Filmmaker Andrew Lauren recently shared with RL Magazine’s spring edition the DNA behind Côte D’Azur his French Riviera, highlighting the sights, the sounds, the locales, and the dishes that make up The Spectacular Now director’s European oasis.

While the magazine goes into great depth to unearth Lauren’s mainstay’s abroad – the full interview can be found here — Lauren sums up his life of the region matter-of-factly: “What’s so extraordinary about this area is that even if it’s changed over the years, what always made it great remains. It’s still got glamour, French tradition and natural beauty.” Lauren notes Île Saint Honorat, Cannes is the perfect destination for a kayak because the water is crisp and cold while the covered market in Marché Forville offer a lively, delicious respite from the waves.

Next on Lauren’s tour du jour is the Fondation Maeght, Saint-Paul De Vence, one of few private art foundations left in France with an inspiring array of site-specific artwork including a custom courtyard commissioned by Giacometti and architect Josep Lluis Sert I López. Lauren notes, “when the weather is good, which it often is on the Côte D’Azur, there is no better way to spend the afternoon.”