The holidays always feel like a little exhale. A moment to pause, reset and dream about where the next passport stamp might come from. As the year winds down, Americans sketch out future escapes, imagining where they might land when life allows for a fresh beginning on the other side of the ocean. That spirit of possibility is quietly fueling a revival of interest in one of Europe’s most iconic destinations: the South of France.
Once reserved for silver-screen celebrities and luxury jet-setters, the Côte d’Azur is now experiencing a surge in popularity among American travelers. In recent years, more U.S. visitors have embraced Nice, Cannes and Provence not just as glamorous stops, but as deeply lived-in places, full of history, beauty, warmth and craft.
Cannes, long synonymous with the film festival and celebrity glamour, exemplifies the Riviera’s enduring allure. Beyond the red carpet, the city pulses with everyday life. Visitors can stay in chic accommodations like JessiCannes, just steps from the Palais des Festivals, where black-and-white décor and period touches evoke the golden era of cinema. The city’s blend of elegance and vibrancy demonstrates how culture, history and leisure coexist effortlessly along this famous coastline.
Just a short journey away, Nice has become a favored destination for American travelers. The Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel offers a snapshot of the city’s charm: marble floors, panoramic views of the Mediterranean, and a rooftop restaurant where culinary influences from Brazil, Italy, and Japan converge in a single sunlit moment. More than just a backdrop, Nice provides a lens into the Riviera lifestyle, where relaxed sophistication meets rich tradition.
Connectivity is part of the region’s appeal. As YouTube traveler Camden David notes, the Riviera is unique among European destinations for the ease of hopping between cities. “The food is incredible, the access to the rest of the Riviera is just something that is so special. Most Americans who enjoy traveling and educate themselves know that Europe is well-connected, but the Riviera is really special in that there are just such short distances. To hop from Nice to Antibes or Cannes or places in Italy or Monaco — everything is just an hour to an hour and a half train ride.” This accessibility allows travelers to treat the coastline as an itinerary in motion, moving seamlessly from the old-world charm of Nice to Cannes’ cinematic streets or Monaco’s luxury ports.
The Riviera’s aesthetic is also best experienced on the road. Vintage cars, like the classic Mercedes 280 SL, available through car aficionados like Sunset Ride, embody the region’s love affair with elegance and history, offering a slow, scenic passage from coastal city to coastal city. In the narrow streets of Nice’s Old Town, the story of the past is painted onto the façades . The pastel hues of red, yellow and green conceal clever illusions: Many “windows” are painted, a workaround dating back to the French Revolution when a tax was levied on doors and windows. Tradition and ingenuity live side by side in these streets.
Beyond the coast, Provence offers a different kind of beauty. Lavender fields stretch toward the horizon in June and July, a fleeting spectacle of color and fragrance that transforms the countryside into a sensory escape. The blooms are ephemeral, which gives each visit a quiet urgency and a reminder of nature’s rhythms. The region’s landscapes have inspired artists for generations: Cézanne immortalized Montagne Sainte-Victoire in Aix-en-Provence, Van Gogh painted the olive groves of Saint-Rémy and Arles, and Matisse and Picasso were captivated by the colors and light of Nice and the surrounding villages.
Craft and tradition remain central to Provence’s character. The centuries-old soaps of Marseille are still produced using olive oil, a method preserved by a handful of traditional factories. Santons, which are miniature figurines representing nativity scenes, local trades, and community life, remain a fixture of holiday celebrations. These artisanal treasures offer a tangible connection to the region’s history and creativity.
Wine culture is equally rich. In Nice, visitors can explore the city’s oldest wine shop, founded in the 1860s, where heritage and craftsmanship are inseparable. Château Crémat, perched above the city, marries viticulture with glamour. The villa-turned-vineyard features rooms inspired by Coco Chanel, and its gardens and interiors reflect a mix of historic elegance and contemporary artistry, from furniture sourced from the Ritz Paris to artworks by international creators.
American interest in the South of France is surging for practical reasons as well. Direct flights from U.S. cities, favorable exchange rates, and an increasing range of accommodations make the region more accessible than ever. Nice, in particular, has emerged as a destination that balances sophistication and approachability — a place that is glamorous but not distant, cultured but not pretentious.
The South of France is no longer a dream whispered in French; it is a destination that invites engagement, exploration, and appreciation. From Cannes’ cinematic streets and Nice’s sunlit promenades to Provence’s fragrant fields and artisanal traditions, the region offers a rich range of experiences. For travelers seeking a blend of history, art, cuisine, and natural beauty, the Côte d’Azur represents a vibrant, tangible, and increasingly attainable vision of Europe.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Lindsey Granger and Kolyn Boyd are the co-creators of “World of Travel,” a series that explores the past, present and future of extraordinary places around the globe. You can watch the episode on the South of France here, and future episodes each Wednesday at 4 p.m. EDT on The Hill’s YouTube page.
Lindsey Granger is the co-host of “Rising.” Kolyn Boyd is a film director based in Washington, D.C.
Catch complimentary podcasts every Thursday at 4 p.m. on The Hill’s YouTube channel.
The South of France episode of “World of Travel” was sponsored by Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel, Jessicannes, Sunset Ride, Château Crémat and daytrip.
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