It’s getting to that time of year when the glitterati commence their annual pilgrimage to the South of France and everyone’s Instagram thread gets an enviable dose of the French Riviera. Whether you’re planning a personal getaway or work trip, our handy guide brings you the crème de la crème of accommodation, restaurants, bars and things to do on the Côte d'Azur.
An extra-special ‘salut’ goes to the incredible Meg Burley-Gibson who is the newest addition to the SORTED team, bringing with her 20 years of experience living and working in the region. From managing members’ properties (occupied or rented), recruiting staff and providing all concierge services from booking beauticians to hiring yachts, Meg has her finger on the button and works her magic 8 days a week.
Where to stay
The Côte d'Azur and luxury living go together like strawberries and cream. With something to suit every taste, this stylish stretch of coastline is where you will find some of the world’s most exclusive accommodation.
Cap Estel
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For those wishing to-see-but-not-be-seen there is an array of discreet and private hideaways, such as the historic Cap Estel, built on a private peninsula jutting into the Mediterranean Sea – an elegant oasis where you can escape the crowds but which also lends itself particularly well for private hire for exclusive special events, celebrations or product launches.
Contact BBB for preferential rates and upgrades
Terre Blanche
Avenue
Complete privacy is a given when renting one of the many unique villas through luxury property company Avenue, specialists in the South of France With their enviable bespoke portfolio of properties, from contemporary private villas with direct sea access to entire chateaux and hamlets, there’s plenty to tempt.
Sunseeker
Offering a unique vantage point, Sunseeker Charters create the ultimate South of France experience. Gather together 10 of your nearest and dearest and cruise the coast on the new Sunseeker 131 Jacozami - there’s a crew of seven to look after your every need, leaving you to focus on the bigger picture. Now where did I leave the sunscreen?
Where to eat
A mecca for foodies with a passion for gourmet dishes, the French Riviera is packed with delectable dining spots.
Belles Rives
Right on the water with stunning, panoramic views, a light lunch at La Plage or an aperitif at the Beach Bar at Hotel Belles Rives is hard to match.
Eden Plage la Mala
Reached only by boat or on foot, the restaurant at Eden Plage la Mala is a beach café with a difference. Jump off the yacht and enjoy the Thai vibe and trendy atmosphere.
La Petite Maison
For a more formal dining experience, reserve a table at La Petite Maison in Nice - a favourite amongst France’s power-players.
Auberge de la Mole
Get a taste for village life St Tropez-style, at the fabulous Auberge de la Mole. The brasserie’s private airstrip is a popular with those jetting in to enjoy the €55 five-course menu.
La Tonnelle
Alternatively, escape the crowds and make for La Tonnelle on Saint Honorat Island. Open for lunch, the menu is a colourful presentation of Provençal tastes and flavours with renowned wines produced by the monks from their vineyards on the island.
Live the dream
For those looking to make a more long-term investment, property experts Savills boast unrivalled expertise in the region. With a portfolio spanning sales and rentals, you will find everything from luxury villas and waterfront estates to quaint village townhouses and country chateaux. The team is multilingual and can guide you through all the hoops and hurdles involved in making a lasting shift to the Côte d'Azur way of life.
Get staff SORTED
Whether it’s for a one-off placement or more permanent role, finding the right staff can be a challenge. Luckily, SORTED have first-hand knowledge of the area and a Battered Black Book bursting with handpicked contacts. Our speed dial includes specialist chefs who can create masterpieces in a galley kitchen, a gamut of seasonal PAs looking for summer contracts, the best French speaking nannies and tried-and-tested live-in estate managers. Whatever the brief, rest-assured we will find the staff member to suit.
Shop the cruise line
From Breton stripes to turquoise blues, the French Riviera has provided inspiration for countless fashion collections. Melissa Odabash’s signature bohemian flair taps into the chicest, yacht-ready looks around, from wrap dresses to elegant swimwear and cascading kaftans. Log in to BBB for an details of the exclusive discount and prepare to blend in with the models and jetsetters.
Key events
A cultural melting pot of swank and glamour, the Côte d'Azur is a unique Mediterranean playground. Armed with our Battered Black Book of contacts, here’s a taste of what we’ll be attending this summer.
Cannes Film Festival — 11-22 May 2016
One of the world’s most star-studded events, Cannes is an 11-day stretch of sunshine, society and sophistication. Our insiders can help with tickets, transport, VIP access and more.
Coldplay — 24 May
Fancy belting out the lyrics to Fix You alongside a stadium full of fellow Coldplay fans? The Head Full of Dreams tour touches down in Nice at the end of May and what better place to join the boys from Blighty.
Monaco Grand Prix — 26-29 May 2016
Iconic, glamorous and fast-paced, nothing says VIP quite like the Monaco Grand Prix. When it comes to money-can’t–buy access look no further than BBB – we can sort all your ticketing, hospitality and after-party needs.
Champions League Final — 28 May 2016
Although not in the Riviera, this year’s Champions League Final is a stones’ throw away in Milan and sandwiched between Qualifying and Race Day of the Monaco Grand Prix, couldn't be easier to jet across for the evening.
Rihanna — 15 July 2016
The Princess of Pop brings her Anti World Tour and all that comes with it to the Allianz Riviera in Nice at the height of the summer season – could it get any hotter?!
