Cruising the Cote d’Azur

This part of the Western Mediterranean has long been one of the most popular cruising regions on earth. lukasz janyst/stock.adobe.com

Cruisers, celebrities and sunseekers have long flocked to the Cote d’Azur along France’s Mediterranean coast. Set a course for the stretch between Cannes and Monaco, which best exemplifies the region’s unparalleled glamour and elegance, cultural riches and breathtaking scenic beauty.

Things to Do

Monaco is synonymous with opulence and prestige. International royalty and 007 himself have wagered at the iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo, a landmark along the Monaco Grand Prix route. Car aficionados will appreciate the Private Collection of Antique Cars of H.S.H. Prince Rainier III on Port Hercule, home of the Monaco Yacht Show. The collection’s 100-plus vehicles range from a 1903 De Dion Bouton to a 2013 Lotus F1.

Nearby, the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, the Grimaldi Family home since 1297, welcomes visitors to tour the state apartments. The Throne Room’s 500-year-old frescoes were discovered and restored only within the past decade. Time your visit for the 11:55 a.m. changing of the guard ceremony.

Another grand manse is just down the road in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Finished in 1912, the pink Belle Epoque palace is known for its nine gardens and extensive art collection. Art lovers will also want to stop at Musee Picasso in Antibes, the Mark Chagall National Museum in Nice and the Chapelle du Rosaire, Henri Matisse’s masterpiece in Vence.

The medieval village of Eze, at 1,401 feet elevation, is considered the “eagle’s nest” of the French Riviera. Wander its labyrinthine cobblestone streets and take in the sweeping Mediterranean views, especially from the Exotic Garden of Eze.

Back at sea level in Nice, stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, stretching for 4.3 miles by the stunning waters of the Bay of Angels. Then explore the eclectic architectural styles of the Old Town, one of the reasons Nice is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wrap up in Cannes at yet another iconic site: La Croisette, the palm-lined waterfront boulevard lined with hotel palaces and offering spectacular views of Baie de Cannes.

Food and Drink

In Monaco, Alain Ducasse’s flagship restaurant, Le Louis XV, has earned three Michelin stars and is a touchstone of French gastronomy. Blue Bay Marcel Ravin,  a two-star restaurant, melds the flavors of the Mediterranean with those of the chef’s native Martinique. For a casual lunch, pair oysters and other seafood fare with organic wines at Le Perles de Monte Carlo. In Eze,  La Chevre d’Or provides a visual and gastronomical feast, with jaw-dropping views and elevated cuisine that has earned two Michelin stars. In Cannes, La Palme d’Or is an A-list favorite during Cannes Film Festival for its luxurious setting and inventive seafood dishes.

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