The Allure of the Riviera: Why We Keep Coming Back

From Matisse to Gianni Agnelli the French Riviera is and always has been an escape for artists, entrepreneurs, adventurers and thinkers.

Many years back, I came across an article from the 1962 New Yorker titled 'Living Well is the Best Revenge.' I enjoyed the charm of the 1920s French Riviera and the real-life couple, Gerald and Sara Murphy, who inspired F. Scott Fitzgerald's "Tender is the Night." They were renowned for their distinctive and elegant way of life in Paris and along the French Riviera.

Last year, when my brother tied the knot in Poland, Ashley and I took a 4-day break post-wedding to explore the Riviera. I had researched the Cote D’Azur extensively, spanning from Cannes and Antibes in the west to Nice and Monaco in the east. After much consideration, we chose Villefranche Su Mer, a mere 15-minute drive from Nice International Airport, as our base. We immersed ourselves in the vibrant culture of Villefranche, even spending a night in nearby Cap Ferrat. From getting haircuts to mingling with locals and exploring the labyrinthine alleys, we also made a brief visit to Beaulieu Su Mer. By the end of our 2022 trip, Ashley was completely smitten with the Riviera, and I was certain we'd return.

True to our intentions, we spent 8 nights in Villefranche this year, renting an apartment. Our adventurous spirits, coupled with the inviting Mediterranean waters, had us exploring beach clubs across Villefranche, Cap Ferrat, and Beaulieu. And, naturally, we couldn't resist the allure of Monte Carlo, just a 30-minute drive away.

The Riviera has an irresistible allure that keeps drawing us back. Perhaps it's the spontaneous adventures, the maze-like alleys, the vibrant locals, the sun, or our quest to savor the final moments of summer. From our experience, Villefranche serves as the ideal starting point to discover your own Riviera story.

With convenient transportation options like taxis, Ubers, yachts, and even trains, this region perfectly blends the old-world charm with the modern elegance of places like Hotel de Paris in Monaco.

We envision the French Riviera as our summer haven for many more years, and we'd love for you to experience it with us.

***Fun fact: all our properties have a copy of Tender is the Night.