Postcard From Europe: Hotel Riviera in Cap Ferrat
Summer Wanderings: Cap Ferrat, Bordeaux & Paris
There are certain places in the world that feel touched by magic, where every corner carries a quiet grandeur and every vista leaves you breathless. For me this summer, that place was Cap Ferrat. Rugged yet impossibly refined, this little peninsula on the French Riviera is a jewel — its winding paths, perched villas, and crystalline waters weaving together into something both serene and spectacular.
We had the opportunity to visit the Hotel du Cap Ferrat, a Four Seasons icon, and it’s difficult to put into words the sheer beauty of the place. Perched high above the Mediterranean, the hotel has an elegance that feels timeless — grand architecture softened by sea breezes and cascading gardens. Built in 1908, it has been the backdrop of glamorous holidays for artists, aristocrats, and film stars alike. To wander its colonnades and terraces is to step into a living history of Riviera chic. We felt so lucky to be there and experience that infinite stretch of blue.
And while the grandeur captivates, it was the hotel boutique that quietly stole my heart. I’ve become something of a devotee of hotel shops lately — they’ve truly elevated themselves, becoming hidden troves of beautifully curated objects and fashion finds. At Cap Ferrat, I stumbled across treasures I know I’ll live with long after the trip. There’s something about sourcing pieces this way — they carry not only beauty, but memory.
Food, of course, was a highlight. This time, I discovered Maona’s, a casual restaurant that quickly became a favorite for lunch. Fresh, unfussy, and flavorful, it became a staple. The ambiance was relaxed yet soulful, with that ineffable Riviera ease. For dinner, we drove up the winding hills to Château Eze, where the view stretched endlessly over the Mediterranean. Dining there, as the sun dipped into the horizon, was nothing short of transportive. A must if you ever find yourself in this corner of the world.
One of the most inspiring days was spent exploring the gardens at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. A symphony of terraces, fountains, and blooms, each garden had its own distinct character — from the serenity of the Japanese garden to the exuberance of the Florentine one. For me, it became more than just sightseeing — it was a wellspring of ideas for our own family home we’re building. I left brimming with inspiration, sketching details of pathways, plantings, and beautiful moments.
Every morning in Cap Ferrat began with a walk along the water’s edge, circling the peninsula. Rugged cliffs, secret coves, and ever-changing views — each step offered a reminder of nature’s artistry. It was a ritual that grounded the trip, both invigorating and contemplative. So many discussions were had and plans were made on these walks. One of my favorite memories.
From Cap Ferrat, we traveled north to Bordeaux, a city where architecture takes center stage. Neoclassical facades, wide boulevards, and a rhythm that feels distinctly different from the Riviera. The highlight was venturing out to the vineyards, in particular the high-tech estate of Lynch-Bages. Unlike the centuries-old châteaux you imagine when thinking of French wine country, Lynch-Bages has embraced innovation. Sleek, meticulously designed facilities, where tradition and technology coexist to craft wines of extraordinary depth. It was fascinating to see this modern approach set against the backdrop of such a storied region.
Finally, Paris — always Paris. We stayed, as we often do, at the Pavillon Fabourg Saint Germain, perfectly situated in the heart of Saint Germain. It feels like our Parisian home, and I can never get enough of wandering its neighborhood streets — losing myself in antique shops, popping into galleries, and discovering new home stores. There’s a rhythm to Saint Germain that feels endlessly inspiring to me as a designer: chic yet layered with history, intimate yet worldly. Whenever I arrive in Paris, my very first stop is always Café de Flore.
There’s something ritualistic about it…the green banquettes, the tiny marble tables, the hum of conversation spilling out onto Boulevard Saint-Germain. It’s not just about the impossibly flaky croissants; it’s the theater of it all. The café has this timeless, cinematic quality. Picasso, Sartre, and de Beauvoir once held court here, and you still feel that history layered with the energy of the present. I love sitting outside, watching Parisians rush past. It’s an anchor for me in the city — a place that always feels familiar, grounding me in Paris before I dive into everything else this place has to offer.
This trip, I decided to try something new and ventured into Perception, a restaurant that feels like modern Paris. Tucked away in the 9th arrondissement, it’s intimate and quietly elegant. It’s the kind of place that reveals itself slowly, course by course. The chef’s menu was thoughtful yet daring, a balance of French technique with unexpected twists that kept it interesting. Each dish arrived like a small work of art, precise, layered, almost architectural, yet never fussy. It was one of those meals that remind you why Paris continues to set the standard for dining. Classic yet ever evolving.
No trip to Paris would be complete without a meal at Frenchie, a restaurant that never fails to delight. Warm, bustling, and always inventive, it’s one of those places where each dish feels like a revelation. And right next door is their wine shop — a small but mighty jewel where we always stock up on bottles to carry home. It’s become part of our ritual, a way of keeping Paris with us long after we’ve left.
One of the sweetest surprises this trip was catching sight of the Olympic hot air balloon drifting above Paris, a playful emblem floating against the skyline. It felt both surreal and celebratory and a gentle reminder of the city’s timeless magic.
This summer’s travels felt like a tapestry — threads of beauty, history, food, and inspiration woven together into something I’ll carry forward in my work and life. Cap Ferrat gave me mornings of awe, Bordeaux opened my eyes to innovation, and Paris, as always, reminded me of the joy of discovery. Each stop its own chapter, but together, a perfect story.
— Michelle Waugh