Med In Heaven
Cannes to Antibes
If liberty, equality and fraternity are the pillars of the French Republic, those of the French Riviera could be identified as opulence, artistry and gastronomy. From humble small fishing villages a little over a hundred years ago to modern day celebrity retreats, the Cannes-Antibes area has evolved spectacularly. This region has enjoyed a renaissance of popularity. Along this beautiful coastline one may find luxury hotels and casinos. Chic discotheques may be found strewn across the cities and towns of this haven while prestige restaurants are known for catering to the worlds affluent. This shoreline enjoys dream chateaus and villas where one can bask in the Mediterranean sun. The historic chateau in Antibes where Picasso painted some of his many famous works and the allure of the film festival in Cannes make residency in this area the envy of many.
Cannes, 'star' of the French Riviera, stands on the shore of La Napoule Bay, a superb anchorage dominated by the Esterel heights. The town owes its popularity to the beauty of its setting, its mild climate and magnificent festivals. Cannes enjoys a large influx of stars and celebrities for a fortnight each year in May during the world-famous Cannes Film Festival. One may note this city as a paradisiacal venue for the affluent and a city of culture with international conventions year round. The periphery of the city is home to a multitude of contemporary villas and the hills surrounding known as Super Cannes offer security and privacy embodied in luxury. In Cannes itself, La Croisette is a magnificent promenade that divides the grand hotels from their private beaches. Many of the world's exclusivity enjoy shopping on Rue d'Antibes (running parallel to La Croisette behind the plethora of hotels from east to west), where one will find designer clothes and renowned brands and perfumeries. Villas offering panoramic views the islands of Lerins and the Esterel cliff road may be found in this quiet residential neighbourhood.
Overlooking the bay of Cannes, Le Cannet, sheltered from the north wind by its background of mountains is renowned nationally as a city of flowers. Villas offering panoramic views of the islands of Lerins may be found surrounded by Mimosa pines, eucalyptus, orange, and olives trees growing on the softly sloping hills of this quiet residential neighborhood.
Many celebrities have homes in this area including Man Ray, Yves Saint Laurent and Catherine Deneuve. They have been known to dine in its many excellent restaurants and bistros. One of the country's top restaurants, Le Moulin de Mougins, is located in an old mill just outside the village of Cannes.
Situated four and a half miles north of Cannes, Mougins is easily accessible. This medieval village, surrounded by forests and olive groves, is known for its golf courses. Villas in this area are ideal to ensure privacy while offering wonderful panoramic views over the Mediterranean Sea to the south and the Esterel mountains to the west. Restored old 16th century villas in this area are very much sought after.
Theoule sur mer, nestled in the Esterel Massif offers inlets and calanques of red rock and striking views of the sea, coast, and mountains. One attraction of this village is the strict urban controls that have helped keep the time-honoured look of this village. The attraction of the city only begins with its many traditional villas, where one may enjoy the city's secluded natural beauty which contrasts the multitude of leisure activities located nearby, such as sailing, skiing, scuba diving, sea water cruises and horseback riding in the forests of cork oaks and maritime pines.
Mandelieu-la-Napoule, located between Cannes and Frejus, is the capital of the 'mimosa country'. The wonderful panoramic views from its red cliffs which boasts many modern villas, offers unique views of the Mediterranean coastline and blue skies. In one glance from the massif of Tanneron, you can see the bay of Cannes, the golf course of Napoule and the islands of Lerins. From these heights one may also note the isolated wild inlets and sandy beaches that meander along the coast. This village, which is easily accessible to other Cote d'Azur resorts, is home to beautiful villas and relaxed Provencal living.
The Plateau de Valbonne slopes gently from the Grasse Pre-Alps to the coast. This village is an intriguing example of ribbon development. Its houses, with ramparts and checkered board districts, were rebuilt in the 16th Century by the Lerin monks. The main square, with its 15-17th Century arcades and old elm trees, makes an attractive sight. One may enjoy several amenities here including numerous golf courses, horse riding and excellent tennis clubs.
Antibes, built between the bays of La Salis and St-Roch, lies to the west of the Baie des Anges facing Nice. Home to one of the largest yacht ports in the world, this jet-set town houses many waterfront properties. One may find large luxury yachts on the glistening sea of this majestic town. Being historic, eventful and housing a number of stately residences, this town quite easily manages to mix a multiple of facets. The southern peninsula of Antibes, the Cap d'Antibes, is an enchanting headland dotted with sumptuous villas. A bastion of wealth, this Cap houses royalty, Russian "oligarchs" and Hollywood stars such as the model Cindy Crawford and Boris Berezovsky. Hotel des Etrangers one of the most exclusive hotels in the world can be found on this Cap. Twenty-first century guests such as Madonna and film stars attending the nearby Cannes Film Festival continue to contribute to the almost mythical allure of the Hotel du Cap, which is lush even in comparison to the other high-end resorts and hotels.
Juans-les-Pins, situated near Antibes, is an elegant winter and summer hot spot, lying at the end of a magnificent bay. Known as the most fashionable bathing resort on the Cote d'Azur, Juan-les-Pins is famous for its world class jazz festival and its lively nightlife. The town is lined with long sandy beaches and the Promenade du Soleil, almost as popular as the Croisette. Every year, many deluxe hotels and residences near the Palais des Congres play host to exhibitions and international events. Residents of this town enjoy its buzzing atmosphere and white beaches with elegant villas.
Golfe Juan is a popular village which lies at the foot of the Vallauris hills. Its many villas are dotted with orange trees and mimosa. The 1km beach of fine sand extends in a shallow curve and overlooks an anchorage protected by Cap d'Antibes and the Isles de Lerins. Golfe Juan is in the centre of a large natural harbour stretching from Cap d'Antibes to the East, to the Cap de la Croisette to the West, on the outskirts of Cannes.