Glamor on the Riviera

Do not waste time, escape a few days to the French Riviera, as well as see the 'celebrities' walking on the carpet of Cannes Film Festival, which opens next Wednesday, you can follow the trail of one of the biggest stars of Hollywood, the beautiful Grace Kelly, in this corner of the Mediterranean ended up stealing the heart of a prince of the truth.Rainier of Monaco Grace Kelly was smitten when he saw her in To Catch a Thief, Alfred Hitchcock film that starred with Cary Grant. It was not until the following year, 1955, when they met at the Cannes Film Festival, attended to present the film Trouble live. Rainier won the star then, but the landscape of the Riviera had taken a cable. "Who owns all these fabulous gardens," asked the actress to the writer of To Catch a Thief after shooting a scene where you could see Monaco. I could not imagine that the answer was the name of her future husband.The romantic view is obtained from the famous Grand Corniche panoramic road, 500 meters above the sea, lying between the mountains of Menton and Nice. From the viewpoint where the protagonists of the film tontean and eat a picnic, Monaco glows with soft light tones invents Mediterranean dormant in summer. The drive along the Grande Corniche goes further by charming medieval villages like Eze and La Turbie, near where the fatal accident took place on the Princess many years later.
Inland bucolic hide other places such as secluded villa where he lives the character he plays Cary Grant, Robie the Cat, in Saint-Jeannet, sheltered from the Maritime Alps. The journey from here to the people of Le Bar sur Loup and South Loup Tourrettes, which runs the handsome actor chased by police, it is also the most evocative.Encouraged to follow the steps in this thief pleads not guilty you get to Monaco, and on the coast. The restaurant where the gallant robber comes looking for help from his old comrades of the Resistance no longer exists, but in the city of luxury and hedonism is an appealing offer: Le Grill at the exquisite Hotel De Paris, the nineteenth century , or Le Vistamar, located at Le Hermitage, which still bear the atmosphere of the Roaring 20. In Monaco it is essential to explore the walled city, prepared for the royal wedding between Prince Albert and Charlene Wittstock, who will bring all the glamor of the days of Grace Kelly, and gamble at the Casino de Monte Carlo.
From Monaco to Nice, and exclusivity synonymous with sun, can be reached by boat, about 70 kilometers. French Riviera Cruise Club organizes day trips, but you can also rent a private yacht and emulate the path that made Cary Grant by boat. Once here, do not miss the famous flower market, of course, appears in the film.
About 40 kilometers away from Nice to Cannes, essential destination for any lover of cinema, because each year we celebrate here the famous festival that brings together the leading personalities of the cinema. Almost all staying at the elegant Hotel Carlton. The same where he was staying with his mother and her fabulous jewels, the character played by Grace Kelly in this delightful film that evokes the spirit of regional and Hollywood beautiful princess.DirectionsAir France and Iberia fly regularly to Nice for about 200 €. From here you can rent a car at the airport to travel the scenic road Grande Corniche. Another option is to arrive by helicopter to Monaco, a journey of only 6 minutes from Nice and ending with a landing on the shores of the sea. More information on companies or Monacair Heli Air Monaco.
Where to StayNear the main character villa in Saint-Jeannet, is a luxury hotel, the Chateau Saint Jeannet. The Intercontinental Carlton in Cannes, is essential. In Nice, the most exclusive hotels are Negresco and Palais de Mediterranee. In Monaco, the Monte Carlo Beach, an exclusive resort with private beach. All with an equally exquisite cuisine.
Learn moreMonaco Tourism, Tourism in Nice, Cannes Tourism and Tourism of the Costa Azul.
Do not missA stroll along the Croisette, in Cannes, the Lerins fortified abbey on the island Honorat, the St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral and the Roman amphitheater in Nice Gardens and Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Cap Ferrat, which summarizes the exquisite spirit of the Riviera, and the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, facing the sea, besides being an extraordinary building early twentieth century and cherish a good sampling of marine species, hosted the wedding reception of Prince Albert and Charlene Wittstock.