So many words and pictures rushes through my mind when thinking about my latest trip to the French riviera. Still, it’s not an easy task to describe the beauty and diversity of this region, cause Nice and Cannes offers so much more than just beaches and nightlife. After 3 days in the company of the exclusive Bed & Breakfast community, Côte d’Azur Autrement, it was clear to me that Côte d’Azur is not just a holiday destination – it’s a lifestyle.
(Continued…)
Lunch with a view at Alain Llorca
Having lunch at Alain Llorca in Saint Paul de Vence in Côte d’Azur is a spectacular experience. Not only do you get to enjoy the most stunning views (on a clear day you can see the ocean), the food here is also in a category of its own. There are other famous (Michelin) restaurants in the area such as Colombe d’Or in St Paul de Vence, but Alain Llorca is a must-try due to its high level of cuisine, atmosphere and stunning views. A menu costs from €60 per person and I highly recommend the Tarte au Citron for dessert! Alain Llorca also welcomes guests at his very own four star hotel nearby the restaurant.
Nice for wine lovers
When visiting Côte d’Azur there are so many good reasons to move away from the coast, at least just for a day or two, to explore the wonderful, hilly surroundings. Wine lovers will have plenty of options to attend a wine tasting, for example at Chateau de Bellet, which is located in idyllic settings between the sea and the mountains. Chateau de Bellet produces high quality wine made of rare grapes, which are said to be producing some of the best wine in Southern Europe. From the city center of Nice it takes approximately 20 minutes to reach the historical Chateau de Bellet.
Authentic luxury
My final B&B visit on the trip to Côte d’Azur took place at La Parare - a beautiful and very old stone house located in the inland between Nice and Monaco and privately owned by Sidney and Karin, who have tastefully restored and furnished the house.
I was very impressed by the authentic atmosphere of this property, and the fact that it dates all the way back to the 17th century adds a different and very interesting dimension to the holiday experience. Outside the property guests will find spectacular views of the region as well as a charming olive grove. La Parare also houses a pool and every room comes with an open fireplace and of course a hearty breakfast prepared by Karin. Quality and authenticity are they keywords for this B&B, which I would say is the ideal choice for couples looking for a romantic get-away, only 25 minutes from Nice airport. This is also the place to be if you prefer quiet surroundings and vigorous nature just outside your front door.
In front of La Parer
To sum it up, Côte d’Azur has so much more to offer than what it’s usually promoted for. If you look behind the facade, you will truly find genuine luxury - the kind which most of us are really dreaming of. Côte d’Azur Autrement is not just a union of B&B’s with slightly higher standards; it’s a lifestyle which should be valued in all seasons. Personally, I can’t wait to go back and explore the region during Autumn or Winter, where skiing and plenty of culture lurks just around the corner. For more information go to www.cote-azur-autrement.com.
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The Copenhagen Traveler was sponsored by SAS on this trip. SAS fly directly from Copenhagen to Nice several times a day. For more information click here.
