Where to go in 2023: France
France is one of our most requested destinations. 2023 is no different! Already last year we had numerous requests for this special country. As another travel year gets into swing, we are seeing more and more clients asking to visit magical France.
For first time or repeat visitors, France has something for everyone. Paris needs no introduction. A few days exploring vineyards from Bordeaux to Champagne? History buffs making their way through the sites of D-Day and the cliffs of the north. Or, beach bums relaxing on some of the most gorgeous stretches of the riviera. France is a dream destination for all kinds of traveler.
Over the next few weeks, we are sharing some trends we are seeing unfold for the upcoming travel season. Not just destinations but also some of our top choices for accommodations, tours, dining and experiences. And, as always, these are handpicked choices that we personally know our clients will love.
Paris, France
Paris is a city that Bella Vita loves just as much as our clients do. We love to visit France’s capital as much as we can – and did quite a bit this year. One of the most beautiful cities in the world, its a stop that our honeymoon clients love. However, there is also a huge amount of activities for families and multi-generational vacations. Museums, architecture, the views along the river and the street scenes, the shopping, the music…the reasons are more than we can name!
Even more, if you are a food lover, Paris is where you need to be. From classic French restaurants with more Michelin stars then you find in the sky, to a new upcoming scene of agri-bistros and natural wine bars, the food in Paris is a reason to visit in and of itself.
One of our top requested tours for 2023 is food based as well – Discovering French Gastronomy in Le Marais
Today one of the trendiest areas of Paris, Le Marais is also the one that kept most of its 17th and 18th-century aristocratic homes and buildings. You will discover it from a very French angle: food.
Come take a delicious walk with your guide, a former New York chef and caterer, and discover the bustling food and gourmet shops of Paris, overflowing with the freshest fruits and vegetables, local seafood, meats, prepared dishes, and much more. Food shop visits include an award-winning cheese shop with over 50 varieties, a top foie gras boutique, and a sensational middle eastern gourmet shop with unusual glazed and dried fruits, barrels of pickles and olives, and a vast selection of exotic spices from around the world. The tour will also include tastings of artisanal chocolates, a heavenly meringue and whipped cream confection, and a bakery that won a prize for their baguettes.
Saint-Tropez
Saint-Tropez in France is the queen of a Riviera full of gems. This iconic town has attracted the rich and famous since the late 19th century. Today, that vibe remains with its exclusive beach clubs, yachts and exquisite restaurants. However, it merges perfectly with the charm of a Provençal seaside village full of olive groves, cobblestone streets in a picturesque old town center. For more athletic clients, there are an abundance of breathtaking seaside and coastal hikes. For water lovers, there are day trips and boat tours, kayaking and wind surfing. It’s an amazing destination on the sea and one that is a personal favorite of Bella Vita as well.
Your perfect place to stay in Saint-Tropez, France
For accommodations here, we love Chateau de la Messardiere and have several clients ready for an unforgettable experience here as well in 2023.
Nineteenth-century Château de la Messardière (now a part of the Airelles ultra-luxury hotel brand) is a majestic much-loved 5- star palace hotel perched on a hilltop on the outskirts of Saint-Tropez in its Var region spanning both Provence and the French Riviera. The property, with its trademark domed cupolas and turrets, has undergone extensive renovation over the last two years.
Coined as the spot to be in Saint-Tropez, discover an impressive range of new restaurants. Time spent by the pool is a must. Those seeking a little tranquility will enjoy the new lap pool, nestled in the quiet gardens with picturesque views of Pampelonne Bay. Tucked away at the bottom of the hill is a spacious new villa dedicated to keeping curious minds busy.
Cap d’Antibes, France
The Cap d’Antibes (Cape Antibes) is a peninsula of the town of Antibes, located between Cannes and Nice. Different from the glamour of Saint-Tropez, but just as beautiful in our opinion. It has a totally different feeling and experience.
Facing the Mediterranean Sea, Cap d’Antibes looks wild. Dramatic cliffs and bubbling creeks run through the area, feeding into the famous pine forests that run into beautiful beaches. There are an incredible variety of plants, flowers and vegetation that lend a rugged beauty to the coastal hikes in this area. Walking the streets brings back a feeling of elegant, 1950’s decadence with villas like Sous Le Vent and the castle of La Croë. This is another travel trend we are seeing in 2023. So many clients have asked for a Riviera holiday in two different destinations. This breaks up your trip as you move down to Italy as part of a multi-destination vacation. Or, for those who love the beach, it gives you the opportunity to experience two different destinations.
Dining in Cap d’Antibes
Le Figuier de Saint-Esprit is our choice for Provençal cuisine in an elegant surrounding. We love this authentically French restaurant. The location, atmosphere and food were all delightful and up to their Michelin star standard. The food is fresh, picked daily from the local markets as noted in their frequently changing menu. The dishes are beautifully presented and satisfying and the service is attentive but never intrusive. This is a family run place, with father Christian Morisset in the kitchen. With his wife in the dining room, and assisted in the kitchen by his sons, its a special experience.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is easily known by wine lovers. It shares its name with this world famous French wine, and for our oenophile clients, it is a destination that cannot be missed. However, with 350 historical buildings and monuments, dozens of museums and art galleries, and some of the best food in all of France, it is also showing that it is a destination that many of our clients do not want to miss this year!
One of our favorite accommodations here is Les Sources de Caudalie. Surrounded by the Grand Cru vineyards of Château Smith haut Lafitte, Les Sources de Caudalie has been welcoming guests since 1999. Located between vineyards and forests, just 20 minutes from Bordeaux’s city center, our Palace of the Vineyards offers unique experiences thanks to the two-Michelin-starred restaurant La Grand’Vigne , the bistro-style La Table du Lavoir, the wine bar ROUGE and the Caudalie Spa. A stay in our Palace of the vineyards is the perfect gateway to discover our 62 bedrooms, decorated by Alice Tourbier. You will also discover a vegetable garden, outdoor pool, indoor pool, and Jacuzzi overlooking a peaceful lake.
2023 travel dreams – France
France is always one of our most requested destinations as 2023 is trending this way as well. There is truly something for every type of traveler!
We hope you enjoyed some of these destinations you cannot miss in 2023. If any of them got your travel dreams going, don’t hesitate to contact us. There’s still time to plan your tailor made holiday for this year.
