There’s something undeniably cinematic about driving east from Nice, hugging the glittering coastline of the French and Italian Rivieras. As we leave behind the ochre rooftops of Vieux Nice, the landscape opens up into undulating hills patched with silvery olive groves, terracotta villages — and, unexpectedly, endless glass greenhouses that shimmer in the sun. These are the famed growers of the Riviera dei Fiori, or Flower Riviera, a nickname I had always associated with postcards… until now.
Royal Hotel Sanremo, perched elegantly above the Ligurian Sea, was our home base — a palatial 19th-century gem and member of The Leading Hotels of the World. With its lush subtropical gardens and a seawater pool warmed to 27°C year-round, it’s the sort of place where time seems to soften. You don’t check in, you drift in. Perfect for a honeymoon, anniversary, or a spontaneous romantic escape.
Before settling in too deeply, we explored The Mall Sanremo, just a ten-minute drive away — a chic luxury outlet worth a morning of strolling and light shopping. It’s a playful contrast: vintage Sanremo elegance meets modern Italian fashion.
One of the most surprising delights of the journey? The road itself. As you meander back toward France, stop in Monaco for a night or two. If you love the glitz, you’ll want to sip espresso in front of the Casino de Monte-Carlo, where car-spotting turns into an Olympic sport. Right across from the casino, the Hotel de Paris offers legendary terrace views, perfect for people-watching over champagne.
If you crave a rooftop pool with cinematic views, head to the Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo. But if you’re longing for the sea, sunshine, and a bit more breathing room, then Monte-Carlo Beach is your sanctuary. A member of Relais & Châteaux, this refined seaside retreat offers terraced dining above the water, just minutes from the heart of Monaco, yet wrapped in serene coastal calm.
And on your way back into Nice, treat yourself to a stay at the charming Hotel La Pérouse, nestled under Castle Hill with a view of the Baie des Anges. This hidden gem feels like a warm secret between the Mediterranean and the sky.
A trip like this is not just a destination — it’s an unfolding. Of perfume in the air. Of gardenia behind garden gates. Of subtle layers of elegance, history, and blooming beauty, from France to Italy and back.
Ready to experience it for yourself? Let us help you plan.
