Emily In Paris has been so wildly successful that even President Macron wants to make sure the show comes back to Paris (after its departure to Rome this season). And, if you’re a fan, it’s so fun to walk around the city and see Emily’s apartment building or Gabriel’s restaurant. Its real name is Terra Nera, and it looks very much the same as in the show.
Still, the showrunners did a magnificent job showing off one of the prettiest cities in the world, and they extended their artistry when they dipped down into the South of France so Emily could tool around the Riviera. If you’d like to make a similar journey yourself someday, here are some tips and tricks to help you make the most of it.
Taking the Train
While, in Emily In Paris, she takes a train to the South of France that looks suspiciously like the Orient Express, unfortunately, there’s no equivalent for us mere mortals. Still, the train is one of the most popular ways to make the trip from Paris to Saint-Tropez a reality.
Trains depart frequently from Gare de Lyon and arrive in Saint-Raphaël Valescure, about 23 miles from Saint-Tropez. From there, you can either secure a taxi to your final destination or hire a car service in advance. Another option is to rent a car at the station because all the big names have desks there, including Avis and Budget.
Driving South
If you have a rental for the entirety of your time in France, you could drive from Paris to Saint-Tropez. Remember the scene where Alfie revved Antoine’s lavender McLaren Artura and raced his lady all the way home to Paris?
However, outside the magic of Hollywood, that’s a nine-hour drive. While not impossible, you probably wouldn’t want to do that in a day. The best way to plan that is to break up the journey with a lovely night or two in Lyon – hardly a hardship.
Staying In Saint-Tropez
In our beloved TV series, Emily and her gals stay for the weekend at a swank hotel called the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat. As you can tell, that’s in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and not Saint Tropez. So, we’ll work our way up the coastline with a few different destinations worth visiting.
In Saint-Tropez, La Ponche Hôtel Restaurant offers lush settings and superior views of the Mediterranean. You only have to open the windows in your room to take in that fresh sea air. Before heading into the village for the night, be sure to savor a sip or two from their Piano Bar. It’s five stars here, all around, and the complete lap of luxury.
Staying In Cannes
Another option along the Riviera is, of course, Cannes. Here, the Hotel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes will treat you just as well as the staff at La Ponche. The views are irresistible here, as well. Complete with a private beach and superior spa, you’ll find it hard to walk away from the property, even though the downtown delights are calling your name.
Staying in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Finally, at one of the northwesternmost points of the Riviera, we have the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, which was actually used in filming. The likes of Elizabeth Taylor stayed here, so you can see why the showrunners considered it a must-have. You’ll know a thing or two about Michelin stars now, having seen what poor Gabriel has gone through to achieve one. And, here, you’ll find Michelin-starred Mediterranean cuisine, so it’s only appropriate if you raise a glass for him here!
Touring Medieval Villages
There are so many things to do in a coastal destination like this. If you’re lucky enough to book a room for a night or two at the Grand-Hôtel, they have plenty of activities lined up for you. You could take a four-hour private guided tour of the French Riviera. It’s both a walking and driving tour that explores the medieval village of Éze, as well as the glamour of Monaco. You’ll also visit the old market in Nice, as well as the art village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Catching a Glimpse of Cassis
From the Grand-Hôtel, you could also rent a vintage car and enjoy a self-guided tour if you already know which villages you’d like to see. Saint-Paul is certainly worth a visit, as is its fellow hilltop village, Éze. In truth, Éze is a little quieter if that’s more your speed. And, if you are taking day trips from Cap-Ferrat, there’s another lovely western village, Cassis, that will also steal your heart. Colorful little boats bob in the harbor, and every eatery is more spectacular than the next.
Noticing Nice
Of course, the Belle Epoque splendor of Nice cannot be overlooked. You can easily devote a day to walking the Promenade des Anglais. At just a little over four miles long, there are plenty of opportunities to savor the sea and people watch.
Then, there’s Vieux Nice, the city’s old town. It will instantly transport you back in time with its baroque churches and mansions. There’s also a glorious market, Marché Aux Fleurs, that’s filled with oceans of fresh-cut flowers and local produce. Really, all you need is a curious mind for medieval villages, modern-day pomp and circumstance, and a comfy pair of walking shoes to take in all the sights.
Making the Most of Your Trip
If you’re not a fan of crowds, skip the summertime. The entire Rivieria is insatiable all year round, so skip June and July if you’re not looking to get lost in a sea of people while just trying to see the sea.
Booking In Advance
Even if you’re going off-season, this is still the kind of place you need to book ahead – that includes your hotels, museum tickets, and fun activities like vintage car rentals. If you know which restaurants you’d really like to try, make reservations in advance there, as well. This is heaven’s doorstep, after all, so it’s no surprise you need to come here with a plan of attack to make sure you’re not turned away from anything you have your heart set on.
That said, you can leave a little room to wander and get lost. Take the medieval village of Éze, for example. You never know what’s going to catch your eye or where you’ll want to linger a little while longer.
Wearing Your Best Walking Shoes
Bring your best pair of shoes. Sure, you’ll want a nice pair of stilettos or loafers for dinner at night as you don your favorite little black dress and perfectly tailored suit. But, throughout the day, you’re going to want to make sure those Gucci loafers are well broken in. Even if you’re driving along the coast, you’re still going to get out and walk through Vieux Nice, for example. While packing for the Riviera is a tad tricky because you need designer clothes for the evening and walking shoes for the day, the most important thing will certainly be shoes that protect your feet from blisters as you climb the hilly streets in those beautiful mountain towns.
Au Revoir, Mon Chéri
Off you go! A scenic train ride from Paris to Saint-Tropez is worth every moment of the journey. And, again, don’t be afraid to break it up with other travel-worthy towns like Lyon. Whether you take the train or drive down to this unbelievable coastline, you’ll be glad you did. And, even if you can’t do it Emily In Paris style (most of our bank accounts don’t match Sylvie’s), there are still plenty of ways to do it on a budget.
Wherever you’re headed next, from Paris to Porto, we have a destination guide in our lineup to help you plan the getaway of your dreams. And you never know! Perhaps we’ll be clinking our champagne flutes to yours someday on the terrace of the Grand-Hôtel.