The Provence region of France set on the azure Mediterranean Sea seduces honeymooners with beautiful golden sands, historic attractions and glamorous hotels.
By: Jimmy Im-AS SEEN IN BRIDAL GUIDE MAGAZINE-
Photo: Hotel Byblos
Haute beach destinations — like Cannes and Saint-Tropez — sizzle with sophistication and splurge-worthy offerings in fine dining, high-end shopping and glittering nightlife. It’s the perfect region to pop champagne and celebrate the good life.
Where to Stay
The romantic and iconic Hôtel Byblos Saint-Tropez is so glam Mick Jagger and Bianca honeymooned here in 1971. Set in the center of the village, the luxury hideaway of 40 bespoke guest rooms and 51 chic suites overlooks the harbor and the sea. Byblos houses a pampering Sisley Spa, a celebrated Alain Ducasse restaurant, a dedicated beach area and a scene-y pool where cocktails are served. At night, it’s all about the sparkling party at the ultra posh Les Caves du Roy, the hotel’s world-famous nightclub where everyone from Cher to Prince Charles to George Clooney and Bill Gates have been spotted (room rates start at about $712 a night and include breakfast).
Photo: Hotel Byblos
Where to Eat
Without hyperbole, Mirazur in Menton, near the border with Italy, is one of the world’s best restaurants. Helmed by Mauro Colagreco (who worked with esteemed French chef Alain Ducasse, among other culinary heavy hitters), the outpost boasts three Michelin Stars and unbeatable views of the French Riviera.
Photo: Nicolas Lobbestael
Meals here are a celebration of the Mediterranean, featuring produce from the on-site gardens, eggs from the chicken coop, just-picked truf es, supremely fresh seafood including caviar and emblem- atic citrus. A tasting menu per person is $300 and includes 11 courses.
Photo: Eduardo Torres
Must-See Spots
A trip to the South of France isn’t complete without visiting Marseille, where sweeping views from the Old Port to the rugged seaside with towering cliffs are priceless and ubiquitous. Stop by MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations), a centuries-old fortress-turned contemporary museum that focuses on the region’s culture and history.
Photo: The MuCEM
Considered the Rodeo Drive of the French Riviera, La Croisette in Cannes, which links the sea to the city and is anchored by a local food market on one end and a tony beach club on the other, is chock-a-block with fashion icon brands like Prada and Gucci, set next to smaller boutiques. And they all have fantastic window displays.
Photo: Semec-Hevbe Fabre
