The Survival of the Chicest: the French Riviera

In its August 1 2009 issue, the bountiful FT supplement How To Spend It had a star on its cover I could not endorse more: the French Riviera. The issue passed into review why one of the most classic and chic destinations in the world is the one that sustains the most: the Survival of the Chicest. Indeed, ever since Queen Victoria, Tsar Alexander II of Russia, Napoleon III and Leopold II of Belgium, set foot on it, everything Paris has become to fashion, the Côte d'azur has become to leisure.

The Riviera has developed its hidden private hideaways, such as its classic Cap D'Antibes and the reviving Cap-Ferrat, as well as its hot spots in Saint Tropez, with its social life and beaches, in Cannes, with its Palais and festivals, and of course in Monaco, with its casino, hotels and nightlife. A lot of the time, the best places on the Côte d'azur are synonymous with the best places in the world, and this is the case I believe of the place I've just spent the evening at: the Bar Américain in the Hotel de Paris, which is one of the most sought after bars in Monaco.

Whether you are there during the Grand Prix, a time when the place turns into the most select networking spot around the social calendar, whether you wish to enjoy the word largest hotel cellar, or whether you wish to relax between friends in a cosy and elegant environment, the Bar Américain certainly is the only place to give you all of that and more.

Tonight I just sipped one of the best fresh juices that can be made, I enjoyed the soothing atmosphere with the family, and the exceptional setting which --I warn you-- you do become quite addicted to. And I can guarantee you the free jazz cover of "Quizas, Quizas, Quizas' played was the band of the night was worth some of the best concerts I attended during my time on the East Coast.

After the years of going to the Bar Américain in between my time somewhere else in the world, with a zest of personal attachement to it, I can say that I agree with How To Spend It: the Riviera has never died, and it never will, as nothing can equal its inimitable style and setting and the multitude of hidden treasures it has to offer.