Mediterranean Travel Guide
Once your bags are packed and everything is booked, the final quandary is how to make the most of your trips in terms of experience and style. Here, Mimi Minh Nguyen, Leinné creative director has rounded up a guide to exploring the Mediterranean, including what to do and what to wear, inspired by her recent trip to the region.
For Mimi Minh Nguyen, the French Riviera is one of her greatest sources of inspiration. Born in Vietnam, raised in London and Paris, the creative director is very much on board with travel as a way of life. The Riviera is one of her favorite places in the summer for its picturesque southern coast, lovely villages, stunning sunsets, and serendipitous discoveries of charming towns.
Explore where to go and what to pack for the charming sunny towns below with Mimi Minh Nguyen.
A slow walk in the picture-perfect village
As a creative, I've always been drawn to places that inspire creativity and evoke a sense of timeless elegance. Saint-Paul-de-Vence, nestled in the hills of the French Riviera, is one such place. The town is filled with artistic surprises. From unexpected sculptures to captivating shop displays, there's always something interesting to discover. Picasso, Modigliani, Dufy, and Matisse all lived for a time in Saint-Paul de Vence. It's a place to slow down and savor the moment.
What to do in Saint-Paul-de-Vence:
- Wander through the old town: Take your time to explore narrow lanes and cobbled streets that are lined with beautiful old buildings and boutique shops.
- Le Grande Fontaine: Spend some time at this beautiful fountain soaking up the atmosphere.
- Ramparts of Saint Paul de Vence: A fortified wall that offers a unique perspective of the village. It’s a short hike of about 25 minutes.
- Maeght Fondation: An impressive modern art and sculpture museum.
- Eglise Collégiale Saint Paul: A beautiful church in the heart of the village.
When exploring the charming streets of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, I opted for a timeless and effortless look. A classic black t-shirt and white linen trousers in the Galerie Mode Daily Box make a classic base with ultimate comfort. To complete the ensemble, I wore a raffia canvas cap and carried a Madeleine Mini crossbody bag with bright colors and added a touch of vintage charm with these big golden egg earrings.
Walk into one of the charming Riviera towns
The French Riviera in the summer is a wonderful place to explore by train. One could take a train to another town to have dinner at sunset as it is just 20 minutes away. I visited Antibes on my South of France road trip - and what a trip that was!
Antibes offers a perfect blend of timeless beauty and modern amenities, featuring picturesque beaches and a maze-like historic district that will make you fall in love with the city. I sure did! Antibes is renowned for its exceptional quality of life and ability to preserve its small-town character, even amidst the bustling tourism and development of the region.
What to do:
- Port Vauban: A huge port known for its luxurious yachts and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
- Walk the Old Town: Wander amongst the charming streets and alleys.
- Musée Picasso: A must-go for art lovers.
- Stroll along Promenade Amiral-de-Grasse: Enjoy the peaceful life in Antibes.
I chose the L’amant white dress to explore the charming town of Antibes, Délice Cottage hat and a roomy Sandra Classic beach bag as my company. Nothing beats the feeling of dressing up for dinner after a long day in the sun.
Dinner at the beach in Nice at sunset
I chose the romance of Maia silk waist-drop dress with Sabbia hat in soft pink color and Arybayo natural raffia bag to enjoy the beautiful sunset. This combination creates a romantic and feminine aesthetic, perfect for a dreamy dinner date by the sea.
A scenic walk at Beaulieu-sur-Mer and dinner in Cap Ferrat
A leisurely stroll along the Promenade Maurice Rouvier in Beaulieu-sur-Mer offered a breathtaking panorama of the Mediterranean Sea. The vibrant colors of the coastal town, dotted with charming villas and elegant boutiques, created a picturesque backdrop.
As the sun began to set, we continued our journey towards Cap Ferrat and were greeted by a more secluded and serene atmosphere. The peninsula's winding coastal paths, lined with lush vegetation and hidden coves, provided the perfect setting for a romantic dinner. We chose a waterfront restaurant with a terrace overlooking the sparkling bay. As we savored the delicious cuisine and enjoyed the gentle breeze, we couldn't help but feel a sense of tranquility and contentment.
What to do in Beaulieu-sur-Mer:
- Wander through the city’s narrow streets
- Wander through the seafront
- Villa Kerylos: Explore the marble façade, colonnaded portico, and intricate mosaics.
In this romantic vista, I want to mix contrasting elements in my outfits. A creamy off-shoulder bodysuit accentuates the shoulders, creating a striking contrast against the Shadan black scarf hat. Completing the look, I added a pair of dainty Pearl by the Yard earrings to make the look more old-school, a vintage element to balance out the youthful elements.
Half a day trip on the mountain and Old Nice
Nice has a fascinating blend of French and Italian influences. With its vibrant energy, stunning coastline, and endless possibilities for exploration, Nice is the perfect playground for those who crave the unexpected. I visited the Old Nice for lunch and had a walk after lunch uphill, then discovered this magnificent view. It’s actually a historical place that is in the tour we were about to take, and we can even find a ride downhill with all the guide information thanks to my French.
You can actually find a mini-train ride with a headphone guide from The Promenade des Anglais to go uphill to Colline du Chateau. Or you can do like me: climb uphill by foot from the Old Nice to Collin du Chateau, then take the mini-train ride downhill (remember to ask the train driver before boarding to buy the ticket).
What to do in Old Nice:
- Cours Saleya Market: Immerse in the local life and cuisine.
- A walk in the Old Nice then climb up the mountain to Colline du Château: Get on top for the beautiful panoramic view of the sea.
- Stroll The Promenade Des Anglais: One of the most iconic locations in Nice.
A Parisian who loves to blend in the summer vibe with an understated outfit, I choose a fedora raffia hat that has artisanal details. And a Madeleine Mini crossbody bag with a pop of color to keep my hands free.
Another style that guarantees a timeless summer silhouette: an oversized shirt mixed with shorts, and artisanal accessories to balance out the modern elements. A classic white shirt and shorts provide a comfortable and versatile base, while a mini bag keeps essentials within reach. The elevating element is Iris high-crowned raffia hat with embellished pearls. This ensemble allows me to embrace the laid-back atmosphere of Nice while maintaining a sense of style.
Scenic day trip to Monaco
Monaco is only a short distance away from Nice, taking about 30 minutes by train. It’s the second smallest country in the world, hence a comfortable exploration with nothing short of fun. The weather was as beautiful as a poem, adding to the overall allure of Monaco.
What to do:
- Jardin Exotique: Explore exotic flora and panoramic vistas of the Mediterranean Sea.
- Musée Océanographique: A captivating aquarium in neo-Baroque style, perfect for anyone interested in the wonders of the sea and history.
- Cathedral of Monaco: A glimpse into Monaco's royal history and religious traditions.
For a look that was both classic and contemporary, I opted for a timeless purple linen midi dress as the foundation. I paired it with a raffia wide-brimmed hat and a matching raffia jug bag. These natural materials complement the rich hue of the dress and create a relaxed, effortless vibe. To elevate the outfit, I added a pair of statement gold earrings from hand woven threads and pearls.
In general, I highly recommend Nice as an ideal base for exploring the beauty of the French Riviera without the hassle of driving. Beyond being located at the heart of the region, the city boasts a well-connected network of public transports. If your schedule allows, don’t miss the boat tour and Provence lavender tour.
OTHER EXCURSIONS
Gorges du Verdon tour
Gorges de Verdon is Europe’s largest canyon and one of France’s most impressive natural wonders. The excursion leads you through Castellane, a charming village; Lac de Castillon, a stunning turquoise lake; Pont de l'Artuby, a natural arch bridge spanning the Verdon River; and Lac de Sainte-Croix, the largest lake in Provence. If you love hiking and natural beauty, make sure you don’t miss this excursion.
Villefranche-sur-Mer snorkeling
Villefranche-sur-Mer, a picturesque coastal town on the French Riviera, offers excellent snorkeling opportunities in its crystal-clear waters. This excursion is all about immersing in the breathtaking underwater world. You can also take a leisurely stroll along the Promenade Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat to enjoy the stunning views of the bay, and visit the Citadel of Villefranche, a historic fortress offering panoramic views of the town.
The Creeks of Estérel
The Creeks of Estérel, also known as the Calanques d'Esterel, are a series of secluded coves and inlets along the coastline of the Esterel Massif in the French Riviera. Key experiences include hiking through the Esterel Massif, a rugged mountain range with stunning red rock formations; exploring the picturesque creeks (calanques), and visiting the charming coastal town of Théoule-sur-Mer.
Have you ever been to the French Riviera? Feel free to share your experience and let me know what other things you would like me to share in the future!