Rhia Recommends: French Summer

The recently married Rhia Jennings (formerly Woods) tied the knot in the South of France in a setting that has topped Kiwi women’s wedding wishlists ever since its gram debut.

Here, she puts together some must-dos the newlyweds discovered along their luxurious honeymoon itinerary.

Paris

EAT

Loulou Paris: As someone that’s done the ‘Instafamous 3’ (Gigi, Loulou & Giraffe) Loulou is my absolute favourite. The ambiance is unmatched and the food is incredible. Located within the Musée des Arts Décoratifs.Order the Vodka pasta.

@loulourestaurants

Cafe de Flore: Famous for a reason. Arrive early to avoid any wait time. Grab a seat outside, order the famous hot chocolate and enjoy people-watching in the iconic Saint Germain.

@lecafedeflore

L’Entrecote: It wouldn’t be a trip to Paris without a trip to L’Entrecote. There’s one thing on the menu – steak frites. Located in the center of one of the oldest artists’ neighbourhoods, right near the Jardin du Luxembourg.

@relaisdelentrecote

DRINK

Sevenly Heart: Coffee & wines. The chicest and most aesthetic spot in Le Marais. For the best matcha in Paris you need to visit Sevenly Heart. Their Cigarettes after sex cocktail is also to die for (Whiskey, Baileys, Expresso, cinnamon) – chef’s kiss.

@sevenlyheart

Deviant Paris: If you want to visit somewhere the locals love, you have to visit Deviant Paris. Beautiful sharing plates but you really visit for the cocktails and incredible wine list.

@deviantgram

DO

Crazy Horse Paris: If there’s one thing you do in Paris, make it Crazy Horse. Paris’ oldest Parisian cabaret. I’ll never forget my first visit to Crazy Horse.

@crazyhorseparis_official

Jardin du Palais-Royal: Grab a coffee from the beautiful Cafe Kitsune and take a seat by the iconic fountain with a good book like the Parisians do, then explore the gardens.

Green River Cruise: Take a private cruise down the Seine with a bottle of Rose, past the Eiffel Tower. Need I say more? The girls organised this for me as part of my bachelorette, and it’s a core memory I’ll remember forever.

@greenrivercruises

Visit the Dior Museum: If you want to see a museum but you’re not a typical art fan then this is for you. Incredible collection of vintage pieces on display. There’s a cute gift shop & a cafe inside.

South of France

EAT

Lucia Cannes: My favourite beach club I visited in Europe. Located on the beach in Cannes. The chicest most vibrant fit out, no details have been missed. Order the Strawberry Fields Forever cocktail.

@lucia.cannes

The Grill at Hotel du Cap Eden Roc: Located in the iconic Hotel du Cap Eden Roc, this one is an admittedly pricey recommendation, but it’s so worth it. You can only enter the hotel gates with a reservation to one of the restaurants (or a hotel booking). We went there for our wedding rehearsal lunch with our bridal party. The pool and sea view are genuinely breathtaking. A MUST.

@hotelduecapedenroc

Cedric Grolet Arielles Saint Tropez: Pastries that should be classified as art. Recognisable by the iconic sunflower entrance to the patisserie. Grab your pastries and coffee to take away and sit down in the harbour overlooking the superyachts.

@cedricgroletairelle

STAY

Cap D’Antibes Beach Hotel Antibes: The most aesthetic hotel I’ve stayed in on the French Riviera.

@capdantibesbeachhotelplay

La Guerite Canne: If you haven’t heard of the infamous La Guerite you must be living under arock. Set on an island just off the coast of Cannes you are transported there by boat to your reservation. The afternoon setting turns into a full-on party – think table dancing and twirling napkins. Beware, they free pour and the Aperols are deadly.

@la_guerite

DRINK

Bar Fitzgerald Antibes: Located at our wedding venue, Hotel Belles Rives in Antibes. This was the former house of author F. Scott Fitzgerald and where he got the inspiration for The Great Gatsby.

@Bellesrives

DO

Billionaires Bay Antibes: Crystal clear water and the most incredible views. Pack a picnic lunch and bottle of wine and spend the day.

Spend the day at Paloma Beach Club Cap Ferrat: Located in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat rent a lounger and spend the day sipping Aperol’s seaside. 

@paloma_beach