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Archive for the ‘French Riviera’ Category
A guide to Cannes’ nightlife
Think Cannes and sleek style, glamorous yachts, amazing cocktails and plush VIP parties spring to mind.
And during May the Cannes Film Festival rolls its star-studded party train into the French Riviera, followed closely by the world’s media, fashionable followers and those wanting to dance the night away.
Experience the glamour of Cannes first hand, Pierre & Vacances have a selection of self-catering accommodation to provide a great base to explore one of the most luxurious spots in France.
So whether you want a relaxed glass of wine, or one of the best cocktails in the world: here is our guide to the bars, drinks and dance floors in the most exclusive location on the French Riviera. Just remember to bring your dancing shoes and the very best of your wardrobe: the bars and clubs in Cannes have strict dress codes anytime of year!
Cannes Film Festival Nightlife
During the Cannes Film Festival fortnight many pop-up nightclubs appear, hosting special sponsored and fashion nights, hosted celebrity parties and VIP evenings.
Le Baron and The VIP Room are too of the most famous and popular with the stars. Some celebrities also host luxurious private parties kept secret until the very last moment…
VIP ROOM CANNES F.I.F BEST OF PARTIES 2010 by Official_VIP_ROOM_TV
To get into the best parties you have to be on ‘The List’, but it is also possible to sneak your way in to an event, just keep your ear to the ground, your posh clothes on and network with everyone you meet. But Cannes nightlife is always buzzing, and sometimes there’s more fun to be had outside of the VIP rooms!
Cannes nightlife
Just because the glamour of the Film Festival leaves town at the end of May doesn’t mean there isn’t still fun to be had, dancing to be done and decadent cocktails to be drunk. Here are the bars and clubs that are a bit more down to earth and open for business all summer:
Charly’s – Rue du Suquet
A cool, cave-like bar which is the perfect place to start and finish the night. The quirky interior attracts the cool and the hip, with cocktails to match. There’s even a waterfall down one wall and live bands to get the evening in full swing.
La Cave a Vin – 10 Rue Marceau
Perfectly located in the city centre, this relaxed and intimate bar has more than 150 types of wine from around the world and is where locals go for a relaxed glass, or two!
Le Carre Blanc – 14 Rue Macé
A stylish lounge bar with a lively but relaxed atmosphere where the DJs play until late [or early depending on how you look at it!]. Perfect for post-beach drinks, dancing or just relaxing over a bottle of wine.
Le Loft Bar
Sleek and contemporary, Le Loft bar has intimate corners, classy cocktails and a seductive atmosphere. Post-11pm the swish sofas and dark dance floor really fill up.
Caliente – 83 Bld de la Croisette
A lively bar with a sultry South American feel, complete with sea front terrace, live Latino groups playing salsa and samba, and some of the best Caiparinha’s known to Europe.
Dada Da – 15 Rue des Frères Pradignac
This trendy, hybrid club is definitely a non-conformist, bridging cabaret, theatre, disco and midnight movies into one plush package.
La Chunga – 20 Rue Latour Maubourg
A quirky 1950s style piano bar which is a famous post midnight destination, complete with cosy corners, live music and patrons dancing on the tables. It’s also a firm favourite of the festival pack.
And for something a little bit special:
These bars are frequented by the rich, famous and downright fabulous, and so have the price tags to match! So go looking your very best, prepared to queue, and be extra friendly to the door-staff!
Admiral Bar at the Martinez – 73 Boulevard de la Croisette
This luxury hotel bar serves the best cocktails in the Riviera, and that’s not just our opinion, they hold several French Championships for cocktail making and flaring! And if you’re not too distracted watching the bartenders juggling glasses, bottles and shakers, look out for the metal plates with famous names on the bar – these mark the regulars’ favourite spots….
Palm Beach Casino – Place Franklin Roosevelt
Possibly the best destination to dance the night away, the casino turned nightclub boasts some of the most A-List of music stars, from P-Diddy to Eve.
Le Baoli – 1 Boulevard de la Croisette
Frequented by models, actors, millionaires and sports stars this restaurant/club is ultra-swish [and exorbitantly priced] but definitely worth experiencing if just for one drink…
Fabulous French Film stars: our round up of the best French Actors
Lights, camera, action! The Cannes Film Festival 2011, the most prestigious film festival of the year, kicks off on 11th May 2011 and runs for 12 celluloid packed days.
So to get you ready for all the glitz, glamour and gossip from the French Riviera we’ve pulled together a list of biggest and brightest French male stars to look out for on the red carpet.
And if you’re wondering where the talented French actresses are on our list? We’ve already paid homage to them here.
For those wanting to experience the glamour of Cannes first hand, Pierre & Vacances have a selection of self-catering accommodation in Cannes to provide a great base for festivals fans.
Gérard Depardieu – The eccentric legend
You’ll know him from: the long-nosed star in Cyrano de Bergerac, fun-loving Musketeer Pothos in The Man in the Iron Mask and rotund Gaul Obelix in the Asterix and Obelix movie series.
What’s his story? Starting his acting career with a small travelling theatre, Gérard then took minor film roles until getting his big break in comedy crime caper Les Valseuses in 1974. By the 80s and 90s he was one of the leading French actors, with his breakout performance coming in the title role for Cyrano De Bergerac. As well as French films, he’s forayed into Hollywood with romantic comedy Green Card opposite Andie MacDowell, war-epic 1900 co-starring Robert DeNiro and The Man in the Iron Mask with Leonardo DiCaprio.
During his 54 year career, Gérard has acted in nearly 200 TV and film productions, winning 16 awards including two best actor César awards and one Cannes Film Festival Award, and been nominated for 19 awards including one Oscar and two BAFTAs. He announced his intention to retire 2005 but as of yet shows no signs of slowing down!
Did you know? Gérard owns vineyards in France, Italy, Morocco and Algeria and two restaurants in Paris: La Fontaine Gaillon and L’Ecaille de la Fontaine.
Watch him next in: World War II thriller So I Say, as painter Claude Monet in Monet, la Lumière Blanche and as Obelix in Astérix and Obélix: God Save Britannia.
Olivier Martinez – the smouldering heartbreaker
You’ll know him from: playing the baddie in action packed S.W.A.T, the charming book fan in thriller Unfaithful and determined to catch a killer in crime mystery Taking Lives.
What’s his story? Probably [and unfairly] best known for being Kylie Minogue’s ex and now dating A-list actress Halle Berry, Olivier is more than a pretty face, even if he was once [fairly we think] dubbed ‘the French Brad Pitt’. He began acting late, aged 23, after his friends persuaded him that he was wasted selling jeans. And boy were they right! After several small TV roles he gained international interest in Le Hussard sur le Toit opposite Juliette Binoche. From there he has starred in thriller Unfaithful, action-packed S.W.A.T, supernatural adventure Blood and Chocolate and adventure A la Recerca del Grial.
Did you know? Olivier’s original career choice was as a boxer [following in his father's footsteps] and he even fought in European competitions, but an accident finished his career early.
Watch him next in: watery adventure Dark Tides opposite real-life love Halle Berry, and ensemble film Deauville rumoured to be set on the gorgeous French beach of that name.
Romain Duris – the leading man
You’ll know him from: the award winning The Beat My Heart Skipped as a troubled pianist/gangsta, and the charmingly awkward Xavier in L’auberge Espagnole and its sequel Russian Dolls.
What’s his story? Romain was minding his own business in Paris as an art student when he was spotted by director Cédric Klapisch who he has since worked with many times. His success is his versatility, being able to play a convincing thug, switching to a charming womaniser and then to a simple French student living in Barcelona. Since being discovered he’s starred in more than 35 film and TV roles.
Did you know? Before acting, Romain started and drummed in an acid-Jazz band called Kingsize.
Watch him next in: romantic comedy Heartbreakers with Vanessa Paradis and as a troubled lawyer escaping his past in The Big Picture.
Daniel Auteuil – the legend
You’ll know him from: being tangled in a love triangle in A Heart in Winter, police thriller 36 Quai des Orfèvres.
What’s his story? After various minor TV and film roles, Daniel’s 1986 starring role in historic drama Jean de Florette brought him international recognition [and a BAFTA award], since then he has become one of the best-known, best-paid and most popular actors in France. Through films such as Cache, Mon Meilleur Ami, Le Bossu and Apres Vous he has since gained greater international recognition. Among his 11 awards is a Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1996 for The Eighth Day.
Did you know? Both of Daniel’s parents were accomplished opera singers.
Watch him next in: his directorial [and screen writing] debut The Well Digger’s Daughter and industrial drama La Mer à Boire.
Mathieu Amalric – the acclaimed star
You’ll know him from: playing Bond baddie Dominic Greene in Quantum of Solace, the real life story of paralysed Jean-Dominique Bauby in The Diving Bell and the Butterfly and informant Louis in thriller Munich.
What’s his story? The son of a journalist and literary critic, Mathieu first gained fame in the film Comment je me suis disputé… (ma vie sexuelle) (My Sex Life…or How I Got Into an Argument) in 1997 for which he won the Most Promising Actor César Award. More drawn to independent and gritty parts, Mathieu admits he took the role of Dominic Green in Quantum of Solace because he knew he couldn’t tell his sons he refused to be a Bond villain. In 2010 he directed his first feature film On Tour, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and won him the Best Director award.
Did you know? As well as acting, Mathieu teaches at La Femis [the French National Film School].
Watch him next in: Cosmopolis with Robert Pattinson and Juliette Binoche, love story Chicken with Plums with Isabella Rossellini.
Vincent Cassel – the tough guy
You’ll know him from: playing ballet director Thomas Leroy in Black Swan, thief Baron François Toulour in Ocean’s Twelve and Ocean’s Thirteen, the voice of Monsieur [Robin] Hood in Shrek.
What’s his story? Vincent has showbiz in his blood, the son of Jean-Pierre Cassel [who was discovered by Gene Kelly], he shot to international attention in 1995 in urban drama La Haine, for which he was nominated for two César awards. Vincent is a flexible actor, and has fast become the go-to guy for the intense and villainous such as roles in Eastern Promises, Doberman, Black Swan and Birthday Girl, while being equally adept at the suave and quintessentially French parts in films Elizabeth, Ocean’s Twelve and Ocean’s Thirteen. Vincent is also the voice-over for actor Hugh Grant in French versions of his films.
Did you know? Vincent’s has acted in 10 films with his wife, glamorous Italian actress Monica Bellucci.
Watch him next in: in Freud based thriller A Dangerous Method and gothic literary adaptation The Monk.
Top 10 French lifestyle blogs and websites
Besotted by France and French Culture? Perhaps not as much as these wonderfully France-centric sites. Here, we’ve pulled together our top Francophile blogs and websites for your enjoyment.
Francophilia
The ultimate orgy of all things ‘France’, if you’ve ever been tempted to ‘Frenchify your life’, you could do worse than to start right here. Francophila also offers a community where you can connect with other France fans.
French Music blog
A lovingly put-together site for English speaking French music fans – blogger Celeste proclaims that her love of French music truly began when she heard Les Nubians’ song “Makeda” when it came out on American radio in 1998.
Films de France
Films de France is one of the best online resources for finding DVDs of classic French movies. Whether it’s Films D’Amour, La Nouvelle Vague or 1930s productions from the golden age of French cinema, there’s plenty of opportunity to indulge your passion for Francophile flicks.
Garance Doré
Chic French fashion illustrator Garance Doré blogs about style, fashion and provides a unique insight into her life as a fashion insider. Luckily for us, there’s an English language version of her blog too.
La Tartine Gourmande
La Tartine Gourmande is a fantastic source for delicious recipes as well as a feast for the eyes. Traveller, food stylist, photographer and writer Béa takes us on an exciting journey of cerises, pommes and plenty of choclolat!
La Fourchette
La Fourchette S’est Emballée is bought to us by Leslie Ray from the lavender fields of Provence, South of France. Fork in hand, Leslie guides us through her world of fabulous recipes, classical music and images from her quaint surroundings.
French Essence
Australian writer Vicki Archer divides her time between London and Saint Rémy de Provence in southern France where she lives on an olive farm. Her published works which focus on her idyllic lifestyle and impeccable taste include, MY FRENCH LIFE and FRENCH ESSENCE.
Normandy Life
Blogger Maggie moved to Normandy 14 years ago to renovate a part 16th, part 18th century Presbytere. Her beautiful photography, and interior design led musings make for a very aesthetically pleasing blog.
Nicer in Nice
Nicer in Nice is described by blogger Vics as the “Everyday adventures of an English girl living in South of France.” Very entertaining they are too – oh, and she loves musicals.
A Bitch About Brittany
A blog for all you city folk wondering what a switch to country life entails. Replacing high heels with clogs, the glamorous and effervescent ex Londoner Gillian O’Donovan gives us an insight into her life in rural Brittany which she shares with a cast of many two and four-legged friends.
Inspired? Start planning your French holiday with number one France accommodation expert Pierre & Vacances here:
Group holiday to Antibes
Pierre & Vacances customer Jenny tells us about her recent group holiday to Antibes, France with her friends:
“As a group of four 20-something’s, all with very different ideas as to what makes a good holiday, we always struggle to find a holiday destination that ticks all the right boxes. Specifically we were looking for:
• A self-catering apartment where we could cook our own meals to help keep the costs down
• A beach and/or pool to lounge by during the day
• A lively town nearby for food/drinks in the evenings
• Local cultural attractions in case we felt the urge to explore
• Somewhere reasonably close to the UK with cheap flights
• Somewhere we hadn’t been before …
In the end we decided upon a holiday in Antibes in the South of France after a recommendation from another friend. 
On paper, it looked ideal – close to big cities such as Cannes, Nice and Monte Carlo, but a historical town in itself with a small beach, lots of cafes and a rich cultural heritage.
And so we waved goodbye to rainy England, boarded our 1.5 hour flight from London to Nice, took a €1 bus from the airport into the centre of town and began our holiday in sunny Antibes!
Our Pierre & Vacances apartment
We stayed in the Pierre & Vacances Premium Port Prestige apartments – a gorgeous complex overlooking the Port Vauban harbour and just a stone’s throw from the beach and the centre of town.
We stayed in a two bedroom, air-conditioned apartment that could sleep up to seven people. The apartment had one big double bedroom, a smaller bedroom with bunk beds as well as sofa beds suitable for three people in the living area. There was also a kitchen/dining/living area and an enormous balcony with outdoor furniture – perfect for alfresco dining in the evenings.
Our apartment had a fantastic view of the harbour, which is renowned for its ‘Millionaires Quay’ – the balcony therefore proved very handy for spying on the comings and goings of the super-yachts in dock!
Within the complex itself there were two large swimming pools complete with a waterfall, whirlpools and geysers – ideal for lazy days spent sunbathing. For when we were feeling adventurous, the local beach was just 400m away, right next to the bustling Old Town.
What to do in Antibes during the day
Antibes is a small town, but with lots going on. A huge market at Marché Provençal descends on the town every morning throughout the summer (except Mondays), selling all kinds of delicious local foods/snacks – great for packing a picnic to take down to the beach.
The town is fairly compact but there are lots of hidden gems to discover down the winding side streets including boutique shops, hidden markets and possibly the best ice cream shop we’ve ever come across!
For day trips outside of the town, you really are spoilt for choice with Cannes, Nice and Monaco all within an hours drive of Antibes or just €1 on the bus – brilliant for travellers on a budget.
We decided to visit Monaco and spent the day leisurely walking around the city, visiting the extravagant casino, picking out our favourite super yachts at the harbour and eyeing up the uber-expensive cars lining the streets. It really is a fantastic place to spend the day, but our wallets could certainly not afford any longer than that!
Also near to Antibes is Marineland, a marine park just 20 minutes from the property featuring killer whale and dolphin shows, feeding demonstrations and shows and activities for all ages. We even managed to play a game of catch with a dolphin while we were there!
Antibes in the evening
The centre of Antibes has its fair share of late-night bars and restaurants – great for a relaxing drink in the evening. The majority of the bars can be found on the Boulevard d’ Aguillon in the Old Town, which really comes alive at night.
The award for the best bar in town however has got to go to the Absinthe Bar. This tiny bar is set in a cave with antiques covering the stone walls and is a firm favourite with locals and tourists alike.
Once seated, guests can choose from an enormous variety of more than 30 types of absinthe, which is brought to the table along with water-filled containers used to dilute the drink (thank goodness!) and sugar cubes that are on hand to help sweeten the drink. The owners are fantastic company, offering a brief history of the drink as well as giving instructions on how to create the perfect absinthe to suit your taste (for me = not too strong, lots of sugar!) The atmosphere is truly fantastic as hats and tambourines are passed around to everyone in the bar – creating a relaxed party atmosphere to accompany the live music on offer.
For those interested in staying out all night – Juan-Les-Pins is the local student town of the Cote d’Azur, full of great bars and just a ten minute bus ride from Antibes. It’s much busier than its neighbour, but has some fantastic nightclubs that are well worth a visit.
Overall review of Antibes
We found Antibes to be the perfect choice for our group holiday as it offered a happy compromise for everyone – plenty of activities and attractions to keep us occupied, but also a great place to just chill out and relax by the pool or on the beach.
By day, the town was a great place to shop, try out local foods and grab an ice cream; by night the town comes alive with bustling bars and live music. Having such fantastic cities as Cannes, Nice and Monaco within an hour of the apartment also made sure that there were plenty of options for day trips too.
Unlike many other locations on the Cote d’Azur, Antibes is unpretentious and not at all brash or ‘showy.’ with some fantastic historical elements to discover too. For a new experience on the Cote d’Azur therefore – Antibes comes highly recommended!”
Jenny and her friends stayed at the Pierre & Vacances Port Prestige in Antibes, you can find out more information about the property and current offers below:
Pierre & Vacances accommodation in Antibes
One week at the Pierre & Vacances Port Prestige in Antibes starts from €504.01 for a one bedroom, air-conditioned apartment suitable for up to five people. You can book on www.pv-holidays.com, the website for Pierre & Vacances.
Current offers from Pierre & Vacances
Save 30 per cent on your Antibes holiday by booking early! Pierre & Vacances are currently offering 30 per cent off bookings made six months in advance. Find more information about this offer and others by visiting the PV-holidays discount and offers page.
P&V: A playground for the rich and famous – Monaco!
This week’s customer blog comes from James, who shares with us his adventures in opulent Monaco.
“On a recent trip to the south of France, my girlfriend Jen and I explored Monte Carlo on a day trip from Cannes.
Travelling to the principality could not have been easier; we simply turned up at Cannes train station, approached one of the easy to use ticket machines and paid for our tickets, hopping on the next train headed east along the coastline. The journey was smooth and efficient, with some great views out to sea and over numerous idyllic seaside towns – perfect for eyeing up another day trip.
Handy tip: if you are visiting Monte Carlo for the day by train, simply buy a single ticket. If you want a return you will have to specify the train you wish to return on, and this not only cuts down on the flexibility of your day, but also does not work out any cheaper.
As we pulled in to Monte Carlo, I was keen to head out of the station to feast my eyes upon the opulence of the area. I wanted to ogle the material fruits of the rich and famous that call Monaco, a world-renowned hub of exuberance, home. Sure enough, I was not disappointed. As Jen and I headed up from the harbour towards the Monte Carlo Casino, we began to drink in the picturesque views back down to the harbour and across to the far side of the bay, where the Monaco Palace, Cathedral and the world-famous Aquarium stand.
Heading a little further up from the harbour, I marvelled at the side-by-side stores of Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana and Dior, plus many others. I imagined one day being invited in to these stores, rather than alarmingly dissuaded by the odd serious looking doorman with a frown that seemed to be tattooed to his forehead. Needless to say there were no price labels, and plenty of disgustingly good-looking staff inside. No doubt they enjoyed watching as I stumbled past the glass-fronted strip, keen for a cold drink and a blast of cool air from their sweet air-conditioned fortress, but happy in the knowledge I, unlike them, could enjoy a pork pie from time to time without my vanity entering the equation.
One of the quintessential Monte Carlo experiences must be sitting out on the umbrella-adorned pavement of the Café de Paris, looking across to the Monte Carlo Casino, watching the world go by. So that is exactly what we did. A cold glass of beer in hand, sunglasses on, time to look the business. Oh yes indeed. Here I marvelled at the sights in front of me: a delicately contrived garden leading the way up from the Casino, complete with fountains spewing a cool fine mist from their fulcrums, the Monte Carlo Casino yards away, Hotel de Paris across the road, and cars. A plethora of the finest and most expensive cars I will ever see lay in front of me. I observed as a man pulled up to the Casino in a brilliant white Audi R8, hopped out, tossed the keys to the valet boy, and went merrily on his way: the epitome of wealth.
As I wandered around the lobby of Monte Carlo Casino, I pondered the meaning of life. I need not have pondered long, as the answer was apparent in this princely principality: money! I promptly paid my €10 entrance fee to the casino and eyed up the tables. Secretly trying to spot one where I would not be forced to gamble beyond my means (another €10) I found a Blackjack table and braced myself for riches…
Moments later Jen and I found some shade in the aforementioned gardens and I stared longingly at the gunmetal Porsche Carrera GT yards away from me, the sunlight reflecting of its luxuriously polished metallic body stinging my eyes. So much for all those riches!
The Casino was superb though, opulent yet understated, and the buzz of being in a room where money is used merely as a toy by those who can, was great.
Jen and I then jumped on the bus, not because we did not have a Ferrari we could use of course, but because we had just had that beer at the Café de Paris you understand, and headed across Monte Carlo. At just €1 per person per journey (or €3 for a tourist day ticket), the bus is a little bonus after the inflated prices elsewhere. With the steep climbs through the hilly principality as well, I thoroughly recommend it. Since the buses run on liquid gold it would be rude not to try it too.
Wandering through the quaint streets of Monaco-Ville showed another side to the principality, something of a feeling of homeliness, an inviting side that escapes the obvious and somewhat intimidating wealth of the Monte Carlo Casino and the Café de Paris, for example. Jen and I arrived in front of the Monaco Cathedral, a grand structure and snapped a quick photo before ambling down to the Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium. The aquarium held an array of fish, sharks and jellyfish, not to mention a cute tank littered with hundreds of minute clownfish. If fish are not really your thing, then it is arguably worth paying the entrance fee to escape to the top floor, where the views are superb. I tried to make-out the Formula One circuit, recognising parts of the track as I took in the views back down across Monte Carlo, and imagined racing and taking the chequered flag in this most impressive setting of all for a motor race. I then picked out my future residence, car for the drive and yacht as my eyes feasted on the sights across Monte Carlo. One day, one day…
A short while later Jen and I found ourselves alongside the harbour and arguably the most impressive sight of all was in front of us; the staggering number and vastness of the yachts. It really is something to marvel, all those ultimate must-haves for the super rich and famous lined-up like a fashion parade.
Ready for a bite to eat, having played ‘I wonder how much that one is worth?’ for a good while, we found a creperie and ordered cold beers alongside, to wind down an excellent day. With room still for a decadent ice cream, we strolled along the harbour one last time, wallowing in the wealth that surrounded us, sure that this really was the ultimate playground for the rich and famous”.
Where to stay
If, like James, you wish to bask in the surroundings of the rich and famous, P&V have two self catering propertie
s in Monaco. The Adagio Monaco Monte Cristo is located in the residential Beausoleil, situated close to the yachting marina and golf course. The Adagio Monaco Palais Joséphine is located in the lively “Carré Belle Epoque” quarter in Beausoleil. The luxury residence is built in typical Monaco style and has spacious and comfortable apartments and a swimming pool on the roof in terrace.
Beat the Euro
An A-List holiday in the South of France on a Z-List budget is feasible with the ‘Beat the Euro’ offer. PV-Holidays.com are returning travellers to the dizzy days of 2008 Euro exchange rates, saving them up to 45 per cent on the cost of summer family holidays to France or Spain. The offer is available on all P&V properties on all dates, meaning that a holiday to the South of France is well within your grasp.
To claim your discount, the discount code for Beat The Euro is: 8258. Enter it on the Beat The Euro page on the website. The offer is valid on all holidays until November 7th.
Find more information on the Beat The Euro page and as always, find a wealth of information on P&V’s website PV-Holidays.com.
