Azure Seduction

Best Of | Issue 05 | Spring/Summer 2026

A coast where light, luxury and the art of fine living combine to form an incomparably dazzling rainbow: the Côte d’Azur is far more than a destination – it is a promise.

It all began with the craving for light. When British author Thomas Smollett reported about this Mediterranean coast of France in the 18th century, he placed the cornerstone for a fascination that endures until this day. Soon thereafter, European aristocrats followed in his footsteps; then came the artists, such as Picasso and Matisse; and finally, the international society, who transformed this coast into a byword for elegance. Luxury hotels soon replaced the modest homes, boulevards were created, and amidst it all, a glamourous stage for creativity and excesses of every kind. Nevertheless, the Côte d’Azur kept its natural soul intact: fragrant pines, red-orange cliffs and the endless blue of the sea.

Between glamour and history

The first note was struck in Monaco – a duchy which stands for prestige like no other place on earth. This is where Formula 1 drivers thunder and streak through the narrow city streets, where in summertime international stars present themselves at the Monte-Carlo Summer Festival. In autumn, Port Hercule becomes a showcase for super yachts. And it has its own culinary pinnacle: the legendary three-star restaurant of Alain Ducasse, an oasis of fine dining which turns haute cuisine to an art form.

Only a few kilometres distant, Èze peers from its eagle’s nest in the cliffs above, overlooking the vast sea. This medieval village awakens the enthusiasm of every visitor with its winding walkways leading to the top and spectacular views. Whoever ascends to town along Nietzsche Path adds not only nature, but also the history of philosophy to this. Way up above, the Chèvre d’Or restaurant serves its cuisine amid views which are downright surreal.

The famous restaurant Le Plongeoir is perched on a rock off the coast of Nice.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is just the opposite: the quiet, elegant sister nestled on the Riviera. The peninsula’s coastal road winds along the turquoise waters between hidden coves and opulent gardens. Legendary Paloma Beach numbers among the most stylish beaches of the region, while Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat embodies timeless elegance and grandeur.

In Nice, life does not unfold, it pulsates. The Promenade des Anglais invites the world to a seaside stroll while the Cours Saleya intermingles Mediterranean colours and scents. The Nice Jazz Festival draws musical legends to town year after year, while unique spots spectacularly lodged on the cliffs above, like Le Plongeoir, compound the enjoyment with dramatic views. In the back-country hills, Saint-Paul-de-Vence seduces visitors with art. The whole town is a pedestrian zone; galleries unfold one after another. In a nearby enchanting park, Fondation Maeght presents works by the great modern artists of our time. Auberge La Colombe d’Or is a legend in itself; its walls covered with the works artists relinquished to pay their bills.

The shores, the art, a feel for life

Antibes interfuses maritime glamour and creative energy. At Port Vauban, some of the largest yachts in Europe lie at anchor, while events such as “Les Voiles d’Antibes” excel in both tradition and luxury. On the rocky waterside path tracing the shoreline of Cap d’Antibes called Sentier du Littoral, you can savour one of the most beautiful coasts in Europe.

Cannes, of course, is the venue where great cinema is celebrated. During the Film Festival the town magically turns into an international peephole to the stars. Croisette boulevard glitters with luxury boutiques and hotels, such as the legendary Hôtel Martinez, while the coastal islands Îles de Lérins, just a quick ferry ride from the mainland, provide a rapturous world of utter serenity all to themselves.

Prince Rainer III and Princess Grace Kelly sculpture by artist Marcos Marin, 2024, at the Place du Casino, Monaco

Further to the west, famous Saint-Tropez unveils special charms: a sanctuary for artists, today a synonym for the jet set and lust for high living. In the marina, yachts are parked shoulder to shoulder, on Pampelone beach life vibrates with pleasure. Events such as “Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez” spotlight sports and styles equally. The climax takes place at relaxed La Croix-Valmer, where nature and discreet luxury hold hands in perfect balance.

The Côte d’Azur is not a place that you just visit. Inescapably, it is also a feeling, a hypnotic interplay of light, landscape and life lived to the fullest. Whoever was here once understands why the world for centuries has dreamed of being here.

View from the sea of the old town of Antibes and the Picasso Museum

PROPERTY MARKET ON THE CÔTE D’AZUR

Behind the lustrous facade, another dimension of Côte d’Azur unfolds: its role as one of the most highly desirable, sought-after property markets on earth. Between belle-époque villas and modern retreats, the demand continues uninterrupted and intense, for supply is of course quite limited. In desirable locations, luxury properties nowadays cost about 16,500 euros per square metre, while top addresses can reach 40,000 euros. Strict regulations guide what may be built where on the coast and the shortage of building lots focuses attention per force on premium properties which are restored with excellence. Nothing ensures abiding value and stability like these properties. The ever-growing tourism promises that value will grow, forecasts of appreciation of worth approaching 15 percent over the next few years.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS 2026

Cannes Film Festival: 12^th – 23^rd May 2026
Les Voiles d’Antibes: 27^th – 31^st May 2026
F1 – Grand Prix of Monaco: 07^th June 2026
Monte Carlo Summer Festival: 03^rd July – 15^th August 2026
Nice Jazz Festival: 23^rd – 26^th July 2026
Monaco Yacht Show: 23^rd – 26^th September 2026
Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez: 27^th September – 04^th October 2026