With golden beaches, green palms and azure skies, the French Riviera is every bit as bright and beautiful as a Matisse canvas. Our experienced Travel Advisors make it easy for you to plan your adventure, bringing together fascinating destinations and some of the best boutique hotels in the South of France in one inspiring itinerary.
Just a short drive from Marseille, Saint Tropez makes a show-stopping introduction to the French Riviera. Close to a century ago, this sun-drenched fishing village (as it was then) began to attract artists such as Matisse and Picasso, who painted here during the summer. Its bohemian appeal caught international attention in the 1960s with Brigitte Bardot’s beach antics in And God Created Woman. Saint Tropez blossomed into a place to see and be seen, with a luxury yacht-lined marina, designer boutiques and exclusive restaurants. This is somewhere to kick back and take it easy – from strolling along the seafront to stretching out beside the pool with a cocktail.
Choose from either MUSE Saint-Tropez, Hôtel Lou Pinet, or Althoff Villa Belrose for a truly sublime start to your trip. MUSE Saint Tropez is set in the hills just outside Saint Tropez, offering a selection of contemporary suites, most with their own private gardens. While Hôtel Lou Pinet has the perfect location for a get-away-from-it-all escape – far from the crowds in town, but close to the best beaches in the Côte d’Azur. Or stay at Althoff Villa Belrose and enjoy panoramic views across Saint Tropez and Michelin-starred cuisine in their Le Belrose restaurant. Suggested stay 3-4 nights.
Sitting either side of the rocky Cap d’Antibes peninsula, these resorts complement each other like a crisp Côte de Provence rosé and freshly-grilled Mediterranean sardines.
Peaceful Antibes has ancient Greek roots and has preserved much of its historic charm. Wander the 16th century ramparts and climb up to Château Grimaldi, which houses the coast’s most impressive Picasso museum. Or grab picnic provisions from the covered market at Cours Massena and hike to the secret pebble coves of Cap d’Antibes – a refreshing change from the bustling town beaches.
Juans-les-Pins feels distinctly more energetic. This art deco resort is known for its long beaches and stylish nightlife. In true roaring twenties style, in July the town hosts Europe’s oldest jazz festival: Jazz-a-Juans.
If you’ve an afternoon to spare, zip into nearby Cannes. Soak up the silver screen style of La Croisette, or lose yourself in the atmospheric old quarter, Le Suquet.
Savour the art deco glamour of Hôtel Belles-Rives, the former Antibes home of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. Or enjoy the peace of Hôtel Juana, an elegant 1930s mansion set in parkland in stylish Juan-les-Pins. Suggested stay 2-3 nights.
For the final leg of your luxury road trip, make your choice between two hilltop medieval villages: Èze or Mougins. Both provide a striking contrast with the resorts down on the shoreline, while being within easy reach of cosmopolitan Nice.
Èze delights with its steep cobbled streets and sweeping views from a spectacular botanic garden, full of interesting plants and sculptures. Soak it all up from Château Eza, a 400-year-old castle with cosy open fires in winter, and alfresco dining in summer.
Or, if you opt for Mougins, in the hills above Antibes, you’ll find an exclusive enclave dedicated to fine art and fine dining. Drop into the André Villers Photography Museum to see fascinating photos of famous former resident, Picasso. Or simply devote the last days of your adventure to utter relaxation at Le Mas Candille. With a luxury spa, infinity pool with mountain views and a Michelin-starred restaurant, there’s plenty to tempt you to stay just that bit longer. Suggested stay 2 nights.
It’s easy to hire a car from Marseille airport – and this region of France offers some truly stunning driving routes. In summer, make it a convertible, slip on your sunglasses (and screen-siren headscarf), and enjoy the endless blue skies. Ask our Voice Reservation Team for details about transfers or transport provided by individual hotels.
To book the hotels on this independent itinerary, get in touch with our Voice Reservation Team on 0800 0482 314 (UK) & 1-877-234-7033 (US). You can find a full list of our dedicated toll-free numbers here. We’re ready and waiting to plan luxury adventures 24 hours and day, seven days a week. So whenever inspiration strikes, just get in touch.
