An unforgettable French Riviera Proposal at Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat

The French Riviera is an epic stop on any Eurotrip if travelling from far and wide, and a perfect short haul vacation spot if already located on the continent. With its balmy year-round climate, sweeping Mediterranean sea views, and iconic coastal towns like St. Tropez and Monaco, it offers a unique blend of relaxation and sophistication.

Why Propose on the French Riviera

From the legendary five-star resorts such as Hotel du Cap Eden Roc and Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat, to cultural gems like Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and the hilltop village of Eze, there’s something captivating for every kind of traveler.

Couple your vacation with a proposal in the South of France and you are bound to wow your partner and receive a big ‘YES’ from the one you love most! Because nothing can be quite as romantic as sipping Champagne in the land of champagne, overlooking a gorgeous view and enjoying incredible florals & candlelit decor as you ask them to be yours forever. It truly is one of the best destinations for a luxury proposal in France!

As specialist proposal planners with expertise in the South of France, Paris, Provence and across the country we adore receiving unique briefs. Last month we had the privilege of organising a one-of-a-kind proposal for a wonderful couple on the Riviera. Read more below to learn about the special day as well as discover our top tips for proposing in the South of France and some of our most loved recommended proposal venues in Cote d'Azur.

Or if you would like help organising your big day contact us, for Proposal planning in the South of France. we'd be glad to walk you through the process and create a perfect 'YES' moment for the both of you!

Our French Riviera Proposal from start to finish

S contacted us just a few weeks before the couple was due to arrive in the Cote D’Azur for a last-minute vacation. He knew it was the perfect opportunity to ask his partner J the big question that had been on his mind for some time. 

How We Planned a Dream Proposal in the South of France

Our expert team arranged a consultation to understand the engagement requirements - such as dates, preferred setting and decor desired, all while learning more about the couple’s love story so that we can make the day extra meaningful and personal. It is in this meeting that we also discovered J’s love of the colour yellow, which helped set the tone for the design of the celebration. 

From there, our team worked quickly behind the scenes to secure the ideal venue - Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat, a prestigious Four Seasons property. We then coordinated with our world-class suppliers on behalf of the client, created an extra romantic decor brief and put together a perfect plan for the day from start to finish so that S had everything he needed ready to go, to enjoy a seamless, meaningful, stress-free proposal experience.

The day of our magical Proposal in the French Riviera 

From early in the afternoon, our expert proposal planning team was on site at the stunning Volupte Gardens of the hotel ensuring everything was on track and the luxury proposal setup, as well as the installation of a grand piano was taking place.

We organised a display of thousands of roses with, of course, a very yellow-forward theme, as these are J’s favourite, as well as touches of pastels in pinks and purples. The proposal would take place centre stage overlooking a perfect view of the Mediterranean Sea, with Frank Sinatra tunes, the couple’s most loved artist, performed live by our singer and pianist.

We also set up a grand tablescape with florals, candles, speciality tableware and complete with personalised menus and napkins, as well as a grand chandelier to reflect beautifully on the mirror top.

The Spectacular Proposal at Four Seasons, Grand Hotel Cap Ferrat

S & J arrived in style, in a chauffeured Maybach Mercedes. We suggested S let J know she was coming for a dinner reservation at one of the hotel facilities to leave her unsuspecting of what was in store. As they entered the Four Seasons, we greeted the couple and led them to their ‘dinner’. Of course, instead of a usual restaurant they ended up in the magical gardens which were completely transformed for the once-in-a-lifetime occasion.

As the sun was setting, S led J across the way to the mirrored stage and got down on bended knee to ask “Will You Marry Me”. J, of course exclaimed ‘YES!’ and at that moment sparklers ignited. Our photographer and videographer were on hand to capture it all and the pianist played the couple’s special song "Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton.

After toasting the engagement and taking more photos with the romantic decor as well as around the property, to prolong the celebration, the couple were seated for a 5-course curated and personalised dinner by the hotel’s Michelin starred head chef. A perfect ending to a perfect proposal. 

Our top tips for proposal planning South of France

At The Proposers we specialise in proposal planning for the South of France. Below we share some of the things to consider in order to ensure you have the most successful engagement in the Cote d'Azur. As French Riviera proposal planners we know just how to get it right!

Choose the right proposal setting for you

You know the saying “location, location, location”, it really is a cornerstone of a successful proposal. When planning for your big day, consider what will be the right atmosphere for you as a couple, as no two relationships are the same. Are you after a private intimate moment or would a public setting with crowds cheering be more of what your partner best enjoys. There are so many gorgeous places in the French Riviera to propose in. From 5* hotels like Cap Estel where we can help you privatise a terrace to pop the question in overlooking the Mediterranean, to the beautiful botanic gardens in Eze where asking in a more impromptu but romantic fashion can take place.

See below for some of our best places to propose on the French Riviera.

Consider the seasons for the engagement

While mild compared to other locales across Europe, the South of France boasts balmy temperatures year-round (you can often see locals at the beach around Christmas time). Each season holds its benefits and drawbacks, so plan accordingly.

In summertime, from around May to September, temperatures are most stable, expect lots of sunshine but also larger crowds. If you are after beautiful lavender fields, time your trip from the middle of June to early August for a chance to capture the splendour.

If travelling in the shoulder seasons of April or October, temperatures often drop a bit but so do the holidaymakers, so hot spots are more easily accessible and you can expect a quieter getaway.

In the winter, you will get days of sunshine similar to those of spring but also some rainfall. Therefore, if vacationing or proposing, always have a plan B in case you catch some showers.

Make it personal

No two love stories are the same, and so no two proposals are the same. Whether it’s little touches like a favourite song playing in the background and a bouquet of their favourite flowers. Or something more customised and wow-factor like a treasure hunt with presents representing your past, present and future and a drone show incorporating your most loved moments - the sky is literally the limit, but most importantly make sure it is about both of you.

Capture the moment

If there was one tip we’d give you, it is this - ensure you capture the moment. This is a truly momentous stage in your relationship. What’s more, you are at one of Europe’s prettiest destinations, so whether you opt for a pre-set tripod recording, or hire a full photography and videography team, you’ll be grateful to have those memories forever. What’s more, if you book a photographer, you can prolong the occasion with a shoot in multiple gorgeous locales on the Riviera, which will provide great social media assets for your engagement announcement.

The Best Places to Propose in the South of France

We specialise in proposals on the Cote D’Azur with years of curating some incredible ‘yes’ moments across the region. As French Riviera proposal planners, below our expert team is giving you the lowdown on some of our most loved places to propose in, in the South of France.

Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, South of France proposal

A grand jewel of the Riviera, a previous home of the well-known family, now turned into a museum. Boasting nine themed gardens, including an impeccable Japanese garden and one full of English roses. Proposals can take place on the main lawn in front of the striking pink facade of the iconic house or, on the Florentine terrace with outstanding views.

Hotel du Cap Eden Roc, French Riviera proposal

The glamorous five-star hotel which was favoured by the likes of Hemingway, Picasso, and most recently Sophia Ritchie is a go-to destination for celebrities frequenting Cote d’Azur. Proposals can take place right by the sea with a beautiful meal, bottle of champagne, and decor such as rose petals, flower arrangements and candles.

Hotel Chateau de la Chevre d’Or, French Riviera proposal

The historic village of Eze has breathtaking vantage points at every angle due to its unique location perched high up on the coast. With endless Mediterranean views, a charming intimate setting and impeccable 5-star service, Hotel Chateau de la Chevre d’Or is a perfect place to propose. We can hire out the romantic dome or one of the gardens right on the cliffs and create a super romantic candlelit atmosphere. As an extra touch we can also book a violinist to perform at sunset.

Hotel Hermitage Monte Carlo, Monaco proposal

Looking to pop the question in style in Monaco? Then Hotel Hermitage might be the right venue for you. A well-loved institution of the principality and located in the centre of all the action. For something truly wow factor we can decorate one of the incredible suites with all the trimmings - flowers, rose petals, candles and a large “Marry Me” sign.

Cap Estel, South of France proposal

Imagining a terrace right on the sea with endless views of the ocean for your engagement proposal? This is exactly what is available here, truly the perfect setting for a South of France proposal. Top the occasion off with a photoshoot around the gorgeous hotel and a dinner reservation at the two-star Michelin restaurant on site and you’ll have an evening to remember forever.

Yacht Engagement Proposal on the French Riviera

Looking to sail the seas and pop the question? There’s nothing quite like a quintessential yacht experience on the coast of the South of France. It is a little trickier to maintain a surprise on a boat, so we typically recommend sticking to one part of the vessel as you depart the dock. Then when you are out on the water moving decks so you can see some beautiful pre-organised decor, arranged by us and of course take photos with a photographer to hand.

Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat, luxury French Riviera proposal

This exclusive hotel offers the Four Seasons standard and amazing options for your magical marriage proposal. From secluded balconies to garden areas which can be hired out and decorated to perfection, to exquisite private dining options curated just for the two of you. 

A bit about The Proposers - South of France proposal planners

We are The Proposers, the first ever proposal company in the world. With over 13 years of experience planning luxury marriage proposals in London, Europe and around the world we have a 100% success rate. From intimate engagements to never-been-seen-before proposal concepts we are here to make your proposal dreams a reality. 

Start Planning Your French Riviera Proposal

So if you are in the midst of planning your gateway in Cote D’Azur and are wondering how to propose in the South of France as part of your trip, have any more questions about proposals in the beautiful region or have something else in mind across the country such as a proposal with the Eiffel tower in Paris, a private Chateau experience or getting engaged in view of the lavender fields of Provence - reach out to our team of expert proposal planners, we’ll be thrilled to help you organise your special day. 

Find out more about our French Riviera proposal packages and France proposal offerings here.

Or contact our proposal planning team to start organising your French Riviera proposal today.