What it is

An iconic Art Deco estate that hosted luminary F. Scott Fitzgerald, with a beachfront restaurant, piano bar, and Valmont salon.

What it isn't

Equipped with its own spa. But you can indulge in a massage right on the beach (though in a place as relaxing as Cap d’Antibes, who really needs one?).

What we think

“Tender is the Night”—the fourth novel of F. Scott Fitzgerald—was reportedly born right here, in this particularly sparkly jewel in the Riviera’s crown. F. Scott Fitzgerald moved here with his wife, Zelda, in 1925, and he took the property as his muse, hosting megawatt celebrities (Hemingway, Picasso) within these walls. Today, the hotel is no less than a legend—with the interiors to match. Guest rooms are adorned in classical black and white or jewel tones, all with a coquettish nod to Art Deco style—including wallpaper with a diamond motif and houndstooth upholstery. Ask for a Deluxe Sea View Room for an overlook of the water from your French doors, and be sure to belly up to the leather bar at Fitzgerald, the piano bar, for a Sparkling Scott cocktail (champagne, rose, lime, and raspberry).

You're here because

The hotel maintains pristine daybeds with blue umbrellas on the beach and jetty…a Rivieran fantasy, just for you, complete with a Francophile lunch menu (get the Salade niçoise).

The Moment

Listening to the tickling of the ivories at the hotel’s piano bar, you almost think you see F. Scott Fitzgerald himself, guffawing into the tender night…but perhaps that’s just your Hemingway cocktail talking.

Restaurants & Bars

La Passagère - Hôtel Belles Rives’ Michelin-starred dining with a coveted terrace

Plage Belles Rives - Perfect beach dining: light dishes featuring Provencal flavors

Le Bistrot Terrasse - a modern bistro helmed by a Michelin-starred chef, in a nouvelle cuisine style, on a very cosy terrace.

Piano Bar Fitzgerald

Le Bar Plage Belles Rives

Location

Flanking a sandy cove in Cap d’Antibes, just two blocks from the marina at Port Gallice and a 7 minute drive from Musée Picasso—a 17th century castle that became Picasso’s studio in 1946.