Musical inspiration on the French Riviera
Musical inspiration on the French Riviera, from the Rolling Stones to Elton John and U2, what makes the Riviera the ultimate lyrical location
From rock icons to jazz greats, the Côte d’Azur has hosted legendary recording sessions, unforgettable performances, and even iconic music video shoots, what makes the Riviera the ultimate lyrical location.
The French Riviera has long held a magnetic appeal for artists, especially musicians seeking inspiration amid its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant lifestyle. From rock icons to jazz greats, the Côte d’Azur has hosted legendary recording sessions, unforgettable performances, and even iconic music video shoots, most recently with Lenny Kravitz filming in the unique Pierre Cardin Bubble house. Follow in the footsteps of some of your favourite musicians who found inspiration along the Riviera.
When it comes to rock ‘n’ roll, few stories are as iconic as The Rolling Stones’ escapades on the French Riviera. In the early 1970s, the band found themselves drawn to the glitz and glamour of the Côte d’Azur, a place known for attracting international stars, artists, and high society alike. For The Stones, it was both a creative haven and a sanctuary from the pressures of fame.
The Rolling Stones: Inside the French Riviera's Rock 'n' Roll legacy.
In 1971, the Rolling Stones cemented their place in Riviera history at Villa Nellecôte in Villefranche-sur-Mer
The Rolling Stones cemented their place in Riviera history at Villa Nellcôte, a grand mansion in Villefranche-sur-Mer. In 1971, Keith Richards rented this villa, where the band recorded much of Exile on Main St., blending gritty rock, blues, and soul. Using the villa’s basement as their studio, the Stones created an album that echoed the energy of their time on the Riviera.
The band didn’t just stay secluded at Nellcôte; they embraced the Riviera lifestyle. Mick Jagger and the band frequently ventured out to Saint-Tropez, Antibes, and Nice. They were regulars at chic beachside restaurants, such as Club 55 in Ramatuelle, which became famous as a celebrity hotspot. Indeed Mike Jagger married wife Bianca in May 1971 at the beloved Hotel Byblos in Saint-Tropez.
The band also loved the winding streets of St. Paul-de-Vence, where the Maeght Foundation had just opened its doors as a contemporary art museum, offering an avant-garde escape in a charming medieval village. The Mediterranean allure of these spots made them the perfect playground for a band seeking both inspiration and escape.
Miles Davis and the legacy of Jazz at Juan-les-Pins
The French Riviera's jazz legacy began in 1960
The French Riviera’s jazz legacy began in the 1960s, when icons like Miles Davis performed at the annual Antibes Jazz Festival in Juan-les-Pins. In 1963, Davis famously premiered his piece “Jean-Pierre” here, contributing to the festival’s reputation as one of the premier jazz events in Europe. Today, Jazz à Juan continues to attract top jazz talent from around the world, honoring the history created by legends like Davis.
The Cure at Beausite, Nice
This emblematic villa on the Nice skyline featured in the 1987 video for 'Catch' by English rock group The Cure.
The Cure brought a touch of moody romance to the Riviera when they filmed the music video for their hit song "Catch" at the villa Beausite in Nice. This video, set against the properties dramatic architecture and the stunning coastal backdrop, perfectly captured the mix of beauty and melancholy that defined The Cure’s aesthetic.
Elton John's retreat in Nice
Elton John was made an honorary citizen of Nice in 2007.
A long-time resident of Nice, where he owns a beautiful villa overlooking the Mediterranean, Elton John was made an honorary citizen of Nice in 2007, where he is known for fundraising and community events. The Riviera’s tranquil scenery has served as a creative retreat for John, who often cites his villa as a source of inspiration. Though he didn’t record exclusively here, his Côte d’Azur estate remains an essential sanctuary where he recharges between tours and projects.
David Bowie in Beaulieu-sur-Mer
In the 1980s David Bowie filmed parts of his music video for 'Loving the Alien' in Beaulieu-sur-Mer.
In the 1980s, rock legend David Bowie filmed parts of his music video for "Loving the Alien" in Beaulieu-sur-Mer. Bowie was captivated by the Riviera’s striking art deco architecture, which matched his love for surreal and avant-garde visuals. The area's beauty and sophistication perfectly suited the otherworldly themes of the song and left Bowie with a deep connection to the French Riviera, inspiring several returns over the years.
U2's writing retreat in Eze
In 1996, U2 rented a vila in Eze where they wrote songs for their album 'Pop'.
In 1996, U2 rented a villa in the hilltop village of Èze, overlooking the coast, to brainstorm and write songs for their album Pop. Bono and The Edge spent time sketching out ideas amid Èze’s winding streets and Mediterranean views, which offered the perfect blend of inspiration and seclusion. The band’s time here was transformative, prompting Bono to purchase his own Riviera property nearby.
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Musical inspiration on the French Riviera
