weekend trip

aerial photograph of buildings in monaco

A Weekend Guide to Nice, Monaco, and Cannes

Posted by

0

Note from the editor: Toby Patrick is a freelance writer, currently interning with a Design Agency in Manchester, who has a love for traveling and writing. He has a love for traveling and writing and in this article talks about how to explore the glamorous side of France.

A large part of France’s beauty lies in the country’s ability to offer something for everyone. It’s no surprise that the nation’s capital is home to many of France’s most famous attractions, while Lyon offers a delightfully French experience, and Marseille is a great spot for a beach holiday. But if it’s glitz and glamor you want, there’s a clear winner.

The French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur as it’s known in its native tongue, isn’t just one of the most glamorous parts of France, it’s one of the most glamorous places in the entire world. Synonymous with high-profile events and five-star hotels, this part of the South of France is a popular choice with everyone from backpackers to honeymooners.

Whatever you’re reason for visiting, here’s how I’d spend a luxurious long weekend in the South of France.

Where to Start?

The beauty of the French Riviera is the close proximity of its towns and cities, allowing city hoppers and travel junkies to take in several parts of the region in a short space of time.

Nice is the main city and as such should form a big part of your visit to France’s most glamorous region. I’d recommend being based in Nice. Firstly, due to it being the largest city on the French Riviera and secondly, because you’ll find it nestled between Monaco and Cannes.

If you’re relying on public transport, you can travel to both Cannes and Monaco from Nice in under an hour.

Nice 

As the largest city on the French Riviera, you won’t be short of options when it comes to things to do in Nice. As one of the most scenic parts of France, it’s also great for backpackers and travelers on a tight budget; simply taking a stroll around Port Lympia, going for a run along the promenade, or working from one of Nice’s many wonderful cafes are affordable but enjoyable ways to spend your time there.

If you’re looking for something lively, you’ll find Nice offers a far more diverse nightlife than Monaco or Cannes. Whether it’s live music bars, rooftop cocktails, or buzzing nightclubs, Nice has something for everyone when it comes to nightlife including a famous beer festival every October.

The general consensus is that a day or two isn’t long enough in Nice, but if your visit is fleeting, you may want to focus your time on the famous Old Town. Here you can immerse yourself in the city’s historic culture by visiting the many churches and Cathedrals, take in a performance at the Nice Opera House, and sample the famous Cours Saleya market.

If you’ve recently tied the knot and are heading to Nice during your honeymoon, there are plenty of romantic activities you can partake in. I’d recommend checking out some of the vineyard tours on offer in Nice or, if you’re visiting in summer, consider a date night on one of Nice’s luxurious private beaches.

Monaco 

If you can time your visit with the F1 Grand Prix, you’ll probably find yourself rubbing shoulders with some of the world’s most famous faces as they enjoy the glitz and glamour of the world’s most famous race.

If not, you can still enjoy Monaco’s iconic F1 circuit. In fact, there’s something quite special about walking around such a famous track while the people of Monaco use the same roads to go about their daily lives. The track is around 4.5km (2.8 miles) so can easily be toured in an hour or so. Consider taking a walking tour which will stop at all the famous landmarks including Casino Square, La Rascasse, and the yacht-filled harbour.

If F1’s not your thing, other glamorous sightseeing stops include the Casino de Monte-Carlo and the Prince’s Palace. If you’re interested in learning more about the Monaco principality you may want to check out the National Museum of Monaco. Alternatively, the Museum of Stamps and Coins is another one of Monaco’s most well-known museums.

Finally, we couldn’t talk about Monaco without talking about wealth and luxury. Monaco has the largest density of millionaires, so where better to do some luxury shopping than in the home of luxury? At the La Promenade Monte-Carlo, you’ll find world-famous brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Prada, and Rolex.

Cannes

It might be best known for its film festival but there’s far more to see in Cannes. The Cannes and Cinema guided tour is a great option if you’re on limited time. This will take you to the most famous spots in the city, including its most famous hotels and casinos. This is a great way to see Cannes best bits in a couple of hours.

If Monaco is all about glamour then Cannes takes that and combines it with the vibrance of a seaside town. I’d definitely check out some of the fabulous beaches that Cannes has to offer for a very different experience to Monaco which in contrast only has one public beach. 

I’d also visit Le Suquet, or the Old Town, which is the perfect setting for a stroll or coffee date. There are plenty of cafes and bistros among the narrow, picturesque streets of what was formerly a fishing village. Like most places in this part of the world, you’ll find an array of wonderful places to eat offering stunning views. 

If you want to take in a few cities on your next visit to France, look no further than the French Riviera. While this part of France is well known for its glamour, don’t underestimate its history, culture, and abundance of things to do. 

Photo by Roxana Crusemire on Unsplash

Did you enjoy this article? TAIP is 100% reader-supported through tipping. If you want to leave us a tip of any amount it would be highly appreciated. These tips help support our efforts to keep TAIP an ad-free environment. Just as at a cafe, the tips are split evenly among the team.

yellow and orange buildings in perpignan

48 Hours in Perpignan

Posted by

0

Note from the editor: Toby Patrick is a freelance writer, currently interning with a Design Agency in Manchester, who has a love for traveling and writing. In this article, he writes about one of his favorite places and future retirement home, Perpignan. — MS

When it comes to the South of France, the likes of Bordeaux, Monaco, and Marseille are usually the first recommendations on people’s lips. But nestled on the border of France and Spain in the historic territory of Catalonia is the hidden gem that is Perpignan.

Fabulously French with more than a hint of Spain, Perpignan really doesn’t get spoken about enough. With something for all ages and interests, and just over an hour-long train journey from the more talked about sights of Barcelona, it is also a great destination to fit into a tour of Europe. If you ever find yourself spending a couple of days in Perpignan however, here’s how I’d spend them.

The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist 

Whether it’s for religious reasons, or just to admire the architectural beauty of this 14th-century masterpiece, paying a visit to the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist should be top of your list of things to see. 

I’d recommend a tour of the cathedral to get a deeper understanding of its rich history. Admission is free too, so it’s a great activity to fit in if you’re working on a tight budget.

Palace of the Kings of Majorca

One thing I love about Perpignan is that its intriguing ancient history is still standing and well and truly still visible today. The Cathedral is a great starting point, but the Palace of the Kings of Majorca will leave you feeling like you’ve been transported back in time.

The palace was originally built for King Jacques II in the 13th century, and not a lot has changed! This means you can visit the same dining rooms, banquet halls, and the apartments where royalty once lived. 

Hôtel Pams

One of my favourite spots in Perpignan is Hôtel Pams. This 19th-century mansion is now owned by the city, but the building itself can be traced back to 1852 when it was purchased by the son of a successful businessman.

As for the luxurious mansion that you see today, you can thank French politician Jules Pams who remodelled the building in the late 1800s along with French architect Léopold Carlier. 

The interior will leave you in awe, and the grounds are the perfect place to take a short break before you carry on exploring the rest of what Perpignan has to offer.

Eat and Drink by Le Castillet 

Perpignan offers an abundance of plazas and squares, the main square being Place de la Loge, which gets pretty lively in the evening and is where younger visitors tend to end their nights. 

For a more relaxed atmosphere, and my personal favourite, head to the square located in front of Le Castillet. This isn’t as busy as some of the other squares yet still has plenty of shops, cafés, and bars. Le Castillet itself also offers a stunning backdrop to a lunchtime coffee or evening meal.

I find Perpignan’s food and drink scene to offer a great balance. The squares offer plenty of atmosphere without the hustle and bustle of the nation’s capital, yet also have that relaxed feel that’s synonymous with Southern France.  

French Sport

When it comes to French sport, Les Bleus (that’s France’s soccer team) are experiencing somewhat of a golden era at the minute. But in the city of Perpignan, it’s a different shaped ball that residents are more interested in.

I’d definitely recommend taking in a rugby game during your stay if you’ve got time, it’s a far more authentic French experience than heading to Paris to watch PSG which many tourists choose to do.

Your two best options are Perpignan Rugby Union team which plays in the Top 14 league, or the Catalans Dragons who play in the Super League, a rugby league competition made up predominantly of British teams.

So, whether you’re interested in architecture, history, food, and sports — if you’re in France I imagine you do — Perpignan is a wonderful place to spend a weekend.

Photo by Mathilde C on Unsplash

Did you enjoy this article? TAIP is 100% reader-supported through tipping. If you want to leave us a tip of any amount it would be highly appreciated. These tips help support our efforts to keep TAIP an ad-free environment. Just as at a cafe, the tips are split evenly among the team.