Beyond Cannes' Croisette: The Ultimate Côte d'Azur Playground The Cannes Film Festival transforms the Côte d’Azur coastline into a vibrant playground of luxury, culture, and entertainment, offering visitors a chance to experience the Riviera beyond the iconic Croisette promenade. From scenic drives to high-end yachting, helicopter tours, and exclusive beach clubs, the region becomes a hub of activity during the festival. Here’s a guide to the most memorable ways to explore the area. By Land: Cruising the Corniches The trio of winding coastal roads known as the Corniches—connecting Nice to Menton above the Mediterranean—offers a quintessential Côte d’Azur experience. Driving these scenic routes in a vintage convertible, with the top down, captures the romantic essence of the region. The journey passes through picturesque towns like Èze, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, and Beaulieu-sur-Mer, where cliffside villas and azure waters create a backdrop reminiscent of classic Hollywood films. Sunlight glints off the coastline, and the drive feels like a scene from a bygone era. By Air: Helicopter Tours to Riviera Highlights A 20-minute helicopter ride provides a swift and luxurious way to access the Riviera’s most glamorous destinations. From Cannes, visitors can fly to Airelles Saint-Tropez, where they can enjoy beachside afternoons at Jardin Tropezina or dine at Matsuhisa Saint-Tropez overlooking Pampelonne Beach. The flight also allows access to Château de la Messardière, a filming location for The White Lotus season 4, and Monaco, where the legendary Café de Paris Monte-Carlo offers Champagne and people-watching opportunities. This historic brasserie, overlooking Casino Square, has been a favorite among celebrities and royalty for over 150 years.#monaco #st_tropez #cannes_film_festival #cote_d_azur #corniches
