There are trips you remember, and then there are trips that stay with you forever – woven into your senses like the lyrics to a favourite song.

Earlier this year I was lucky enough to join an industry trip hosted by one of our luxury partners, and France became just that for me: a love letter written in sparkling coastlines, pastel villages, meals that make time slow, and stays so enchanting you never want them to end.

My journey from the French Riviera to Provence and Paris was a journey through France I will always remember!

A night in Nice – where it all started

Before the official itinerary began, I spent a night in Nice, and it was the perfect introduction to the Riviera. I wandered the Promenade des Anglais at sunset, explored the old town and its lively markets, and climbed up to the castle on the hill for those sweeping views over the bay. The next morning, I hopped on the train to Villefranche‑sur‑Mer, a colourful harbour town just minutes away – a beautiful start to the journey.

With that little taste of Riviera life, it was time to meet up with the rest of the group and begin the trip in earnest.

Hôtel Belles Rives – Art Deco glamour on the Riviera

From Nice, we made our way along the coast to Hotel Belles Rives, and the pace immediately slowed to that classic Riviera rhythm. There are places that live in your imagination, and then there is Belles Rives – a rare place that exceeds even the dream. This Art Deco gem sits right on the Mediterranean, its terrace practically spilling into the sea.

Perched on the edge of the glittering Cap d’Antibes, where the Riviera sighs in hues of blue and green, this iconic hotel was once home to F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. It was here, between beachside reveries and high-society soirées, that he began penning Tender is the Night, capturing the spirit of the Jazz Age and the emotional whirl of the Côte d’Azur.

A century on, the magic remains. Step through the hotel’s fortress-like stone entrance and you’re greeted not only by warmth and grace, but by a sense of timelessness, as if Gatsby might walk through the bar doors at any moment, cocktail in hand.

The Fitzgerald Bar, glamorous and glowing, is a shrine to literary nostalgia. Larger-than-life photos of Scott & Zelda watch over guests sipping on “Daisy Royals” or “Sparkling Scotts.” Outside, the mythical green light still flickers from the jetty, a beacon to yachts and dreamers alike.

On sun-soaked days, the hotel unfurls its full Riviera glamour. Tables bloom with bougainvillea on the sea-facing terrace, and the Beach Bar serves Niçoise salads, pasta, and rosé with your toes practically in the water.

And when you tire of lounging under striped umbrellas or sipping cocktails under the stars, there’s always something more: a facial in the Beauty Corner, a dip in Hotel Juana’s pool, a stroll to the tip of the cape, or even waterskiing in the bay where the sport was first invented in the 1930s.

Recently restored, the 43 rooms and suites offer a blend of classic elegance and contemporary comfort, with Hermès wallpapers and marble bathrooms. There’s no tech-fuss here – just the simple pleasure of throwing open your French doors to the sea, where time stretches out like the horizon beyond.

To stay at Hotel Belles Rives is to slip into a world where time lingers, the sea sparkles, and history hums just beneath the surface. It is a place where art, love, and Riviera light converge – forever timeless, endlessly inspiring.

A day in Cannes

While based at Belles Rives, we took a short trip over to Cannes for a change of pace and a little extra glamour. We visited the legendary Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes, a true icon of the Riviera, and spent an afternoon at their private beach club – toes in the sand, a long lunch, and the sea just a step away. By chance, our visit coincided with the TV Awards, and from the suite balcony we had a perfect view of the pink carpet rolling out below. It was pure Riviera magic.

Before leaving the coast altogether, we also made sure to wander through Antibes itself – a town that feels like a postcard come to life. Cobbled laneways lined with pastel shutters lead to bustling local markets overflowing with flowers, cheeses and sun-ripened produce. Artisans sell handmade ceramics and soaps, and just a short stroll away, the Picasso Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the artist’s time on the Riviera.

With the scent of sea air still lingering, it was time to head inland.

Coquillade: A Hilltop Escape Where Provence Unfolds in Every Detail

Swapping the coast for the countryside, we made our way to Coquillade Provence Resort & Spa. Tucked high among the cypress-lined hills of the Luberon, where the air smells of lavender and sun-warmed stone, Coquillade offers something rare: not just a place to stay, but a place to pause. It’s a place where mornings begin with the hush of vineyards waking in soft light, and end under stars, with a glass of rosé from the estate’s own vines.

Originally a quiet 11th-century hamlet built by Cistercian monks, this sprawling five-star retreat, now a proud member of Relais & Châteaux, was lovingly transformed into a luxurious hideaway by the late Swiss cycling entrepreneur Andy Rihs. Today, it’s run by his sons, Tobias and Oliver, whose vision blends Provencal authenticity with contemporary elegance.

Arriving at Coquillade is like entering a dream painted in earth tones and olive greens. The long drive winds through 90 acres of vineyard, opening to low-slung stone buildings that evoke the charm of an ancient village. But inside, it’s all elegance: artisanal wallpapers, antiques from Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, marble bathrooms, and terraces that open onto rolling hills bathed in golden light.

The suites, many with private gardens, plunge pools, or vineyard views, offer true seclusion. The exceptional suites, in their own wing with spa access and hydrotherapy terraces, are personal sanctuaries. Here, Provencal living is elevated: local craft beer in your minibar, fresh pastries in the morning, and heritage tomatoes turned into art on your plate.

And then there’s the spa, a vast, serene world of steam, stillness, and vinotherapy. Whether you’re in the hammam or a whirlpool overlooking the vines, it’s not just about wellness, it’s about surrender. Afterward, settle in with a pot of tea or a citrus sorbet in the garden and feel time begin to blur.

For those who crave movement, Coquillade is one of France’s best-kept secrets for cyclists and hikers alike. With an on-site BMC cycling centre and private guides, even novice riders can glide through lavender fields and ochre villages on an e-bike, pausing to admire hilltop towns like Gordes and Roussillon.

The food, as you would expect, tells the story of the land. From garden-grown vegetables and wood-fired pizzas to Michelin-worthy dishes at Avelan, dining here is a true taste of the region. And always, there’s wine, made just meters from where you dine.

Families are welcomed. There’s a dedicated pool for children, kid-friendly menus, and thoughtful touches that make every guest – no matter their age – feel considered.

Paris – Effortless, Elegant, and Full of Surprise

After days of sun soaked vineyards, ochre villages and starry Provencal nights, it was time to swap the gentle pace of the countryside for the elegance of the capital. One smooth TGV ride later, and suddenly we were stepping into Paris.

In Paris we enjoyed a decadent stay at Le Fouquet’s Paris. My suite looked straight out over the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe, and every moment felt like a scene from a classic French film – from dining at the legendary brasserie to a Michelin-starred feast and a whirlwind sidecar tour through Montmartre.

For our final night, we traded the Champs Élysées for the intimate charm of Maison Barrière Vendôme. Hidden on a quiet street just behind Place Vendôme, this small 26-suite hotel feels like a private Parisian residence. Every suite honours an extraordinary woman in history, and that sense of artistry is everywhere – from the hand painted walls to the thoughtful little gestures that make you feel instantly at home. We toasted the end of our journey with cocktails crafted during our mixology lesson at Frida, their lively bar. If Le Fouquet’s is Paris at its grandest, Maison Barrière Vendôme is Paris at its most personal.

And just like that, a week that felt like a dream came to an end. If you have been dreaming about a French escape – whether it’s a sun-soaked coastal retreat, a Provencal hideaway, or a Parisian adventure – I would love to design a journey that is entirely yours.