By Cheryl Antier
When planning your next vacation, consider a trip to the French Riviera. Although it's famous for being a playground for the jet set, with its miles of white sandy beaches, and gourmet food that is as much of a treat for the eyes as it is for the palette, the French Riviera has much more to offer.
Take St. Tropez for example. Known as one of the "jewels of the French Riviera," St. Tropez is a beautiful and busy seaside village that grew up in the 50s and 60s after being discovered by Hollywood. (Roger Vadim's "And God Created Woman" was responsible for launching both Brigit Bardot's acting career and St. Tropez into a mecca for the rich and famous.)
But long before St. Tropez was discovered by Hollywood, it was also a favorite place to live and work for some of the world's best known artists and sculptors. There is just something about the light here that makes it different from everywhere else along the Mediterranean Sea - it shimmers like a pearl that's been dipped in gold.
You'll feel like you've walked into a picture postcard when you take a walk along the the pier and watch the sun sinking into the azure blue waters of the Med. It paints the sky with the colors of ripe apricots, old gold and ruby red. A playful breeze pulls at the jewel-colored awnings above the sidewalk cafes, and the evening air is fragrant with jasmine and mimosa. And when you see the pastel colored houses with the red-tiled roofs, colorful flowers spilling out of window boxes and balconies, and the trim wooden sailing boats with their tall masts bobbing gently next to sleek, black and white yachts, don't be surprised if your "inner artist" wants to come out and do a little painting too.
St. Tropez is still one of the favorite vacation spots of the "tres chic." Walk through the open-air market in the Place des Lices (it's open on Tuesday and Saturday mornings), and you'll hear accents from all over the world. International stars of stage and screen come to see and be seen, and you never know who you'll catch sight of while enjoying a cup of coffee or glass of wine at one of the many outdoor cafes. In fact, people watching is one of the favorite pastimes here, especially during the spring and summer months, when the sidewalks and narrow winding roads are crowded with tourists and sun worshippers.
The beaches of St. Tropez are almost as famous as the village itself. Arguably the most famous is the "Plage de Pampelonne" which offers almost 5 km of glaring white sand, exotic boutiques, tiny sidewalk cafes and elegant restaurants. If you want to rub elbows with the "beautiful people," stop in at Club 55 after dark for a drink and a little dancing.
At the north end of St. Tropez, you'll find the "Plage de Tahiti" which is another well-known haunt of famous - and infamous - celebrities. It's always crowded, so go early if you want to find a place to stake a claim and lay your towel for the day.
Other beaches that offer breathtaking views, and great places to cool off in the Med are the Bouillabaisse, Baneliers and Salins beaches. Or head south past the Plage de Pampelonne to Cap Camart, and just beyond it - a little less accessible but much less crowded because of it - are the "Plage de l'Escalet" and the "Plage de la Briande." And if you're feeling adventurous and really want to get away from the crowds, go a little further south until you reach "Gigaro" - a truly beautiful beach and the village of La Croix Valmer.
All together, there are over 40 beaches in this area of the French Riviera alone, so if you want to lay in the sun, soaking up the rays during your vacation, you won't have to visit the same beach twice. But if your taste runs to the more adventurous or active, then you've still come to the right place for your French Riviera vacation! You'll find all of these activities (and more) here: amusement parks, biking, boating, golf, hiking, tennis, raquetball, several fitness centers, fishing, horseback riding, miniature golf, surfing, swimming, snorkleing/scuba diving, windsurfing, para-sailing, jet-skiing, sailing, etc. And hang onto your credit cards, because the shopping here is out of this world! You can find a little bit of everything from the very inexpensive to the very, very expensive and luxurious.
Dining on the French Riviera is an experience to be savored. From the tiny sidewalk cafes, where the owner is just as likely to be your chef, to the fabulous three and four-star restaurants, eating has been raised to an art form. You'll find the food is always fresh, using the finest ingredients of the season, and presented so that it looks as beautiful as it tastes. (And don't even think about rushing through a meal. Here food is savored and enjoyed, and your waiter will never try to rush you.)
When you're tired of soaking up the sun, move inside and soak up a little culture instead. St. Tropez is home to some unique museums, avant guard art galleries and there are special concerts, exhibits and special events scheduled year round.
A few places that should not be missed include:
The "Musee de l'Annoncaide" (Place Georges Grammont, near the harbor). The museum is housed in the former chapel of the Annonciade. It opened in 1995 and now contains one of the best modern art collections in the entire Riviera. Many of the paintings on permanent exhibt are of St. Tropez itself, but there are also paintings by artists such as Seurat and Matisse that make it well worth the visit. Other artists who are spotlighted include Bonnard, Braque, Dufy, Utrillo, Derain and Maillol.
The Open Air Market (Place de Lices) Open on Tuesday and Saturday mornings, the open-air market is a fun and interesting way to spend a few hours. You'll want to sample some of the amazing fresh fruits and vegetables, haggle with the street vendors and maybe pick up a souvenir or two. Bring your camera, and don't forget to keep an eye out for celebrities!
Le Quartier de la Ponche is the old part of the city. It's easy to get lost wandering around the narrow twisted streets and back alleys, although if you do, just stop and ask for directions - even people who don't speak a word of English understand the word "harbor" and will be happy to explain how you get back. And you'll enjoy exploring the shops and houses that are solid reminders of the days before St. Tropez became "hip."
Musee Naval (Rue de la Citadelle) is a memorial to the days when St. Tropez meant more to sea captains and admirals than to the sun worshippers of today. There are scale models of cannons and ships, old photos of the town, and a wide variety of interesting little oddities. The museum is a part of the Citadel, a structure dating back to the 1500s. (And if you get hungry during your visit, the Citadelle is a great place to take a break and have a light picnic lunch as well!)
La Maison de Papillons (Rue Etienne Berry) Papillon is the French word for butterfly. The "House of Butterflies" is one of the most incredible places to visit in St. Tropez. It houses over 4,500 different species of butterflies, including some that are almost extinct.
When you're wandering around St. Tropez, don't forget the nearby hills and mountains. Two of the small medieval villages that are worth exploring are Eze and St. Paul de Vence, now populated by artisans and crafts people. Or if you prefer, plan a trip to nearby Roquebune, with its castle that goes back to the days of Charlemagne. La Turbee offers vistors a look at Roman ruins and monuments - and is a vibrant testimony to the strength and power of the Roman Empire of the past.
No matter how long you choose to stay, you'll find it difficult to tear yourself away from the beauty and excitement of St. Tropez. Even before you leave, don't be surprised if you're already planning to come back.
________________
Ten Best Family Activities in the French Riviera
If you're planning a family vacation to the French Riviera, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the large number of indoor and outdoor activities that will appeal to children of all ages, abilities and preferences. There are also activities that will fit any budget. Here are 10 ideas that are sure to be a hit with your kids:
1. The Côte d’Azur – Through the Eyes of the Masters
Spend some time discovering the French Riviera by walking in the footsteps of some of the world's greatest artists and see the Côte d’Azur through their eyes.
From Monet to Duffy, Renoir to Chagall, Bonnard to Cocteau to Soutine and others, this unique program will become a permanent display, and gives visitors the chance to see first hand the landscapes that inspired some of the world’s greatest painters. This walk goes from the villages of Cannet to Menton and makes for a wonderful family outing that will let your children experience a unique view of the French Riviera. They can see a reproduction of a famous painting in front of the landscape that inspired it. And since many of the originals are on display at local museums, they’ll enjoy visiting them afterwards, to get a look at the originals. Dogs are allowed on leash.
What to bring: Walking shoes, sweater if it's chilly, bottled water, camera
Location, Contact Information and Hours of Operation: Cannet - Menton Tel +33 (0)4 93 37 78 78 http://www.guideriviera.fr
2. The Tourist Train in Nice
Because parking can be a problem, especially during tourist season, consider taking the train to Nice, and walking around the city to explore. Another option is the small “tourist train” that provides you with a tour of all the best places to visit in Nice.
You’ll leave from the Promenade des Anglais and ride in comfort to the top of the cliff where a castle once stood, guarding the old part of the city. Stop here to let the kids play in the children’s play area and enjoy a delicious ice cream cone while you enjoy the view of the Mediterranean Sea.
Then it’s “All Aboard” and the journey continues through the open air flower market and an exploration of the “vielle” (old) part of Nice. Finally you’ll want to have your camera ready as you travel along the seafront of the Baie des Anges and the Quai des Etats-Unis.
This is an activity suited for everyone, and dogs may come along too, as long as they’re on leash.
What to bring: Sweater during cooler weather, camera, walking shoes, bottled water
Location, Contact Information and Hours of Operation: Board the train at the Départ de la Promenade des Anglais (face au jardin Albert 1er) Tel +33 (0)6 16 39 53 51 Fax +33 (0)4 93 62 85 48 http://www.petittrainnice.com
Open: all year except November 20 to December 20th and from January 1 to January 20th. Open every day in the summer, 10am-8pm and in the winter, 10am-6pm. Call for times and rates for groups.
3. Antibes Land – Amusement Park
The Antibes Amusement park offers fun for the whole family. It’s always brightly lit at night and can be seen for miles. There are 30 “international rides” that appeal to the young and the young at heart. There are also places where you can sit and enjoy a picnic lunch or dinner, or you can eat at any of their small cafes which offer a selection of beer and wines also. Some of the park is wheelchair accessible (although not all of the rides), and dogs are allowed on leash.
What to bring: bottled water, healthy snacks, tissues (in case there is no toilet paper)
Location, Contact Information and Hours of Operation Ave. Mozart Antibes http://www.azurpark.com
Open: 1st April-30th Sept, 8.30pm-2am. April-mid-June, weekends and bank holidays, 2pm-7pm. Open later on Saturdays; Mid-June-August, every day, 8.30pm-1am. Saturdays from 4pm and Sundays from 3pm, September, weekends from 4pm-2am.
4. Mat et Eau
If your family enjoys more adventuresome activities, then Mat and Eau will be just the thing. Providing the best in white water activities, the half-day or all day water activities are a great way to explore a different side of the Cote d’Azur. Try hot dogging, hydro-speeding, rafting, water tours, cannoning. Note: All participants must know how to swim, and the owners suggest that children must be at least six years of age.
What to Bring: tennis shoes, swim suit.
Location, Contact Information and Hours of Operation: 1177 rte de la Madone
Tel +33 (0)6 81 56 21 56 / +33(0)6 83 18 48 74
http://www.mat-et-eau.com Call for fees and times. Reservations are recommended during busy seasons.
5. Aoubre
Come prepared to spend the day at this 30 hectare park and preserve that offers walking trails, a miniature adventure track (only a few centimeters off the ground that makes it perfect for toddlers), a children’s adventure track (about a meter off the ground suitable for 5 to 8 year olds – you can walk alongside your kids) and other adventure and climbing tracks that are in century-old trees and much higher off the ground.
They offer 85 different workshops on 7 different tracks, most suitable for anyone 5 years and older. There are also parent/child activities that you can do together.
Don’t miss the small farm with animals that love to be petted. Take any of the walking trails to learn more about the forests of Provence and nature.
You can purchase sandwiches and drinks on site, or bring your own picnic lunch – but please put all containers in the appropriate recycling bins.
What to Bring: Walking shoes, sweaters, bottled water, picnic lunch and if you have a baby, make sure that the stroller can handle rocky and uneven ground – otherwise you might want to use an infant backpack or carrier.
Location, Contact Information and Hours of Operation: Parc des cèdres, Domaine Rouvière Tel
+33 (0)6 12 58 02 26 Fax +33 (0)4 94 86 10 92 http://www.aoubre.fr
Open on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and school holidays, from 9am to 8pm in the summer and 9.30am to 5.30pm in the winter. Reservations are required. Check out the next five best family activities in the French Riviera in part two of this article!
6. MarineLand
MarineLand is Europe’s biggest marine park, located in Antibes. Come and watch as the Bottlenose Dolphins show off their speed, dexterity and agility – and marvel at the complete trust they display in their trainers, as man and dolphin work together in a beautiful water ballet. And your kids will enjoy the “talking” sea lion who seems a little jealous and constantly interrupts the show, wanting all the attention for himself.
Your kids are sure to fall in love with the “mammoths of the sea” after sitting spellbound during the whale show. Housed in a glass tank the size of a small lagoon, the killer whales offer a glimpse of what life is like as they demonstrate some of the natural behaviors of whales in their natural habitat – rushing onto the beach to catch seals, swimming at top speed to catch prey and even the showing off through jumps and leaps practiced by young whales.
Walk through the 30 meter tunnel that’s located inside a huge aquarium containing nearly 2 million liters of water, and you’ll get a look at sharks – up close and personal as they swim above, below and all around you. You’ll see Sandtiger Sharks with their huge teeth, Nurse Sharks that enjoy lying lazily in the sand, and Sandbar Sharks with torpedo shaped bodies that allow them to move swiftly through the water. A giant manta ray (almost 1.5 meters wide) shares the tunnel with these mysterious and deadly creatures, and you’ll feel as if you could reach out and touch them – but happy they can’t say the same thing!
The tropical aquarium gallery is home to the world of coral reefs, and gives you a look at the very different volumes represented: from small modules with starfish, shrimp, horse-shoe crabs and clown-fish in their sea anemones and multi-colored corals, to reef walls with monstrous green moray ells and so many other fish that you have to see it to believe it. The gallery is your invitation to stroll through the heart of the tropical seas of the world.
Dogs are allowed on leash, and MarineLand is handicap accessible. There is also a children’s playground available. The museum provides a variety of special activities every month, including a chance to see and touch with dolphins under the close supervision of their trainers.
Call for rates and times – reservations are required for special activities.
What to Bring: sweaters (it can get chilly inside the aquarium), walking shoes. If you have an infant, strollers are also recommended.
Location, Contact Information and Hours of Operation: 306 av. Mozart Tel +33 (0)4 93 33 49 49 www.marineland.fr Call for fees and hours of operation.
7. Parfumerie Mollinard
Located in the city of Grasse, which is the perfume capital of the world, the Parfumerie Mollinard offers guided tours. Your children will see first hand how flowers are gathered, dried and used to create perfumes.
They will see the huge copper distilleries, and see how production of perfumes is carried out. They’ll also learn about a time in history when people were afraid of soap, and taking a bath was thought to make you sick as they visit the room where all of the Mollinard soaps are made – by only one man!
During the tour, they’ll learn about the mysterious geniuses who are known as “the nose” and who earn large salaries because of their ability to create exotic new perfumes. You can even create your own perfume (reservations for these special lessons must be made in advance). Dogs are welcome on leash, and the facility is handicapped accessible.
What to bring: Your curiosity.
Location, Contact Information and Hours of Operation:
60 bd Vicor Hugo
Tel +33 (0)4 92 42 33 11
Fax +33 (0)4 93 36 03 91
http://www.molinard.com
Open: all year, every day from April-September and during school holidays. 9am-6pm during the Christmas and February school holidays, 9am-6.30pm in April, May, June and September and 9am-7pm in July and August. Winter hours: 9am-12pm and 2pm-6pm, Mondays to Saturdays. Price: free entrance.
8. Musee Escoffier de L’art Culinaire (The Escoffier Art of Cooking Museum)
This museum is dedicated to Auguste Escoffier – a man known as the “King of Chefs and Chef to Kings.” He was known as the creator of many mouth-watering recipes, among them the “Peach Melba.”
The museum is located in the house Mr. Escoffier was born in, and has eight exhibition rooms dedicated to the most illustrious French Chefs of all time.
Your children will enjoy seeing what a real kitchen would have looked like in the 1800s along with all of the different utensils used back in those days. Kids receive a special map that offers special insights and information just for them.
After visiting the museum, take them to the Villeneuve Loubet – a village perched high on a cliff, and let them discover the giant maze and adventure playground.
9. L'Ecole des Champs
If you want a little grownup time, or are interested in finding excellent supervised activities for your children, then check out the School of Champs.
Situated in the middle of fantastic countryside, near Nice and Monaco (approx. 13kms), this children's holiday and leisure complex, is unique in the region. It offers original activities centered around an educational farm, and includes a productive garden and comprehensive sports facility. They provide special workshops during school vacations, including: English, horseback riding, IT classes, music, arts and crafts, and also have an adventure park, and Indian camp and dance sessions. There is even a bus that services Nice and Monaco.
Location, Contact Information and Hours of Operation:
9, Route du Château, La Colle
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 54 03 83
www.ecoledeschamps.com
Open from April until the end of July during school holidays and on Wednesdays.
10. La Dolce Vita
You’ll be hard pressed to find another private beach anywhere on the French Riviera that was designed with families in mind. Take a walk along the pedestrian zone in Menton, and you’ll run into La Dolce Vita.
It offers a ramp for wheelchairs and strollers. A section of the beach has been designated for children, and there is even a roped-off section of the sea right next to the lifeguard shack where kids can play in the water in complete safety. You can rent inflatables and water toys.
If you fancy a dip in the water or want to lie on the beach quietly for a while, there are even supervised activities for children aged 5 and up, available every day from 9 a.m. until 5 or 6 p.m. (If your children are younger, they’re welcome to participate, but need an adult with them.)
They offer an air-conditioned children’s playroom and DVD movies are shown every afternoon at 2:00 p.m. (Younger children can even nap in a mini-bed just for them!) Your kids can eat lunch with you, or enjoy their own food in the Kid’s Club. The facility even offers private toilets and showers just for kids.
Your older children can enjoy access to some of Menton’s other private beaches and try water skiing as well as other water sports activities.
While your kids are enjoying themselves, if you get tired of lying on the beach, why not schedule some time at the gym, or indulge yourself in a relaxing massage?
What to bring: Sunblock, swim suits, towels and bottled water.
Location, Contact Information and Hours of Operation:
Promenade de la Mer Menton
Tel +33 (0)4 93 35 44 50
Open from May to September, from 9am to midnight. Call for prices and to make reservations.
There are literally hundreds of family activities waiting for you in the French Riviera. No matter what time of year, the ages of your children or their interests, you'll find something for every member of your family in the French Riviera.
Cheryl Antier, an American writer living in the French Riviera invites you to learn all about the best places to go and things to do if you're planning a vacation here! Why settle for an ordinary vacation, when you can make it an extraordinary one? French Riviera Vacation Guide.
