The Côte d’Azur, also known as the French Riviera, is a beautiful clear coastline filled with historic charming towns and villages. I was fortunate enough to spend some time along the French coast last week visiting St Tropez, Cannes, Juan Les Pins, Antibes and as some of you may have already seen on my Instagram – a weekend in Monaco for the Grand Prix.
I can whole heartedly say I am Grand Prix’s newest, number one fan! It was an experience like no other and I felt like I had ticked off a bucket list item which I didn’t even know was on my bucket list! If you have the opportunity to do it one day – don’t hesitate to do so and do it in Monaco!!
Anyway, amongst gorging on bread, cheese, wine, snails, duck confit and chocolate (not to forget some beautiful Provence rosé wines!), I managed to find a few little healthy foodie spots which I would highly recommend you visit.
Fuso – Cannes
My mum and I left our group and headed off for a mother daughter lunch! I never thought I would come across a Poke bowl inspired restaurant in Cannes but I am so happy that I did. It was a busy little cafe too with a great buzz about it which is always a great sign – full of locals and slightly off the beaten track! It really was excellent, a lovely lunch with my mum full of fresh flavours and delicious produce. The staff were friendly and service quick. A little hidden gem if you are wanting to eat the rainbow and have a break from the traditional French food!
Lucky Break – Antibes
Antibes had to be my favourite town out of all the ones we visited, it had lovely feel to it and the locals were all so welcoming! It was also the only town where I found a decent coffee shop and breakfast café! Lucky Break was my lucky break, from Acai Bowls to a salad bar, matcha lattes, smoothies, raw balls and almond milk lattes (a rarity in France) it really was a great little find! Go to Lucky Break to fuel yourself with a delicious breakfast and coffee followed by a stroll around the markets and square!
Markets – Antibes
I love visiting markets, especially when I am away and seeing what each country has to offer! didn’t particularly have any great expectations for the daily covered market in Antibes but I couldn’t believe the amount of beautifully presented fresh produce from olives, to salami, dried herbs and spices, fresh fruit, cheese of course and so much more – I was seriously pleasantly surprised – there was one stand alone selling 7 or 8 different types of tomatoes! It was such a pleasure to walk around and see all the vendors passionately selling their fabulous local produce. I highly recommend you walk through the markets here and enjoy the delicious smells and vibrant colours. I even brought home some fresh spices which take me back to the markets every time I use them.
Other foodie places worth mentioning that were unfortunately closed when I visited were Graze and Green Attitude in Antibes and then Pure in Cannes.
Don’t forget to take a little side trip to Grasse to visit the Fragonard perfume museum/factory and of course shop. It’s worth taking one of the complimentary tours (also available in English) as it really is very informative. I never realised there was so much to a bottle of perfume and next time I walk through the duty free, I will do so with a certain amount of respect as I sniff the various perfumes on sale!
