There are very few places we return to as often as the South of France. Every visit somehow feels entirely different, yet always leaves us with exactly the same feeling: complete freedom. Perhaps it's the endless coastline, the winding roads that lead to hidden villages, or the fact that lunch somehow stretches into the evening without anyone questioning it. Whatever it is, the South of France remains one of our favourite corners of Europe.

We also love how wonderfully democratic it feels. Yes, there are superyachts anchored along the coast and impossibly beautiful villas perched above the sea, but somehow it never feels exclusive in the way other luxury destinations do. 

If you're planning a long weekend, our biggest recommendation is simple: rent a car. Whilst Nice makes an excellent base, the real beauty of the Côte d'Azur lies in moving between places. Within an hour you can find yourself having breakfast in Nice, lunch overlooking the Mediterranean in Ramatuelle, before finishing the evening with dinner on Cap-Ferrat. Having that freedom completely changes the experience.

Below are the places we'd happily return to every single time.

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OKKO Hotels Nice
If you're looking for somewhere modern, clean and incredibly practical, this is an excellent choice. We booked OKKO Hotels Nice at the very last minute and ended up pleasantly surprised. Located just minutes from the airport, it's ideal if you plan to spend your days exploring rather than staying at the hotel. The rooms are contemporary without feeling clinical; the rooftop lounge offers complimentary drinks and snacks throughout the day; there's a well-equipped gym; and you're only about five minutes from the Promenade des Anglais. For anyone using Nice as a base to explore the wider Riviera, it's difficult to fault.

La Réserve de Beaulieu
For something altogether more indulgent, La Réserve de Beaulieu is one of the Riviera's true institutions. Nestled in the charming seaside village of Beaulieu-sur-Mer between Nice, Èze and Monaco, everything about this hotel feels quietly luxurious. The service is exceptional, the setting is impossibly peaceful, and every detail has clearly been considered. If understated elegance is your idea of luxury, you'll feel completely at home here. Just prepare yourself for the price tag.

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Breakfast at Clay, Nice
If you're spending the morning wandering through Nice's Old Town, make Clay your first stop. The menu is fresh, seasonal and beautifully executed without trying too hard. It's exactly the sort of place you'll wish you had around the corner from home.

Lunch at La Réserve Ramatuelle
If there is one recommendation in this guide that we'd encourage you not to miss, it's this. Lunch at La Réserve Ramatuelle is one of those experiences that reminds you why people fall in love with the South of France. Overlooking the Mediterranean, the atmosphere is impossibly calm, the interiors embody quiet luxury, the service is warm without ever feeling overbearing, and every plate that arrived was exceptional.
It is effortlessly elegant in the way only the very best hotels seem to achieve. Go before everyone else discovers it.

Dinner at Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel
For dinner, it doesn't get much better than Le Varanda at the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat. Everything we ordered was beautifully prepared, the service was impeccable, and the setting alone is worth the reservation. It feels special without being intimidating, making it the perfect place to end a day in the Riviera.
It isn't inexpensive, but for a memorable evening, it's absolutely worth it.

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Hotel Martinez, Cannes
We have absolutely no shame in admitting that our visit was inspired by The White Lotus. With the hotel featured as one of the filming locations for the upcoming season, curiosity got the better of us, and, thankfully, it lived up to expectations. We stopped for drinks and dessert and immediately understood why it's become such an icon. If you visit, ask to sit in the courtyard. It's beautifully atmospheric.