The once-sleepy fishing villages that dot the coastline now ooze glamor. Long before the red carpets and international society arrived, the world’s most famous artists were here, drawn by the unique colors and light of the region. Visitors are still reminded of this while watching a rosy pink sunset from a harbor front café or from the bow of their own luxury yacht charter in France. Visit the focal points along the French Riviera before sailing into the smallest principality in the world Monaco. 

Why Go: Gorgeous light, chic waterfront cafés, beach bars and the patina of glamor.

When to Go: May (particularly for the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix), June, July, August and September.

Essential Ports: Cannes, Nice, Monaco, St. Jean Cap Ferrat, Villefranche, Beaulieu sur Mer, Eze, Antibes, Juan les Pins, and St. Tropez.

Essential Experiences: The medieval streets Mougin, the galleries of Fondation Maeght just outside of the old town walls of St. Paul de Vence, a drive along the Grand Corniche at sunset up to Eze village for unforgettable views, or play your hand at the Belle Epoche Casino de Monte-Carlo.

Local Favorites: Lunch at Le Club 55 or Nikki Beach followed by one of Alexandre Micka’s famous Tarte Tropézienne in St. Tropez. Clubbing at the VIP Room, seafood at La Mer Germaine in Villefranche.