I was lucky enough to  take a year long sabbatical from work in 2010 (thanks Henry) to travel around South America and Western Europe. I am frequently asked, of all our travels what was our favorite place. While it’s hard to name just one somewhere that definitely made a lasting impression was the Cote D’Azur, or South of France. This is also a popular travel destination with many of our charter clients and it’s not hard to imagine why.

The Cote D’Azur airport is based right on the coastline in Nice and is in perfect proximity to all the best areas. While Nice is a large typical French city on the water, and Cannes, a smaller, more upscale version, the true gem lies on the coastal stretch between Nice and Monaco. The terrain in this area is far too rugged to build up with sky-high condominiums, the result being a string of small, quaint villages that haven’t changed much since the glamour of the 1920’s.  The most exclusive of these villages is Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, a peninsula covered with amazing homes and private beaches with world-class yachts.

The best time of the year to visit is June or September, when the crowds are minimal, the days are long and the crystal blue Mediterranean water temperature is perfect. The location is close enough to the infamous wine country of Provence and the Italian Riviera to make for some pretty amazing haute cuisine. For stunning views drive the coastal middle corniche (Princess Grace Highway) to EZE. A small, medieval village seemingly hanging from the cliffs. There are some fantastic hotels and private villas for accommodation.

Our Gulfstream IV or Challenger 601 can travel from San Diego to the Nice Airport in about 11-12 hours with just one stop. If you are interested in learning more please email me for pricing and availability at Kimberly@schubachaviaton.com

Our Challenger 601 on approach to Nice, Cote d’Azur

View from Eze