PRIVATE ESCAPE 3 NIGHTS / 4 DAYS
Itinerary across the French Riviera
From one Riviera to the other
This journey designed with the 3-Michelin starred Chef Mauro Colagreco is filled with farmers markets, local producers, vineyards, lavender fields, olive oil and the smell of fresh lemons... but also with relaxing beaches and small villages with Provençal charm.
This is a trip about borders. The one between South of France and Italy, or Nice and Monaco, between the blue Mediterranean Sea and the vertiginous Alps mountains.
And finally, a journey of all the borders Mauro Colagreco went through before settling in the small town of Menton – his chosen home on the French Riviera. This little piece of paradise with its ochre houses, beach and small port sits under the magnificent Saint-Michel Basilica.
The 3-Michelin starred Chef is not the only one to have fallen for the "Mediterranean pearl", as lovers of the French Riviera affectionately call it. Before him, artists and celebrities, the cream of the crop from all over the world, built legendary villas to better relax during their epicurean holidays on the beaches of the French Riviera.
The vibrant cities of Nice, Cannes and Saint-Tropez boast some of the best hotels and restaurants, to party all night long in a chic and bohemian atmosphere.
A completely different atmosphere prevails in the small villages of the hinterland of Nice, nestled in the Alpine foothills. Sainte-Agnès, Èze, Gorbio, Sospel, Castellar are among the most beautiful villages in the South of France with their breathtaking views of the sea, winding alleys, and medieval history.
"Menton is a pretty little town, a little unreal like all these places, but where you can nevertheless find some natural corners. Everything is ruled by the sun." - Katherine Mansfield
Here, local farmers produce cheese, olive oil, saffron and honey; grow vegetables and citrus fruits gilded by the Mediterranean sun.
February is when Menton celebrates its king: the lemon, now protected by a PGI label. The Lemon Festival rivals the grandeur of the Nice Carnival! Throughout restaurants and shops, lemons reign supreme in myriad forms: from Mirazur's delectable dishes to lemon-infused raviolis, oils and limoncelli.
Beyond the illustrious vineyards of Côte de Provence and Coteaux du Var, grape cultivation takes on a more understated presence. Nestled amidst the hillsides of Bellet and Dolceacqua, in Italy, clay-rich soils and the gentle caress of the Mediterranean breeze converge to yield robust and vibrant wines. Ideal companions for leisurely afternoons of dolce vita on the beach.
At the crossroads of the Rivieras, Mauro Colagreco shares his taste for easy living and his eclectic cooking with us, to the delight of travelers longing for the balmy weather and stunning landscapes of the French Riviera.
Mauro Colagreco’s
French Riviera
The triple Michelin-starred Chef invites you on a visit of his cherished haven, the city of Menton, nestled on the border between southern France and Italy. Because he loves the French Riviera and knows every hilltop village, vineyard and producer, he exclusively unveils his favourite restaurants and secret spots, the very places that endlessly inspire him.
DAY 1 - French Riviera itinerary
. In Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, free visit of the Cap Moderne villa, facing Monaco. This exceptional testimony to modern architecture offers an amazing view of the Mediterranean Sea in a beautiful natural setting.
. Journey to a small family vineyard on the hills of Bellet, a few miles away from Nice, and experience a private wine tasting to discover Cote d’Azur wines.
. Settle in your hotel room and enjoy some relaxing free time on the Sablettes beach of Menton
. Dinner at the Michelin-starred Ceto restaurant at the Maybourne Riviera Hotel, one of Chef Colagreco's French Riviera restaurants (to be paid on site)
DAY 2 - French Riviera itinerary
. Free visit of the covered market of Menton with its small producers and Provence culinary delicacies
. Private visit at the farm of Chef Mauro Colagreco’s citrus fruits suppliers, carrying on the Menton tradition of terrace farming on the Alpine foothills
. Exclusive lemon ravioli culinary workshop followed by lunch
. Visit Saint-Michel oil factory and taste aromatic oils elaborated with Mauro Colagreco, for a sensory foray into his universe
. Head to Italy, just over the border with France, for a private tasting session in a tenuta (vineyard) of rossese di Doleacqua, a dry wine of a grape variety cultivated all over Liguria
. On your way back, Mauro Colagreco recommends dining at the restaurant of his former sous-chef. (to be paid on site)
DAY 3 - French Riviera itinerary
. Private guided tour of La Villa Santo Sospir and then Rothschild’s Villa Ephrussi, the Rotschild’s baroness’ home on the French Riviera
. Exceptional picnic prepared by the Michelin-starred restaurant of the Villa, to be enjoyed in the Ephrussi gardens, the crown jewel of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
. Explore the vegetable gardens of the Mirazur with Mauro Colagreco’s chef-gardener
. Discover at your own pace the charming, perched villages of the Nice hinterlands: Sainte-Agnès, Gorbio, Eze, Castellar. Meet one of the Mirazur’s cheesemaker and enjoy a delicious tasting session.
. Dinner at the Mirazur restaurant, 3 stars guide Michelin (drinks to be paid on site). Full of lush vegetation, the dining room is full of elegance and light, with a large circular bay window offering an exceptional view of Menton, and the Mediterranean Sea as far as the eye can see.
DAY 4 - French Riviera itinerary
. Day at leisure. Hiddenist recommends different options to suit every taste (with additional fees): a private morning cruise to discover the Cannes coastline, the Lérins Islands and the Bay of Nice; a reservation at the private beach of Maybourne-la-Plage at the Maybourne Riviera Hotel; a day in Monaco with a waterfront lunch in A'trego the chic "cabane" designed by Philippe Starck.
Please drink responsibly