A day on the French Riviera

French Riviera, France

Golden Hour - Beach club terrace

A warm breeze lifts my hair while I adjust my cover-up among the white loungers. The late light falls softly across the terrace umbrellas. Locals and visitors favour tailored trousers, breathable shirts, sunglasses and comfortable footwear suited to this warm climate.

Golden Hour - Nice beach club

Warm sunlight falls across the blue and white striped cabanas as I pause beside the lounge chairs. Soft shadows stretch over the seating. Over the nineteenth and twentieth centuries this coast helped pioneer resort wear, casual stripes and lightweight linen tailoring.

Golden Hour - Nice shoreline

Gentle waves touch my feet as I move along the water's edge. The sky turns gold and purple while the sun dips lower. The Promenade des Anglais traces the curves of Nice beside pebble beaches, where travellers watch the changing light on the water.

Golden Hour - Cliffside beach club

From a white daybed I look out over the open sea, where umbrellas line the coast in the late light. The sea looks wide and calm from here. May to June and September bring warm sunshine, comfortable swimming temperatures and manageable crowds away from the peak summer rush.

Golden Hour - Yacht deck

Masts and warm lights reflect on the calm harbour water while I rest at the bow of a yacht. The evening air is still. Port Hercules is a deep-water harbour that holds luxury yachts, and visitors walk the wide quays to see the boats.

Night - Pebbled beach

On the quiet shore, evening waves wash over the pebbles as I follow the waterline. Yachts rest in the dark water behind me. Socca is a warm, thin chickpea pancake baked until crisp at the edges, then dusted with black pepper.