Côte d’Azur
DESTINATION GUIDE WITH SIDIKA OWEN D’HAUTEVILLE
Côte d’Azure Design Guide: A Curated Journey with Sidika Owen d’Hauteville
The French Riviera has long enchanted designers and dreamers alike, a place where timeless elegance meets the easy rhythm of Mediterranean life. In this curated travel guide, interior designer Sidika Owen d’Hauteville reveals the Côte d’Azur’s most design-forward destinations, blending Riviera glamour with Provençal charm.
From the iconic Fondation Maeght in Saint-Paul-de-Vence to the sculptural Sentier de Tirepoil coastal path in Cap d’Antibes, and the fragrant Fragonard Perfume Museum in Grasse, each stop is steeped in creativity, craft, and beauty. Enjoy a refined lunch at La Bastide Saint-Antoine, stroll through the stone alleyways of Antibes Old Town, or swim off the sun-drenched Coco Beach in Nice. Whether you’re visiting world-class art institutions, exploring hidden walking trails, or indulging in local gastronomy, this design-led journey uncovers the Côte d’Azur at its most soulful and stylish.
JUNE 2025
Words: designeers and SIDIKA OWEN D’HAUTEVILLE
FAVOURITE MUSEUM:
The Museum of Fragonard, Grasse
Growing up in the south of France, I was always surrounded by the world of perfume. Many of my parents’ friends worked in the fragrance industry, sparking my lifelong fascination with the art of perfume-making. If you're visiting Grasse, known as the perfume capital of the world, the Fragonard Perfume Museum is a must-see destination. This iconic perfume house offers a sensory journey into the history and craftsmanship of fragrance.
Favourite art gallery:
La Fondation Maeght, Saint-Paul-de-Vence
A true Côte d’Azur icon where art, architecture, and nature meet. Designed with Josep Lluís Sert, Fondation Maeght houses 20th-century masters — Chagall, Miró, Calder, Giacometti, Kandinsky — alongside contemporary names. Stroll the sculpture gardens, explore the permanent collection, and, while nearby, visit the Matisse Chapel in Vence for a full Riviera art immersion.
Matisse Chapel, Saint-Paul-de-Vence
FAVOURITE BEACH:
La Plage du Castel, Nice
One of the most beautiful beaches on the Côte d’Azur, tucked at the far end of the Promenade des Anglais. Expect crystal-clear waters and sweeping sea views. For lunch or dinner, the nearby Le Plongeoir, perched dramatically on the rocks, offers a memorable gastronomic experience.
FAVOURITE CERAMICS PLACE:
Biot, Antibes
I would suggest visiting Biot. It is a lovely, picturesque old town located in the hills of Antibes. Biot is famous for its glassblowing, ceramics and pottery, as well as its cafés. The village has the feel of an artist's colony, with lots of open workshops where you can go in and watch artists create their pieces.
Plage du Castel
FAVOURITE HOTEL:
Hôtel du Couvent, Nice
Without a doubt I would stay at the Hotel du Couvent in Nice. Set in Nice’s Old Town, Hôtel du Couvent is one of the Riviera’s most unique luxury stays. The 17th-century convent has been meticulously restored by hotelier Valéry Grégo with interiors by Festen Architecture. The property retains its original monastic charm: the bakery, herbalist, library, and former nuns’ cells have all been thoughtfully preserved and reimagined. The library features rare editions celebrating artists linked to Nice, including Yves Klein, Henri Matisse, and Marc Chagall, all inspired by the city’s extraordinary light and Mediterranean blues. It was here in the 1950s that Klein developed his iconic international Klein Blue.
AFTERNOON STROLL:
Sentier de Tirepoil, Cap d’Antibes
This 4.8 km coastal path offers some of the most stunning views along the Côte d’Azur, taking around two hours to complete. Starting at La Garoupe Beach, the trail winds along the Cap d’Antibes shoreline toward Argent Faux Bay, passing cliffs, rocky coves, and historic estates. In the 19th century, this idyllic stretch attracted the wealthy, who built iconic residences like Château de la Croë and Villa Eilenroc. Don’t miss a visit to Villa Eilenroc’s gardens, a perfect example of Riviera elegance.
a FINE DINING RESTAURANT:
La Bastide de Saint Antoine, Grasse
A charming 17th-century Provençal bastide overlooking Grasse, home to the renowned restaurant of Chef Jacques Chibois. Expect refined Mediterranean cuisine in a warm, elegant setting. From the terrace, enjoy sweeping views of the Cannes Bay, the hinterland, and the sparkling Mediterranean, the perfect stop after visiting the Fragonard Perfume Museum.
Photography credits:
Matisse Chapel – David Huguenin
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