Top 5 Cote d’Azur Markets

An integral part of French lifestyle, and one of France's most famous attributes are the traditional weekly and daily markets. With a great variety of goods on offer and beautiful surrounding towns, immersing yourself in the local culture and going to a nearby market really is a 'must-do' for any trip to the South of France.

Here are our Top 5 markets to visit on the French Riviera:

Biot – Provencal market

Every Tuesday morning the Biot market takes place in the town’s historical center. From the rue Saint Sebastian to the Place Arcades, traditional products and fresh produce including vegetables and fruits are on display alongside delicious local Provencal and French products. Here you can also pick up some fashionable French clothing, jewelry and handmade dishes of Provence.

Cannes – Marche Forville

Get a taste of local life in Cannes at the Marche Forville, or Forville Market. The outdoor market is full of fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, meats, breads, cheeses and more. The perfect place to find all the ingredients you need to create your own Mediterranean dinner! You can find the farmers market Rue du Marché Forville just a few minutes’ walk from Le Vieux Port. Forville Market is open seven days a week and closes about 2pm, apart from Monday’s when it is turned into an antiques market. 

St Tropez – Places Des Lices

In the heart of St Tropez’s famous Place des Lices this is a fantastic open air market sells a huge range of foods including breads, pastries, cheeses, sausages, flowers, olives, spices, herbs, fruit and vegetables as well as clothes, beautiful antique mirrors and collectables. Locals head to the market early to secure the freshest produce and to secure the best bargains, so worth setting your alarm a little earlier for this one!

Antibes – Marche Provencal

An authentic Provençal covered market in the heart of Antibes. Situated in Cours Massena in the Old Town with over 30 producers and vendors ranging from butchers, florists, cheese experts and market gardeners to tiny stalls selling spices, olives, homemade jams and fragrant soaps. A beautiful market to walk through with a true vintage French feel. In 2014, the market was awarded a ‘Certificate of Excellence’ by TripAdvisor. Fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers every morning, apart from Mondays in winter and arts and crafts every day from 3pm.

Nice - Flower market

In the shade of pretty striped awnings, hundreds of flowers make eyes at you. It will be hard to resist the multi-coloured geraniums, intense mauve fuchsias, dahlias with their anemone-shaped flowers, and the vivid impatiens being sold by the nursery vendors. Anyone strolling by these harmonious floral displays will be able to breathe in the fragrances and enjoy the colourful bouquets, plants and exotic flowers that await them. 

Our South of France consultants are dedicated experts in the regions we work in. Get in touch today to receive unrivaled knowledge when booking your perfect villa for your trip to the Cote d'Azur. 

Call +44 (0)1244 629963

or

 enquiries@elegant-address.com

Guide to Saint Tropez

St Tropez is, quite simply, the most famous resort in Europe. In the 1940/50s in became the summertime haven for artists, philosophers and poets such as Satre and Picasso. Then Bridget Bardot appeared in the film 'And God Created Woman', transforming this local escape into and overnight transformed the peaceful fishing village into a sizzling jet-set favourite and hasn’t looked back since. St Tropez is a thriving tourist town with up to 60,000 visitors a day in the summer including an array famous face and some of the World’s wealthiest people.

Vieux Harbour

The atmospheric Vieux Port is the heart of Saint-Tropez, where the old fishing village first sprung to life. Visitors are charmed by the idyllic scene of small fishing boats and vast array of superyachts docked in the harbour, with some of the world’s wealthiest and most famous visitors on board.  The old harbour is lined by pastel-coloured Mediterranean houses and lively cafés with outdoor terraces. As you stroll along the sidewalk at the water's edge you will see local artists sell colourful artwork depicting scenes of Saint-Tropez. 

Duck beneath the archway, next to the tourist office, to uncover St-Tropez’ daily morning fish market , on place aux Herbes - the ancient market square that is filled with colourful fruit, vegetable, and flower stalls in the early morning. 

Places de Lices

St-Tropez’ legendary and very charming central square is studded with plane trees, cafes and pétanque players. Simply sitting on a cafe terrace watching the world go by or jostling with the crowds at its extravaganza of a twice-weekly market, jam-packed with everything from fruit and veg to antique mirrors and sandals, is an integral part of the St-Tropez experience. Aspiring pétanque players can borrow a set of boules from  Le Café bar where locals tend to hang on the other side of the square.

Where To Eat

La Tarte Tropézienne – bakery

Tarte Tropezienne is not only a famous type of cake, especially reknowned in Saint Tropez, but it also very busy and beautiful bakery. Many bakers and market stall owners try to recreate the simple yet delicious recipe but none of the taste like the ‘original’.

In 1955 a Polish baker, Alexandre Micka, opened a pâtisserie on the Place de la Mairie in the sleepy fishing village St Tropez.  

In it he proposed a brioche with cream based on his grandmother's recipe. Now it just so happened that the mythic film ‘And God created Woman’ was being shot nearby and Micka provided the catering.  A certain young rising star fell in love with his cake and suggested its name.  This star was none other than Brigitte Bardot and it was the success of this film that launched her career and established St Tropez as the place to be for the rich and famous.

La Vague d’Or, La Terrace, La Résidence de la Pinède

When is there a better opportunity to over-indulge in gastronomie than on holiday in St Tropez? The most exquisite cuisine is conjured up by France’s 2013 Chef Of The Year, Arnaud Donckele, at this three star Michelin restaurant. Customers are served in world class style and elegance, as would not only be expected at a Michelin starred restaurant, but at one of the region’s most exclusive hotels,

La Résidence de la Pinède. Renowned for his refreshing use of the best Mediterranean ingredients, Arnaud Donckele provides a fine dining experience for, arguably, St Tropez’s top tables to be seen at. Main courses start at €94 in the Vague d’Or restaurant, with extravagant sandwiches also served on La Terrace starting at €34.

Beaches

Pampelonne beach

This is the beach that has fuelled St Tropez’s fame since 1955. In high summer, it might welcome some 30,000 people a day. The mythic Pampelonne beach is St-Tropez's crown jewel of beaches, even if the actual location is Ramatuelle. Nearly five kilometres of fine, white sand separate the Mediterranean sea from acres of scrub-covered dunes. It's a site of remarkable natural beauty that offers a rural backdrop to the world's most glamorous beach party scene. At the same time, there's a bohemian side to St-Tropez that dates back to the 1950s.

Club 55

Probably the classiest and most discreet, with the choicest clientele of world politicians, Russian and Middle Eastern businessmen and, of course, Kate Moss. Sir Elton also shows up amidst the tamarisk trees. Elle MacPherson and Paris Hilton were among those spotted here in summer 2014.

The simplest possible cabin in the early 1950s, Club 55 was adopted as their canteen by the people making And God Created Woman - the Bardot movie that put St Tropez on the world stage in 1955, whence the club's name. It has never lost its appeal among the beautiful, the powerful and the clever. To have any chance of a summer table, book ahead.

Where To Stay

That’s where we come in. We are the UKs largest independent villa rental specialists for the Cote d’Azur and South of France. We pride ourselves in having unrivalled knowledge of all areas on the French Riviera, with over 10 years experience of building exceptional private portfolios of luxury villas, seafront villas and some of the most exclusive rental and sales properties in the South of France. 

Here are our favourite places to stay in St Tropez: 

Villa ST-PS

7 Bedrooms

Beautiful gardens 

Walking distance to the beach 

Two heated swimming pools 

5 minute drive from St Tropez centre 

View more details on this villa here: http://goo.gl/34gKa7

 Villa ST-308

6 bedrooms

Panoramic view

Situated within walking distance of Pampelonne beach and Club 55 

Boasts a 15m swimming pool and Jacuzzi

Fantastic outside ares with summer kitchen, bar and pool house

View more details on this villa here: http://goo.gl/aiY9Xk

Villa ST-194

400sqm Living Space 2000sqm Land Size

8 Bedrooms

8 Bathrooms

Panoramic Sea Views

Swimming Pool

Waterfront

View more on details on this villa here: http://goo.gl/QNVsQZ 

Browse all of our properties in St Tropez here, or contact our South of France award-winning specialists today to access our private portfolio and start your bespoke holiday rental search.

Antibes and Nice: A Snapshot of The French Riviera

The French Riviera offers a landscape of contrasts – stunning natural coastline dotted with busy marinas and picturesque resorts, fabulous towns lush with gardens of citrus trees and olive groves, postcard-perfect villages that feature in the paintings of the greats such as Matisse and Chagall and dramatic alpine hinterland blessed with rare wildlife and magnificent scenery.

We can capture the je ne sais quoi of this region by offering the best luxury villa rentals, apartments and hotels complete with exclusive VIP access and concierge services and you’ll soon be enjoying your own luxury holiday rental experience in the footsteps of Picasso, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Renoir.

ANTIBES

Elegant Address has a vast portfolio of luxury rental properties on the Cap d’Antibes, and if you stay in this area you must visit the nearby town of Antibes. Antibes has a defined mark on the history of the French Riviera being a major Greek trading post in the 5th century BC, and was fought over or ruled by Barbarians, Counts and Grimaldis through the millennia.

Today, holidaymakers swarm Vieille Ville (Old Town) for artisan olive oil, Herbs de Provence or bespoke artworks and Port Vauban - fortified by and hence named after King Louis XIV’s military engineer – is the region’s largest marina with the most luxurious charter yachts berthed there year round and events such as Les Voiles d’Antibes and Antibes Celebrates Yachting ensuring a visible yachting presence in the town.

Our suggestions for Antibes highlights:

Musée Picasso

Picasso occupied a studio here in 1946 and his collection of ceramics, prints and paintings during that time now occupies part of this museum alongside abstract paintings from Nicolas de Staël, Fernand Léger, Joan Mirò and bronze figurine sculptures on the sun-drenched terrace by Germaine Richier.

Musée Peynet

This small, quirky museum located at Place Nationale is one of four museums in the world devoted to the works of Raymond Peynet (There are two in France and two in Japan). It includes over 300 works of his time as an artist through lithographs, ink, watercolours and etchings. Porcelaines, poupées et autres produits dérivés sont également présentés.Displays of porcelains, dolls and humorous caricatures are also presented including works by other cartoonists.

A reproduction of a famous one of Antibes called Les Amoureux aux Remparts is found on a plaque at Pointe de L’Ilette near Plage de Salis, and if you are fortunate to be married in Antibes, the Town Hall issues all couples a marriage certificate with the image of Peynet’s Lovers printed on it as a testament to love.

Le Figuier Saint-Esprit, 14 rue Saint-Esprit

In an idyllic setting not far from Port Vauban, one Michelin star restaurant Le Figuier Saint Esprit is a favourite of the superyacht crowd and French Riviera jet set who come here to dine on culinary creations such as squid and clams cannelloni with cuttlefish ink juice and basil leaves, and tempting desserts such as lavender crème brulée.

Chef Christian Morisset has worked at some of the incredible eateries across the region including La Chèvre d'Or in Eze, La Terrasse of the Hotel Juana in Juan Les Pins and Le Moulin de Mougins and he makes divine dishes filled with the best Provençal flavours that can be enjoyed in a gorgeous restaurant with a sprawling fig tree as its centrepiece.

Our insider tips are to make a reservation via the Michelin website where you can access special offers including an excellent value lunch menu for €39, and to take advantage of the formule vin Le Figuier whereby Sommelier Romain Esnault expertly matches your dishes with the perfect accompanying wines.

La Taille de Guêpe, 24 rue de Fersen

Located in a side street of Vieille Ville (Old Town), this intimate restaurant is well-known by locals and ideal for a couple’s dinner with fairy lights creating a romantic ambience. 

The most unique thing about La Taiile de Guêpe is the floral theme that is reflected both in the décor and the cuisine. Seasonal menus offer light, healthy food with edible flowers giving dishes creativity and an unexpected taste. Expect to see mains and desserts garnished in petals – all edible – and explained to curious diners.

Menus are big on flavour, but light on calories and your wallet – we highly recommend reservations.

NICE

Nice, is one of the most desirable destinations on the French Riviera with a splendid blend of traditional charm and modern cosmopolitan living. 

From the shopping areas fanning out from avenue Jean Médecin and rue Massena, to gleaming superyachts and fish restaurants at Nice Port and the sights and sounds of vibrant Vieux Nice (Old Town), it’s a city ripe for exploring.

We have luxury rentals in nearby Villefranche-sur-Mer, Eze sur Mer and Saint Jean Cap Ferrat which are all within easy distance of a day’s sightseeing in Nice.

Our suggestions for Nice highlights:

Musée des Beaux-Arts

Claiming the title of the second city after Paris for its number of museums and galleries, one of the finest in Nice is the Musée des Beaux-Arts.

Set in a Genoese-inspired mansion, make the time to visit to marvel at the collections of 15th to early 20th century art including works by Degas, Bonnard, Dufy Monet, Signac and Niçois artist Jules Chéret. Our insider tip is to buy a French Riviera Pass from the Office du Tourisme that gives holders free access to Nice’s fourteen municipal museums and galleries.

Musée Matisse

Situated in a spectacular building with trompe l’oeil façade, the Musée Matisse set next to the olive trees at Cimiez is a must-visit for enthusiasts of Matisse’s work. 

Permanent collections show the techniques he used to produce his art, his work as a founder of Fauvism, his personal objects, sculptures, photographs, the paper 'cut-outs' which he made in later life after he became bedridden, and sketches for the murals he completed at Chapelle du Rosaire in Vence. Unknown to many visitors to Nice, the cemetery across the park from the museum holds the graves for Matisse and another prominent painter, Raoul Dufy.

Flaveur, 25 Rue Gubernatis

Awarded a Michelin star, Flaveur is on our culinary itinerary for their contemporary take on French classics. Mickaël and Gaël Tourteaux, chefs, founders and brothers go foraging in the hills twice weekly to source wild herbs and flowers to use in their dishes. Their food often includes exotic spices and sauces inspired by flavours from their childhood in Guadeloupe and world travels. 

Reservations are recommended as this cosy restaurant has 30 covers only – we suggest trying the petits farcis, island salmon or roast duck with an Asian twist.

Voyageur Nissart, 17 rue Alsace Lorraine 

Located a short stroll from the Nice Ville train station, family-run Voyageur Nissart is off the tourist track and therefore a bistro that locals want to keep secret.

Without an ounce of pretentiousness, the menu includes Niçois and Ligurian staples such as osso bucco, gnocchis gorgonzola and tarte au citron made with lemons from Menton.

If you’re looking for a traditional establishment offering a warm welcome and serving well-priced bistro food made with seasonal produce, this is our pick. 

Article written by Bespoke Yacht Charter – The specialists in luxury yacht charters and boat rentals on the French Riviera and beyond. Visit www.bespokeyachtcharter.com

The perfect long weekend In Cannes: Part 2

After a wonderful night sleep in one of our Luxury Villas in Cannes it’s time to dress for a day of exploring before walking down to the local boulangerie to start your morning with a freshly baked croissant and café au lait whilst sat in the glorious morning sunshine, people watching those strolling along the coast.

Elegant Address' bespoke knowledge and services not only involves luxury villa or apartment rentals, but also our professional concierge services to give our clients the most memorable and special experience. On this beautiful second morning you will find your way down to Golfe Juan harbour to be met by our team of wonderful colleagues with a VIP greeting as you board your luxury yacht we have organised for you to enjoy for the day. Your crew will set sail on the smooth journey around the coast heading for the famous Iles Des Lerins islands.

Cruising gently up to the beautiful islands you will bask in the warm morning sunshine, you will be mooring up at Ile Saint-Honorat, diving straight into the clear Mediterranean waters to cool off and feel refreshed before making your way to the island for their speciality, grilled local lobster for lunch with friends. After a truly delicious meal with great company, take the time to enjoy a wine tasting with Frère Marie-Pâques working on the island’s vineyard.

After exploring the beautiful, simplistic history of the monastery, which is still home to 30 dedicated monks, it is time to head back on board your luxury yacht greeted with fresh chilled fruit, drinks and nibbles. Whilst cruising back to the mainland, you are able to enjoy the facilities below deck with luxury bathrooms to shower and change ready to hit the famous Cannes shops.

Chanel, Gucci, Rolex and Dior to name a few of the incredible luxury shops basking in the French Riviera sunshine on the pristine stretch of la Croisette. Take the afternoon to peruse the fabulous clothes, watches and jewellery, picking up a couple of very special treats along the way (you deserve them!). Rue d'Antibes has the best confiseries, chocolatiers and delicatessens, including Chez Bruno, 51 rue d'Antibes (crystallised fruit and marrons glacés), and Maiffret, 31 rue d'Antibes (chocolates made on the premises) which make great gifts for friends and loved ones and of course great accompaniments to un perfect café.

Either gently walk back, or get chauffeur driven back to your yacht and step aboard as staff welcome you back with sparkling champagne and tantalising hors d'oeuvre before you get dressed and ready for dinner. Possibly even wearing a new exciting purchase! Spend the warm summer evening laughing and relaxing with close friends and family as you are served an incredible three or five course meal by a very talented private chef and friendly, professional crew members.  

To talk to our dedicated, Cote d'Azur luxury villa rental specialists, with unrivalled knowledge of the regions, call us today on +44 (0)1244 629963 or send an email  to enquiries@elegant-address.com to start your personalised journey of a tailor made French Riviera experience.

Elegant Address Luxury Property Group Wins Another Prestigious Award!

On Friday, 23rd October, Elegant Address Luxury Property Group were shortlisted as regional finalists to the Forward Ladies Women In Business Awards 2015 for the North West of England and the Isle of Man in the 'SME Emerging Business Of The Year’ category.

We were incredibly to win the title of 'SME Emerging Business Of The Year 2015' which is a fantastic accolade in this highly competitive category, against such an inspiring collection of women. The team had a wonderful time at the awards in Manchester and have now qualified into the National Finals which are in Leeds next month.

Last year, at the prestigious ceremony, our Managing Director Suzan Thompson, won two outstanding awards at the ceremony including Property Business Woman of the Year and the overall Business Woman Of the Year 2014 for the whole of the North West. 

The WIBAs, now in its sixth year, has become one of the most high profile and respected accolades for women recognising their enormous contribution to the economy and acknowledges start-ups to multi-million pound companies.

We would like to say a big thank you to the Forward Ladies judges and organisers of the event, we had a fabulous time! We would also like to take a moment to say we are hugely proud of our dedicated, professional team of ladies who deliver the highest level of personal service and knowledge to every client, and have a true passion for their work and areas we offer. Congratulations to the team and bring on the nationals!

We made a short celebratory video of our MD collecting the award at the Forward Ladies Awards.

If you would like our award winning team to find you THE address in the South of France, European Alps or Barbados we can offer the very best, luxury villa rentals and hotels in the region. With exclusive, VIP access and concierge services, we offer our clients a tailor-made luxury holiday rental experience.

Call your dedicated, luxury regional specialists today: +44 (0)1244 629963

The perfect long weekend in Cannes: Part 1

One of our most proud attributes (and favourite perks of our job!) is that we regularly visit the South of France and the French Riviera. We do this so that we can view new luxury properties before they go on the market, keep an up to date knowledge of the regions and to be able to talk about each area from the heart, without the need for reference books.

We research and visit the most talked about restaurants, the most popular attractions, exciting upcoming events and what/where is going to be the next big thing. We do our research! Cannes is one of our very favourite locations; full of history, culture and luxury.

The merge of vintage charm and new age luxury draws thousands of visitors each year. If you are lucky enough to be visiting the Cote d’Azur in the future we have worked on the perfect plan for exploring Cannes.

Day One

Breakfast

Stroll down to your local bakery pick up a fresh, warm baguette with a handful of pain au chocolates and flaky delicious pastries. Enjoy your breakfast sat on your balcony whilst the beaming Riviera sunshine gently wakes you up before packing your bag with essentials for a day at the beach.

Morning

Start your morning ambling along Cannes harbour, seeing some of the most luxurious and expensive Super yachts in the World as well as a cool selection of vintage sailing boats. The end of the elegant nautical showcase will lead you to one of the most famous and exciting sites in Cannes and the Cote d’Azur; Palais du Festival.

Walk where A-listers, World leaders and Royalty have mingled, on one of the biggest film events in the World; the Cannes Film Festival. Experience a brief glimpse into the life of a star arriving at the festival as you climb the famous red carpet laid stairs preceding to the entrance of the Palais. Even better, hold hands with your favourite celebrity on the walk of fame, place your hand in their hand imprint and see how they measure up!

Late-Morning

The Martinez beach, largest and one of the most prestigious private beach on La Croisette; the perfect place to bask in the sun of the French Riviera. Z Plage private beach club is established as one of the most exclusive beaches in the world. Even with over 400 sunbeds we recommend reserving a sunbed before arrival to guarantee your perfect sun spot for the day, especially if you want to be on the famous plus chairs of the pier!

Enjoy the views of the sparkling emerald Mediterranean sea and soak up the Rivera ways with a wide selections of chilled drinks and delicious nibbles delivered to your seats.  If paddling in the sea is not enough, why not rent a relaxing paddle board or for those who love to be active or wish for an adrenaline rush, enjoy the thrill of the banana boat, inflatable doughnuts and parasailing.

Lunch

Have lunch in an exceptional setting, surrounded by the white sandy beach, the gleaming waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the Estérel mountains.The Z-plage restaurant offers a healthy cuisine, which blends local produce with flavours from around the world. The menu also highlights a wide range of meat and fish cooking methods: charcoal grill, tandoor, wok. Located between the beach club and the Z-plage restaurant, the Bar La Rotonde offers delightful smoothies and fresh fruit juices, all day long.

Evening

Juan les Pins has long been the ‘Ritz’ of the Riviera. This little town is full of life, popular with jetsetters, millionaires and royalty due to its beaches, casinos and fantastic nightlife.

There are a large variety of fabulous restaurants and bars. It’s always fun to start an evening with an aperitif, for this we highly recommend our favourite bar ‘Pam Pam’.  A popular Brazilian themed bar with a large range of exotic cocktails, mocktails and other bar drinks, all served with delicious snacks such as spicy fishcakes and popcorn. Enjoy people watching over the bustling streets, watching sports cars drive through towards the casino or the street performers flipping through the streets before watching a tremendous showcase of Brazilian music, dancing and beautiful costumes…for free! This fantastic lively bar will not disappoint!

If you haven’t filled up on cocktails, walking around Juan you will find a blend of cultural food including Asian, French and Italian. Offering panoramic sea views over to the Illes Des Lerins, the seafront restaurant of the 'Cap Riviera' is a magnificent choice for the evening. This seafood restaurant has incredible Italian style meals from €25-€39 a la carte menus and is the highest reviewed and awarded restaurant in Juan les Pins. Order a bottle of champagne, sit back and relax with a divine view and some wonderful company for the evening!

To learn more about Cannes and the surrounding areas and to plan your perfect getaway to the French Riviera, visit our website or call one of dedicated south of France experts who would be delighted to talk to you +44 (0)1244 629963

Packing Hacks

Packing if done wrong can be the most stressful part of your holiday. We compiled our tried and tested, top packing hacks that will save you space, frustration and time which could be better spent out in the sun! 

Here are our top five packing hacks:

1.       Don’t fold…roll!

It’s a common mistake we make when we are trying to cramp in all of our holiday clothes but folding your holiday wear actually takes up more room than if you roll them up it.

2.       Glasses case for chargers

No doubt you have bought some fabulous new sunglasses to take away with you on your exciting trip away. A great tip to keep your chargers protected, tidy and easy to find is by placing them in an old sunglasses case.

3.       Cotton wool to protect powder makeup

The horror of opening up your brand new compact you bought especially for your holiday to find a rubble of powder and dust can be heart-breaking...and very messy! Top keep your makeup crack free place a cotton wool pad or ball on the inside to form a cushioned layer.

4.       Save yourself from shampoo spillage

There’s nothing worse than arriving on holiday and opening your case to a shampoo or sunscreen explosion! A very cheap and quick travel hack is to place a tight layer of cling film/wrap under the lid and over the nozzle of any shampoo, moisturiser or sun cream to avoid any damage or soggy clothes.

5.       No more tangled jewellery!

There is nothing more fustrating than trying to untagle a ball of necklaces from the bottom of your case, even if you keep them in the side pocket! The best way to keep your beautiful accessories separate and safe is to use an inexpensive pill container. You can even organise which necklace for each outfit for the week!