Where to have tea on the French Riviera? Our selection of the finest spots
When we talk aboutwhere having tea on the French RivieraOne immediately thinks of the traditional afternoon tea, which became the fashionable gathering of the British aristocracy towards the end of the 19th century. To this day, it remains the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones while enjoying refined hors d'oeuvres in the world's finest tea rooms and luxury hotels. In this regard, the French Riviera boasts iconic addresses for tasting the best finger sandwiches, scones, biscuits, and other exquisite pastries. Let's take a closer look at these must-visit spots for an afternoon fit for a Lord and Lady.
Where to have tea on the French Riviera: in the heart of the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat
Immerse yourself in one of the most prestigious palaces on the French Riviera, located 12km from Nice15km from Monaco and 40km from the Italian border. Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat is a certified estate, nestled within over 6 hectares of lush gardens. It is a favorite meeting place for many celebrities, as it offers not only breathtaking sea views but, above all, a unique setting that blends modernity and refinement. The establishment boasts three restaurants, where it is possible to enjoy a most distinguished afternoon tea. For those wondering where having tea on the French Riviera, The flavors are truly unique at Chef Florian Maragallion's Rotonde Hotel, where you can savor exceptional pastries. His shortcrust and puff pastry creations are exquisitely delicate, bordering on perfection, and infused with velvety aromas of chestnut, vanilla, or blackcurrant. It's no wonder that Coco Chanel and Jean Cocteau spent some of their sweetest afternoons there with friends.
Address: 71 Boulevard du Général de Gaulle, 06203 Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France
Enjoy afternoon tea on the French Riviera at the Fitzgerald piano bar in the 5-star Belles Rives hotel, Cap d'Antibes
The name of this famous bar, which strongly evokes the literary gem of the 20s, is no coincidence. The renowned writer F. Scott Fitzgerald drew his greatest inspiration from the moments he shared with his beloved Zelda here. Classified as a "Historic and Heritage Café of Europe," the place offers a hushed, intimate, yet very welcoming atmosphere, particularly conducive to... tea time on the French Riviera all while enjoying an unparalleled setting overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Featured among the best restaurants on the French RivieraThe Hôtel Belles Rives is a renowned spot for afternoon aperitifs, thanks in particular to the musical ambiance provided by its piano bar. That said, when it comes to tea time, the hotel offers the finest treats, reminiscent of childhood favorites. Madeleines, cookies, custard tarts, cupcakes, praline brioches, and red fruit tarts—these sweet delights are sure to please both young and old. An added bonus: the breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea from the terrace.
Address: The Piano Bar Fitzgerald located at 33 Boulevard Edouard Baudoin, 06160 Antibes, Juan-les-Pins is open every day from 15pm to 23pm.
Tea time at the home of the World's Best Pastry Chef: Cédric Grolet at the Château de la Messardière, Saint-Tropez
The renowned pastry chef, celebrated worldwide for his exceptional creations, including his famous trompe-l'œil, has established his boutique in Saint-Tropez, at the Château de la Messardière, one of the must-visit addresses in the Maisons Airelles collection of hotels. There, he showcases his delectable croissants, his iconic trompe-l'œil creations in fruit and flower forms, and other specialties as indulgent as they are decadent. tea-time At Cédric Grolet's restaurant, this becomes an obvious choice, where the experience takes on a more upscale dimension. Among the iconic pieces that can be found at La Messardière are:
- The carved fruits
- The Vanilla Flower
- XXL cookies
- The Tropezienne tart revisited in the style of Cédric Grolet
- The flaky brioche
Accessible by reservation only, the Château de la Messardière is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 09am to 18pm. The pastry chef's creations are also served at other Airelles locations, including Palladio and Délices du Pan Deï, as well as for takeaway at the Cédric Grolet & Airelles boutique.
Address: 19 rue des Feniers 839990 Saint-Tropez
The chocolatey treats of the Lobby Bar, at the Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo
The Lobby Bar is the heart and soul of the Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo, thanks to its majestic décor, like an Art Deco museum directly inspired by the Belle Époque. Indeed, discerning art lovers will immediately recognize the works of Picasso, Francis Bacon, and Andy Warhol displayed on the walls. Imagine then savoring the finest chocolate pastries in such a dreamlike setting, renowned for its exceptional selection of chocolates. And where there's chocolate, there are bound to be crêpes, as the Lobby Bar is also known as the best crêpe bar in all of Monaco. A truly enchanting delight for those who dream of... having tea on the French RivieraThe décor of the premises requires particular attention, as it makes all the difference among all the tea rooms on the French Riviera. Evolving with the seasons, it was designed by Jacques Garcia to transport guests, from the velvet tapestries and wood paneling with a touch of burgundy, to the highly versatile floral arrangements and the alcoves lined with bookshelves; it is a very theatrical setting that welcomes visitors to this establishment.
The Monte-Carlo Lobby Bar is open every day from 8am to 1am.
Address: Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo, 4 Avenue de la Madone 98000 Monaco
Delicious British flavors in the heart of the Croisette: the bar at the Gray d'Albion in Cannes
What better way to conclude this selection of the most beautiful addresses where to have tea on the French Riviera Looking for a place to enjoy afternoon tea in the English style? Every afternoon from 15 pm, the Gray bar delights its guests with traditional pastries, scones, and exquisitely prepared, quintessentially British mini-sandwiches. It's a delightful and relaxing experience, enhanced by the beauty of the setting, particularly its chic and modern décor – the epitome of cozy time. In this magnificent atmosphere inspired by the privileged moments of British royalty of yesteryear, everything has been designed to please tea-time enthusiasts, down to the smallest details of the presentation of the desserts.
Address: Le Bar du Gray, 38 Rue des Serbes 06400 Cannes
Having tea on the French RivieraAfternoon tea, a unique experience also known as "afternoon tea," is not simply a sweet treat to enjoy; it's an institution embodying British refinement, now offered by some of the world's most iconic restaurants. It's a moment of sharing, etiquette, and culture, and it has earned its place on the menus of the finest establishments. It's no wonder, then, that the French Riviera boasts countless restaurants offering this experience, much to the delight of those who love relaxing afternoons after a long day at work. Moreover, thanks to the luxury transportation service offered by Eden Cab, you will be able to access these exceptional places in the most distinguished way.
Book your perfect trip now to visit your favorite afternoon tea spots on the French Rivierawith a private driver who knows all the routes in the region very well.
