Timing is of course everything. As I was in the South of France in early May I missed the chance to spot Cannes-going celebrities as the Film Festival only started this week. Home from home to many of the stars during festival week is The Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc.
F.Scott Fitzgerald immortalized the hotel, as the Hôtel des Etrangers, in Tender is the Night. It is located at the tip of the Cap d’ Antibes, and is encircled by 22 acres of lush sub-tropical gardens, the setting is, well, Edenic. Since it opened in 1879 the great and good have beaten a path to its doors to stay in one of its über expensive rooms or suites. (Famous guests include The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Liz Taylor, Joseph Kennedy, John Wayne, Bill Clinton, Madonna…)
When I was staying with my friend C in Antibes we had a glass of wine in the Eden Roc restaurant/bar which is part of the hotel. Unless you are a guest you cannot actually go into the hotel but you can through a separate driveway access the Eden Roc restaurant/bar. This allows you to catch glimpses of the iconic hotel through the trees and to amble about the luxurious gardens. The restaurant/bar is dramatically positioned at the water’s edge and overlooks the hotel’s famous swimming pool. The price of a glass of wine was extravagantly expensive but the setting was spectacular.
Last Monday night Karl Lagerfeld used the hotel’s gardens as a dramatic runway to showcase the Chanel 2011/2012 Cruise collection. Now those are the celebrities I would like to have seen. The Chanel clothes. I have had a look on-line, if you would like to have a quick peek click here.
I am sure there must be the occasional serpent in Paradise but it all looked like sun-kissed wonderfulness during my very brief visit.
Just Add Attitude 
Hi There,
Love your blog….and love Cap D’Antibes! We had an apartment in Antibes for a short time and used to sip wine at Eden Roc….gorgeous gorgeous!!!!!! Thanks for including me here, will do the same. Imen x
Thank you so much Imen…I love your blog…the photograph are amazing. With a huge amount of good wishes from Bx
We stayed here last year for my birthday, I almost spluttered into an empty grave after ordering room service – it was a one time order.
Tabitha – I hope you had a great time when you stayed there. I cannot imagine what the cost of room service was *faints thinking about it*. I would love to stay there one day….