There’s something unforgettable about the French Riviera. Slow lunches, salt-kissed skin, winding coastal roads, and golden light that stretches long into the evening.
MAYANNA explores the seaside escapes, azure waters, and sun-drenched afternoons that define the rhythm of the region. From hidden coves to elegant coastal villages, every moment unfolds with effortless beauty, understated glamour, and the art of savoring the day.
STAY
Just a 1.5-hour flight from Paris, we arrive in Nice. We stay at a favorite boutique hotel, Hôtel L’Abbaye, tucked away just outside of the city in the small village of La Colle-sur-Loup. A restored abbey, the hotel is brimming with charm, each room offering unique details from stonework to antique furniture.
The recently restored pool is adorned with imported decor and furniture that the owners found during their travels to Morocco. The tranquil setting is the perfect spot to retreat after a day of exploring.
The Hôtel L’Abbaye's restaurant, LeChat Noble, is known for its authentic French cuisine. We highly recommend attending one of their infamous raclette nights. If the weather permits, dining in their enchanting garden is a delightful experience in the evening.
Another favorite spot to stay is Mougins Luxury Retreats, in Mougins, just outside of Cannes. The quaint village has great dining options and galleries.
Perched on the hillside, the views from the hotel span across the French Riviera. Sitting poolside for sunset became a nightly ritual for us.
Mougins is a medieval village made up of winding streets only accessible by foot. It's best to let yourself wander, and you'll be sure to stumble upon eateries including Michelin-Star restaurants La Place de Mougins and Bohème, art galleries, and boutiques. One of our favorite restaurants was Resto des Arts, a vibrant spot in the heart of town.
EXPLORE
Rich in history, artists have long been drawn to the French Riviera for the light and natural beauty. We drive the narrow, winding roads through rolling vineyards, lavender fields, and olive groves.
We get an early start to explore Èze, a cliffside village famous for its gardens and expansive views of the coastline. The Jardin Exotique d’Èze showcases the area's beauty with views of the Riviera.
We never miss a farmer's market. If you visit Eze on Sunday, you'll find the streets packed with vendors selling produce, dried fruits, clothing, antiques, and local treasures.
The fishing village of Théoule-sur-Mar offers private coves to dip in the clear blue water. Set against red rock formations, the beaches are unique to the Mediterranean.
Wander the car-free, cobblestone streets of Tourrettes-sur-Loup. Here, violets are grown for the perfumeries, and artists host retreats.
Perched above the Côte d’Azur, the medieval village of Gourdon is a favorite spot for lunch outside.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a stunning, walled medieval city. It’s also car-free. With its history of artists and a plethora of galleries, it’s inspiring to stroll through the streets. We love to have a Provençal dinner at sunset on a terrace overlooking the valley.
The South of France has a sort of undone luxury with a sense that style is woven into everyday life.