Côte d’Azur Playlist | A Sunny Trip to the French Riviera

This image shows a close-up view of a plant with vibrant green leaves and a cluster of pink flowers. The flowers are situated among the foliage, with their petals slightly open. In the background, a tall palm tree is visible, its fronds extending upwards. The sky above is clear and blue, indicating a sunny day. The overall scene suggests a tropical or subtropical environment, with lush vegetation thriving under bright sunlight.

Breezy electronic sounds, warm coastal rhythms, and the kind of energy that feels both luxurious and laid back. This Côte d’Azur playlist was made to take you to the South of France, somewhere along the water, wind in your hair, maybe a spritz in hand. Think blues of the Mediterranean, sun-warmed skin, and the perfect view for people watching. Anchored by Polo & Pan, Paradis, and L’Impératrice, the mix drifts through two hours of modern French sounds. Their music weaves throughout, giving the whole playlist a flow that feels full of ease and lightness. Cléa Vincent, Louane, Paco Versailles, Victorine, and La Belle Vie join in to round out the vibes, coastal afternoons and lingering seaside dinners—something for everyone at each stop along the coast.

This image shows a bustling beach scene with numerous people enjoying the water and the shore. The beach is lined with large rocks and pebbles, and the water is a vibrant blue with small waves. In the background, there is a hill covered with trees and several buildings, some of which have the word "CASTEL" visible on them. The sky is clear and blue, indicating a sunny day. People are seen swimming, standing, and walking along the beach, creating a lively atmosphere.

This image shows a close-up view of a white tray filled with ice, on which several oysters and a shrimp are placed. The oysters are shucked, revealing their meat inside the shells. A red oyster knife with a textured handle is positioned on the ice, likely used for opening the oysters. A slice of lemon is also present on the ice, possibly for adding flavor to the seafood. The tray is placed on a metallic surface, which reflects some light.

The first time I visited the Côte d’Azur, I was backpacking through Europe with a friend. We took a beautiful train from Barcelona to Nice that hugged the coast, sunlight glittering across the Mediterranean as the little towns rolled by. After a few days in Nice, we continued on to Monte Carlo.

This image shows a multi-story building with numerous balconies and yellow awnings. The building has a modern architectural style with large glass windows. At the ground level, there are several storefronts, one of which has a sign reading "BAR & COFFEE." There are people walking on the sidewalk in front of the building, and some are seated at outdoor tables under umbrellas. The scene is set under a clear blue sky, suggesting a pleasant day.

This image shows a hand holding a waffle cone filled with two scoops of ice cream. The ice cream appears to be two different flavors, one light and one darker in color. A silver spoon is inserted into the cone, resting on top of the ice cream scoops. The cone is supported by a small piece of paper, which is held by the fingers of the hand. The background is plain and light-colored, providing a simple backdrop that highlights the ice cream and cone.

Years later, I had the chance to return with my husband, and it was just as magical to see it all through a different lens. Nice felt familiar yet somehow new, the kind of place that holds its charm no matter how much time passes. We took a food and wine walking tour through Old Town (shout out to Ally, our incredible guide) and learned how the city’s layered history shows up in its architecture and cuisine. We also visited the Musée Matisse, soaked up the sun from our little hotel’s rooftop pool, watched paragliders float across the sky, and toasted with Aperol Spritzes as the Mediterranean stretched endlessly ahead.

This image shows a prominent building with a distinctive pink dome and a flag at its peak. The building is adorned with ornate white facades and balconies, featuring decorative elements and railings. Large palm trees are visible in the foreground, adding to the scenic view. The structure has large, golden letters spelling out "LE NECRESCA" across its upper section, indicating the name of the building. The sky above is clear and blue, suggesting a sunny day.

This image shows an outdoor dining area of a restaurant named "Bistrot contemporain" as indicated by the signage above the entrance. The restaurant features a modern design with a white awning and a lush green vertical garden on the facade. Several tables and chairs are arranged under large white umbrellas, providing shade. The chairs are made of wicker material, and the tables have wine glasses and other dining accessories on them. Potted plants are placed around the seating area, adding to the ambiance. The scene appears to be set in a vibrant urban environment, with the restaurant located on a street corner.

Listening to this mix takes me right back to the Côte d’Azur, where the sea glows turquoise and every turn reveals a new stunning scene. I hope you enjoy being whisked away to this incredibly dreamy coast.