The Most Romantic Restaurants in the French Riviera

The Calanques are one of the most romantic places on the French Riviera. They are a natural phenomenon of little water inlets carved into the cliffs over centuries and they run along the coast on either side of Marseille. People love the Calanque Sormiou, partly because of the restaurant at the bottom, Le Château. Book a table, order some freshly grilled fish, order some local rosé wine and you’ll be in heaven.

Les Viviers du Pilon is a restaurant just within walking distance of the centre of St Tropez village. It does great seafood and fresh fish – book a table at the edge of the beach for a really romantic experience. Contact the restaurant or look at their Facebook page for up-to-date opening hours.

If you want a little romance on a private beach, head to O’Key Beach. It’s a more casual affair, as you’d expect a beach restaurant to be. You might not have the place to yourself, but the fresh fish will be good, the service impeccable and you can watch everyone hanging out on the Croisette. Afterwards, walk around the old neighbourhood of Le Suquet, which is nearby. Try a little linguine seafood pasta or the grilled fish of the day with sardines. Check out their Facebook page for up-to-date recipes and news.

On the coastal road around Marseille – the Corniche Kennedy – you’ll find a cute little harbour tucked away from prying eyes. And it’s here that you’ll find Chez Fonfon, one of the big masters in seafood and bouillabaisse, the local fish stew. You can sit and have a drink, watching the small fishing boats come and go. (Bouillabaisse normally needs to be ordered one or two days in advance.)

Le Girelier has been on the quay in St Tropez for years. It offers upmarket dining, overlooking the big yachts that whizz in and out. It’s an excuse to dress up and have a night out in a beautiful village, but take the credit card. It doesn’t come cheap, although people think it’s worth it for the fantastic seafood. After your meal, wander along to the beach, called La Ponche, the old fishing district of St Tropez.

Towering high above Nice’s Promenade des Anglais, is Le Meridien’s roof terrace, complete with pool and restaurant. There are lots of hotels that do the same thing along the famous coastal strip, but people adore this one. Reserve a table and sit and admire the view of Nice from above. It’s laid back during the day and sparkling at night. You’ll feel like royalty.