A dreamy trip to the Cote d’Azur

Breathtaking views of Monaco

This August I had the pleasure of exploring the beautiful & eclectic region of Cote d´Azur in the south of France. On our road trip, my girlfriend and I got to experience the vast variety of impressions that the region has to offer.

We started out in the lovely Roquebrune Cap Martin village where we stayed at what might be the best view in town: Monaco’s Cottage, as part of La Bomboniere & Spa du Château. Just steps away from our front door opens a perfect street terrace overlooking the Monaco bay and a quaint romantic spa to retreat into a few steps down the street.A great way to start the trip after a first day of travel.

Roquebrune Cap Martin village has a very cosy and local atmosphere. Much like a little oasis from the busier larger cities of Monaco & Nice. Seated on a mountainside, the Mediterranean views are magnificent among the old colorful townhouses.

We continued our journey to the nearby village of Menton where we went out for a morning kayak ride along the city harbour. Some of the best views in the region, floating across the crystal blue water facing the gorgeous glowing city. A must for the region.

A time for nature and... wines!

Following the coastal experiences of Roquebrune & Menton we retreated further into the mountains at Sospel. We stayed at what might be the most unique accommodation in the region, an outdoor Mongolian yurt with an old hillside chapel (La Chapelle Saint Gervais). Afar, the place offers stunning views of the mountains and makes for one of the most romantic places to eat dinner or breakfast. With a locally grown, homemade biodynamic dinner, which has some of the most intensely fresh and pleasurable tastes I’ve tried in a long time, it doesn’t get much better.

Talking about mountains, we made our way back out to the coast to the Tête de Chien viewpoint at Cap d’Ail. A hike offering a vast view of the coastline with the city of Monaco right below you. A great spot to get a sense of the geography and locations of the area.

We made our way down from the mountain to the scenic Beauliue-sur-Mer village for one of my favorite experiences of the trip: a solar-powered electric boat ride along the coastal villages. With views of some of the most impressive villas in all Southern France. A blissful and peaceful ride on an electric motor, your feet in the blue water at the front of the boat, a typical relaxing Mediterranean adventure.

The next morning, we made our way to the biodynamic vineyard of Domaine de la Source. A lovely family-owned winery that makes some of the best bio-wines I’ve tasted. A great experience from start to finish, very hospitable people, fantastic wine-tasting and snacks, with the family dog to say hello to between tastings. A definite recommendation.

A unique horseback riding across the mountains

We continued our venture back into the mountains to find Ranch El Bronco. A peaceful and special highlight ride on horseback through the stoney mountaintops, offering some of the most dramatic views of our trip.

After checking out the smaller coastal villages and mountainside, it was time to explore the city of Nice. I had never visited the city before and the pretty architecture and ease of transportation really took me by surprise. Most of the city is within walking distance, but if you’ve had enough steps for the day, the tram system is very easy to use and well connected. We stayed at the perfect place in the city, Villa St. Hubert.

On the outskirts of the bustling centre, you get just enough quiet for a more local stay, while being close to everything. With a personal terrace in our room and the kindest host, this made for an unforgettable stay, with a special thanks to the gorgeous house-cat Polly, which was an immediate happiness-inducer when stepping through the gate.

The old town in Nice is a must-visit, offering some of the most beautiful & historic places in the city, while being right next to the sea, ready for a nice dip in the water before or after.

All in all, the region just has so much to offer that you’ll probably always leave wanting more. Which means more reasons to come back! Cote d’Azur, you have a piece of my heart already. I can’t wait to be back.

Written By Daniel Jensen