Let the Glittering Cote D’Azur Show Off its Magic

We couldn’t let the recent Disney offering, Beauty and the Beast, pass us by without taking a look around the area where it is set. Written by French novelist Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve and published in 1740, the fairytale ‘La Belle et la Bête’ has been retold many times since.

Stroll Through Nice’s Vieille Ville

We think there are many wonders that will remind you of ‘La Belle et la Bête’ on the French Riviera, including a stroll down Nice’s colourful Vieille Ville. As you wander the maze of narrow streets within the old town, you will find a glorious selection of eateries, shops and galleries. It is a fantastic place to people-watch whilst sampling a pissaladière (an oniony tart made like a pizza).

A Floral Celebration in Grasse

The single rose plays a prominent role in the film. If you are visiting the region in May, you need to visit Grasse for the Rose Expo; this beautiful, aromatic four-day spectacle celebrates the full spectrum of roses, from pure white to garnet red. Whilst you’re in the area, we recommend a visit to Villa Fort France. This exquisite garden, surrounded by rolling hills, dates back to 1930. It was built by the British writer Lady Fortescue and her husband.

The Opulence of the Côte d’Azur

The Côte d’Azur region, which most people call the French Riviera, is known for its grand sweeping elegance and sheer opulence. This is not only found in the well-known resorts such as Cannes or Antibes, but throughout the region. From hotels to campsites, gastronomy to luxuries, every stretch of coastline, and every magical town, has the ability to make you feel like you’re being transported into your own Disney adventure.

The Medieval Charm of Eze

Let’s take the medieval village of Eze, for instance; the view of the sea will take your breath away. With its bell tower reaching for the sky, it’s hard to imagine that the Chapelle de la Sainte Croix has been decorating the landscape since 1306. In complete contrast, head to the coast to sample the delights of the world-famous Saint-Tropez.

Luxury Living in Saint-Tropez

As the beautiful beaches and designer shops entertain your days in this mythical village, your evenings are free to explore the luxurious yachts in port in the marina. Culture is also in abundance; you will be in a state of wonder at the collection of over 20,000 butterflies in the underwater archaeology museum, also known as ‘the butterfly house’.

Library Delights in Nice

Book lovers always swoon when it comes to the library in the Beast’s enchanted castle, and the libraries in this region won’t let you down. We know there is nothing better than heading to the beach with a good book, but in Nice, the books come to you in the form of beach libraries with a great selection to satisfy your every whim.

Fairytales in French Castles

No Disney tale would be complete without a French castle, and there is certainly an astonishing collection of museums, historical buildings and would-be homes for you to choose from. Everyone has their own kind of fairytale they are waiting to discover; on the Côte d’Azur, you will find a special kind of magic that will capture your heart and invite you to make it your own luxury home in France.