There are people who arrive on the French Riviera for a season, and there are those whose lives have quietly grown alongside it. Helena Gatsby belongs to the second group. Known internationally as a model, brand ambassador and content creator, Helena spends much of the year moving between fashion capitals, international events and some of the world’s most exclusive destinations. Yet no place has remained as constant in her life as the Côte d’Azur. Since childhood, she has returned to this stretch of Mediterranean coastline year after year, watching it change while somehow always feeling familiar.
By Kinsley Ah-Chion
After more than two decades, her recommendations come from experience, not passing impressions. Favourite hotels have become annual traditions, restaurant reservations have turned into rituals, and familiar faces greet her at addresses she has visited for years. She has seen the Riviera in every season, at its busiest and at its quietest, giving her a perspective that few visitors ever acquire.
For L’Officiel Monaco, Helena shares the places she continues to return to—from grand hotels and celebrated restaurants to beach clubs and personal favourites that, for her, define the character of the French Riviera.
Q: You’ve travelled extensively around the world. What makes the French Riviera so special to you?
There are places you discover, and there are places that become part of who you are. For me, the French Riviera has always been the latter. I’ve been coming here since I was born, and after twenty-five years of returning throughout every season of my life, it feels less like a destination and more like home.
I’ve travelled to some of the most beautiful places in the world, but nowhere captures the same effortless balance of elegance, warmth and timeless charm. It’s the combination of exceptional hospitality, incredible food, the Mediterranean Sea and an unmistakable atmosphere that keeps drawing me back. Every summer creates another collection of memories, yet it always feels wonderfully familiar.
Q: Is there one hotel on the Riviera that has become especially meaningful to you?
One of my favourite places in the world is Château de la Messardière in Saint-Tropez. From the moment you arrive, every detail has been thoughtfully considered. The gardens are breathtaking, the spa is one of the most beautiful I’ve experienced, and the level of service is exceptional. Breakfast overlooking the grounds is one of my favourite rituals, and it’s a place I never tire of returning to. To me, it remains one of the world’s most beautiful hotels.
Q: Another legendary address on the Côte d’Azur is Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc. What does that property represent for you?
Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc holds a very special place in my heart. I’ve spent so much of my life there that it feels like a second home. The warmth of the staff, the magnificent gardens, the famous tennis courts and the incredible views over the Mediterranean make every stay unforgettable. Waking up to the sea framed by pine trees and beautifully manicured gardens is something I’ll never take for granted.
Q: Are there any other hotels you always recommend?
Absolutely. Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat is another timeless favourite. Its understated elegance, beautiful rooms, peaceful gardens and iconic pool create an atmosphere of complete serenity. It’s one of those rare hotels where luxury feels effortless, refined and deeply relaxing.
Q: Food is such an important part of the Riviera lifestyle. Which restaurants do you always return to?
Food has always been one of the reasons I love the Riviera so much. In Monaco, Em Sherif is my favourite for Lebanese cuisine. Every dish is so tasteful, making it one of my first reservations whenever I’m in town. I also never miss Gaia, where I always order the Greek yoghurt with honey and nuts for dessert—simple, yet unforgettable.
Q: What are your favourite places to dine in Saint-Tropez?
Club 55 has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up spending summers there, and it’s still one of my favourite places to enjoy lunch after a morning by the sea. I love its fresh organic vegetables, homemade dishes and relaxed atmosphere that perfectly captures the spirit of Saint-Tropez.
For a more glamorous beachside lunch, Gigi Saint-Tropez is always a wonderful choice, while Kinugawa Saint-Tropez offers exceptional Japanese cuisine in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Q: Are there any restaurants outside Saint-Tropez that you would describe as unforgettable?
For unforgettable dining with spectacular views, La Chèvre d’Or in Èze is truly extraordinary. The Michelin-starred cuisine, combined with panoramic views over the Mediterranean, makes every meal feel like a special occasion.
Just a few minutes away, Le Mas Provençal feels like stepping into a fairytale, with its abundance of flowers and wonderfully romantic atmosphere.
Along the coast, I also love LouLou Pirate in Roquebrune for its relaxed charm, La Guérite near Cannes for long, lively lunches that often turn into unforgettable afternoons, and Mamo in Antibes, an iconic Italian restaurant that never disappoints and always feels welcoming.
Q: Which beach clubs best capture the Riviera spirit for you?
Club 55 will always be my favourite for its sense of tradition and nostalgia. It’s where so many of my happiest Riviera memories were made. I also love spending time at the Monte-Carlo Beach Club, where the atmosphere is relaxed and unmistakably Mediterranean.
Q: Do you have a favourite beauty destination before the summer season begins?
One of my favourite beauty addresses is Cool Bay in Monaco, where I always trust the team with my hair before the season’s events and evenings.
Q: After all these years, what keeps bringing you back to the French Riviera?
The French Riviera will always be my happy place. It’s where I slow down, reconnect with family and friends, and create memories that stay with me long after summer ends. Whether it’s an early morning overlooking the Mediterranean, a long lunch by the beach or simply watching the sun set over the sea, there is a feeling here that I have never found anywhere else in the world. That is what keeps bringing me back year after year.
Credits:
Makeup & Hair Paris: Irina & Maryna (Lena Yasenkova Beauty Team)
Production: Mariia Grazhina Chaplin and Marina Fiorucci