By midday, skis are clipped off, sunglasses go on, and suddenly I found myself dancing on tables while DJs, live musicians and cabaret-style performers wearing flamboyant attire brought full festival energy to the mountains. It’s loud, joyful and unapologetically extra — and that’s exactly the point.

Dining is another ritual here. I like to return to Le Tilleul, where Provençal plates are served under shady trees in the village square. And if you’re staying longer, the legendary La Colombe d’Or — offers 5-star comfort and walls lined with works left by the artists who once stayed there.

The scene is classic South of France: just a handful of rows of sunbeds and parasols lined neatly on the sand and stretching onto the wooden jetties on either side, suspended just above the sea. With every dip, bite, and beat of music, Plage Keller captures that timeless Côte d’Azur spirit — chic, relaxed, and effortlessly golden.

Eating in Antibes is part of the pleasure. For a lively lunch, I love Chez Jules, where the tables are decorated with fresh produce and the plates brim with local flavour — though be prepared for a crowd. For a quieter, more intimate meal, I head to Restaurant Le Safranier, a tucked-away terrace shaded by trees that feels like dining in someone’s secret garden (booking essential). And for something casual yet deeply satisfying, nothing beats a thin, wood-fired pizza and an ic