Wins Prestigious Queens Award For International Trade!

The Elegant Address South Of France team are delighted to announce that we have won The Queens Award For Enterprise for International Trade 2016. This is the most prestigious business award in the UK and are granted on a recommendation by the Prime Minister and chosen by Her Majesty The Queen with the winners being announced on her 90^th birthday.

Spreading the good news! 

The Queen’s Award for Enterprise is the highest recognition for a company’s export growth and success. Elegant Address South Of France has gained exceptional growth during the last three years with our export markets increasing by 80%.

The managing director of The Elegant Address Group, Suzan Thompson said ‘“The Queen’s Awards emblem is synonymous with quality and success, and to receive the honour of being able to display this will most certainly strengthen our reputation, giving us further global recognition and assisting us greatly in continuing to grow our overseas business.

Suzan Thompson, The MD - So happy!

“Recognition from the Queen is an incredible privilege and creates even greater company pride for our team of hard working women at the Elegant Address Luxury Property Group, making the future ahead even more exciting.”

The big surprise announcement to the team

The prestigious award and use of the royal emblem will strengthen our luxury, high-end reputation and drive our company forward by extending our international brand recognition. This is an outstanding achievement which couldn’t have been accomplished without our incredible team’s dedication, hard work and enthusiasm for the level of service they provide. We are immensely proud our wonderful, award-winning team and are looking forward to visiting Buckingham Palace on 14^th July!

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Top 5 French Riviera Dishes

There are so many delightful dishes to try on the Cote d’Azur with each town having its own twist and specialities on French classics. Seaside cities such as Cannes, St Tropez and Cap Ferrat have a seafront influence, with some of the best restaurants by their harbours with a fabulous selection of fresh fish on their menus.

We have created a list of our favourite dishes to try on your visit to the French Riviera and that you can attempt to make at home. Bon Apetit!

Salad Nicoise

An all time favourite and french crowd pleaser; a trip to the Cote d’Azur would not be complete without a salad Nicoise. This delicious, filling salad includes mixed salad leaves, tomatoes, red onion, olives, tuna, green beans, hard boiled eggs as well as occasionally new potatoes and anchovies. Best served with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Salad Nicoise Recipe

Ratatouille

Did you know ratatoille originated from Nice? Created in the Old Town of Nice, the ingredients can vary depending on tastes but essentially it is a mix of fresh herbs such as thyme and garlic with vegetables incudling onion, carrot, aubergine, courgette and tomatoes. This dish is often served as a side to either chicken or veal in France.

Classic Ratatouille Recipe

Soupe Au pistou

A delicious, indulgent soup made from a blend of fresh garlic, basil, olive oil and beans. This is a popular Provencal dish that can be enjoyed as a starter or a light lunch on the go.

Soupe Au Pistou Recipe

Moules et Frites

What better place to enjoy fresh mussels than sat in the French Riviera sunshine, looking out to the beautiful meditteranean sea? Hot crispy fries, a bucket of intensely fresh mussels marinated in garlic and white wine, served with a piece of crusty french baguette to mop up all of the flavour!

Classic French Mussels Recipe

Pissaladière

This is a gorgeous savoury tart made in the style of a pizza. This dish also originated from Nice, with traditional toppings inclusing caramelised onies, olives, garlic and anchovies. It’s a great choice for a starter or a lunch and you can grab it from most boulangeries for just a few euros.  

Delicious Pissaladiere Recipe

What are your favourite French dishes? Have you experienced a local delicacy whilst in the South of France? Let us know in the comments below! 

Top Things To Do In Nice

Promenade des Anglais

Take a stroll along in the sunshine or sit on the iconic blue chairs and people watch on the promenade full of life. Lined with palm trees on one side and pebble beaches leading to the bright blue Mediterranean sea; the Promenade des Anglais is a stunning 4km stretch of the Bais des Anges with a cycling and skating lane along the coastline of Nice. For an extra fun family visit you can hire some inline skates, skateboards, scooters, Segway’s and bikes at the ‘Roller Station’.  

Marche aux fleurs cours saleya, Nice Flower Market

Your senses will be enlightened with the delightful smell of fresh flowers alongside the bright, intense colours of the huge displays of geraniums, dahlias and roses underneath the blue and white striped awnings. The flower market of Nice has been ranked by France’s National Council as being one of the country’s most special markets, which you will experiences as you walk through this popular market, being greeted by harmonious displays and fabulous fragrances that will entice you to treat yourself or loved one to a beautiful bouquet to take home to your villa.

Vieux Nice, Old Town

This one of the city’s main attractions and a must see on your visit. This hive of activity and people is full of beautiful historical sites, as well as the famous Cue cours Saleya;  the thriving market square hosts a well-known flower market and a thriving food market, a staple of local life. There are also some of the best (and busiest) restaurants and bars in Nice, with tables overflowing into the markets, you will get a real, fast paced local feel for life on the French Riviera. North of cours Saleya spills the rest of Vieux Nice, its shaded narrow lanes crammed full of delis, small food shops, boutiques and busy little bars.

The Port

The port of Nice is one of the main hubs of the French Riviera, it is less tourist driven and more of a business port but it is a real gem of the French Riviera. Here you can see an array of docked superyachts and variety of people arriving from around the World watch as you enjoy a cold bierre presson or dine at the bars and restaurants popular with locals.

Private beaches

The beaches in Nice may be made from smooth pebbles, but the private beaches are a haven of comfort and luxury. There are 15 private beaches in Nice and unsurprisingly, they are some of the best sunbathing venues in the capital of the French Riviera. At each private beach you will receive a private locker for your belongings, waiter service at your loungers, a variety of water sports and even hessian carpets leading to the sea to protect your bare feet from the hot stones as you go for a swim. There are also a great selection of beachfront dining.

To visit this beautiful city and stay on the French Riviera, let our award-winning South of France specialists find you the perfect villa and create your dream trip. 

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.