The Good Life France Magazine




The Good Life France Magazine brings you the best of France - inspirational and exclusive features, fabulous photos, mouth-watering recipes, tips, guides, ideas and much more...


Published by the award winning team at The Good Life France

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2 years ago

Summer 2022

Discover captivating Corsica, the island of beauty and glitzy, cinematic Cannes. Explore Antibes, less well known than it's neighbours Nice and Cannes, it's incredibly pretty and authentic, and the Camargue in the south of France where wild white horses and pink flamingoes roam. Come with us to arty Arles, historic Agincourt and Aisne in Picardy - the ancient cradle of France. Meet artisan gin makers in Cognac, discover the prune route of France, fabulous recipes, guides, gorgeous photos, the best tours, what's new in France and delicious recipes - and more...

Mademoiselle Gray beach

Mademoiselle Gray beach bar and restaurant © Jean Michel Sordello are public areas including les Rochers, Nadine, Pointe Croisette, Roubine, Mace and Gazagnaire. Each summer the town protects bathers from jelly fish and the latter three beaches have special nets in place until the end of September. Locals favour the miles of public beach along the Boulevard du Midi les Rochers (opposite La Bocca railway station), a bit of a local secret, and great for snorkelling. Take some bread and the fish will eat out of your hands. Promenade. It seems everyone who visits Cannes just loves to walk along the Croisette. I’ve never seen so many glittery T-shirts in one place! There are plenty of kiosks selling food and drink en route, and chairs are available (free) to drag under the shade of trees or sit and soak up the sun. Spot your favourite celebrity’s handprints on the star-studded floor in front of the Palais des Festivals! Go island-hopping Off the coast of Cannes lie the Îles de Lérins, the Lérins Islands. You can visit the Île Sainte- Marguerite and Île Saint-Honorat by taking a short shuttle boat ride which run regularly throughout the year from Quai St Pierre. It’s a real escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Saint-Honorat, which has been home to monks for more than 1600 years. Nowadays, the 25 monks who live here produce wine from eight hectares of vineyard as well as a local speciality, Lerina liquor, and honey. Wander the pine tree-lined paths and visit the abbey, there are a couple of restaurants and it’s an ideal place for a picnic, idyllic and tranquil. The Musée de la Mer on the Île Ste-Marguerite, the largest of the islands and separated from Saint Honorat by just 600m of water, is in the former Royal Fortress. Built by Richelieu, the prison once housed the Man in the Iron Mask. Film tour Even when the Film Festival is over – Cannes film credentials are ever present – take a guided tour to see the street art and famous locations. Where to eat The Croisette beaches are lined with Instagrammable restaurants and dining here is one of the Riviera's great pleasures. 52 | The Good Life France

Wine and dine: Fouquet's Brasserie, 10, boulevard de la Croisette at the Majestic puts a Riviera touch to the cuisine of the Champs- Élysées landmark of the same name. The menu has been designed by 3 Michelin-star Chef Pierre Gagnaire, and their Sunday brunch at a civilised 12-4pm, complete with Champagne, is superb. Locals love: In the old district of Cannes you’ll find the city’s oldest restaurant da bouttau founded in 1860. Picasso dined here and it’s long attracted the film festival stars from Sean Connery to George Clooney. Shop until you drop If you’re a fan of shopping and in particular posh brands, head to two long parallel streets: La Croisette and rue d’Antibes. All the big names are there – and you’ll need a big purse. Enjoy a sundowner da bouttau restaurant Aperitif time on the Cote d’Azur is one of life’s great pleasures. There’s plenty of choice in Cannes from the bars in the old town, along la Croisette and in the city. La Rotonde Grande Dame Champagne Bar is just about perfect – Room with a view, Hotel Le Gray d'Albion © Jean Michel Sordello listen to the gentle lapping of the waves while you gaze at the sun setting over the Lerins Islands. Where to stay – bucket list hotel For a luxury stay (de rigeur in Cannes), Hôtel Barrière Le Gray d’Albion is ideal. It’s long been the secret refuge of the stars of cinema who love it for its refined comfort. All 200 designer rooms and suites are decorated in an understated muted palette of soft colours – very Chanel-like and not ostentatious. Nearly all rooms have balconies and the views over the sea or rooftops of Cannes are superb. The big King size beds have a cocooning effect – essential for your beauty sleep in this city of beautiful people. There’s a great terrace restaurant that’s like a little oasis in the city, and a perfectly air-conditioned designer bar. Guaranteed to make you feel like a celebrity, the hotel is in a perfect location, just steps from La Croisette where you’ll find the hotel’s beachside restaurant Mademoiselle Gray and beach area Plage Barrière, and a stone’s throw from Le Suquet. Hôtel Barrière Le Gray d’Albion The Good Life France | 53