A couple of weeks ago, while my parents were visiting, we spent just over a week exploring the French Riviera (Côte d’Azur). I met my parents in Bordeaux (they had already spent a few days in nearby Saint-Émilion), and from there we drove to Saint-Tropez, where we stayed for five nights, followed by Cannes, where we stayed for another three nights. Our plan had been use each of those places as a kind of “home base” and to drive around to explore other towns on the coast, however, due to a major strike effecting French oil refineries, most of the gas stations ran completely dry , and we had to avoid using the car as much as possible! However, there were many things to do within Saint Tropez and Cannes, so it really wasn’t the end of the world. Plus, Hitchen was able to join us for a long weekend in Cannes! Here are some of the highlights:
Saint Tropez
1.
Boat Tour on the Brigantin II
While this is pretty much as toursity as it gets, this one-hour boat tour was a great way to see the Saint-Tropez coastline, and escape the heat with an ocean breeze. Not to mention, the cost is only 11€ (and beer on board is only 2€)!
2.
The Citadel
Originally used in the 1600s to defend the coastline, the view from the citadel was incredible! It also houses a museum that documents the history of the area. It’s only 3€, and the ticket office has a Golden Retriever that enjoys being petted.
3. Dinner at
L’Olive
Awesome Italian food, really good service, and they have a great terrace on a sweet little street in the old town.
4. Plage de Pampelonne
This was the only thing we used the car for – it’s about a 10 minute drive from Saint-Tropez. It’s a lovely, long beach with golden sand. We opted to pay for lounge chairs at a beach restaurant (there are tons of them), but there are also many public sections where you can set up on your own.
5. A Day in
Port Grimaud
This was definitely a highlight of the trip! A Saint-Tropez local told us that Port Grimaud is like a French Venice – and with all the little canals, I can see why. Port Grimaud is the neighbouring town to Saint-Tropez, and can be accessed by ferry (or you could drive). There’s also a lovely beach.
Cannes
1. A Walk Around Musée de la Castre and Notre-Dame d’Espérance
The walk up the hill was only about 10 minutes, and the view was certainly worth it. We didn’t actually go into the museum or church – but it was still really nice just to walk around the perimeter and take in the scenery.
2. Dinner at Au Martin Pêcheur
There was no shortage of restaurants in Cannes, but this little restaurant was tucked away in an alley, off the main drag. It was run by a wife and husband, and what it may have lacked slightly in ambience, it well made up for in food quality! We all ate incredible seafood, and were able to sit at a table on the terrace (there are only three).
3. A Day at the Beach
An amazing beach runs the entire length of Cannes (and beyond). Again, there are many beach restaurants where you can rent chairs (and order drinks / food and have access to a bathroom), and there are also sections that are public. It was lovely and relaxing way to spend a day.
4. Dinner at
L’Assiette Provençale
This was probably the best meal we had during the entire trip. Both the food and service were amazing, and there’s a lovely view of the marina from the terrace.
Hitchen and I are travelling again this week and next. We spent last weekend in Bourgogne, are currently in Dublin, and are headed back to Canada (St. John’s-Vancouver-Calgary) tomorrow – but more on that later!
