Greetings from the Riviera - our first event this year

Published 2020-07-27 by Administrator

Finally

Finally, the season has officially started. Last week we did our first road trip of the year. Albeit with somewhat less cars than usual, but nonetheless a proper supercar driving tour on the best roads on the coast of Italy and France.

We started in Forte dei Marmi, the famous luxury village on the Tuscan coast, on the 19th of July. The following days we drove to Portofino, Monaco and then to Saint-Tropez.

The scenic roads selected were nearly without other traffic, providing perfect driving conditions. Furthermore, many of the roads in Italy had fresh asphalt, a result of the gigantic infrastructure programme launched by the government in April. While the country was locked down, they decided to resurface the roads. Clever.

In Portofino, Monaco and Saint-Tropez it was business as usual - the same number of tourists as every summer. Absolutely packed with people. The season on the Riviera is in full swing, there is no question about it.

Day 1 - Welcome to Forte dei Marmi

On Sunday the 19th of July we arrived to Forte dei Marmi and Hotel Byron. A five star boutique style hotel located on the beach boulevard. After a welcome drink on the terrace and a short drivers briefing we headed to Ristorante Dalmazia for dinner.

Day 2 - Forte dei Marmi to Portofino

The driving begins. We started with the amazing mountain road of Passo del Bracco, between La Spezia and Sestri Levante. The road had completely new asphalt, making the drive amazing. Furthermore, there was next to zero other traffic.

In Sestri Levante, we had lunch in the harbour, before continuing along the coast through Chiavari, Zoagli and Santa Margherita and then to Portofino, where we stayed in famous Splendido Portofino. Probably the best hotel on the mediterranean, if not the world.

Dinner on the terrace of the hotel, with a view of the prettiest harbour on the planet - Portofino.

Don't tell me this is not the prettiest harbour in the world.

Day 3 - The Ligurian Riviera and Monaco

Our road trip continued. First, using the motorways to pass Genova and Savona, and then on SS1 - Via Aurelia towards Monaco and Hotel de Paris. As always in Monaco, plenty of car spotters and tourists at the hotel when we arrived. Eager to see our supercars parking at the hotel main entrance.

After freshening up, we had champagne in Le Americain, the famous bar of Hotel de Paris, before having dinner in Buddha Bar - a favourite for many of us. Great food, a mix of oriental and French cuisine that tastes amazing.

Day 4 - Route Napoleon and Saint-Tropez

Quite possibly the greatest driving road in France is Route Napoleon. It connects Cannes with Grenoble (and beyond, they say) it is a masterpiece of excitement for all supercar drivers. Especially the part between Grasse and Castellane, where the drive is of epic proportions.

Lunch was at our secret lunch restaurant in Castellane. A family venue with most excellent food. We have stopped at this restaurant for eight years now, and it is always amazing.

After lunch, we drove through Gorges du Verdon and then south to Saint-Tropez and Byblos Hotel. Dinner tonight in the harbour of Saint-Tropez.

Day 4 - Provence

The final day of driving was in Provence, in the area west of Saint-Tropez. First, the beautiful mountain pass of Galibier, which had incredible views. Then, we arrived to Hotel le Castellet for lunch. This is an exclusive resort right next to the racing track of Paul Ricard.

After lunch, we drove the south route along the coast back to Saint-Tropez and Hotel Byblos. This final night we had dinner in the Alain Ducasse restaurant in the hotel.

Gran Turismo Riviera

Four days of great roads, five nights in famous hotels along the Italian and French Riviera. We are extremely happy to have hosted the group on this very first event of the season. Thank you all for joining us! Images by Nicolas Grandi

> See you in Poland in August

> See you in Italy in September