My trip to Cap d’Ail, Côte d’Azur
My trip to Cap d’Ail. As I anticipated you in a last week blog post, containing many ideas on what to pack for a weekend at the sea (which, if you missed it, you can read HERE), I went for a few days in Cap d’Ail, Côte d’Azur. I am particularly attached to these places because since I was little I spent most of my summer vacation here! Based in Menton I have visited much of the many, more or less small, characteristic villages that make that side of the French Riviera closer to Italy one of the most fascinating tourist destinations in the world. A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to spend a few days there and today I finally want to share with you the story of my trip to Cap d’Ail, with many tips on what to see, where to stay and eat!
Trip to Cap d’Ail, Côte d’Azur: what to see, where to stay and eat
Cap d’Ail is located just west of the Principality of Monaco. On the other side of the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, in the direction of Nice, there is the district of Fontvieille, a very elegant and quiet residential area with a delightful port and the Louis II stadium, where, just in the days when I was in Cap d’Ail, it was the Champions League semi-finals match against Juventus! But keep reading to find out more… The hotel I’ve stayed in is located just across the road that divides Monte-Carlo from Cap d’Ail.
The Riviera Marriott Hotel Le Porte de Monaco dominate the Mediterranean Sea with a privileged view of the whole bay to the Tête de Chien, located on the other side of Cap D’Ail: a rocky promontory overlooking the coast that boasts a breathtaking view! You can get to the top easily with the car, then, once you’ve parked, you can follow a path between the rocks until you get to a balcony overlooking the coast at 360°!
The beach is just a 5-minute walk from the Marriott Riviera, lining the harbor. It’s mixed, both free and equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas, which can be booked comfortably and directly at the Hotel.
Continuing the walk along the Sentier du Littoral, a path steadily overlooking the sea and immersed in the fragrant herbs of Mediterranean scrub, you will find yourself just 25 minutes later at Plage de La Mala. Wild and beautiful, it is worth climbing and descending the stairs between the rocks to pass between the various capes of Cap d’Ail, Cap Fleuri, Cap Rognoso and Cap Mala.
From the Riviera Hotel you literally cross the road to find yourself inside the Principality of Monaco. A place that features a bunch of different and equally fascinating views: from the Casino to the skyscrapers and luxury boutiques, from Japanese and tropical gardens to the curated roofgardens filled with lush flowers and plants.
If you are looking for tips on where to eat, I particularly enjoyed the Brasserie Le Cap cuisine, which I recommend! I do not often say that I have eaten well outside Italy, but the chef of this place really conquered me! For lunch I ordered a gazpacho made on watermelon, cucumber and coriander and a salmon fillet with sweet potato puree and a ginger cream… Everything was delicious!
In addition to the terrace, the Brasserie also has a sheltered room that overlooks the hotel’s pool. A small relaxing oasis of sun loungersthat, which is pretty also when it falls dark, becoming the perfect frame to enjoy a cocktail at sunset!
During the days I was in Cap D’Ail, it was the time of the Monaco-Juve match and being the Riviera Hotel Le Porte de Monaco just a few steps from the stadium, it was chosen by the UEFA Champions League to stay and as the location for their Party pre and post match. The Hotel Manager kindly asked me if I was interested in taking part of it and of course I could not let myself be infected by the enthusiasm!
We arrived at the end of my trip to Cap d’Ail, French Riviera… I hope you appreciate my tips!
See you tomorrow with a new post and happy Monday to all of you!
