11 Tips to Visit the South of France, Emily In Paris Style

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.