From the Côte d'Azur to Provence in the footsteps of Emily in Paris

• Emily in Paris' journey along the Côte d'Azur starts at the pretty Villefranche-sur-Mer station, easily accessible from Paris after a detour via Nice. Home to just under 5,000 inhabitants, Villefranche-sur-Mer is an ideal base from which to explore the region. It offers magnificent views of the Mediterranean thanks to the Trois Corniches, the roads linking Nice to Menton. If you take the Basse Corniche, you'll be able to catch a glimpse of the world-famous Villefranche harbour, which has featured in numerous films and TV series. Take the time to stop and take a look at the citadel and soak up the vibrant colours of the buildings. 
   
• As you arrive at Beaulieu-sur-Mer, where the villas transport you back to the Belle Epoque, you'll catch a glimpse of the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, and in particular its legendary Grand Hôtel, where Emily was to stay. Before her, Queen Victoria, Winston Churchill and the actors Charlie Chaplin and Elizabeth Taylor had stayed at this legendary Palace, built in 1908 for the relatives of King Leopold II of Belgium. The Grand Hôtel underwent a number of renovations over the course of its history, including the construction of a swimming pool and a swimming club called Club Dauphin in 1939. It is here, facing the blue horizon of the Mediterranean, that Emily soaks up the sun and tries to make the best of her misadventures in love with Mindy. The Grand Hotel has several restaurants, including Le Cap, run by Michelin-starred chef Yoric Tièche. His menu, a reinvention of traditional Provençal and Mediterranean dishes, draws its raw materials from the hotel's gardens. It's the perfect way to enjoy the sunset.

• While on holiday on the Côte d'Azur, Emily and her friends went to the Laurent G club, or rather Paloma Beach as it is known. Ideally situated on a cove, Paloma Beach owes its name to Picasso's daughter, who used to take him here on holiday. Two James Bond stars, Roger Moore and Sean Connery, also came here to have a good time. And we can understand them: the view over the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean and the hilltop village of Eze in the distance make this beach one of the most beautiful in the region. Relax on a sun lounger or in the Paloma Beach restaurant, followed by a grilled fish dinner in a heavenly setting. 
   
• And don't miss the chance to walk along the Promenade des Fossettes and enjoy the view from the Pointe du Colombier. 
   
• On your way back to Villefranche-sur-Mer, don't forget another legendary site: the Chapelle Saint-Pierre, located on the Quai de l'Amiral Courbet. It's here that Emily meets up with her friend Camille at dawn to hear her confessions, as well as some information about this unusual building. While the exterior suggests a traditional Romanesque building, the interior is immediately striking, and with good reason: it was the poet Jean Cocteau who redecorated it from 1957 onwards. Drawing on both abstract and figurative art, the artist paid homage to the Mediterranean, to biblical figures such as Saint Peter, and to the people of the region. One of the panels shows Les demoiselles de Villefranche ‘in the finery they had before the great wave of depersonalisation swept away the charms of language and costume’, in the words of the poet. A lyrical and romantic stopover not to be missed, perfect for ending the day.

• After the Côte d'Azur, Emily in Paris' journey through the South of France continues on the coast of Provence, a hundred kilometres further west, in a town you'd think Emily had imagined: Saint-Tropez. Stroll along the harbour, admire the yachts, each more impressive than the last, and sit down at the Café Sénéquier, where Emily and her friends take a photo together.
• And they're right: established in 1930 and instantly recognisable thanks to its red triangular tables, Sénéquier is an institution. You can enjoy the timeless tarte tropézienne and white nougat, the recipe for which has been kept secret since its creation in 1887. And if you still haven't had enough, perhaps the Chez Madeleine oyster bar, just a stone's throw from the port, will seduce you as it did Emilie. Located on the Place aux Herbes, you can also enjoy bulots, Gillardeau oysters or fines de claire. It's a welcome break from the sea before heading north again, or taking the train...

Wine tour around Saint-Tropez

• After Saint-Tropez, it's off to the Vaucluse. In season 3, Emilie is back in the South of France to discover the heart of Provence alongside Alfie and Gabriel during a business weekend. Easily accessible by car from Saint-Tropez, or from Avignon station, the Luberon Regional Nature Park offers some of its most beautiful scenery to the series. 
   
• Gordes is one of them, with its famous white stone Bastide built into the cliff face. In addition to its breathtaking views of the Luberon massif, this former stately home surrounded by ivy and pine trees has been renovated to offer visitors every luxury they could wish for: swimming pools, spa, bars, hotels, boutiques, etc. But it stands out in particular thanks to its Clover Gordes restaurant. Named in the series L'esprit du Luberon, this establishment run by multi-starred chef Jean-François Piège offers Emily and Gabriel a culinary experience like no other. The village itself is a masterpiece of art and history. Artists such as Victor Vasarely, Marc Chagall and photographer Willy Ronis have all set up home here, charmed by the unrivalled colours of Provence.

• On your last day in Provence, it's impossible not to linger for a moment in the lavender fields, admiring the mauve and sometimes pale blue hues. It's a scene we're discovering with Alfie, who's visiting his boss's distillery at Maison Lavaux. In real life, this is Les Agnels, a producer and distiller of aromatic plants of all kinds, located between Buoux and Apt. Since 1895, this company has been offering essential oils, floral waters, cosmetics and local products. You'll leave the region with a suitcase full of gifts and souvenirs. 
• A little bonus: we recommend two short detours off the beaten track before setting off again. The first is to take advantage of the incredible Ochre Trail, whose red earth is reminiscent of the American West. And the second in the hilltop village of Lacoste, with its breathtaking views over the Luberon and Mont Ventoux.
• Enjoy exploring France in the footsteps of Emily in Paris!

Find out more :

• Planning your stay on the Côte d'Azur
• Planning your stay in Provence

Read also:

• Where can you find the cult locations of the Emily in Paris series?