Nice rises from the pebbled coast to lush hills, yet the heart of the city is located between the old port city and the Aeroport de Côte d’Azur. To take it all in, enjoy a jaunt on the Promenade des Anglais along the Mediterranean Sea. The Old Port, located in Vieux Nice (Old Nice), is a colorful and busy place, with various markets. There discover an ensemble of narrow streets, colorful architecture, and picturesque piazzas. Stretch out on Nice’s recognizable blue lounge chairs on one of its iconic beaches. Some of these private beaches, like the Blue Beach or the Castel Beach, are among the most glamorous beaches on the French Riviera.

Spend your day exploring glamorous and ultra-fashionable Cannes, with its majestic hotels, millionaires, movie stars, and mega-yachts in a gem-like setting along the sparkling Mediterranean. Stroll along the Royal Palm tree lined Boulevard de la Croisette where world-renowned designers cater to the rich and famous. Beyond Cannes, enjoy a picturesque drive outside the city along the famed Golden Corniche. The fiery colors of the rocks make for a striking contrast against the cobalt blue of the sea. Experience la vie en rose with a visit to the Maison des Vins, a modern cellar with hundreds of bottles on display.

The jewel in the heart of the spectacular Côte d’Azur, Saint-Tropez was a sleepy seaside village with a rich maritime history that achieved celebrity beginning in the 1960s. Explore the hexagon shaped Citadelle that once served as the defender of the gulf. The castle contains a maritime museum, and the grounds provide breathtaking views of the Côte d’Azur. La Musée de l’Annonciade is a real treat for art lovers and located just beyond the Quai de l’Epi pier. This 16th-century chapel features a small but powerful collection of paintings by Derain, Signac, and other artists.

Along the famous French Côte d’Azur sits the commune of Le Lavandou. Picturesque beach paths and a charming dock filled with colorful fishing boats make up the scene in this quaint little village. With 12 white sand beaches kept in pristine conditions, it’s paradise from every way you look. Small, wild coves and water sports abound if you’re the kind of beachgoer who seeks more active adventures. Le Lavandou’s beach waters are so renowned, they’ve been awarded several honors, including the coveted Blue Flag beach label, which means if you’re looking for diving spots, this is it.

Amid France’s famed Côte d’Azur stands the charming little town of Sanary-sur-Mer. It’s also one of eight communes in the renowned Bandol wine region. Its picturesque harbor creates that image by strategically docking traditional blue and white fishing boats, known as pointus, and heritage vessels. Stroll around the harbor heading east to find a church dedicated to the town’s namesake, Saint Nazaire, a 19th-century Byzantine-style construct. For explorers seeking aquatic excursions, Portissol beach is the place to go. The crescent-shaped shore offers access to an “underwater trail” where divers and snorkelers can jump in and discover the beauty that lies beneath the surface.

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore

Along the Vermillion Coast sits the charming village of Collioure, a mix of castles, colorful houses and surrounded by blue sea. While it has everything the wanderlust spirit seeks, it’s still relatively undiscovered. Collioure is mostly visited by local French people taking a summer holiday along its rocky beach. The standout structures to visit are the Notre-Dame-des-Anges church and Château Royal de Collioure fortress. In the 20th century, Collioure played a major role in the art of famous painters like Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. It’s easy to see why as you walk down the narrow streets of the old fishermen’s neighborhood, Moré.

Near the Spanish-French border of Spain’s rugged Costa Brava, you’ll find a fair and lovely landscape. Delight in exploring the historic center of Roses, dotted with chic shops and highlighted by modernist architecture. Roses is less than a half-hour drive to Cadaqués. This town attracted world-famous artists. Most notably, the Catalan town was where Surrealist artist Salvador Dalì spent his childhood here and later established his home in Port Lligat. The Dalí House Museum here is also worth a visit. For the ultimate view of Roses, its picturesque bay and its neighboring villages, take to the sky. From nearby Empuriabrava, you can skydive for an unforgettable thrill of a lifetime.

The capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, Barcelona, lives up to its reputation as a center of grand architecture and inspiring art. Antoni Gaudi’s Park Guell displays architecture as art, making for a whimsical and colorful stroll through Barcelona. Stretching from La Rambla to Via Laietana you will find the Gothic Quarter, the city’s historic center with intricate medieval buildings and streets turned into modern bars, clubs, and restaurants. A short way up La Rambla you’ll come across La Boqueria, one of Europe’s largest and most famous food markets, filled with fruits, pastries, and many tasty samples of local fare.