After five days in cold, rainy Paris we were so excited to hop on the TGV early on Saturday morning and head down south to sunny skies in the Riviera! Get ready — there are some major photos happening in this post. Grab your coffee and settle in. You’ll be here awhile.
We stayed in Antibes, about thirty minutes from Nice, at a tiny Bed & Breakfast called Bastide de la Brague I found while researching our trip via Rick Steves. {Sidenote on Rick Steves: we pretty much planned our entire honeymoon based on the recommendations in his books. It became almost comical because there were times during our trip when Adam and I would look at each other while picking a restaurant for dinner and ask, “would Rick eat here?” or “what would Rick do?”} Clearly, we are bffs.
Anyways. we took the TGV to Avignon early in the morning, rented a little car and drove the couple hours down to Antibes, stopping in Provence for lunch.
Adam really wanted to drive in Europe. You should have seen him behind the wheel, swerving around some crazy drivers and through all the funny little French roundabouts. He was SO happy.
He was so happy, that is, until I had a major navigating faux pas which, in turn, caused us to go through a toll near Cannes four times. Oops.
Lavender, goat cheese and flowers pretty much summed up Provence to me. I probably ate a dozen “chevre chaud” salads in France, or hot goat cheese salads. I need to remake one for the blog but it’s just fresh greens, bacon and toast topped with soft melting rounds of fresh goat cheese. Heavenly.
I loved where we stayed in Antibes. There are only eight rooms at this B&B and a husband/wife team own and manage everything. It was adorable! Check out the huge cherry tree outside our room. Every time we walked in, I ate a cherry off it.
Franck and Isabelle {the owners} were more than hospitable and friendly. We felt like we were really one of the family staying with them. Franck was the chef of the family. He baked croissants every morning and one night, we were lucky enough to eat his amazing cooking for dinner. He had just, that day, gone fishing and caught a gigantic tuna that Adam and I, along with seven other guests, feasted on. I have to say that this was the most memorable night of our honeymoon — sitting at a long table eating delicious fresh food with all these new friends we made from around the world. No cameras were present that night, just laughter and the clinking of glasses, forks and spoons.
If you’re ever in the French Riviera, I highly recommend Bastide de la Brague. Make sure you ask about dinner by Frank. It’s 25 euros each and includes appetizers, all wine, dessert and an experience that you will never forget. The inn was a little outside of town so you really need a car while staying there, but it’s definitely worth it.
Besides dinner that night, our favorite part of Antibes was definitely the daily market in Old Town Antibes. I have to think this is what heaven will someday be like.
{dress from StitchFix}
But the best, best, BEST part? The spice booth. Dozens upon dozens of freshly ground spices and sea salts. Amazing.
We enjoyed a fabulous lunch in Old Town that day. I happily munched on a tomato and mozzarella salad — the mozzarella so fresh and creamy that I almost mistook it for burrata. The tomatoes were sweet like candy and exploded in perfect sun ripened flavor. I almost cried it was so good…and that’s a fact.
I love how fresh all the food was in the Riviera. From Frank cooking us tuna he caught that day to my tomato salad to all the fresh pressed olive oils that lined shop walls, I felt totally at home.
Oh, and just CHECK OUT the shaved truffles on my green bean salad, will you? No words, my friends. No words.
Yep, I could totally live here.
Here’s my cute hubby and I after dinner out one night. Several people recommended the restaurant, Les Vieux Murs, to us, and while it was certainly delicious, we both decided that it wasn’t worth the hefty price tag.
We had two full days in the Riviera and soaked up every moment. It was, hands down, one of the most beautiful places that I’ve ever been and had some of the best food that I’ve ever eaten.
From Antibes we bid au revoir to France and hopped the border to Switzerland….more on that to come!
JulieD
June 23, 2013 at 8:55 pmLove all of the pictures and that dress on you! Congrats again!! xoxo
dishing up the dirt
June 23, 2013 at 8:57 pmlove the photos! I’m waking up tomorrow with a croissant and a cappuccino pretending to be in France!
Ali | Gimme Some Oven
June 23, 2013 at 8:58 pmLooks absolutely amazing! And I love how happy you two look in that photo together! 🙂
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma)
June 23, 2013 at 9:00 pmLooks so beautiful! I’d definitely love to go there some day! Hopefully soon, but for now I’ll live vicariously through you!
Ella
June 23, 2013 at 9:05 pmSniff sniff! Reading this takes me back to my own honeymoon (on a Caribbean island, but still, you only get one honeymoon and I think the sentiment is the same regardless of where you are!) That incredible feeling of starting a life together and your whole future as a couple stretching ahead of you… Congrats!!
Glory/ Glorious Treats
June 23, 2013 at 9:08 pmThank you for sharing your trip with us! Such gorgeous photos and sounds like you had a wonderful time. Can’t wait to see more!
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health
June 23, 2013 at 9:25 pmI loved seeing all of these gorgeous pictures! Rick Steves is the man, I had his book in tow the entire time I was in France. And I think you are bound to get lost at some point, those roads can be so confusing. You and Adam make a beautiful husband and wife and I can’t wait to see the pictures from Switzerland, it’s on my bucket list!
Andrea @ The Skinny Chronicles
June 23, 2013 at 9:28 pmToo cool! Super fab dress. You probably made all the fashionable French glad jealous with at one. Very inspiring travels…
Tina
June 23, 2013 at 9:46 pmOh my I seriously just want to lay in all that lavender. Fresh lavender is one of my favorite scents. Every time I walk through my garden I have to run my fingers through the plants. Love it! The food on this part of your trip looks so amazingly fresh and yet again, here I am in the early morning hungry!! 😉
sarah
June 23, 2013 at 10:01 pmSo Beautiful! I love the spices at the market. I think when I go I will be living on olives:)
Lily
June 23, 2013 at 10:36 pmWow! So beautiful. Love this love story and all of your adventures together.
exotic travels and vacations
June 23, 2013 at 11:39 pmYou are very sweet couple
Lauren @ The Highlands Life
June 23, 2013 at 11:44 pmGosh. I love all the photos but your beautiful descriptions are what puts this over the edge for me. Loving these honeymoon posts so much.
Averie @ Averie Cooks
June 23, 2013 at 11:46 pmLavender, goat cheese and flowers; the spices/sea salts, the last picture where you said it was one of the most beautiful places with some of the best food of your life – it all sounds totally spectacular! I am thrilled for you guys that you had this incredible experience for your honeymoon. You deserve it! And you’re both glowing in the pics 🙂 Thank you for sharing them all!
Ksenija @ Health Ninja
June 24, 2013 at 12:18 amHow beautiful. Though I am living right next door in Germany, I’ve been to France only once and never to the Riviera. You made my Wanderlust grow so big. Have to plan a trip soon!
Suzanne de Cornelia
June 24, 2013 at 12:51 amAll your photos are SO beautiful. You both look SO happy. I miss France and am going to cry now. 😉
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama
June 24, 2013 at 1:42 amThe Riviera is on my MUST SEE list. Absolutely gorgeous!
Mila
June 24, 2013 at 1:43 amYour pictures look awesome, Jenna! My boyfriend and I *love* Rick Steves too – I was cracking up to read you guys also talk about him like he’s along for the trip. Mouth is watering at the mention of burrata (even though it was mozzarella) and the warm goat cheese salads. Congrats on the wedding and honeymoon-ing! 🙂
Samantha
June 24, 2013 at 2:11 amThis makes me miss Europe so much!! Me and my husband recently took a Prague, Vienna, Budapest trip pretty much based off recommendations by Rick Steves he was also our BFF!!! Ha ha France looks awesome !!!!!!!!!!
Morgan
June 24, 2013 at 2:38 amThat goat cheese looks amazing….totally kicks my trader joes goat cheese’s butt, I would love to see more fashion posts from you! Or maybe a little peek into a ‘day in the newlywed life’
Emily @ Life on Food
June 24, 2013 at 3:18 amOh the colors and the food. Lovely. I remember the French markets. Some of my best memories are there. However I always ended up with too much food since I had trouble converting. It took my whole stay…7 months to finally figure it out.
Kristen @ notsodomesticated
June 24, 2013 at 3:35 amSuch gorgeous pictures and amazing descriptions! I’m so glad you had such an amazing time!
Tieghan
June 24, 2013 at 3:57 amso beautiful! What an amazing trip! I am so excites to continue to read more!
jenna k
June 24, 2013 at 4:25 amman, you just added a new place on my “must visit one day” list! it looks so beautiful and fun.
i love that y’all had that rick steves joke! my family and i went to London + paris when i was 16 (8 years ago), and my sister and i made similar jokes because of my mom’s intense rick steves research.
and i love that cherry tree! the first time i ever had a fresh cherry was on our trip to paris, and i’ll always remember that.
JennS
June 24, 2013 at 4:31 amHello! I know youve mentioned you have a lot of credit with stitch fix. Ive recently joined but I an unsure of the price ranges to choose to get the cutest stuff. I love everything I see of yours on here! Would you mind replying or emailing some advice?
This is the honeymoon of my dreams!
Lauren at Keep It Sweet
June 24, 2013 at 4:39 amI am loving your honeymoon recaps! We went to Paris and the Loire Valley about 6 years ago (how was it that long?) and loved it. I also became obsessed with the Chevre Chaud salads… amazingness, especially when you use the bread basket to use up all the extra dressing:-)
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
June 24, 2013 at 4:51 amOh WOW!!! This looks so amazing Jenna, and that cherry tree!! I would have totally done the same. It looks like you two had a great time, and you look gorgeous in your Stitchfix dress!!
Alisha @ Gluten Free Perspective
June 24, 2013 at 4:58 amI took French for 14 years, so I can speak the language (sort of) but going to France would be a dream. These recaps are so much fun to look at!!
Live Love Yum
June 24, 2013 at 5:01 amYou and your hubby are super cute!
Kim @ Hungry Healthy Girl
June 24, 2013 at 6:01 amWow…what a beautiful place with some beautiful food! That spice bar does look amazing. All of the pictures make me want to book a trip to the Rivera immediately!
Bev
June 24, 2013 at 6:02 amThank you for sharing this beautiful place !!!!
Ahn Ei
June 24, 2013 at 6:18 amAmazing! Thanks for sharing!!!
Marie-Pier | 4 Seasons at Home
June 24, 2013 at 6:48 amI spent 3 weeks in French Riviera last year and I’m going back in a month. I just can’t wait! Like you said, it’s the most beautiful places I’ve seen and everything I had to eat was so delicious!
Denise @ Creative Kitchen
June 24, 2013 at 7:11 amBeautiful pictures! Looks like you had an amazing time. That salad does look incredible! I’m having fun reading all your wedding and honeymoon photos. 😉
Christina @ The Pastry Posts
June 24, 2013 at 7:16 amHaha! My husband and I followed Rick Steve’s Italy book our entire honeymoon. All our hotels and restaurants were Rick recommended. Gotta love him! He did not disappoint!
Bev @ Bev Cooks
June 24, 2013 at 7:33 amFab fab fab!!
Cathy
June 24, 2013 at 7:44 amI went to the market in Antibes two years ago and I’m STILL using spices and sea salt from that trip. I don’t know if that’s gross, but they retained their taste 🙂
There is a pizza place in Antibes that was just about the best in the world. And did you go to the gelato shop right by the market that’s only open a few months a year? Amaze.
Sallie
June 24, 2013 at 8:48 amWhat a beautiful post – thanks for sharing! I know it would be a bit off topic but I’d love to see a post where you share what you brought clothes-wise, you look adorable in every photo.
Caroline L.
June 24, 2013 at 8:59 amYour entire honeymoon has just looked so heavenly so far! The food, the sights, and you two lovebirds 🙂
joelle (on a pink typewriter)
June 24, 2013 at 9:28 amCute photos and your dress reminded me I need to do another Stitch Fix delivery asap.
Sarah @ Yogi in Action
June 24, 2013 at 9:48 amWow- I am adding this place to my “places to visit” list. Looks absolutely amazing! And made me hungry from reading all the food descriptions.
Truly sounds like an amazing honeymoon- I can’t wait to hear more. I also saw your tweet of some sneak peaks of your wedding pictures- and they were amazing! I love that you wore a short dress.
Rachel @myurbanoven.com
June 24, 2013 at 9:59 amLove the French Riviera! We were there in 2011, so pretty and the food, to dye for! If only we had a Frank to host us while we were there. Maybe next time 🙂
Makenzie Ann
June 24, 2013 at 10:03 amI am totally living vicariously through you in this post and loving every second of it. Beautiful photgraphs Jenna!! They capture the moment and experience so well even though I’m sure it barely compares to being there in person. So happy for you! Thanks for sharing!
Heather Wischmann
June 24, 2013 at 10:20 amSo happy for you, Jenna. I am getting married this weekend at the Philo Apple Farm (of your proposal fame). We are planning a very similar honeymoon in September and were just looking for places in Antibes! A perfectly timed post. Thank you. xo
maria@the_brooklyn_fig
June 24, 2013 at 10:21 amomg the spic booth- amazing! My husband and I are planning a vacation to Europe next summer and the French Riviera is on the list- bookmarking this post because it gave me tons of ideas of where to eat and shop so thanks!
Loveee your dress 🙂
Rebecca
June 24, 2013 at 10:26 amI love the Riviera! And Antibes is quaint and lovely – there’s so many little places like that between Nice and Cannes. You really need at least two weeks there.
Ella Mae
June 24, 2013 at 10:35 amOur pet name for that meal is Cheese of a Hot Goat. Same thing, but just one of those things you don’t pay attention to until you are translating languages back and forth and realize that things sound different in translation.
caroline
June 24, 2013 at 10:40 amI hope you get to check out the Lavaux in Switzerland. I have been studying here for 6 months and just went to the “Deck” in Chexbres the other day. Best patio with a surreal view.
Judith
June 24, 2013 at 11:21 amJenna, How wonderful you got to see Antibes! 2 years ago, I traded my house in Danville for an apartment there. Spent over 2 weeks, and it was fabulous! Not only Antibes, but all the day trips we took from there… Monaco, Cannes, Nice, St Paul de Vence, St Tropez, Cap Ferrat…all gorgeous! And since I was there the same time of year as you, I know you had perfect weather. You need to return for a much longer stay.
Can’t wait to hear more about your perfect honeymoon details..and I’m sure I’m not the only reader that wants to see a picture of you on your big day!
Melanie
June 24, 2013 at 11:26 amRick Steves! I studied for 9 months in Florence, Italy and my Rick Steves guidebook was a Godsend.
He came to speak at my university once, and my friends and I snagged tickets to go see him. We sat close to the front and spent most of the 15 minutes or so before the event started gushing about how great ‘Pretty Ricky’ was and how we’d love to travel around with him…turns out he was sitting RIGHT IN FRONT OF US. So embarrassing. He heard us I’m sure, but like a true gentlemen didn’t say anything!
Glad you had a lovely time in the Riviera! I’m also glad you share my love for Rick Steves.
Lauren
June 24, 2013 at 1:24 pmSuper cute pictures — looks like a lovely honeymoon. Congratulations on your wedding!
Crista
June 24, 2013 at 2:06 pmAwwww. Gorgeous photos, fun memories! xo
Tracy
June 24, 2013 at 3:24 pmThat first pic of you in the dress and hat is so classic. I can’t decide if it should be in color or black and white (would look so vintage that way). Either would be great but it NEEDS to be displayed somewhere in your home! The other pics were great too. I want to go there even more now. I can’t wait to read the rest! Thanks for sharing!
Molly@RDexposed
June 24, 2013 at 5:12 pmWow. What great photos! I wouldn’t mind a few of those on my own walls! I won’t say if that includes the picture of you and Adam as well (yes I will. It doesn’t. I’m not that big of a creeper.)
Luv What You Do
June 24, 2013 at 7:24 pmI love your eye for pictures and your incredible camera. It’s so fun to explore these areas with you!
Did you stock up on spices??? I would have brought them as gifts for everyone!
sillygirl
June 25, 2013 at 6:38 amWe took an 8-day tour of the French Riviera this spring ala Rick Steves – my 10th tour. Our group had a wonderful time and happened to enjoy wonderful weather. Love the market at Antibes and the socca in Nice. What a wonderful time you had for a honeymoon!
Lauren C
June 25, 2013 at 8:55 amOh my word. C’est magnifique!
Laurel
June 25, 2013 at 10:44 amWhat a beautiful time! BTW, you look stunning in that dress!! Perfect for a French Riviera trip. 🙂
Kristi
June 25, 2013 at 3:56 pmThe Riviera looks absolutely stunning!
janet
June 25, 2013 at 4:18 pmI actually snorted when I read you went thr the same toll in Cannes four times … We once did that in Basque territory three days in a row. At the same toll. With the same toll collector. On the fourth day I drove.
Meghan
June 25, 2013 at 4:55 pmThe pictures are beautiful and you look so happy!
Kim
June 25, 2013 at 5:37 pmBeautiful!! It sounds like an AMAZING trip!!
Theresa
June 25, 2013 at 9:18 pmI’m a fellow Noonday-er, Jenna:-) I also studied in southern France when I was in college many years ago. It’s great to see that some things don’t change. So happy for you and Adam. I went to Prague last year with a bff, Linda, and we heart Rick Steves all the way.
A trip I won’t forget. Just remember that all the best restaurants in Prague are Italian…haha! (if you and Adam have that in your “future trips” list)
jan
June 26, 2013 at 2:09 pmBEAUTIFUL pictures!! Looks like a fairytale honeymoon. I love your blue/white striped dress, too.
Nancy in Naples
June 26, 2013 at 3:05 pmWhat a great post!! Love the pictures and all of the details! What an amazing honeymoon!!
Isabelle
June 28, 2013 at 8:34 amAlors, les nouveaux mariés, baptisés” le plus beaux couple 2013″ de la Bastide de la Brague!
Nous avons été très heureux de partager quelques moments charmants avec vous, j’espère que votre retour s’est bien passé, toute la famille vous embrasse….et vous souhaite beaucoup d’amour et de bonheur
Sabrina
June 28, 2013 at 12:00 pmI have never commented before but…I did almost the same trip with my boyfriend 2 years ago! Though I am from Germany, we also visited la Bourgogne, did a trip to la Provence and then stayed near Antibes with Air BnB which was great. We walked along the Cap d’Antibes. It was more than beautiful. We passed through Piemonte, Asti and Alba and then straight to Switzerland, visiting family of the boyfriend. Can’t wait for your report from there.
I love your honeymoon pictures and the food and how excited you still sound – if I ever go back to Antibes, I so will stay with Franck and Isabelle! All the best for you, Jenna – Sabrina
Alex
July 2, 2013 at 4:24 amThere would be nothing more romantic than spending your honeymoon in the romantic French Riviera! You are so fortunate to have shared intimate snaps of your special moments while taking in all the famous landmark of the French capital,, experimenting on their sumptuous cuisine, and shopping for fashion. Obviously, both of you had a great time. Congratulations!
Thiebauld
April 15, 2019 at 2:30 amFrench Riviera is an amazing place for an honeymoon <3