Where to Stay and Eat on the French Riviera

The best restaurants and hotels in the Côte d’Azur region, plus some hidden secrets only the locals know about.

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RESTAURANT PICKS

Josy-Jo, Haut-de-Cagnes

Gourmet bargain with an accent on seasonal produce, in particular seafood landed at Cagnes-sur-Mer harbour. www.restaurant-josyjo.com

Bistrot d’Antoine, Nice

Splendid restaurant in archaic centre of Nice’s Old Town. Winter warmers include saucisses with Puy lentils and lashings of Dijon mustard. 27 rue de la Préfecture

Café du Turin, Nice

Century-old seafood spectacular. Bouzigues mussels and Belon oysters are at their best in deep winter. www.cafedeturin.fr

Table du Marché, Nice

New market-fresh cuisine concept in the heart of the Marché Libération. Chef Florent Barbereau dishes up a discount menu du jour, which may include aubergine burrata, beef cheeks and fig tart. www.alatabledumarche.com

Restaurant Albert 1er, Antibes

Fruits des mers specialist with lunchtime specials. Large takeaway bar stoked with crab, razor clams and other seasonal delights. www.restaurant-albert-1er.com

Le Louis XV, Monaco

The finest dining table in Monaco reopened in 2016. Team Ducasse wow guests with a lighter, tighter take on ingredients sourced from the vicinity including Provençal black truffles and San Remo prawns. www.alain-ducasse.com

Le Gambetta, Nice

Superb seasonal seafood sourced from the fish market across the street. Come winter both the coquillage and array of timeless French fish dishes are a must. 1 place du Général de Gaulle

Eqvita, Monaco

The brand-new restaurant from local resident Novak Djokovic is an all-vegan affair. Think superfood burgers, plus pea, mint and lime sorbet. www.eqvitarestaurant.com

ACCOMMODATION PICKS

Château la Roque, near Avignon

Boutique hotel in an 11th-century fortified castle overlooking the Rhône Valley. Offers five luxurious rooms, a heated outdoor pool, terraced gardens and Provençal cuisine. www.chateaularoque.com

La Colombe d’Or, St-Paul-de-Vence

Once a no-frills inn where Picasso, Miro, Man Ray and Calder came to eat roast chicken and sip rosé. Now a high-end hotel filled with works from those very artists. www.la-colombe-dor.com

La Perouse, Nice

Sea-view spectacular with hidden courtyard. Views are worthy of Dufy’s portrait of the Promenade des Anglais, a copy of which sits out front. www.leshotelsduroy.com

Okko Cannes Center, Cannes

Cannes’ latest offering is a high-end bargain, especially in winter. Discover a rooftop terrace and pour yourself a free Nespresso. Located just minutes from La Croisette. www.okkohotels.com

Relais du Postillon, Antibes

Homely traditional hotel off Antibes’ main square. Sip glasses of ruby-red  Côtes de Provence in front of the open fire. www.relaisdupostillon.com

Le Grand Pavois, Juan-les-Pins

A discreet steal that dates from the 1920s, with the original foyer and ballroom – now the hotel’s dining room – intact. www.hotelgrandpavois.fr

Villa Saint Exupery, Nice

This attractive bargain is an art-filled hostel with private double rooms, opposite Galeries Lafayette in Nice. Offers winter market tours and ski trips to Auron. www.villahostels.com

Riviera Experience, Villefranche-sur-Mer

Luxury sea-view apartments providing the perfect base for exploring the entire Riviera, with access to fabulous local food markets and brocantes. www.rivieraexperience.com

Pebbles, Nice

The top management company on the Côte d’Azur manages 180 first-class apartments from Saint-Tropez through Nice to Menton. www.nicepebbles.com

From France Today magazine