Luxury Entertainment in the South of France

Luxury Entertainment

Luxury living and Provence go hand in hand: the region boasts incredible scenery, beaches, weather, food, wine, and so much more. But the area is also home to some fantastic entertainment options. If you’re looking to indulge in some of the finer things in life, here is a shortlist of the best of the best:

Casinos

The South of France is home to some of the most luxurious and glamorous casinos in the world. You’ll feel transported back to the 60s, where the men wore suits, the women wore gowns, and everyone drank martinis. The best example of this is the Casino Monte-Carlo in Monaco, which is arguably the most famous Casino in the region due to its architecture and number of film appearances. However, when visiting the Casino Monte-Carlo, it’s essential to adhere to casino etiquette tips, including wearing a suit, tipping staff, and avoiding cell phone usage. Following these rules will ensure that you not only feel comfortable on the floor, but you have an excellent overall experience.

Other great options include the Casino de Beaulieu in Beaulieu-sur-Mer (which has stunning views of the water). The Casino du Palais de la Méditerranée in Nice is also known for its cabaret acts. The Casino Café de Paris in Monaco and the Casino Barrière Les Princes in Cannes are other alternatives.

Nightlife

Besides casinos, the South of France also has many luxurious nightclubs and bars. In Cannes, two of the most exclusive clubs are Gotha Club and La Baoli. Gotha Club is a great place to go for dancing, while La Baoli is better for drinks and food. In Monte Carlo, check out Jimmy’z Monte-Carlo for peak nightlife with electronic music, great views, and a Japanese garden. In Saint-Tropez, head to Les Caves du Roy or VIP Room. As noted with the casinos in Provence, be sure to follow the dress code for the clubs, or you won’t even get inside.

Sports Events

Springtime in Provence delivers world-class entertainment for sports fans. The Monaco Grand Prix, which is held annually in May, is one of the most luxurious sporting events in the world due to its location and exclusivity. The Formula One event runs through the streets of Monte Carlo, and it is one of the most dangerous and demanding F1 races. Whether you watch it from the streets or from a yacht, it’s sure to be an exciting event. Score an entry to the Amber Lounge the post-race hangout for racecar drivers and a fabulous looking crowd.

Also, in the spring is the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters, an annual tennis tournament. Then there’s the Top Marques Monaco, which houses numerous luxury exhibitions, including car, jewelry, wine, and real estate exhibitions. In May there’s the Cannes Film Festival, which is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world. Later in the year, there are jazz festivals in both Juan-les-Pins and Ramatuelle, the Monaco Yacht Show in September, and Les Voiles de St Tropez.

Museums and Gardens

If you’d prefer to spend a few hours at a museum, there are countless options. Some of the best-known painters in the world — Picasso, Matisse, and Chagall all spent a significant amount of time in the South of France. Visit the Picasso Museum in Antibes or the Matisse’s Chapelle du Rosaire in Vence.

At the foot of Cimiez Hill, in Nice, is the Musée National Marc Chagall, dedicated to this great Franco-Russian artist. It is an extraordinary art museum that is the benefactor of the most extensive public collection of Chagall’s works, including seventeen masterpieces entitled, The Biblical Message.

Away from the coast in the heart of the one-time Papal city discover, the Musée Angladon in Avignon. Located in an 18th-century mansion, the museum is home to the art collection of Jacques Doucet, a famous Parisian couturier.

Allow yourself to step back to the “Belle Epoque” with a visit to the Villa and Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild the beautiful home and gardens of Baroness Béatrice de Rothschild on Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.

Glance through the majestic iron gates into the cour d’honneur at l’Hôtel de Caumont in Aix-en-Provence and let the elegant limestone façade transport you to another era. The grand entrance was unique even in the chic Quartier Mazarin. This art centre is a terrific place for lunch, or a drink, even when there is no art exhibition in progress.

Theatre and Dance

If you’re interested in more elevated entertainment, why not head to the theatre? The Opéra de Nice features both the Ballet Nice Méditerrannée and the Nice Philharmonic Orchestra and holds operas in addition to ballets and classical concerts. For some incredible opera, there’s also the Opéra Municipal de Marseille, the Opéra de Monte-Carlo, and Opéra Grand Avignon.

No matter what you’re interested in, there’s no shortage of luxury entertainment in Provence, that’s for sure!

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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).