Everyone loves a good breakfast, and when it’s paired with the excitement of a world-class event, it becomes an experience to remember. This September, yachting enthusiasts have a treat in store with the Monaco Yachting Festival and the Cannes Yachting Festival taking center stage. Over five days, attendees won’t just be marveling at luxury vessels; they’ll also be starting their days with some of the best breakfasts the French Riviera has to offer. With both festivals promising exceptional morning spreads both onboard and at nearby venues, the question arises: Which one takes the crown for the best breakfast experience?
Let’s dive in and find out.
Monaco
Café de Paris Monte-Carlo
Distance: A stone’s throw from Port Hercule.
Type of Food: Classic Parisian bistro experience.
Cost: $$$ – Given its prime location and reputation, expect prices in the range of €15-€30 for a full breakfast.
Stars’n’Bars
Distance: A short walk from the festival site.
Type of Food: Diverse range from classic American to health-focused options.
Cost: $$ – With its mix of offerings, anticipate spending between €10-€20 for breakfast.
La Note Bleue
Distance: About a 10-minute walk or tender ride from Port Hercule.
Type of Food: Beachfront Mediterranean-inspired breakfast.
Cost: $$$ – Beachfront dining usually comes at a premium, so expect prices between €15-€30.
Maison Mullot
Distance: Roughly 15 minutes from Port Hercule.
Type of Food: Authentic French bakery, known for its exquisite croissants, pain au chocolat, and fresh baguettes.
Cost: $ – Given its nature as a bakery, you can expect prices ranging from €5-€15 for a pastry and a beverage.
L’Intempo, Le Méridien Beach Plaza
Distance: Roughly a 15-minute walk or short drive.
Type of Food: Upscale buffet-style breakfast.
Cost: $$$$ – As a part of a luxury hotel and given its buffet style, prices might be higher, around €25-€45.
Chocolaterie de Monaco
Distance: Approximately 12-15 minutes from Port Hercule.
Type of Food: Apart from its renowned chocolates, this establishment offers delicious pastries, baked goods, and coffee — making it an ideal breakfast spot.
Cost: $$ – Given its specialty in chocolates and its premium location, expect to spend between €10-€20 for a combination of pastries, chocolates, and a drink.
Il Calcio
Distance: A 10-minute stroll.
Type of Food: Italian-inspired breakfast.
Cost: $$ – Given its specialized nature and quality, breakfast costs would likely be in the €10-€20 range.
Cannes
Barista Cannes
Distance: A mere 5-minute walk from the Vieux Port.
Type of Food: Perfect for coffee lovers. Enjoy freshly brewed coffee coupled with pastries, muffins, and artisan sandwiches.
Cost: $$ – Mid-range, expect around €8-€15 for a breakfast set.
Da Laura
Distance: About a 10-minute walk from the main festival area.
Type of Food: A genuine Italian restaurant serving breakfast items such as frittatas, fresh bread, and cappuccinos.
Cost: $$$ – A bit on the higher side, ranging from €12-€25 for breakfast items.
Côté Jardin, La Plage 45
Distance: Located on La Croisette, it’s about a 15-minute walk from the festival’s main venues.
Type of Food: Experience a sumptuous Mediterranean breakfast spread right by the beach.
Cost: $$$$ – Premium spot, expect to spend around €20-€40 for a breakfast, especially given its prime location.
Le Cirque
Distance: Just 8 minutes from Vieux Port.
Type of Food: A charming café serving classic French pastries, freshly squeezed juices, and a variety of egg dishes.
Cost: $$ – Moderate prices with breakfast sets around €8-€18.
Volupté Anytime
Distance: Approximately a 10-minute walk from the festival.
Type of Food: A chic bakery and tea room offering a range of sweet and savory treats.
Cost: $$ – Similar to Le Cirque, expect breakfast to cost around €8-€20.
Caffé Roma
Distance: Centrally located and just a 5-minute walk from the Palais des Festivals.
Type of Food: One of Cannes’ iconic coffee places.
Cost: $$$ – Given its iconic status and location, prices might be slightly elevated, ranging from €12-€25.
Boulangerie Pâtisserie Belliard
Distance: Around a 10-minute stroll from the Yachting Festival.
Type of Food: Dive into authentic French bakery delights.
Cost: $ – More traditional bakery prices, expect around €5-€12 for breakfast items.
Note: These cost estimates use the symbol € with $ signs indicating relative expense. One $ indicates a lower price range, while $$$$ indicates premium pricing.
Verdict
Diversity of Options
Monaco: From classic Parisian bistros to beachfront Mediterranean delights, Monaco offers a versatile range of breakfast choices. While predominantly European in its flavor palette, there’s a hint of the global culinary scene with some establishments offering wider international dishes.
Cannes: Cannes brings to the table a beautiful mix of classic French, Italian, and even some American-inspired breakfast spots. The longer coastline and a bigger town footprint allow for a broader spectrum of culinary delights.
Edge: Cannes – for its slightly wider array of international breakfast choices.
Price Point
Monaco: Known for its opulence, Monaco’s breakfast spots are luxurious and, at times, come with a heftier price tag. You’re not just paying for the food but for the experience, the location, and the prestige of dining in one of the world’s luxury capitals.
Cannes: While Cannes is also known for its luxury, there are a few more options ranging from the super-premium to the moderately priced without compromising on quality, especially if one ventures a bit away from La Croisette.
Edge: Cannes – for offering a slightly broader price range to cater to various pockets.
Ambiance & Setting
Monaco: Enclosed by mountains with its iconic marina, Monaco offers a unique, intimate setting. Breakfast spots often boast views of gleaming yachts against the backdrop of the city’s impressive architecture, providing a cozy yet luxurious atmosphere.
Cannes: With its expansive La Croisette promenade and views stretching across the Mediterranean, Cannes offers a more open and airy ambiance. Beachfront breakfasts with the sound of waves create an unmatched serene setting.
Edge: Monaco – for its unique combination of mountain, architecture, and sea that provides a slightly more intimate feel.
Volume & Capacity
Monaco: Given its smaller size, Monaco’s eateries might be more intimate and, during the peak festival time, could get crowded quickly. The spots are more boutique and might have a limited capacity.
Cannes: With a more extensive town layout and a variety of eateries, Cannes can cater to larger festival crowds. There’s also a broader range of choices from large beachfront establishments to smaller quaint cafes.
Edge: Cannes – for its ability to cater to larger crowds without compromising on the experience.
Accessibility:
Monaco: Most of the breakfast spots in Monaco, like Café de Paris Monte-Carlo and Stars’n’Bars, are conveniently located within walking distance of Port Hercule. The compact nature of Monaco makes it a breeze to navigate on foot, meaning attendees can easily hop from the festival to a breakfast venue without any hassle.
Cannes: Cannes, with its sprawling nature, offers a mix. Places like Barista Cannes and Caffé Roma are just a short stroll from the Vieux Port. However, some spots, especially those on La Croisette, might be a tad further but still walkable for most.
Edge: Monaco. The proximity of most breakfast venues to the festival’s heart makes Monaco a touch more convenient for those looking to grab a quick bite before diving into the maritime festivities.
Winner: Cannes
Based on the factors above, while both places offer unmatched luxury and experiences, Cannes seems to have a slight edge in terms of diversity, price range, and capacity, making it the breakfast champion for yachting festival attendees! However, as always, preferences can be subjective, and both destinations have their unique allure and additional dining options not covered in this review.
Do you have any feedback or additional insights? Please send an email to editor @ yachtsurf.com
