Postcards from Provence: My Cinematic Escape to the French Riviera
- Valerie Mayer
- May 15
- 4 min read
With the Cannes Film Festival now lighting up the Côte d'Azur with its signature glamour, I find myself transported back to one of the most dazzling adventures I’ve ever had—a tour of the French Riviera that felt like stepping into a living postcard. And at the heart of it all? Club Med Opio, my serene and stylish home base tucked into the pine-covered hills just outside of Cannes.
I remember arriving at the all-inclusive Club Med Opio like it was yesterday. The air was heavy with the scent of blooming jasmine and olive trees, the sun played across the terra-cotta rooftops, and the distant sound of cicadas hummed like nature’s welcome mat. Our suite, with its private terrace overlooking olive groves, was the picture of Provençal charm with a touch of modern elegance. After a long journey, I sank into a cushioned lounger by the Zen pool, a glass of chilled rosé in hand, and felt the tension of city life melt away.
Each morning began with the kind of indulgent routine you don’t know you need until you’ve lived it—early laps in one of the three outdoor pools and a light breakfast on the terrace. And then we were off, each day unfolding into a new vignette of Mediterranean magic.
Day 1: Nice – Where Glamour Meets Old-World Charm
Our first full day started with a drive along the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, sunbeams dancing on the Bay of Angels. Our guide pointed out the regal Hotel Negresco, a Belle époque beauty that felt straight out of a Wes Anderson set. In the Old Town, I lost track of time weaving through markets full of sun-drenched fruit, vivid flowers, and Provençal spices. The baroque Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate stood proudly amidst it all, and lunch at a café near Place Masséna offered the perfect people-watching perch.
That evening, back at the all-inclusive Club Med, I wandered the quiet paths lit by lanterns and headed for the spa—an hour in the hammam followed by a lavender-scented massage reminded me just how sweet it is to travel well.
Day 2: Saint-Paul-de-Vence – An Artist’s Daydream
The next day took us to the hilltop haven of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. It’s the kind of village that begs you to slow down and marvel—at centuries-old stone facades, at bougainvillea spilling over balconies, at art galleries tucked into narrow lanes. I found myself captivated at the Maeght Foundation, gazing at works by Chagall and Miró under the shade of cypress trees.
Back at the resort, we enjoyed a leisurely game of pétanque in the fragrant Provençal sunset.
Day 3: Cannes & the Lérins Islands – A Tale of Two Worlds
Cannes was everything you’d expect—sparkling and chic. We strolled La Croisette like stars in our own indie film, then climbed to Le Suquet for panoramic views over the marina. But it was the boat ride to Île Sainte-Marguerite that stole the show. Floating just offshore, the island felt untouched and wild. We toured Fort Royal, where the Man in the Iron Mask once sat imprisoned, then picnicked on fresh baguettes and olives while the sea lapped quietly at the rocky shore.
Back at the all-inclusive Club Med, dinner under the stars featured Provençal specialties—roasted lamb with rosemary, tapenade, and ratatouille—paired with a local red. We lingered at the outdoor bar, listening to live music and recounting the day’s highlights.
Day 4: Antibes – Billionaire Boats and a Picasso or Two
Antibes brought a different kind of glamour. At Port Vauban, I marveled at the superyachts that gleamed like polished sculptures. The old town charmed with its stone archways and crooked alleys. The Picasso Museum, housed in the ancient Château Grimaldi, had me transfixed with its blend of modern genius and medieval bones.
I took the afternoon off back at the all-inclusive Club Med, curled up with a book by the Zen pool, the quiet only broken by the occasional splash of water or the soft thud of a tennis ball from a nearby court.
Day 5: Èze & Monaco – Cliffside Beauty and Royal Splendor
Èze was straight out of a fairy tale. Perched high above the Mediterranean, it felt like a secret kingdom in the sky. The scent of perfumed gardens, the cobbled paths, the glimpse of blue sea between stone buildings—it was dreamy. Then came Monaco, sleek and storied, where we wandered the quiet streets of the old town, peeked into the royal cathedral, and stood in awe before the Casino of Monte Carlo. We couldn’t help but ask for a Martini shaken, not stirred at the Casino bar—just for fun.
Day 6: Grasse – The Scented Soul of Provence
Our final day took us to Grasse, the perfume capital of the world. The tour of the Fragonard factory was fascinating—we even got to create our own sample scent, which I still wear when I’m missing the Riviera. The colorful streets of Grasse, with their shuttered windows and open-air markets, felt alive with stories. I bought a bottle of jasmine oil and a bundle of dried lavender to take Provence home with me.
The Club Med Difference
Throughout it all, the all-inclusive Club Med Opio wasn’t just a place to sleep—it was part of the adventure. From early morning swims to sunset cocktails and laughter-filled evenings with live music and dancing, it felt like a second home that elevated every experience. My husband swore the spa and a couple of late-afternoon sessions at the resort’s driving range were the perfect balance to our busy days. Every night, we returned dusty, happy, and full of new stories—and every morning, we woke up ready for more.
If you’re dreaming of the French Riviera, I can’t recommend this experience enough. It was a trip filled with contrasts: seaside sparkle and mountain serenity, medieval villages and mega yachts, old-world art and modern indulgence. And at the center of it all, an all-inclusive Club Med resort that made it all effortless.
Because sometimes, the best journeys begin and end in the same place—somewhere with olive groves, cicadas, and just enough magic to make you feel like the star of your own Riviera story. Don't wait, reach out to start planning your own adventure.