Where to Stay on the French Riviera: La Réserve de Beaulieu

First published: August 13, 2016 by France Today Editors 1

There’s no shortage of fabulous luxury hotels on the French Riviera, but La Réserve de Beaulieu stands out for its history, intimate ambiance (just 39 rooms) and exceptional location in the tiny village of Beaulieu-sur-Mer, which literally means “beautiful place,” situated between Nice and Monaco. This family-owned hôtel is a historic landmark which has welcomed a roster of royalty and Hollywood celebrities (think Rita Hayworth, Clark Gable and Gregory Peck).

La Réserve de Beaulieu

Did we mention the Michelin-starred dining ? Just a few months after the restaurant opened—a good 130 years ago—a food critic established its reputation, which lives on to this day: “The Réserve de Beaulieu is the restaurant of kings and the king of restaurants”. Today diners are still charmed by the service, the well-stocked wine cellar, and the sublime cuisine prepared by chef Yannick Franques.

dining at La Réserve de Beaulieu

But La Réserve isn’t just about Michelin-starred gastronomic cuisine. To quote France Today correspondent Lanie Goodman: “[Since] their new affordable informal sleek bistro, La Table de la Réserve has hit town, locals can’t get enough of the exquisite market-fresh dishes. From an open-plan kitchen, watch newly arrived chef Anne-Sophie Sabini dish up everything from mini-pizzas and gnocchi to fish stew and roast chicken. Don’t miss the feather-light îles flottantes for dessert.”

Bistrot La Table, La Réserve de Beaulieu

Sleep off your food coma in one of the 39 guest rooms, decorated with antiques and bespoke furniture custom-made by a cabinet-maker. This is the essence of Riviera elegance. The walls are covered in delicate, Mediterranean-inspired frescoes, created by Belgian artist François Zanatta, a Beaux Arts prize-winner.

For those looking for otherworldly VIP digs, consider booking the “Victoria” and “Mistinguett” private apartments, or the ultra-luxe Villa Mistinguett, equipped with a 125-square-meter terrace and a Jacuzzi overlooking the sea.

La Réserve de Beaulieu

La Réserve de Beaulieu is superbly situated, and you have some of the finest Côte d’Azur scenery and attractions at your doorstep (from the Villa Ephrussi and the hilltop village of Eze to glamorous Monte Carlo). But you’d be hard-pressed to leave the splendid surroundings of the hôtel.

Loll in the infinity pool while gazing out at the Mediterranean. Relax with a massage or invigorating facial at the Maria Galland spa, designed with copper-framed portholes to resemble a transatlantic cruiser from the last century. And in the evening, soak up the ambiance of the hotel bar, where a pianist entertains with nightly performances.

La Réserve de Beaulieu, 5 Boulevard du Maréchal Leclerc, 06310 Beaulieu-sur-Mer. Tel: +33 (0)4-93-01-00-01. For more information and bookings: www.reservebeaulieu.com