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Cafe Noir on the Cote d'Azur

The ultra-chic culture of the French Riviera includes leisurely mornings spent sipping exquisitely prepared cups of coffee. The point is to give off an impression of activity and attention without actually putting in a lot of effort. There is widespread discontent and preoccupation. It could be the laid-back atmosphere, the stunning coastal views, or the diversionary nature of people-watching that makes it hard to get much done.

Frivolities in France

The French Riviera is the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee or an aperitif al fresco. This is closely followed by soaking in the sun and the beautiful weather along Nice's Promenade des Anglais. After you've spent time relaxing, take a stroll along the coast from Villefranche-sur-Mer to Beaulieu-sur-Mer.

It doesn't take long to realize that the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, baked goods, and local fare is more enticing than the salty air. You'll certainly want to try the South of France's specialties, such as ratatouille, bouillabaisse, and salad Nicoise. While conventional dishes are offered, pastries, cupcakes, and muffins have also made an appearance on the menu!

Caffeine Corners

Antibes, Cannes, Juan-les-Pins, and the rest of the French Riviera are dotted with charming beachside cafes. Look for Choopy's (Antibes), Coffee & Cookies (Cannes), La Luna (Beaulieu), and Le Haricot Magique (Nice) to get an impression of what's bringing current Cote d'Azur clientele to the cafes. You'll find a good mix of coffees, light regional fare, and American-style desserts being offered.


Along with traditional coffee houses, museum cafés are another choice for getting your caffeine fix. Nonetheless, I wouldn't suggest stopping in for just the house blend. The museums in Nice are renowned for their collections of art and design rather than their coffee and crullers. The amazing collection at the Musee d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain is housed in a cutting-edge structure with sky-high platforms.

The patio of the Musee Chagall showcases paintings of Chagall's "biblical message" as well as other works of art and sculptures donated by the artist's family. The museum's performance hall, which features tiles and stained glass windows, is a serene spot for quiet thought and a cup of holy coffee. There are also those who come to the amenities to relax after a long day of activities.

Au Contraire

There are also a few tearooms on the French Riviera for visitors (and residents) who would rather have afternoon tea than café au lait. If you identify as such, you may be interested in the following:

Biscuit & Biscuit in Marseilles (serves pastries; décor emphasizes pottery)
Altro Cose Cosi in Nice (serves breakfast and lunch as well as afternoon tea)
Book in Bar in Aix-en-Provence (good collection of British literature and magazines)
YThe Cote d'Azur is filled with fantastic restaurants, shops, and scenic lookouts; you're bound to discover your own personal favorites. The good news is that you can accomplish all of these things while enjoying a delicious cup of coffee. So, which coffee shop has the best cup? Where can I find the friendliest waiters? And what kind of store is most apt to have English-speaking employees? Please let us know!

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