Why Slow Travel is the Best Way to Experience the Côte d’Azur

 

Every summer, I see the same thing: travelers racing from one location to another, looking more stressed than relaxed. They're trying to tick off as many spots as possible in just a few days—cramming their itineraries full in the hopes of "seeing it all." But if you really want to get the most out of your vacation, especially in a region like the French Riviera, slow travel is the way to go.

The Côte d’Azur, like many parts of France, is made up of destinations that are each unique in their geography, culture, food, and vibe. These are not places to rush through—they deserve to be savored. Each little town or coastal gem offers something different, and diving deeper into fewer places will reward you far more than racing through many.

I’ve honestly lost count of the number of times I’ve stepped off the train in Villefranche-sur-Mer and overheard someone saying, “Wow, I didn’t know this was part of Nice,” cue eye roll. When I can, I gently let them know—with a bit of humor—that Villefranche-sur-Mer and Nice are actually very different places. And that’s part of the point: many travelers miss out on the nuance of the region because they don’t take the time to truly explore and learn.

Over the years, I’ve seen people mislabel their locations both in person and on Instagram—claiming they’re in Cannes when they’re actually in Cap d’Antibes, or saying they’re in Monaco while wandering around Èze Village. Some even post from Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat insisting they’re in Nice. A little research before you arrive can go a long way—and can make your trip more enjoyable and meaningful.

Even worse? The so-called “content creators” who breeze into town for a day or two and suddenly claim to have all the inside tips. They often dish out completely inaccurate advice—directions, places to eat, even descriptions of beaches that are just plain wrong. Locals usually jump into the comment sections to correct them, but honestly, the best way to learn about a place is to talk to the people who live there. Most of us are happy to share tips—we know the region is built around tourism and we appreciate curious, respectful visitors.

Look, I get it. Vacation days are limited. You want to see as much as possible. But here’s the thing: you’ll get more out of your time here by slowing down. Choose one town or area as your base—somewhere you’ve always been curious about—and take your time exploring from there. If it turns out not to be what you expected, great! You’ve figured that out early and can adjust accordingly. But rushing through five places in a day means you’ll barely scratch the surface of any of them.

Too often, I see people spending a few minutes on a beach, taking a quick photo in front of a monument without really knowing what it is, or walking around glued to Google Maps instead of looking up and discovering something magical. They scarf down lunch, rush to the next location, and end the day exhausted and irritable—not exactly the vacation vibe.

The French Riviera was built on the idea of leisure. It’s a place meant to be enjoyed slowly, thoughtfully, with a sense of wonder. Some of the best travel moments happen when you allow yourself to get a little lost, stumble upon something unexpected, or have an unplanned conversation with a local.

Yes, social media has made it tempting to turn every trip into content. But ask yourself—are you actually experiencing the places you’re posting about?

Take the recent Monaco Grand Prix, for example. The area was flooded with influencers who seemed to know little about Monaco or Formula 1. Many of them spent more time filming themselves than enjoying the event or the region. Word is, the companies who brought them in weren’t too impressed with the outcome either.

At the end of the day, checking a bunch of places off a list might impress your followers or your friends back home—but it’s not the same as truly knowing a place. And that applies across all of Europe, not just the French Riviera.

One of the best-kept secrets of travel is this: pick just a few spots and dive in deep. Learn a little of the language, meet some locals, take time to enjoy a long lunch or a quiet walk without a destination. You’ll leave with real memories, authentic stories, and maybe even some new friends.

And don’t worry—the Côte d’Azur isn’t going anywhere. Take your time. Enjoy the experience. And if you fall in love with it (as many do), you can always come back for more.

Monaco Grand Prix Sets Attendance and Ticket Sales Records

 

The 82nd Monaco Grand Prix set a new benchmark for attendance, drawing an unprecedented 250,000 visitors to the Principality over four days. According to Monaco-Matin, tickets sold out more quickly than ever before — a trend that shows no sign of slowing, according to Automobile Club de Monaco President Michel Boeri.

In an interview with Monaco-Matin ahead of the race, Boeri emphasized the soaring demand: “Each year, sales are faster and stronger — and this year, we’re at full capacity.” That enthusiasm translated into the largest crowds the Grand Prix has ever seen.

From Thursday through Sunday, Monaco’s streets were transformed into a vibrant arena of noise, speed, and spectacle. Friday welcomed around 21,000 fans, while Saturday and Sunday each hit maximum capacity with 24,000 grandstand attendees.

This year's record-setting turnout reaffirmed the Monaco Grand Prix’s status as not just a crown jewel of the Formula 1 calendar, but also one of the Principality’s premier international attractions.

The figures, verified by Monaco-Matin, reflect the race’s growing popularity even amid increasing debates about the environmental impact of major sporting events. With every seat filled and the atmosphere electric, the Monaco Grand Prix once again proved why it remains a cornerstone of global motorsport and a magnet for fans worldwide.

A Nostalgic Journey Along the Mediterranean: The Espresso Riviera Returns

 

Step aboard the Espresso Riviera and embark on a timeless voyage under star-studded skies and along the dazzling Mediterranean coast.

This summer, the legendary train revives the golden era of luxury travel, offering an elegant new escape from Rome starting July 2025.

Following its celebrated debut on the Nice–Milan route in 2024, the Espresso Riviera is expanding its magical itinerary. Now connecting Rome and Marseille, the route includes a glamorous new stop: Monaco.

A Seasonal Journey of Elegance

Operated by FS Treni Turistici Italiani—a Trenitalia subsidiary—the Espresso Riviera will run every weekend from July 4 to August 30, 2025. Departing Rome on Friday evenings, the train arrives in Monaco-Monte Carlo on Saturday before continuing to Marseille. The return trip departs Saturday evening, arriving in Rome on Sunday morning.

From Nighttime Luxury to Daylight Discovery

Your journey begins with an overnight experience from Rome to Genoa, where travelers can choose between the refined intimacy of single or double sleeping cars, or the shared comfort of four-berth couchette compartments—perfect for families and friends.

After sunrise in Genoa, the train transforms into a daytime configuration, offering sweeping coastal views. Passengers may relax in a private salottino, enjoy the comfort of first class, or opt for the convenience of second class seating.

A Scenic Route Like No Other

Winding its way along the Mediterranean, the Espresso Riviera offers an unforgettable itinerary. In Italy, the train stops at Savona, Alassio, Sanremo, and Ventimiglia before entering France, calling at Menton, Monaco-Monte Carlo, Nice, Cannes, Saint-Raphaël-Valescure, Toulon, and finally Marseille.

Through panoramic windows, passengers can rediscover the beauty of the Mediterranean coast—a graceful and relaxing alternative to flying or driving.

An Onboard Lifestyle to Savor

Culinary excellence is part of the experience. A dedicated dining car and bar serve up regional dishes, morning espresso, and evening aperitifs, creating a rhythm of indulgence from departure to arrival.

To ensure a peaceful night’s rest, a trained onboard staff is available in each car throughout the night, offering discreet service and enhancing the sense of security and comfort.

Tickets, Pricing, and Booking

Daytime fares begin at just €48 in second class. Nighttime couchettes are available from approximately €100, while sleeping compartments range from €150 to €200, with meals included.

Reservations open on May 24, 2025, and can be made via the FS Treni Turistici Italiani website, by email at info@fstrenituristici.it, or by calling +39 337 1481776. As this enchanting seasonal route is expected to be in high demand, early booking is strongly recommended.

Breaking Boundaries: “The Little Sister” Triumphs at the Queer Palm 2025 in Cannes

 

The Queer Palm 2025 lit up the Cannes Film Festival with a powerful celebration of queer storytelling, awarding The Little Sister (La Petite Dernière) by Hafsia Herzi the coveted prize. This moving French-German drama, adapted from Fatima Daas’s acclaimed novel The Last One, follows a young woman from an Algerian immigrant family in Paris as she confronts her sexual identity in the face of deep-rooted cultural and religious expectations.

Newcomer Nadia Melliti captivated audiences with her portrayal of the conflicted lead, earning the Best Actress award alongside the film’s Queer Palm win. The film’s deeply personal and politically resonant narrative struck a chord with the jury and festival goers alike.

In the short film category, Italian filmmaker Sandra Lazzarini took home the Queer Palm for Bianca, a poetic and intimate portrait of an elderly woman that redefines the gaze on female beauty, aging, and desire. The short stood out for its quiet strength and visual grace, embodying the spirit of queer cinema beyond stereotypes.

As the Queer Palm marks its 15th anniversary, the 2025 edition reaffirmed its mission to spotlight bold, inclusive storytelling from around the world. Founded in 2010, the award continues to honor films across Cannes selections that challenge gender norms, explore LGBTQIA+ experiences, and expand the boundaries of cinema.

 

This year’s winners didn’t just reflect diversity—they redefined it.