Côte d’Azur – Shutters & Sunflowers https://shuttersandsunflowers.com Travel tips from an English girl in California, in love with Provence. Mon, 17 Apr 2023 04:02:53 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.8.8 124587098 Léoube, Provençal rosé enticing England and California https://shuttersandsunflowers.com/leoube-provencal-rose-enticing-england-and-california/ https://shuttersandsunflowers.com/leoube-provencal-rose-enticing-england-and-california/#comments Wed, 13 Jul 2022 13:55:04 +0000 https://shuttersandsunflowers.com/?p=13391 When the USA fell in love with rosé It wasn’t that long ago that rosé wine was hard to find in USA. Initially it was often confused with white zinfandel, wine of a similar color but not similar in any ...

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Château Léoube entrance by the vines's,Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var Provence, France

When the USA fell in love with rosé

It wasn’t that long ago that rosé wine was hard to find in USA. Initially it was often confused with white zinfandel, wine of a similar color but not similar in any other way. I can even remember rosé being dismissed as being a watered down red with half the alcohol content! But then, about ten years ago, Provençal rosé hit the American supermarket shelves and when sales exploded it sent the local vintners scampering to produce something to rival it. And small wonder that Provençal rosé has been such a success, for this subtle, pale pink shimmer in your glass, so crisp and refreshing seems to define what so many of us love about Provence. As it sparkles like sunshine, with every sip one is transported to be sitting at a bistro table below the shaded branches of gently swaying plane trees, cicadas chattering incessantly above as you ponder the biggest decision of the day, what are you going to order for lunch?

Entrance to Château Léoube, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var Provence, France

Léoube

I digress, what has this got to do with Léoube the wonderful rosé from a wine château near Bormes-Les-Mimosa in Provence? Well believe it or not the first time I tasted Léoube was not in Provence but in California. A dear friend found it at our favourite, local épicerie, Diablo Foods in Lafayette, 30 miles east of San Francisco near where we live, and we were smitten.

Daylesford

The second time I saw it was a year later, again not in Provence, but at a gorgeous organic farm shop, Daylesford, in The Cotswolds, England.

Daylesford, Gloucestershire, the Cotswolds, England

Courtyard at Daylesford

In fact, I remember it was the only wine I saw there.

Léoube wine for sale at Daylesford Barns, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK

Léoube wine for sale at Daylesford

Situated next to an organic farm, belonging to the Bamford family, in addition to the farm shop, Daylesford offers a collection of stunning home, gift, clothing and garden shops, a cookery school, several fabulous dining options and the Bamford Wellness Spa.

Topiary courtyard at Daylesford Barns, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK

There are also several equally lovely deli style farm shops and cafés in London, click here for locations

A few weeks after my first visit to Daylesford we were having lunch at a nearby pub in the Cotswolds, The White Rabbit, in Kingham and once again Léoube featured predominantly on the menu. Intrigued we got chatting to the manager who explained, Daylesford owns the White Rabbit, Daylesford is owned by Lord and Lady Bamford who also own a château in Provence, volia Léoube!!

Gloucestershire, the Cotswolds, England

The bar at The Wild Rabbit pub

Organic farming, a JCB and a chateau in Provence

Their story goes something like this….. when the Bamfords, also owners of JCB (England’s equivalent to Caterpillar) bought a fairy tale château in Bormes-Les-Mimosa it came with a small vineyard.

Château Léoube, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var, Provence, France

They became friends with their neighbour, a local vintner, Jean-Jacques Ott. They dispatched some JCB’s, recruited Monsieur Ott and later his son, who helped them in the conversion of both the vineyards and the olive grove to organic production. It's an incredible success story!

Olive groves at Café Léoube, Pellegrin Beach, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var, Provence, France

In my opinion they have established one of the loveliest domaines in Provence. Under Lady Carole Bamford's expert care, just like their farm in England and Daylesford, the commitment to sustainability and nurturing the land shines.

Château Léoube's vines at Pellegrin Beach, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var, Provence, France

Although rosé is the star of the show they also produce red, white and sparkling. They now export to more than thirty countries and are full of further aspirations.

Wine at Gift shop at Château Léoube, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var, Provence, France

The tasting room and shop at Château Léoube

Château Léoube's gift shop, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var, Provence, France

The shop at Château Léoube has the same enticing ambience as Daylesford.

The shops at Daylesford, Gloucestershire, the Cotswolds, England

Shop at Daylesford

At both locations the understated, artistic displays reek of style and good taste.

Gift shop at Château Léoube, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var, Provence, France

The natural, 'feel good' look tugs at your soul and makes you ignore the price tag!

Wine at Gift shop at Château Léoube, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var, Provence, France

And let's not forget the opportunity to taste the wine!

Château Léoube's 'Love Léoube' wine, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var Provence, France

Just down the road the story continues at The Léoube Café.

At Café Léoube, Pellegrin Beach, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var, Provence, France

Café Léoube, Pellegrin Beach

The café and it's location on Pellegrin beach is yet another Daylesford style haven.

The beach at Café Léoube, Pellegrin Beach, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var Provence, France

One that feels like you’ve arrived at a 5 star desert island.

On the beach at Café Léoube, Pellegrin Beach, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var Provence, France

Although we did think it was a bit much having to pay 11 euros to park the car when we had a reservation for lunch at the café.

The menu was delicious.

Menu at Café Léoube, Pellegrin Beach, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var, Provence, France

We chose the daurade ~ sea bass

Lunch at Café Léoube, Pellegrin Beach, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var, Provence, France

The shop on the beach was a continuation of the same allure, brimming with temptation.

Pellegrin Beach, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var Provence, France

A beach version of  the ladies clothing shop at Daylesford.

Shop at Café Léoube, Pellegrin Beach, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var Provence, France

The Daylesford ladies clothing shop.

Clothing shop Daylesford Barns Gloucestershire, the Cotswolds, England

Even the plates for sale at Café Léoube begged to be purchased.

The plates at Café Léoube, Pellegrin Beach, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var, Provence, France

Everything at Café Léoube and Pellegrin Beach is dedicated to relaxing with its laid back, feel good vibe.

Cushions at Café Léoube, Pellegrin Beach, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var, Provence, France

We will be returning for sure; to Pellegrin Beach, Château Léoube and Daylesford of course!

Château Léoube

2387 Route de Lèoube 83230 Bormes-les-Mimosas

Café Léoube

Open from April - October for lunch and dinner reservations are essential.

Call +33 04 98 07 69 88 or book online here

Check out their summer program and the various events hosted here throughout the season.

Click here for directions to both the Château and Café at Pellegrin Beach.

Daylesford

Daylesford near Kingham Cotswolds GL56 0YG +44 (0)1608 731700

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Provence's French Riviera, the Côte d'Azur https://shuttersandsunflowers.com/provences-french-riviera-the-cote-dazur/ https://shuttersandsunflowers.com/provences-french-riviera-the-cote-dazur/#respond Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:00:00 +0000 http://www.shuttersandsunflowers.com/blog/provences-french-riviera-the-cote-dazur The Côte d'Azur or 'French Riviera', as called by Les Anglais, is a region of startling contrasts. From its dramatic coast line of rocky cliff tops to gentle sandy beaches where the sea gently laps and the sun soaks into your pores. Glamorous ...

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Monaco View, Cote d'Azur, France

The Côte d'Azur or 'French Riviera', as called by Les Anglais, is a region of startling contrasts. From its dramatic coast line of rocky cliff tops to gentle sandy beaches where the sea gently laps and the sun soaks into your pores. Glamorous resorts, bustling cities and village perchés are all part of its make up. This sunblessed eastern corner of France, the Côte d'Azur, an illustrious stretch of coastline from Cassis to Menton, could take a life time to explore. A favourite of artists, writers and initially a haven for just the very rich, the Côte d'Azur is infused with the scents of lavendar, olives and pine and just like the rest of Provence it is beautiful and intoxicating.............

Roquebrune-Cap-Martin

Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, is a picturesque medieval village nestled between stunning Monaco and bustling Menton, minutes from the Italian border. Over the years Roquebrune-Cap-Martin has been owned by the Grimaldi Family, the Italians and the French, who each in their own way have contributed to the charming little squares, beautiful fountains scattered here and there and ornate wrought-iron balconies. As you explore its deep vaulted passages, like the Greeks and Romans before you, you find yourself becoming entranced by this sun-drenched idyll which clings to the cliffs above Monte Carlo.
Streets in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Cote d'Azur, France
Wandering Roquebrune's narrow, stepped, stone streets, just one person wide, you wonder about all those who have trod these worn paths before you. Pausing momentarily in the shadows, a respite from the midday sun, the stillness and ancient heritage envelopes you. Only the gentle scuffle of a leaf, caught in the breeze, twirling somewhere behind you and a faint distance birds' chatter fills the air, the village seems deserted.

Medieval Street in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Cote d'Azur
Yet just a few paces away you turn a corner, suddenly dazzled by the vibrant provencal sky, to find yourself immersed in a lazy lunchtime of Roquebrune's central square, tucked in between its chateau and high protective rocks.
The Square in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Cote d'Azur, France

Hotel du Grand Cap Ferrat

Further along the coast towards Nice is one of the Cote d'Azur's most spectacular destinations, Hotel du Grand Cap Ferrat. Expensive and beautiful yet at the same time serene and discreet, an atmosphere of timeless chic, no wonder this a favourite escape for the rich and famous! In nearby St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat you almost expect to bump into David Niven, Somerset Maugham, or Charlie Chaplin, all of whom had homes here!
Hotel du Cap Ferrat, Jean Cap Ferrat Cote d'Azur, France
The elegant hotel lounge tempts you to order an English tea before retiring to one of the hotel's sancturies to slip into a silk evening dress for cocktails and then dinner.
Grand Hotel Cap Ferrat lounge, St-Jean-Ferrat, Cote d'Azur, France
The immaculate hotel gardens scented with jasmine and rosemary offers shady recluses to read your book undisturbed. Beyond the pool and the glistening Mediterraean beckons.
From garden at Grand Hotel Du Cap Ferrat
Just looking at this makes one want to recline on one of the loungers, close ones eyes and relax!
Pool at Hotel Cap Ferrat, Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, Cote d'Azur, France
Leaving St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat behind us, the coastline before Nice bends and twists, revealing small, quaint habours on almost every turn.
French Cote D'Azur

Valbonne

Valbonne, meaning the 'good valley' is another favourite spot about 20 minutes along the coast from Nice towards Antibes, just slightly inland. Traces of settlement here dates back to the Iron Age. This charming, splendidly preserved village showcases provencal architecture, shopping and delicious food. In stark contrast to its neighbour, the 1970s built high tech centre of Sophia Antipolis. Its name, Sophia Antipolis, was adopted from the ancient Greek colony of Antipolis which resided in nearby Antibes. Today, Sophia Antipolis has became an important site of research and development, the 'Silicone Valley' of France!
Valbonne, Cote d' Azur, Provence, France

Mougins

The delightful village of Mougins sits back on the hill from Valbonne closer to the coast, just 15 minutes from Cannes. Mougins also enjoys a rich historical heritage having been occupied prior to the Romans. For centuries afterwards Mougins was a sleepy backwater and for a long time the home of the local Monks of Saint Honorat. During this period, Mougins became a fortified village enclosed by medieval ramparts, parts of which still exist today. Surrounded by forests, the village has an abundance of pine, olive, and cyprus trees and provencal charm, a favourite spot of mine!
Street in Mougin, Cote d'Azur, France

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Nice, capital of the Côte d'Azur https://shuttersandsunflowers.com/nice-capital-of-the-cote-dazur/ https://shuttersandsunflowers.com/nice-capital-of-the-cote-dazur/#respond Tue, 12 Jun 2012 14:00:00 +0000 http://www.shuttersandsunflowers.com/blog/nice-capital-of-the-cote-dazur Nice, the capital of the Côte d'Azur, vibrant and exciting with its splendid shopping streets, famous beachfront Promenade d’ Anglais, its charming old town and stunning flower market.  The ancient history of Nice dates back to the Greeks, 350 BC, ...

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Nice, France

Nice, the capital of the Côte d'Azur, vibrant and exciting with its splendid shopping streets, famous beachfront Promenade d’ Anglais, its charming old town and stunning flower market.

 The ancient history of Nice dates back to the Greeks, 350 BC, boasting one of the oldest settlements in Europe. It has been ruled by the Romans, returned to be part of Provence and then taken over by Italy and later Switzerland in the Middle Ages. In the mid-nineteenth century Nice was sold to Napoleon III in exchange for french financial and military assistance. Shortly after it became much frequented and much beloved by the English aristocracy.

Beguiled by its beautiful setting and the warmth of the sunshine, the English brought a prosperity to Nice and the surrounding area which had been previously unknown. They built luxurious, bougainvillea-covered villas, impressive churches and a walkway by the sparkling Mediterranean – Promenade des Anglais.
In the early twentieth century when the railway from Marseilles was extended, Nice became a destination, developing a tourist based economy with people travelling for the first time just for pleasure. Its picturesque surroundings also attracted those seeking inspiration - artists such as Chagall, Matisse and Arman, whose work is commemorated in the city’s fine museums. Today Nice remains the most visited city in France after Paris, attracting four million visitors every year.

While our boys soaked up the excitement and atmosphere of Formula One, in nearby Monaco, we girls strolled Nice’s avenues, old town and seafront. We sampled some of the culinary abundance from the plentiful restaurants, pampered ourselves on private beaches,
choose delicious fruits and vegetables for the evening's dinner and gathered arms full of freshly picked blooms in the flower market.

It was not hard to see why Nice has been and remains today such a favourite destination from visitors all over the world!

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