Beaulieu is without doubt one of the most beautiful towns along the length of the Côte d’Azur – a place where the sea meets the mountains in gentle harmony, its shores are lined with palm trees and lush vegetation and the views are simply stunning. Beaulieu is a place that should be included on any south of France yacht charter itinerary.
Beaulieu-sur-Mer has a veritable history, and it hosted some of the most famous crowned heads of state during the Belle Epoque and «Roaring Twenties» period. A true dream oasis, Beaulieu and its traditional buildings offer a rich architectural heritage, including sumptious residences such as the famous and unforgettable Villa Kerylos, a true reconstruction of an exotic residence of ancient Greece, and one of the French Riviera’s most magnificent 5 star hotels, La Réserve de Beaulieu.
Beaulieu-sur-Mer is a very lively ‘real’ town, in every sense of the word : a wonderful array of different shops, a superb and highly individual choice of bars and restaurants, a market brimming with the colours and smells of Provence, exquisite gardens filled with palm and olive trees and Mediterranean flowers, and the beautiful local church, la Chapelle Sancta Maria de Olivo. Beaulieu has a very solid and typical French residential community spirit, which succeeds in harmonising perfectly with the seasonal visitors and yachtsmen. This is also reflected in the diverse variety of shops around Beaulieu, from wonderful butchers and pâtisseries to one of the very best kitchenware shops, Le Poivron Rouge, and to every sailor’s dream, Bigship (yacht gadgets and accessories), in the main port.
Beaulieu-sur-Mer boasts two ports. The main dynamic Port de Beaulieu, which is internationally renowned and one of the busiest yachting hubs on the Côte d’Azur, can play home to more than 720 yachts, and it is simply oozing with charm and great atmosphere. A string of wonderful restaurants run the length of the yachts in port, so the view while dining is magnificent. One of the very best, and most well known, is The African Queen. In contrast, Beaulieu’s smaller, yet picturesque harbour of La Baie des Fournis (literally «Bay of the Ants») accommodates the smaller family size boats.
Wherever there are ports, there are also usually beaches not far away. The beach of Little Africa is nestled against the cliffs, alongside the main marina. Principally a large family beach, there is also a small private beach at its entrance, Zelo’s Beach. Nestled in the Casino gardens, next to the small port of La Baie des Fournis, you will find a family beach with breathtaking views of Villa Kerylos, and at the very end a small private beach, Anao Plage, with all the usual comforts and great food.
Whilst shopping in Beaulieu you can opt for very traditional but exceptional bistro cuisine at Le Catalan, or go for the truly chic dining experience at the pink palace of Beaulieu, La Réserve. There are obviously many other options in between. At Le Catalan, quite close to the Beaulieu railway station, you eat pavement-style, more like Paris than the South of France, but with the plus of the Côte d’Azur weather. The cuisine is a mélange of Italian and Mediterranean, and one of their signature dishes is the Salade de Fruits de Mer (with a différence!). La Réserve de Beaulieu is a legendary destination of luxury charm on the French Riviera, where you can even arrive at their private jetty by boat! Yannick Franques can cook for you in the Michelin starred Restaurant des Rois, or you could opt for the elegant light cuisine of Anne-Sophie Sabini, combining her delightful sun-kissed flavours on the terrace of La Table de La Reserve.
Beaulieu-sur-Mer is alive with colourful and cultural activities throughout the year, and one of the most famous is Les Nuits Guitares. Held in an ancient olive grove, just off the sea front, for 3 nights in July, the skies are alive with the strumming of guitar afficianados.
To check availability and book a charter, please get in touch with Bespoke Yacht Charter today.
58-60 Kensington Church Street, London, W8 4DB.
Company No: 09081206
VAT No. GB 219837478
