The sun glistened over the Med. as our car pulled up outside the magnificent Hotel Barrière, Majestic.
The car door opened and we were immediately greeted by the the hotel’s extremely professional valets who relieved us of our bags and ushered us through the opulently furnished lobby to check in. As we waited my eyes wandered around trying to absorb the sheer grandeur that surrounded me. An amazing display of fresh flowers, artistically arranged stood high in the centre. There were plush sofas and chairs where well dressed guests were sitting relaxed, some chatting, some reading newspapers no one seemed to be in a hurry.
After we were warmly welcomed and checked in by the very pleasant reception staff we were shown to our room. Oh My Word, the elegantly furnished room with a view was gorgeous, the bathroom with fabulous french toiletries was to say the least pure luxury. French doors opened out onto a terrace and straight in front was thee Mediterranean sea. WOW.
I fell in love with this beautiful hotel when I first visited with friends for dinner at the hotel’s La Fouquet brasserie the year before. After this amazing gourmet experience I just longed to go back and check out just what it was like to stay at this grand establishment, the moment had arrived.
As I leaned of the balcony taking in the breathtaking views of the bay, the aroma of
food from the restaurant reminded me that we hadn’t eaten in a while. So without wasting time we made our way to La Fouguet’s for a taste of the very best Provençal cuisine. I was really looking forward to an anticipated gourmet experience.
La Fouquet’s and La Petite Maison de Nicole are both top class restaurants that attract well- known gourmets and celebrities and, of course, mere mortals like ourselves, who just appreciate great food.
Dining at La Fouguets is not as expensive as you may expect for a top class restaurant. There is a wide choice on the menu, for example, one can opt for Chef Brice Morvent’s fish and chips at 28 euro, worth every cent! There is also traditional beef tartar with homemade french fries at 34 euro and roast rib steak for two people 96 euro.
MENU SIGNATURE
79 €
STARTER
MILK CHOCOLATE-COATED DUCK FOIE GRAS
Maury wine cube, Melba toast and beetroot
or
FOUQUET’S DEVILLED EGGS Extra-tender tuna with thin slices of avocado in lemon
MAIN DISH
LIGHTLY GRILLED MEAGRE CARPACCIO
Aubergine, lemon caviar and anchovy spread
or
TRADITIONAL LEG OF AVEYRON-REGION LAMB ROASTED WITH GARLIC CLOVES
Chef ’s side
DESSERT
CITRUS FRUITS
White chocolate mousse, citrus fruit, soft biscuit, Campari jelly and Spritz sorbet
or
CHOCOLATE
Soft Caribbean chocolate, chocolate biscuit, chocolate ice-cream and thin praline biscuit
COFFEE OR TEA included in the menu
The Bar Galerie du Fouquet’s Cannes is the place on The Croisette to see and be seen. There are large and comfortable armchairs and beams decorated with gold leaf. Fascinating black and white pictures of film stars hang around the walls. On the weekends, during the summer months, there is live music in the bars. Lovely to relax and enjoy a cocktail or two before or after dinner. The Rotonde Louise Pommery Champagne bar is situated in the gardens and is open only in the Summer season.
There are 350 rooms at the Majestic, 85 of which are suites. Superior, deluxe and prestige rooms with or without sea view. Check out hotel deals, it is worth spending a bit more on a room with a view as the scene will live in your memory forever.
If you are not on a budget or have just won the lottery then check this out.
There are three magnificent penthouse suites. The apartment suites are situated on the top level, all with panoramic views of the bay of Cannes and all are booked up over film festival week.
The Christian Dior Suite will knock you back 22,000 euro per night. The Majestic Barriere Suite costs from 32,000 euro, well it does have its own swimming pool and butler! The Melodie suite is is a mere 7799 euro. Pure unadulterated luxury, but, hey, back to reality. I should also mention that Le Majestic has its own luxurious private cinema which can be hired out all year round. It is particularly busy during film festival, so get in early!
The out door heated pool is surrounded by red parasols and palm trees, there is a state of the art fitness centre if your feeling energetic and an absolutely gorgeous Spa by Clarins. Definitely recommended after walking Le Croisette.
The Plage Barrière Le Majestic’s own private beach, features the largest terrace on the Croisette, and looks out towards The Lèrins Islands. This is a dream setting, white parasols, comfy loungers. If you want to sunbathe in luxury, chill out with a glass or two of champagne or cocktails, then expect to pay for the privilege. This truly magnificent place is worth indulging in, even if just for a day or afternoon. As one of my best friends keeps telling me “ I’m good to myself because I’m worth it”
Staying Le Majestic was everything I dreamed it would be, the staff were incredible. I had the honour meeting Chief Concierge Roger Bastoni who has been concierge at the Le Majestic since 1972. I did my best to get him to reveal some stories about some of the hotel’s famous guests, but his lips were sealed!
For information on rates and special offers [because your worth it!]
visit:www.hotelsbarriere.com
The Majestic is ideally located at the beginning of The Croisette, across from the Palais des Festivals and a few minutes walk from the famous designer boutiques and local attractions.
Cannes tourist office is situated beside the Palais des Festivals
www.cannes-destination.com
A short drive from Cannes are many excellent golf courses for information on green fees etc visit: www.opengolf.com
www.clubstohire.com
www.aerlingus.com
www.quickpark.ie
