12 days in the South of France: Where should I go?
The South of France, known for its picturesque coastline, vibrant culture and enduring glamour, and where the global elite gravitate to for the ultimate masterclass in relaxation.
Are you looking for a classic French Riviera experience? Or seeking off the beaten track activities? We guide you through the most popular luxury destinations across the acclaimed Côte d'Azur, as well as the lesser known locations, where luxury travellers settle for a quieter adventure.
Once a quiet Mediterranean port appreciated by artists in the early 20th century, it swiftly transformed into a luxury destination synonymous with the jet set lifestyle after film productions and stars like Brigitte Bardot converged here in the 1950s and 60s. Now, Saint-Tropez holds high-net-worth status with enduring appeal that continues to attract affluent individuals from across the globe. Ease into Riviera rhythm at renowned Club 55, where the drinks are flowing and the vibes are high. If fine art is on your agenda, explore the Musée de l’Annonciade and witness a masterly collection of post-Impressionist paintings. Or if you prefer to stay close to the water, take a tender and dip into hidden coves, docking at private beach clubs only accessible from the sea.
There’s nowhere quite like Monaco. It’s a pillar of speed, style, and spectacle—where the Grand Prix roars through the streets and soirées echo into the early hours. The Casino de Monte-Carlo sits like a grand stage at the heart of it all. This is where high society still dances and dreams. Monaco is more than a destination. It’s a world where elegance and excitement collide, creating an experience like no other. Despite its reputation for luxury, Monaco offers moments of quiet charm and long-lived customs. You won’t be short of seafood indulgences here. Monaco is especially known for its local dish Barbagiuan, a crisp pastry filled with Swiss chard and ricotta—best enjoyed fresh from a market stall in La Condamine, where recipes are still passed down from generation to generation.
Cannes, a sparkling gem in the French Riviera. A balance of old-world charm and cinematic glamour. Stroll along La Croisette, where palm trees frame designer boutiques and the sea shimmers beyond private beach clubs. Climb into Le Suquet, the historic old town, where cobbled streets lead to panoramic views from the 17th-century Église Notre-Dame d’Espérance. Cannes takes cuisine as seriously as cinema. La Palme d’Or at Hôtel Martinez offers a two-Michelin-starred French haute cuisine against a backdrop of art deco grandeur. For something more intimate, Table 22 by Noël Mantel charms with its warmth, local ingredients, and seasonal creativity. For scenic views of the coastline, why not have your Y.CO charter specialist arrange a helicopter ride over this classic superyacht cruising region.
Nice is where the Riviera slows down, with its blend of effortless elegance and Riviera soul, Nice is a masterclass in laid-back luxury. Stroll the Promenade des Anglais as rollerbladers glide past the pastel facades and locals sip rosé under striped parasols. Anchor off the coast and step ashore into a city layered with Greek, Roman, and Italian influence, where the Old Town’s winding alleys open into squares lined with Baroque churches and flower markets. Wander through the ruins of Cemenelum, an ancient Roman settlement where Belle Époque villas and olive groves decorate a historic amphitheatre. Let the scent of the sea air guide you through centuries of history, in a place where time stretches as gently as the coastline. Nice doesn’t demand attention, it earns affection.
Antibes, a walled treasure of the Côte d’Azur, where ancient walls meet the sapphire waters of the Mediterranean. Once a Greek trading post known as Antipolis, this town exudes a timeless elegance shaped by centuries of history. To one side, the shimmering Cap d’Antibes stretches into the horizon; to the other, the old town bustles quietly with artisan markets and Provençal life. Whether exploring cobbled alleys or gazing out at the port from your superyacht, Antibes delivers a perfect balance of Riviera glamour and Mediterranean authenticity. At golden hour, the light is soft and amber, bathing the town in a painterly calm. This is where the French Riviera exhales.
Èze is a mountaintop village where medieval stone walls wrap around narrow lanes blooming with bougainvillea. At its summit, The Exotic Garden of Èze offers one of the Riviera’s most breathtaking views; a panorama stretching from Cap Ferrat to the glittering edge of the Italian coast. Once a stop for philosophers and poets, Èze still hums with quiet inspiration, from hidden ateliers to the winding Nietzsche Path that descends toward the sea. Èze's roots can be traced back to the 8th century, when it was first fortified as a defensive stronghold overlooking the Mediterranean. Over the centuries, it passed through the hands of the Moors, Romans, House of Savoy, and eventually France, each leaving subtle imprints on its stone architecture and strategic design.
Villefranche-sur-Mer is a hidden Riviera treasure, cradled between Nice and Monaco. You’ll find chapels adorned with maritime frescoes and hidden staircases that spill toward the sea. Down by the water, life unfolds gently, where fishermen cast nets and cafés hum with conversation. For an unforgettable taste of the sea, your charter specialist can book you a table at La Mère Germaine, a celebrated culinary institution known for its lobster linguine and Provençal fish stew served just steps from the water.
Cap Ferrat is the Riviera’s quiet icon of exclusivity. With a long-standing history of attracting royals and high net worth individuals, the peninsula remains a sanctuary of privacy for luxury travellers. Superyachts gently drift into the protected anchorage; a favorite among those in the know, for its calm waters and cinematic surroundings. Whether walking the shaded paths past Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild or watching the sunset from your deck, Cap Ferrat offers a glimpse into a world where luxury is felt, not flaunted. If you want the South of France at its most sublime, this is where you'll find it.
Menton is a sunny town on the border of Italy, and the air is perfumed with citrus blossom. Known as the “Pearl of France,” its pastel-hued facades climb up the hillside, crowned by the Baroque beauty of the Basilica of Saint-Michel. Ease into Menton’s gentle pace with a private morning tour of the Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden, where rare orchids, palms, and exotic blooms flourish in a terraced Eden overlooking the sea. Stop for a citron pressé on the Promenade du Soleil, in the afternoon, dive into the sea from your superyacht and unwind with a swim at La Pergola Beach. This is Riviera living, accompanied by sun, sea, and citrus.
Bandol is a quaint place that locals like to keep hush about, and only those with insider knowledge anchor here for a peaceful pause. For a quieter, off the beaten track charter destination, cruise to this mellow seaside destination for undisturbed relaxation. Considered to be one of the finest wine appellations in the country, Bandol is revered for producing smooth, full-bodied reds, with viticulture remaining a prominent luxury trade here since the 5th century. Your charter specialist can book you a private wine tour that explores the finest wineries and vineyards in the region with exemplary samplings of exquisite white, rosé and reds.
Cassis is a Riviera secret that sits between the cliffs of the Calanques and the vines of Cap Canaille. Sail into its postcard-perfect harbour where wooden fishing boats bob alongside sleek tenders. The streets are lined with art galleries, wine shops, and the scent of fresh croissants. Cassis is renowned for its crisp, mineral-rich white wines. Glide into the bay at golden hour, with wine in hand, and from the deck of your yacht watch the harbour unfold like a Riviera watercolor; with pastel houses, terracotta rooftops, and vines tumbling down the hillsides towards the sea. Here, the land rises and folds around the coast in a way that feels almost cinematic.
This charming island just off the southern tip of the French Riviera is a haven for nature walks and low-key living. Take anchor in one of the many sheltered bays and spend time wandering through vineyard-lined landscapes enriched with the herbaceous aroma of neighbouring olive groves, or stroll one of its many sandy white beaches, some of which lead to the southern tip of the island where dramatic landscapes majestically reveal themselves to the curious traveller. Porquerolles is a fine chance to embrace a slower pace of life, where your best mode of transport is the humble bicycle, inviting you to soak up the beautiful simplicity of this delightful destination.
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