Rediscover the Glamour of the French Riviera this Summer

Rediscover the Glamour of the French Riviera this Summer

In a year when the world’s spotlight turns to France for the Summer Olympics, the French Riviera’s timeless allure beckons travelers seeking an extended luxurious retreat in Cap d’Antibes. Here, amidst the shimmering beaches, a rich history of inspiring artists and writers like Pablo Picasso and Francis Scott Fitzgerald and Michelin-starred gastronomy, Hôtel Belles Rives and Hôtel Juana stand as beacons of glamour, history, and the pinnacle of Riviera living. Perfectly positioned for guests wanting to soak up the sun before or after the Olympics, these hotels offer a rare blend of artistic heritage, family tradition, and direct beach access, making them the ideal backdrop for weddings, events, meetings, or simply a gorgeous day-to-night stay.

This summer, visitors to this region will discover everything that has made the French Riviera synonymous with luxurious summer vacations, along with enhanced hotel offerings and events designed to enchant and delight. The unpretentious charm of Juan-les-Pins and Cap d’Antibes offers a gateway to the Riviera’s storied past and its vibrant present, where guests don't just observe the stars but become part of the constellation themselves.

Where to Stay

Hôtel Belles Rives – Standing proudly above the Mediterranean's azure waters, this Art Deco jewelin Cap d’Antibes offers an escape to the lavish lifestyle of the 1930s, now refreshed for the modern traveler by the fourth-generation owner, Antoine Chauvin-Estène. Following a significant renovation, the hotel welcomes guests to lounge in its contemporary Bar Fitzgerald, indulge in the one-star Michelin restaurant La Passagère, or bask in the sun at the private beach and Water Sports Club, home to the recently-introduced Water Ski Butlers. The property is a testament to the breezy extravagance of a bygone era yet reveals a modern design, offering 43 recently renovated and richly appointed rooms and suites, complete with Hermès wallpaper and luxe amenities. Guests can extend that sun kissed, blissed-out feeling with an innovative treatment by luxe Swiss skincare house, Valmont onsite at its namesake beauty corner.

Hôtel Belles Rives opened for the season on March 8, 2024; the Beach Club opened on April 6, with dinner at the Beach Restaurant served from late June through August. La Passagère is open for dinner only Wednesday to Sunday from April 25 to January 2. A special menu created by Aurélien Véquaud is also on offer at Bar Fitzgerald.

Hôtel Juana – A symbol of Jazz Age glamour, this Art Deco masterpiece in Juan-les-P ins has been a sanctuary for cultural — Winston Churchill and Wallis Simpson slept here, as did Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald. That’s because jazz musicians have been drawn to the Hôtel Juana in Juan-les-Pins since the Jazz Age, and often check in during the Antibes Juan-les-Pins Jazz Festival that has taken place every summer since 1960. Once checked-in, guests will wonder where to look first: the Art Deco splendor of the 40-room hotel which dates back to 1931, the idyllic Mediterranean setting or the spectacular views of the sea, the Lérins Islands and the Massif de l'Esterel mountain range.

Hôtel Juana

Guests can enjoy the marble outdoor pool, the health club, and access to sister property, Hôtel Belles Rives’ private beach, where water-skiing, swimming, massages, and boat rentals are all on offer. The newest concept at Hôtel Juana’s restaurant, PASEO itself is a vibrant hub, alive with the social buzz of locals and international guests alike. This space celebrates eco-conscious design, thanks to Atelier Larguier's innovative upcycling and the unique use of vintage and handcrafted Barbotine ceramics. Upholstered furnishings add a touch of refined comfort, while Britt Erlansen’s textiles bring the whimsy of nature indoors with patterns echoing the verdant La Pinède garden. Adding to this artistic feast is Gaspard Nibelle's dedication, as he intricately hand-painted the ceiling over two months, reminiscent of Michelangelo's historic craftsmanship. From a morning coffee that could segue into a poolside interlude, to a convivial lunch with friends, followed by a romantic dinner, PASEO offers a seamless transition through the day. The dining room, recently updated, opens up to a vivacious garden terrace, immersing diners in an authentically festive Juana vibe, a ritual celebrated by icons of yesteryears.

PASEO opened for the season on March 8, and Hôtel Juana will open for the summer season on April 19, 2024 and close early January 2025.

PASEO at Hôtel Juana

What to Do

Celebrate the Riviera's artistic heritage when staying at Hôtel Belles Rives or Hôtel Juana, from the Parcours Ceramique auction to the prestigious Prix Fitzgerald, honoring the spirit of the Riviera’s most famous literary resident. The summer of 2024 also sees the return of the Bal des Rêves charity gala and bespoke experiences like yacht provisioning, Mediterranean fishing excursions or wine tastings, showcasing the region's rich culinary and cultural offerings. For a truly memorable experience, plan your trip around one of these can’t miss events:

Parcours Ceramique: May 3-5th

Each year, Hôtel Belles Rives hosts the “Ceramic Journey” auction presented by Pichon & Noudel-Deniau. Among the 220 lots of ceramics, there are often pieces from Capron, Picasso, Jean Cocteau, and other legendary artists. If you don’t win the auction, you can still pick up noteworthy ceramics; the nearby town of Vallauris is well known for its terracotta pottery enameled with a clear glaze, which evolved from traditional culinary pottery likely created from nearby clay deposits during the Roman empire.

Prix Fitzgerald: June 7th

Every year in June, the Hôtel Belles Rives hosts the Prix Fitzgerald, which honors a novel or short story that reflects the elegance, spirit, and art of living embodied by the American writer, and adopted son of the French Riviera, F. Scott Fitzgerald. The tradition was initiated by hotel owner Marianne Estène-Chauvin, who is also president of the Francis Scott Fitzgerald Academy. This year’s winner, selected by a jury of renowned writers and literary critics, will be announced on June 7th at an unforgettable event.

Bal des Rêves: September 14th

The Bal des Rêves, is an annual charity gala dedicated to a different cause each year. The honored philanthropy of this year’s grand ball, on September 14, has yet to be officially announced, but the formal affair promises to be the social event of the season.

Various bespoke experiences are also available throughout the season, such as casting a rod into the waters of the Med with a local fisherman to catch your dinner, or a Pic Nic at Plage Garoupe, the strip of sand made famous by American expat socialites Sara and Gerald Murphy and their friends. Wine tastings are also on offer, along with exclusive dining options throughout the property.

Rates at Hôtel Belles Rives in spring range from 390€ to 1200€ per room, per night, and in summer from 750€ to 3600€. Rates at Hôtel Juana in spring range from 200€ to 600€ per room, per night and from 390€ to 1300€ in the summer.

Visit bellesrives.com or hotel-juana.com.