French Riviera, France

The south of France cannot fail to enchant, from the see-and-be-seen beaches and boardwalks of Cannes and Monaco to the rolling hills of lavender around Grasse and the medieval village of Èze, there’s a whole host of places to explore throughout the summer and beyond.

Côte d’Azur reflects a past defined by the pursuit of elegance and the art of good living. It first became an association with glamour in the 19th century thanks in part to British aristocracy who began vacationing there. Back then, artists and royalty fell in love with the French Riviera, which at the time was known mostly for its sea bathing and thermal spas. Later, the location became a splendid getaway known for sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches, gourmet cuisine, and world-class hotels. Today, the peninsula of Saint-Tropez with its yacht-filled gulf is still very much the heart of the Riviera, and it has retained its glittering allure. And remains the domain of the global elite.

Enjoy bathing in the waters of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, St. Raphael, Mandelieu-la-Napoule or Sainte-Maxime. And whatever you do, don’t just settle for a beach holiday: venturing inland is just as rewarding. Mougins, Le Lavandou, Grasse and Vallauris are beautiful gateways to the Nice countryside and the Var department. And why not take to the hills and mountains and visit the unmissable perched villages of Vence, Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Ramatuelle.