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Trip Report
South of France
The South of France is famed for its classy summer atmosphere. French cuisine is perceived as fine dining and the fashion goes onto to inspire millions. I was not disappointed.
+ 8
EuropeFrance6 days / August 2021
Highs & Lows
Aesthetic
Restaurants
Itinerary Overview
I joined my family for one week during their month trip along the southern coast of France. The trip was totally done by train all the way from London. This was a long journey but very picturesque and much better for the environment than flying. However, trains in Europe are expensive so be prepared to pay for doing your bit for the planet. The journey took about ten hours and on arrival we hired cars to drive around the small towns.
I joined them in visiting Antibes and Nice. The two places had different atmospheres. Nice was much bigger and had more going on - it felt very much like a functioning living city. Antibes was extremely pretty, the beaches were gorgeous and when you swam out at sea you had a magical view back on the town. Antibes felt like a place that was designed to be visited rather than inhabited. We did three nights in each place and I would say that that is about right for these two destinations, however it depends on how much you like to chill by the pool or sea and it would be easy to spend much longer in both/either.
Antibes
2+Antibes is small and pretty and french and right by the sea. There is not a lot going on despite the multi million euro yachts perched in the harbour, to me it felt tranquil and very much a holiday destination. I cannot recommend french restaurants as we ate Lebanese and Italian food in Antibes. On the final night in an attempt to have something somewhat local we went to a creperie on the Main Street which was very nice but nothing to write home about.
Definately have a look around the lovely art galleries and museums and do not rush your way around this town; it was designed for a cafe and leisure lifestyle or it feels as though it was. Enjoy coffee and french pastries whilst watching the ocean lap the shores. If you want to go to Eden Rock the famous seaside club littered with celebs, make sure you look the part and book ahead!
Nice
3+Nice has a divine coastline which is sadly disturbed by a main road and train track along its edge, making for some beautiful journeys but slightly less inspiring beach days.
In Nice we made an active effort to eat some french food which included various Niçoise salads and french stews which were all great but very expensive all things considered.
If you’re a water baby then definitely check out the various water activities which can be found on the seafront and booked spontaneously!
Q & A
What would you have changed?
Maybe it would have been nice to stay closer to the centre in Nice, however we might not have found an Airbnb as nice / spacious in the city centre so weigh up your options.Restaurant recommendations?
Leave your calorie counter at the door and indulge in pastriesPacking tips?
Nice clothes - people dress well generally in these partsTransportation Tips?
The train is wonderful so if you have the time and money then try it out! You see much more than a few white clouds!Any surprises?
Hard to escape very touristy areasBooking details?
Book transport as far in advance as you can because prices rise rapidly and the south of France is hugely popular.
Lodging
Hotel Logis Más Djobliba, a wonderful hotel which very much for the Antibes aesthetic. It was like an old french house with chateau type interiors and a simple, elegant pool at the front. The breakfast was stunning, all the fresh pastries you could imagine and some lovely fresh jams.
Airbnb just outside the city