We rented a 1957 Porsche with @rentaclassiccareurope and spent the day driving around the winding coastal roads of the French Riviera from Nice to Monaco. We’ve never seen such amazing views in our lives. This was a bucket list experience and were sharing all of the details so you can have this same experience.
Start the day with a good breakfast at La Rotonde, you’ll be on the most epic roadtrip of your life on this day so you want to start it off right. Next stop is picking up the 1957 Porsche from @rentaclassiccareurope in Nice. The garage is tucked away down a side street right near the Promenade des Anglais. Take the coastal drive along the lower corniche to Villefranche-sur-Mer. The drive between Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer is stunning but not even the best views you will see on this roadtrip. Next stop at Plage des Marinieres for a quick photoshoot with Flytographer. We try to get professional photos at least once during a trip and this day was one that we always want to remember.
Next make the short drive from Plage des Marinieres to The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. This is a French seaside villa located at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat on the French Riviera. The drive through Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat’s winding roads up to the villa at the top is unreal. Parking is open right in front of the Villa when you drive up in a classic Porsche, but usually there’s a small parking lot near the entrance. Grab a quick snack and drink from the tea room at the Villa. The terrace overlooks the Bay of Villefranche one of the best views in the world. On this occasion it was the middle of July so we grabbed ice cream before continuing the drive.
Now that you are cooled off and ready to continue the road trip, start the drive to the The medieval hilltop village of Èze. This is one of the best portions of the drive. The winding roads up to Èze will remind you of that famous Carrie Grant & Grace Kelly car scene in To Catch a Thief (for any of you move buffs). Take the drive up to Château Eza, the 400 year old former residence of a Swedish prince. Visit the Michelin Starred restaurant for lunch. Valet parking is easy at the base of the hotel followed by a short but steep walk up to Château Eza. This restaurant is a favorite among the Jetset and during our walk up with a hotel staff member we were told that Barack Obama was just there and we missed him.
The tables on the terrace have some of the best views I’ve ever seen. From every spot on the terrace you are looking down on to the stunning sparkling azure waters of the French Riviera. Aside from the stunning view the restaurant certainly deserves their Michelin star rating. The food was exceptional and innovative and paid perfectly with the views.
After an amazing lunch the next stop is Monaco, the second-smallest independent state in the world. The drive from Eze to Monaco is quick and easy, you will be rewarded with beautiful views along this drive. Once you make it into Monaco head to Casino Square. There’s time for one more stop and that’s in the town of Menton. It’s one of the last big villages in France before you get to the French border.
Start the scenic drive back to Nice to return your car. After all of that driving take it easy and grab dinner at one of our favorite restaurants around Nice. We recommend Le Chantecler, Le Plongeoir, or La Caravelle.
If you are looking to expand your Road Trip check out our YouTube videos on our journey through the South of France.
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