Regina Arriola’s Travel Diary: From The City To The Coast

The final days of my fashion escapade were spent in the French Riviera. I made my way through Nice, St. Paul De Vence, Cap d’Antibes, Cannes, Monte Carlo, and finally St. Tropez. During the latter part of my trip I enjoyed the Mediterranean sea, and soaked in as much sun and relaxation as possible.

St. Paul De Vence is a seventeenth century village that is rich in antiquity. With winding roads that overlook the coast, this region is charming, quaint and perfect for a getaway of solitude. Some of the most impressive landmarks are the “pontis,” the historic bridge that connects two homes,  and the various chapels and churches throughout the area. Le Saint-Paul is an enchanting chateaux that has few rooms, but offers a true taste of the village. The restaurant of the hotel overlooks an incredible view of the coast, and is an ideal spot to enjoy a romantic dinner.

From St. Paul De Vence, I traveled through Cap d’Antibes and Cannes. Just 15 minutes from one another, this region has a perfect balance of understated glamour and exclusivity. The Hotel Du Cap in Cap d’Antibes is by far one of the most impressive hotels that I have ever had the pleasuring of staying at. The grounds of the hotel, composed of beautiful gardens and a grandiose lobby, are impeccably kept. The hotel features a spa and fitness center, restaurant, grill, pool and lounge, private ocean-side cabanas, salon, and a boutique where you can top off your stay with some retail therapy. The Hotel Du Cap, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful places in the world and a must-see for travelers.

The captivating town of Cannes is a quick drive north of Cap d’Antibes, and has been made famous by hollywood and the stars that pass through during the Cannes Film Festival. The Carlton hotel is the headquarters for the film festival, and is considered a historic landmark. Some stars who have stayed here include icons such as Grace Kelly and Elton John. I spent one day and night in Cannes, where I enjoyed a stroll through Rue La Croisette by day, and a fun night on the town at Gotha by night to see house sensation Swedish House Mafia perform.

My trip concluded with stops in Monte Carlo and St. Tropez. Both of these destinations are luxury playgrounds for the haute-est jet-setters around the world. St. Tropez in particular is hailed by rock stars and music legends like Pink Floyd, Aerosmith, and Jay-Z for its luxury beach clubs and uber-extravagant reputation.

Stay tuned for more on Monte Carlo and Saint Tropez, as these two are particularly worthy of their own post!

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