the perfect stay on the côte d’azur edit

Jul 3, 2024

the perfect stay on the côte d’azur

By anne-Marie Leduc

"To Catch a Thief"

with Cary Grant and Grace Kelly is one of my favorite movies, set against the stunning backdrop of the French Riviera. Tom and I dream of one day living in a medieval village near the Côte d’Azur, much like Cary Grant in the film. In the meantime, this destination remains one of our favorite summer getaways. We've stayed at several beautiful bed and breakfasts in the Provence area, and loved them all, but none as much as our recent stay at Terre D’Orizon in Tourrette-sur-Loup.

Here are where we stayed, fun things we did, and recommendations:

terre d’orizon

I mean, just look at the photos. Our stay was incredibly peaceful and relaxing. The host was exceptionally kind, and the property was immaculate. I highly recommend booking the sea view room with the balcony; waking up to the stunning views of the Côte d’Azur was absolutely unforgettable. The amenities were fantastic, including a gorgeous pool with a view and an up-to-date gym, also with a view. The landscaping was stunning, with fleurs d'oranger and plants everywhere. We also had the option to get fresh pastries like croissants and pains au chocolat delivered to our doorstep every morning for a very small fee.

tourrette-sur-loup

The medieval village is a 15-minute walk from the property Terre d’Orizon and is absolutely worth visiting. It may be small, but it's packed with beauty. In my opinion, it is as beautiful as Saint-Paul-de-Vence, which is 20 minutes away by car, but much less crowded. There are many highly rated restaurants in the village, but unfortunately, they were closed during our stay. We did, however, enjoy Leah’s Wine, which was perfect for an afternoon drink on a terrace. They have an amazing selection of wines.

plage de la mala, cap d’ail

We treated ourselves to lunch at Eden Plage Mala. I had the ceviche and Tom had the burger. Both were excellent. We were lucky with a sunny day, warm weather, and very few people around. This beach is stunning. The best tip for avoiding crowded beaches in the South of France is to visit in May, July, September, or October. Weekdays are also a great option.

coastal walk from cap d’ail to monaco

It took us about 1 hour and 30 minutes to walk from Cap d’Ail train station to Monaco center. Following the coast was straightforward, and the scenic views were fabulous. Don't forget to bring a hat, sunscreen, and water to enjoy the sea breeze. Monaco surprised me with its charming blend of old-world charm and modernity. Strolling through its narrow streets, we discovered cozy cafes, bustling markets, and quaint local shops selling artisan crafts. On our way back, we opted for the train, which only took 3 minutes and 1 station to reach Cap d’Ail. Afterward, we had lunch at Plage de la Mala, just a 15-minute walk from the station.