Where the Mediterranean meets a certain kind of glamour.
From Cap Ferrat to Cap d’Antibes, the French Riviera has perfected the art of extraordinary hotels. Belle Époque landmarks sit alongside striking contemporary retreats, defining luxury travel through exceptional settings, Mediterranean light and an enduring sense of escape.
Planning a longer escape? Our French Riviera itinerary brings together beautifully paced routes for 3, 5 and 7 days, from Nice and Èze to Monaco, Cannes and Saint-Tropez.
The Aurelle Selection
Historic image of the former Vista Palace · Tangopaso / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
Contemporary · Roquebrune Cap Martin
The Maybourne Riviera
Suspended dramatically above the Mediterranean, The Maybourne Riviera pairs bold contemporary architecture with extraordinary coastal views. Light filled interiors, destination dining and a spectacular cliffside setting make this one of the Riviera’s most distinctive modern stays.
Grand Hôtel du Cap Ferrat
Iconic · Saint Jean Cap Ferrat
A Riviera landmark surrounded by pine and Mediterranean gardens, Grand Hôtel du Cap Ferrat embodies the enduring elegance of the Côte d’Azur. Grand in character yet wonderfully secluded, it pairs historic glamour with sea views, exceptional dining and one of the coast’s most celebrated settings.
Hôtel du Cap Eden Roc
Legendary · Cap d’Antibes
Set within nine hectares of parkland at the tip of Cap d’Antibes, Hôtel du Cap Eden Roc is one of the Mediterranean’s most storied addresses. Its private coastline, legendary seawater pool and timeless Riviera character have made it an icon for generations.
Where to Stay on the Riviera
The Riviera changes character from one headland to the next. Where you stay shapes the experience, from the quiet grandeur of Cap Ferrat to the energy of Cannes and the seductive coastline around Saint Tropez.
Saint Jean Cap Ferrat
For privacy, old world elegance and a slower rhythm.
One of the Riviera’s most exclusive enclaves, Cap Ferrat is all pine shaded roads, hidden villas and extraordinary Mediterranean views. Choose it for tranquillity, discreet luxury and easy access to Nice and Monaco.
Cap d’Antibes
For seclusion, coastal beauty and timeless Riviera glamour.
Cap d’Antibes feels removed from the bustle of the coast despite sitting between Cannes and Antibes. Expect wooded lanes, rocky coves and some of the Riviera’s most storied addresses. It’s particularly suited to travellers looking for privacy and a resort style escape.
Cannes
For restaurants, shopping and Riviera energy.
Cannes combines grand hotel glamour with a destination that is genuinely easy to enjoy on foot. Stay here for the Croisette, excellent restaurants, designer shopping and beach clubs, with plenty happening beyond the festival season.
Saint Tropez
For beach clubs, long lunches and unmistakable Riviera glamour.
Saint Tropez balances village charm with a famously glamorous social scene. Come for mornings around the old port, afternoons on Pampelonne Beach and evenings that stretch late into the night. Outside high summer, it reveals a quieter and particularly beautiful side.
Roquebrune Cap Martin
For contemporary luxury, dramatic views and a quieter Riviera.
Perched between Monaco and Menton, Roquebrune Cap Martin offers a more secluded perspective on the Riviera. Its steep coastline and extraordinary Mediterranean views make it an exceptional base for travellers who prefer privacy and modern luxury while remaining close to Monaco.
Looking for the right hotel? Discover the best luxury hotels on the French Riviera, from legendary palace hotels to contemporary Mediterranean retreats.
Best luxury hotels on the French Riviera →
When to Go
The Riviera changes with the seasons. For warm days, long lunches and a little more room to breathe, the months either side of high summer are particularly rewarding.
May & June
Perhaps the Riviera at its best.
Warm, increasingly sunny days arrive before the height of the summer crowds. Beach clubs are open, gardens are at their best and evenings remain pleasantly cool. June is especially appealing if you want the atmosphere of summer without August intensity.
July & August
For the Riviera in full swing.
This is peak season: hot days, warm Mediterranean water, busy beach clubs and a lively social calendar. It is also the most crowded and expensive period, so the best hotels, restaurants and beach clubs are worth reserving well in advance.
September
For lingering summer without quite the same pace.
The sea remains beautifully warm and the summer atmosphere continues, but the coast gradually becomes calmer. September is an excellent choice for swimming, dining outdoors and enjoying the Riviera at a more relaxed rhythm.
The Aurelle View
The Riviera rewards those who take their time
Beyond the celebrated hotels and glamorous addresses, its real appeal lies in the rhythm of the coast, long lunches overlooking the Mediterranean, quiet roads winding between villages and the particular light that has drawn travellers here for generations.