A Morning in The Riviera 

A very pleasant pattern has started to develop during my mornings in the French Riviera while studying abroad. There is nothing as fulfilling as a brisk morning walk along the Mediterranean coast, catching views of the beautiful blue sea and the historic city fort along the coastline of Antibes. From there, I stroll through the Marché Provençal, where spices, olives, and flowers abound. I’m convinced I could buy something new every day and never run out of options. 

A view of the spice table at the Marché Provençal. The scents and sights of this table are so beautiful, and I wish I could try them all! 

My final destination on mornings as blissful as these allows me to feel fully immersed in French culture: a morning at the café. It’s impossible to miss a café, as locals are always sitting, chatting, and sipping outside these quaint establishments. As a new Antibes local (or so I like to call myself; the actual locals might disagree), joining in on this time of enjoyment and delight has quickly become one of my favorite parts of French culture. 

One of my favorite views on my morning walk along the coastline. The color of the water and the sky take my breath away every time. Along the right side of the photo you can see the fort wall that surrounds the city of Antibes. 

U.S. Coffee Shops vs. French Cafés 

Coffee culture in the U.S. revolves around to-go cups and drive-through convenience. In the French Riviera, however, a trip to the local café is far more than just a way to get a daily coffee fix. Many American coffee shops pride themselves on fast service from order to delivery, but this ideal would completely clash with the most prized moments of a morning in the French Riviera: slowly enjoying the sights, smells, and sounds of the world passing by while sitting outside a local café. It’s about spending time not only with loved ones and friendly strangers but also with oneself. 

The scents of the beautiful pastries and breads are absolutely incredible! I wish I could take home five different new breads to try every day. 

Although there may be a few differences in the coffee itself offered at French cafés (say goodbye to the reliable iced latte), the main distinction is not measured by taste but by time. As someone who likes to arrive 15 minutes early to every event, maximize efficiency, and never linger too long in one place, French café culture has taught me a valuable lesson: it’s okay to stop and smell the roses—or a bitter French espresso—and take a French minute (approximately an hour) to simply be still and enjoy the moment. 

At my home university, coffee shops are often filled with students focusing on assignments, headphones in, distractions avoided. I used to be one of those regulars: grabbing my drink of choice, finding a quiet spot, and diving into work. The beauty of a French café lies in finding joy in every distraction—sitting with eyes wide open to the world and ears attuned to the stories and voices around. So far, I’ve yet to see anyone in a French café frantically typing with headphones in, stressed about a looming deadline. 

This was a specialty café that I tried that had wonderful “Snickers” cookies and Nutella hot chocolate. So tasty and unique! 

Endless Opportunity 

The selection of beverages and pastries at French cafés can appease anyone’s senses. The fresh bread on display and steaming hot coffee in every cup create scents that are hard to miss. Even as a self-proclaimed “coffee-wimp,” I’ve found something delightful to eat and drink at every café I’ve visited. Whether it’s a hot chocolate or the occasionally available iced latte, I’ve yet to be disappointed. 

Cafés are not only great for delicious treats but also for practicing French! Spending time there has been one of the best ways to immerse myself in French culture and language. When I arrived in France, I knew only basic phrases like “bonjour!” and “merci!” Attempting to speak a language I barely knew was intimidating at first. 

After a few initial visits, however, I discovered that cafés are excellent places to absorb language essentials. By simply sitting and observing like a local, I quickly learned how to order, ask about someone’s day, and wish others a “bonne journée!” It’s amazing how such an enjoyable experience led to countless moments of learning and a deeper appreciation for the culture surrounding me. 

My go-to everyday café is located just steps away from my apartment door and right along the Marché Provençal. How could this morning lineup not make you smile! 

A Place to Cherish 

Every morning spent at a café in the French Riviera is a good morning. When I first entered a French café after my morning walk, I thought I’d grab my drink and be on my way. Now, I wouldn’t trade those moments—sipping a chocolat chaud and savoring a pain au chocolat while soaking in the beauty of the Riviera—for anything. 

What once was just a place for a quick treat and maybe some last-minute work has become a space I cherish. It’s one of my favorite environments for finding joy and cultivating happiness. Thank you, French cafés, for reminding me that it’s okay to stop and smell the espresso.