South of France travel tips from expert Jack Ezon

Cannes Lions is a blur of rushed meetings, rose-soaked networking events and raucous late nights bar hopping on La Croisette – but it shouldn’t be all work and no play, according to travel guru and South of France expert Jack Ezon.

The founder of luxury travel agency Embark Beyond urged festival goers to eke out some leisure time, and offered up some tips on what to do tailored to any schedule. 

ESCAPE CANNES LIONS

While Cannes is a beautiful town, the festival environment can feel claustrophobic and at times, overwhelming– and let’s face it, there’s only so many conversations about “disruption” a person can take.

For those with a few hours to spare, go explore Nice, Monaco and neighboring Èze, Ezon said. 

“Take a chopper 15 minutes to Monte Carlo,  the chicest destination on the Riviera and experience the fabulous new Jacquemus Beach Club at Monte Carlo Beach before an incredible festive dinner and dancing at Amazonico overlooking the famous Casino Square,” he said. Or for fun day on the water, head to the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel to experience the resort’s lagoon, multiple pools and sandy beach.

For a “more chilled” experience, Ezon recommends visiting the neighboring medieval village of Èze, home to the magnificent award-winning La Chèvre d’Or. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the hotel has hosted past and present luminaries from philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche and playwright Jean Cocteau to President Obama and U2 frontman Bono. 

The travel guru suggests nabbing a reservation at the hotel’s namesake two-starred Michelin for the “ultimate romantic” dinner or take in the stunning views from the terraces of its other two eateries, Le Café du Jardin or Les Remparts – and stay the night if possible and explore the charming walled village. 

If you want to stick closer to Cannes, check out neighboring Nice, which has become a veritable French Riviera hot spot of its own. 

“Nice is seeing an amazing Renaissance. Most people overlook the anchor city and are missing one of the prettiest promenades in the world,” Ezon said. “Shopping is also exceptional – with a fabulous mix of high fashion and trendy boutique shops and great restaurants.”

Maison Albar’s new five-star hotel, Le Victoria, which lies between the Promenade des Anglais and Place Masséna, boasts a sprawling spa for some R&R, as well as a rooftop restaurant, Taulissa and a stunning mirror-like pool. 

Steps away is another one of Nice’s most luxe hotels, the Anantara Plaza, which sits in the heart of the city’s luxury shopping district and expansive beachfront boardwalk. The stunning, Belle Epoque- style hotel also features a SEEN by Olivier restaurant and rooftop, which boasts a panoramic view of the city.

Perhaps the buzziest addition to Nice is Hotel du Couvent, which was once a 17th century convent. 

Ezon calls the hotel “one of the most refreshing and prettiest hotels on the Riveira,” and suggests checking out its cloister-turned-bar for drinks before dinner at the nearby Michelin-starred Restaurant Jan or its less formal– but equally good– Bistrot de Jan from Chef Jan Henrik Van Der Westhuizen, who blends South African and French cuisine. 

Another not-to-be missed destination for Ezon is St. Tropez. Cannes Lions revelers can hop on a ferry from Cannes or take an Uber just over an hour to the chic beach town. If you can spend the night, and are looking for a refuge from the raucous beach club parties, check into the Lou Pinet for a luxurious, yet laid-back vibe, he said.

STAY LOCAL

If a day trip is impossible, there are tons of hidden corners in Cannes to refuel such as Saint Marguerite island, which is a quick ferry ride from the port. 

“For the ultimate bragging rights at Lions, stay at Ultima Le Grand Jardin, an 11 bedroom estate on Sainte-Marguerite Island, 5 minutes off shore from Cannes, where some of the most famed parties on the French Riviera are held,” Ezon said.

Or spend the day checking out the island’s beaches which range from secluded rocky coves to sandy beaches. Be sure to stop by La Guérite for lunch if you can snag a reservation. The buzzy restaurant-turned-beach club is crawling with celebs and media titans during Cannes Lions and is a prime spot for people watching.

Other recommended party spots in Cannes nightclub Le Baoli, beach club Lucia, boisterous eatery Le Petit Maison or Anna, a napkin-twirling Greek restaurant on La Croissette. For serious eats, Ezon recommends Table 22, Le Mascou and Ruya, the Carlton Hotel’s Anatollian restaurant. 

“The French have perfectly fused the fun of a night club with amazing beach resorts and dinner restaurants in a fabulous festive, fun way without being garish or gross,” Ezon said of Cannes. “On the contrary, it is one of the most elevated and chic experiences in the world. They attract world class DJs and a who’s-who crowd from all over the world in a truly social setting.”