The summer’s best new openings on the French coast

It’s almost Riviera season, mes chéries, which means Luxe Radar will be decamping to the Côte d'Azur for our annual hit of Vitamin Sea. Happily, the French Riviera never sleeps, which means we can always expect chic new spots and impossibly glossy hotels to steal our hearts and blow our budget in style.

The Carlton, Cannes

The Grande Dame of Cannes’ hotel scene, the Carlton Cannes, A Regent Hotel, is fresh from a two-year renovation that ensures its interiors are as impressive as its swoonsome Belle Epoque façade. Cannes’ first luxury hotel, the waterfront favourite of film stars and presidents overlooks La Croisette, the town’s prestigious promenade. The enviable location, historic architecture and gilded interiors have always been the draw, and now two new rear wings create an enclosed garden, sunbathing decks, cute cabanas and the largest hotel infinity pool in Cannes. Popular in the 18th century as a winter retreat for European royalty, Luxe Radar is ready to write itself into its next opulent chapter. ihg.com/regent

Monet in the Full Light exhibition at the Grimaldi Forum Monaco

For our culture fix, we’ll be heading an hour up the coast to Monaco for the spectacular Monet in the Full Light exhibition at the Grimaldi Forum Monaco. Always impressed by our favourite Impressionist, we’ll check out the Monte-Carlo Summer Festival itinerary while in town and spend the evening at Maona Monte-Carlo, the new open-air summer cabaret. Channelling the hedonism of Monaco in the 1960s and 70s, there will be live music, DJ sets and Monégasque cuisine overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Villa W

From the historical to the contemporary, the Philippe Starck-designed Lily of the Valley hotel in Saint-Tropez has just unveiled its new exclusive-use villa, Villa W, and it’s pretty special. When you tire of the town head for this year-round wellness destination specialising in tailored weight loss programmes. Delightfully decadent, in a serene setting, there’s a fabulous spa and fitness space with panoramic ocean views, healthy Mediterranean food and a private beach. Those craving additional privacy can book Villa W, which sleeps six and has a private garden, 17-metre pool and glorious views. Villa guests can enjoy all of Lily of The Valley’s amenities, including the hotel’s four restaurants, or simply talk to the butler. Villa W prices are on application. lilyofthevalley.com/fr/hotel/villa-w

MUSE, Saint Tropez

Should you prefer staying closer to the action, MUSE Saint Tropez, the bespoke retreat part of YTL Hotels, has just reopened for the season. An elegant boutique hotel perched atop a little bluff minutes from the buzzy Place des Lices, sunseekers will adore this glamorous sanctuary, hidden away from the Saint-Tropez set. Recharge in the award-winning gardens, chill by the glam pool and enjoy superb service. The chic garden spa is the icing on this very glamorous gateau. muse-hotels.com

Mas du Franc

For some Provençal perfection inland, Mas du Franc has caught our eye. The dream farmhouse, tastefully renovated as a luxury rental, sleeps eight in seriously chic digs. We’re talking spacious, contemporary interiors with gorgeous gardens, a natural pool, fire pit, boules court and outdoor dining areas all enveloped in nature. A few kilometres from Saint-Remy-de-Provence, one of France’s prettiest towns, it’s a stylish hideaway away from the coastal crowds. Around €1,020 per person including flights, based on maximum occupancy for seven nights, cvvillas.com

Crillon Le Brave

Tucked away in another blissful corner of Provence, we love Crillon Le Brave, a beautiful boutique bolthole owned by the former founder of French fashion brand Naf Naf, Patrick Pariente, and his two stylish daughters. (Once you discover Maisons Pariente, you’ll want to try out their other ultra-chic properties, including the newest one, Le Grand Mazarin, opening next month in Paris.) Designed with perfect panache, this rustic luxury refurb, with 34 rooms and suites, promises village views of Vaucluse and the sweeping Mont Ventoux Valley and vineyards. C’est magnifique. B&B from €350, crillonlebrave.com