The Insiders' Guide to St. Barths: Cote D'Azure

Hi Cheri,
The CÙte d'Azur certainly presents different scenarios.
Nice is a large, sprawling city that has a lot of commerce, a quaint old section with wonderful shops and a great deal of traffic. It benefits in its proximity to Monaco, Cap Ferrat, Juans les Pins, Antibes, etc. Also the hinterland behind Nice in the hills, with perfumed fields, Grasse the perfume town, the villages pÈrchÈ of St Paul de Vence, Eze and other Med ports of reknown. Although convenient and inhabited by those who like the feel of a real French town, it may not be what you would pick for a first trip to the area. If you decide to stay there, it will be a "city" vacation, and as such, seek out a good, probably at least a three star hotel. The HÙtel Windsor is excellent for the price and in a safe, calm, quiet area. Then there are the classic old hotels.

Cannes does have a lot of American visitors, due to its modernity, and nice hotels along the quai, as well as the history of British vacationers. Famous for the Film Festival, the Casinos, and cleanliness. It even has a real town backing it to the hills, where one can become entranced with the everyday life of French citizens as well as those "en retrait", or retired. It is pleasant and safe. There is an old town and fort, a cobbled rue that rises gently over several blocks with restaurants avec terrasse on either side (did I mention that these thirty or fourty restaurants are all right next to each other and the unfortunate diner has the onerous task of choosing, which is trËs difficile?) Offshore are several islands, each with an interesting genealogy, available for the cost of a boat trip (...the man in the iron mask comes to mind...) Perhaps take a sail....the options, the options...
For HÙtels, there are the great Cannes choices. Some prefer the old massive Belle Epoque style hotels that made the area famous. Then there are the modern hotels such as the Hilton, the HÙtel Sofitel. Beyond this, review the three star hotels on the adjoining streets behind the main quai. Another choice would be a "residence" similar to an apartment, with a cuisine.....
There are other venues along the coast and hÙtels aplenty, from one star to five stars. Southeast of Cannes, drive the coast, the volcanic cliffs of the Esterel, up and down the hills through many a pretty beach and fishing village.
You may also wish to consider spending some time (although I do not know how much time you will have available for the south of France), visiting the Ramatuelle/St.Tropez/Gigaro region. St Tropez seems a necessitÈ. Although completely rebuilt after the war, it is still interesting, albeit very crowded with tourists, poseurs and traffic at various times. I would obtain lodging out of the town, as there are many other places away from the madding crowd and in the hills. I recommend the Chateau HÙtel de la MessardiËre in Ramatuelle, the Chateau HÙtel Valmer in Gigaro, and a quaint little brasserie called Coleurs Julien in Gigaro (Like "Le Ti" in its early days). Visit around 9 at night, order a pichet of house wine, get the seafood and bread, wander through the back door directly to the beach after the repas...but I digress....
Of course, I would set a goal to just drive in the hills, stopping at every p‚tisserie, boulangerie, confiserie and rÙtisserie along the way, enjoying the true european culture, living for the joys of the day, with a good feeling of community....calme et tranquille.......My only word of warning - watch out for a man at Plage de Pampellone, usually very relaxed and holding a coupe of champagne after anchoring his boat offshore. Upon inquiry, he will identify himself with the nom de plume of "Nick the Dog". Be careful.