South of France
I try to fit in at least one vacation a year that’s not tied to work — aside from some leisurely cooking, of course. This year, I headed to the South of France with six longtime friends. We were lucky enough to stay at a beautiful villa in the mountains of Theoule-sur-Mer, overlooking Cannes. Waking up there each morning felt like paradise.
Mornings started simply with fresh pain au chocolat from the local bakery. On days we planned to head out on the boat, we’d also pick up perfectly roasted Bresse chicken to take along. On our first day, we cruised over to St. Jean Cap Ferrat , anchored near the marina, and found ourselves surrounded by some of the most unbelievable super yachts in the world. We swam, drank wine, and ate roast chicken off the back of the boat — about as perfect as an afternoon gets. Out of all my travels, St. Jean Cap Ferrat may just take the number one spot for the most beautiful and surreal place I’ve ever been.
Evenings were a mix of dining out in Cannes followed by late-night drinks, or shopping at the local markets and cooking back at the villa, which was equally satisfying. The quality of the produce and fish here was unreal. Just about every meal began with sun-warmed tomatoes, local cheeses, and fresh baguettes — the kind of simple, soulful food that reminds you why France is a culinary capital.
For a different kind of experience, I recommend a day trip to Saint-Tropez. Even if you’re not much of a partier, it’s worth it. We kicked things off with brunch at Nikki Beach, where the food was massively overpriced (yes, I once ordered a 110 euro Caprese salad), but surprisingly well-executed. By the time brunch wound down, the pool party was in full swing. Their 300-themed event brought a glamorous, posh crowd, and the energy carried on from day into night.
We also took a two-hour boat ride to Monaco, which was spectacular in itself. With cloudless skies and 82-degree sunshine, the trip was picture-perfect from start to finish. Once in Monaco, we wandered through streets that double as the Grand Prix track, admired the mix of architecture from the Prince’s Palace, to sleek modern yacht clubs, and treated ourselves to ice cream while window shopping. For such a small country, Monaco is a masterclass in luxury and beauty.
The South of France is one of those places that keeps calling you back. Next time, I’d love to see Cannes during the Film Festival, experience Monaco during the Grand Prix, and, of course, relive the unbeatable combination of food, wine, and scenery that make this region unforgettable.
