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I had the amazing opportunity to visit the South of France this summer for a soccer camp for my 9-year-old son. Yes, it sounds crazy, right?! One of the moms on my son's soccer team grew up in Nice and organized the camp in conjunction with the OGC Nice pro team. It was a dream experience for both my son and me. While he was playing soccer, we enjoyed fantastic lunches and explored the area.
Our trip started with three days in Nice, and then we moved to another hotel in Antibes. Read along for our trip highlights.
Nice, France
Where To Stay in Nice
Hotel Negresco - We stayed at one of the oldest and most storied hotels in Nice, a five-star gem filled with thousands of antiques and artworks collected by the previous owner, Jeanne Augier. This privately owned hotel even served as a hospital during WWII. Jeanne's mother originally purchased the hotel because it was the only one in the area with an elevator. Jeanne, an avid antique and art collector, left her mark on the hotel, with each floor themed differently. There’s a floor filled with African art and another dedicated to France and Napoleon. The hotel is the opposite of modern—very over-the-top and richly historical. We had a room on the 5th floor with a stunning sea view.
The hotel didn’t have a spa until recently because Jeanne refused to add one. After her passing, the hotel was upgraded with a state-of-the-art spa, including an indoor pool and sauna. Its central location in Nice makes it easy to explore the city, and the beach club is a must-visit. While the beaches in Nice are typically rocky, a dip in the sea is always refreshing.
A few of our friends opted to rent Airbnb accommodations, which proved to be very cost effective and also having a kitchen and laundry for extended stay made sense.
Where To Eat in Nice
La Rotunde - This is a causal French brasserie located inside the Negresco. It was the perfect spot to eat right when we landed.
Le Chantecler - This is the Negresco’s Michilin starred restaurant. It's headed by female chef Virgine Basselot and is rooted in farm fresh ingredients. Our server was so attentive especially with Ford and gave him a signed menu by the chef and a small stuffed animal. The menu changes often but is reminiscent of traditional French cuisine. It’s a wonderful dining experience.
La Petite Maison - This Mediterranean meat and seafood is a must stop. It’s great for a casual lunch and right in the heart of Nice.
Bio Brod - This counter service organic bakery focuses on fresh pastries and breads. There is also a heavy focus on gluten free breads and pastries.
Copenhagen Coffee Lab - This is a great spot to grab a coffee and pastry. We went most mornings.
What To Do in Nice
Promenade Anglais - Walking along Promenade Anglais is a great way to get some fresh air, be close to the sea and see the city on the water.
Castle Hill Park - This is just off the Promenade Anglais. You walk up several stone staircases to discover a waterfall and a hilltop park with a huge grassy area perfect for a picnic.
Parc Phoenix - This is a parc that has everything from a zoo, to a botanical garden, ropes course and more. It’s so reasonable at 5 euro per person. It’s a must do with kids.
Antibes, France
The second half of our trip was spent in Antibes, which is about 40 minute drive from the heart of Nice. We were incredibly fortunate to stay at the famed Hotel du Cap Eden Roc, the same place where Sofia Richie had her iconic wedding. Every morning, I opened my shutters and window to an incredible view of the grounds, the clay tennis courts, and the Mediterranean in the distance. Our room service breakfast was a daily treat with fresh-made pastries, perfectly blended coffee, and fluffy pancakes.
We made the most of our time at the hotel, opting not to do much sightseeing. I went for a few runs through town and down by the boat docks, but we spent most of our days lounging by the pool, jumping off the iconic blue diving board into the Mediterranean Sea, and dining at The Grill, the hotel's casual restaurant.
The hotel is set on what seemed like hundreds of acres, with impeccable service and meticulously maintained grounds. One evening, we hosted friends for cocktails at the Eden-Roc Lounge, perched on the Eden-Roc pavilion. We enjoyed perfectly balanced Aperol spritzes before moving to the outdoor Italian restaurant, Giovanni’s, where we dined under a woven canopy of trees. The pizzas and pastas were incredibly fresh, and the kids devoured their meals.
One afternoon, we ventured out to lunch at a beach club named Plage Keller. The tables were set on the sand, and the kids played and floated in the water right next to us. We indulged in lots of rosé, fresh burrata with tomatoes, and grilled fish. The walk from Hotel Eden Roc to Plage Keller is a pleasant hour-long stroll that should not be missed.
Overall, Antibes is a special spot in the South of France. Whether you spend a couple of days or a week exploring or just lounging, it’s a must-visit in my opinion.
Paris Travel Guide Refresh
After our South of France vacation, we had to fly home through Paris, so we decided to stay for three days. The city was bustling with preparations for the Olympics. Whenever we're in Paris, we always take a boat ride on the Seine. This time, we stayed in a new area on the Left Bank, just steps away from the Marais and the Louvre, at the LVMH-owned hotel Cheval Blanc (White Horse). This hotel is by far the most modern in all the best ways. Our room, the Seine Suite, offered stunning views right on the Seine, complete with a cozy sitting room surrounded by glass.
The service at the hotel was impeccable, especially with the thoughtful treats they left for my son. Upon our arrival, we were greeted with a balloon and freshly baked cookies in our room. Cheval Blanc is connected to the newly opened Samaritaine department store, reminiscent of Barney’s, with several floors filled with our favorite brands, from Louis Vuitton to Celine. The bottom floor has an amazing gift section where we picked up the cutest stuffed toys shaped like a croissant and a skateboard.
While I didn't have much time to relax in the hotel, you could definitely plan a stay that includes a day of pampering, from the indoor pool to the Dior Spa (the only other Dior spa in Paris), followed by a blowout. I’ll be booking that for my next trip! We did enjoy a morning swim and sauna session, and my son loved the snow room, where snow gently trickles from the ceiling—a refreshing treat after the sauna!
We also tried a few new restaurants to add to my ever-growing Paris restaurant list:
Chez Fernand Christine: This tiny restaurant in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés is a must-try. Stick to the wine and skip the mixed drinks; we had to send back a poorly made Negroni. If you go, definitely try the Beef Burgundy—it melts in your mouth. I had the foie gras, and my son enjoyed the escargots.
Le Bon Georges: Recommended by a French pastry chef, this classic bistro did not disappoint. The menu changes daily and is written on a chalkboard that your waiter will help decipher unless you speak French. We ordered the beef and French fries—there was so much steak that we could barely finish! The desserts are a must; try the chocolate mousse. The wine list is massive, so don’t hesitate to ask for help—it can be a bit intimidating.
Le Jardin at Cheval Blanc: This casual Italian restaurant is only open in the summer and early fall when the weather permits. Located on the top floor of the hotel, it serves the best cocktails—I had the best cosmopolitan! The food was incredible, especially the creative burger made with fresh bread and a thick heirloom tomato topped with pesto and fresh mozzarella. I’m still craving it! The rooftop also has foosball tables and a life-sized chess board, so we played a few games while waiting for our food. Plus, it offers the best view of the Eiffel Tower in the distance.