Cover Discover Hong Kong Olympic swimmer Camille Cheng’s guide to the French Riviera (Photo: Instagram / @camillelcheng)
Discover Hong Kong Olympic swimmer Camille Cheng’s guide to the French Riviera (Photo: Instagram / @camillelcheng)
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The Hong Kong swimmer, who spends a lot of time in the French Riviera—because that’s where her mother lives—gives us an insider’s guide on what to do, where to stay and how to enjoy nature at Nice, Cannes and Monaco
Every summer, the south of France attracts millions of tourists with its sun-drenched coastlines, unique architecture and glamorous beach resorts in Saint-Tropez and the independent microstate of Monaco. But for the non-local, the French Riviera can be a challenge to navigate, because it’s full of historical villages, hidden nature spots and beaches that locals would prefer to keep to themselves.
Luckily for us, Hong Kong Olympic swimmer Camille Cheng is very familiar with the Côte d’Azur, especially Nice and Cannes. Her mother lives in this region, and the Franco-Chinese athlete finds it the perfect place to reset and rejuvenate between international competitions. Cheng, who is preparing for the Paris Olympics now, shares with Tatler some of her and her mum’s favourite spots in the region. So whether you’re travelling through the French Rivera for the Cannes Film Festival, for the summer holidays or for the Olympics, here are Cheng’s recommendations for hotels, diving spots, hikes and more.
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1. Stay at Hotel Les Roches Rouges and enjoy panoramic views from the pool
Above Stay at the hotel Les Roches Rouges and enjoy the panoramic views from its pools (Photo: Instagram / @lesrochesrouges)
Stay at the hotel Les Roches Rouges and enjoy the panoramic views from its pools (Photo: Instagram / @lesrochesrouges)
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Hotel Les Roches Rouges is a five-star property in Saint-Raphaël, less than an hour away west of Cannes. Built in the 1950s, the hotel offers sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea from its rooms and restaurants, as well as from its huge seawater pool and lap pool. If you have enough of the sea, you can also retreat yourself in the hotel’s spa, as well as its pine-filled garden.
Hotel Les Roches Rouges
Address: 90 Boulevard de la 36ème division du Texas, 83530 Saint-Raphaël, France
2. Hike around Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and swim in hidden beaches
Above Camille Cheng running at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (Photo: courtesy of Camille Cheng)
Above Secluded beach in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (Photo: Instagram / @albane_ngl)
Camille Cheng running at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (Photo: courtesy of Camille Cheng)
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Cap Ferrat, often known as Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat or the “peninsula of billionaires”, is a luxury destination which has welcomed the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Matisse, Chagall, Picasso, Cocteau and European royal families. This former fishing village is known for its villas with private access to the sea and its lush gardens. But there are a few hidden spots beyond this, to discover them, just follow the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat loop. It’s an hour-long hike which will take you around the peninsula.
3. Visit Fondation Maeght in Saint-Paul de Vence
Above La Fondation Maeght in Saint-Paul de Vence (Photo: Instagram / @fondationmaeght)
La Fondation Maeght in Saint-Paul de Vence (Photo: Instagram / @fondationmaeght)
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Maeght Foundation is a museum of modern art on a hill overlooking Saint-Paul de Vence, which is a 30-minute drive from Nice. Some of the biggest names in 20th-century European sculpture came together to build this foundation in 1964. As the country’s first private art institution, it’s worth visiting both for its impressive collection and its setting amid verdant nature.
Fondation Maeght
Address: 623 Chemin des Gardettes, 06570 Saint-Paul de Vence, France
4. Dive near the Massif de l’Esterel
Above Massif de l'Esterel and its crystal blue waters (Photo: Instagram / @helloesterel)
Massif de l'Esterel and its crystal blue waters (Photo: Instagram / @helloesterel)
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If you’re looking to discover the South of France from another point of view, try looking at it its underwater world. With kilometres of seafront and creeks, the Massif de l’Esterel is a paradise for divers and snorkellers. The location is easily accessible and there are lots of marine biodiversity to witness.
5. Visit The Exotic Garden of Eze
Above The Exotic Garden of Eze, France
Above Camille Cheng in The Exotic Garden of Eze, France (Photo: courtesy of Camille Cheng)
The Exotic Garden of Eze, France
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The Exotic Garden of Eze is an award-winning institution located on the site of a medieval fortress, perched 429 metres above the Mediterranean Sea, and 20 minutes away from Nice. The garden offers one of the most spectacular views of the French Riviera extending to the Esterel Mountains and the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. It features numerous species of succulent plants and xerophytes from all continents.
The Exotic Garden of Eze
Address: 20 Rue du Château, 06360 Èze, France
6. Go on a day trip to the islands of Lérins, Saint Honorat and Sainte Marguerite
Above Lérins Abbey on Saint Honorat (Photo: Instagram / @nice_sweetlife)
Above Camille Cheng takes a trip to Lérins, Saint Honorat and Sainte Marguerite (Photo: courtesy of Camille Cheng)
Lérins Abbey on Saint Honorat (Photo: Instagram / @nice_sweetlife)
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If the coastlines aren’t enough to make you feel like you’re on holiday, take a boat to continue your trip on the following islands: Lérins, Saint Honorat and Sainte Marguerite. More than their paradise-like beaches, these islands have a rich cultural heritage, such as the Lérins Abbey on Saint Honorat island, an active Cistercian monastery open to visitors.
Lérins Abbey
Address: Île Saint-Honorat, 06400 Cannes, France
7. Get a drink at La Chèvre d’Or
Above View from the terrace of La Chèvre d’Or (Photo: Instagram / @lachevredor)
Above Camille Cheng at La Chèvre d’Or (Photo: courtesy of Camille Cheng)
View from the terrace of La Chèvre d’Or (Photo: Instagram / @lachevredor)
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La Chèvre d’Or is another five-star hotel located on the French Riviera. The institution was originally a private castle, which was turned into a restaurant by British hotelier Robert Wolf in 1953. He later turned it into a hotel on the advice of Walt Disney. Today, the Château de La Chèvre d’Or has 45 rooms and suites, but our favourite part is the panoramic views from its terrace. Why not enjoy it with over a meal or a drink or two?
La Chèvre d’Or
Address: Rue du Barri, 06360 Èze, France
8. Go swimming in the Bay of Antibes Billionaires
Above The Bay of Antibes Billionaires (Photo: Instagram / @antibes_france)
Above Camille Cheng about to take a dip in the Bay of Antibes Billionaires (Photo: courtesy of Camille Cheng)
The Bay of Antibes Billionaires (Photo: Instagram / @antibes_france)
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Another hidden treasure in the French Riviera is the Bay of Antibes Billionaires (or “ la baie des milliardaires” in French). Not too far from the main old town of Antibes lies this bay which is also easily accessible by private boat. It’s a small but gorgeous place with crystal-clear blue waters, so make sure to arrive early for a full day under the sun.
Bay of Antibes Billionaires
Address: 2 Chemin des Douaniers, 06160 Antibes, France
9. Eat ‘socca’ and drink ‘noisette’ in old Nice
Above Cours Saleya open-air market in old Nice (Photo: Instagram / @valentin.donato)
Above Camille Cheng drinking noisette in old Nice (Photo: courtesy of Camilly Cheng)
Cours Saleya open-air market in old Nice (Photo: Instagram / @valentin.donato)
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Nice’s old town is a fantastic place to stroll the streets and eat some local Provençale delicacies. Cheng recommends walking through the Cours Saleya market and stopping at the bar/café Barbacane to drink a noisette (similar to a macchiato), while watching people pass by. And if you feel peckish, stop by Les Agitateurs or Chez Pipo for local specialities such as socca—a crispy chickpea pancake from Nice.
Cours Saleya market
Address: Cours Saleya, 06300 Nice, France
Barbacane
Address: 3 Cours Saleya, 06300 Nice, France
Les Agitateurs
Address: 24 Rue Bonaparte, 06300 Nice, France
Chez Pipo:
Address: 13 Rue Bavastro, 06300 Nice, France
Salomé Grouard was Digital Editor and Front & Female Content Lead at Tatler Hong Kong. Primarily focused on managing Tatler Hong Kong’s digital platform and content, she also covers gender equality, the music scene and sports through interviews with industry leaders, experts and trendsetters.
Interview highlights include renowned conservationist Dr Jane Goodall, Korean actor Park Seo Jun, singer Jorja Smith, Chinese TV host Yue-Sai Kan, YouTuber Kimono Mom, Japanese rapper Awich, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighter Mikey Musumeci.
She has also produced stories on revolutionising sexual wellness in Asia, activism within the surfing community, Asian trans musicians reclaiming their narratives through music and looked at the toxicity of gym culture through the lens of the plus-size community. She also covers music festivals, such as Hong Kong’s Clockenflap and Bali’s Suara.
