-starred ‘Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac’, in addition to the Spa Metropole by Guerlain which has been designed by Samy Itani of Itani & Courtois. In March, the hotel revealed 45 newly designed suites and rooms by renowned French architect and interior designer Jacques Garcia.

Toile Blanche, Saint-Paul-de-Vence

Located in the village of Saint-Paul de Vence, Toile Blanche is a suite-only boutique retreat born from the Leroy Brother who wanted to create a space centred around family, art, and hospitality. There are 22 bedrooms and one villa, several of which boast their own private plunge pools. Beyond this, guests can relax by one of the property’s two pools, immerse themselves in the lush gardens, relish fine dining, and get their culture fix at the dedicated art space.

Capelongue, Bonnieux

Wellness is at the heart of Capelongue. Here, guests are encouraged to immerse themselves in the surrounding countryside which is home to the Claparèdes, the Cedar Forest and the striking Lourmarin valley. The hotel itself boasts a state-of-the-art gym, a padel court, pools overlooking lavender fields, and a recently remodeled spa offering facial, body, and scalp treatments with Biologique Recherche. 

What To See & Do:

France is popular amongst walkers and cyclists - and for good reason! The country is teeming with scenic trails and routes that do well to shine a light on France’s outstanding natural beauty. Travellers looking to explore the South of France on two wheels should investigate The Slow Cyclists which specialises in small group cycling and walking holidays. They’ve recently launched a new six-night journey through Quercy, with dates in May, June, September and October. It’s a chance for curious travellers to immerse themselves in the charming villages, vineyards, and local cuisine before refreshing in private accommodation. 

For more information, visit theslowcyclist.com

Inspiring Art & Culture:

The South of France was, and still is, a constant source of inspiration for artists and musicians alike. It famously became a hub for impressionist artists such as Vincent Van Gogh, Henri Matisse, Paul Cezanne, and Pablo Picasso to name just a few. Much of their legacy can still be felt across the region, with numerous galleries and installations spotlighting their life’s work. 

• Aix en Provence: Musee Granet

• Nice: Matisse Museum 

• Antibes: Picasso Museum 

• Vence: Matisse Chapel 

• Saint-Paul-de-Vence: Fondation Maeght

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Explore the Charming Towns & Cities 

Provence and Occitanie are teeming with charming towns and cities awash with honeyed stone and lavender-hued shutters. Below are just a handful of some of the most interesting and Instagram-worthy destinations worth adding to your list for a slice of la dolce vita:

• Menton: Glorious beaches, colourful buildings and lush gardens

• Grasse: Historic perfume factories, mountainous setting, charming streets

• Eze: Ultra-luxurious hotels, stunning views, cobblestone streets

• Saint-Paul-de-Vence: Panoramic views, art galleries,

• Nice: Renowned museums, famous promenade, bustling old town

• Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: Coastal hiking, beautiful beaches, charming port

• Cannes: La Croisette, Cannes Film Festival, glamorous hotels

• Antibes: Local markets, superyacht port, historic walled town

• Monaco: Opulent hotels, Formula 1 Grand Prix, luxury shopping

• Saint Tropez: Pristine beaches, lively markets, yacht-filled harbour

• Cassis: Calanques National Park, pebbly beaches, local wines & seafood

• Marseille: Bustling old port, colourful neighbourhood, rich culinary scene

Adventurous Sports & Activities

Thanks to France's diverse natural landscape, there are plenty of sporting opportunities across the coast and mountains. From sailing across the azure Mediterranean to canoeing in the dramatic gorges, there's a sporting activity to suit every level and whim. Some key highlights include:

• Sailing

• Snorkelling & diving

• Golf

• Kayaking & canoeing

• Cycling & mountain biking

• Walking & trail running

Where to Eat & Drink:

La Guérite - Cannes

Located on the rocky cove of Ile Sainte-Marguerite near Cannes, La Guérite is a celebration of Mediterranean cuisine led by chef Yiannis Kioroglou. Ingredients are brought to life via a variety of cooking methods including oven cooking, barbecuing and charcoal grilling. 

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Club 55 Restaurant - Saint Tropez

Dining at Club 55 is a whole experience. From the service and setting to the sublime food and boho chic interiors, everything has been carefully considered. Seafood is the star of the show alongside locally-sourced fruit and vegetables. A magnate for celebrities and royalty, Club 55 is a premier place to see and be seen.

La Chèvre d'Or - Èze

Tucked away in the medieval village of Èze, La Chèvre d'Or is a secluded spot boasting some of the most impressive coastal views and private gardens. Whether you’re looking for a quick coffee stop or a lazy sun-drenched lunch, this luxurious spot boasts two Michelin stars and a menu replete with French classics including mussels, red mullet, and rabbit with rapini, chartreuse and tarragon. 

Le Cap - Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Le Cap at Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat offers refined Mediterranean cuisine with an elegant setting to boot. Diners can choose from the dining room or the pristine terrace framed by pine trees. Signature dishes on the menu include red mullet fillet, stuffed baby squids, and grapefruit salad.

Flaveur - Nice

Boasting two Michelin stars, Flaveur in Nice is the place to go for bold and experimental cuisine. Helmed by brothers Gaël and Mickaël Tourteaux, the restaurant celebrates unusual flavour combinations from across the world. Their ‘Exploration Menu’ features six courses including the whimsical ‘Back from the Caribbean’, while their Menu of All Latitudes boasts 9 courses including The Bay of Nice - a decadent lobster dish.

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