Experience the beauty of the Italian and French Riviera, the sweeping mountains, azure seas, vast blue skies and twinkling villages perched on the hillsides above the bays and harbours. This coastline is hard to beat, in terms of beauty and accessibility. Coupled with world famous restaurants, night life, boutiques and beaches a yachting trip on the Riviera offers the ultimate cruising experience.
Portofino
Experience the beauty of these narrow winding streets twisting down to the famous port. The picture perfect cobbled streets could grace the cover of any Italian travel guide. Originally a fishing village, and managing to retain its small village charm, Portofino is undoubtedly one of the must stop places on any trip to the Italian Riviera. Dior, Louis Vuitton and Prada sit next to grocery shops bursting with fresh produce, and gelatos selling homemade ice cream. Its busy town quay is packed with visiting yachts, and its summer festival ambience makes for a superb overnight stop.
**Where to Eat – Feast on fresh seafood at the Michelin rated trattoria DaV Mare, excellent location overlooking the harbour.
Cinque Terre
Visit any of the five beautiful villages, Monterrosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore each nestled on the Sentiero Azzurro, a beautiful hiking trail on the spectacular Italian coastline just south of Portofino. Each of the tiny villages has its own special charm, with brightly coloured houses cascading down the hillside towards the sea. Be sure to make time for at least one village to village hike. Our favourite is from Vernazza to Monterosso which is moderately challenging but the gelato reward awaiting at the finish line is worth it! Stop for lunch in one of the numerous fish restaurants and sample the local wine, with grapes grown on the vines that surround the trails.
**Restaurant with a view – L’Ancora della Tortuga, Monterrosso. Perched on the cliff (one wall is actually the cliff face!), views from the terrace are breathtaking. Seafood and fresh fish are the speciality.
Monaco Montecarlo
The tiny sovereign state of Monaco has long been a fascination to its visitors. Even before Grace Kelly quit Hollywood to become a real life princess, Monaco was the renowned playground of the rich and famous. Grand casinos, designer shopping centres and Michelin starred restaurants are crammed in to this nation, spanning just 200 hectares. Every year thousands descend on the principality for the Grand Prix, a thrilling race that takes place on the streets of Monaco, widely considered to be one of the most important and prestigious car races in the world.
**Experience the orient at Maya Bay – take a journey to the land of Asian flavours at this excellent Thai and Japanese restaurant.
Villefranche sur Mer
The picture perfect horseshoe bay at Villefranche sur Mer is reputed as one of the 5 most beautiful bays of the world and offers everything you expect from a Cote d’Azur resort town. With pretty coves and a 1km long beach surrounding the bay, it’s a protected anchorage in crystal clear waters, great for an overnight stay. Spend the afternoon exploring with the onboard water toys, whether it’s a snorkelling adventure with the Seabobs or a kayak and paddle board to the beach. Be sure to save time for an evening promenade ashore to check out the medieval village with its little boutiques and shops. Enjoy an aperitif at one of the many bars or fish restaurants that surround the harbour.
**Famous clientele – Le Mere Germaine. Reknowned as a local institution, Jean Cocteau used to eat at this excellent restaurant overlooking the harbour. Indulge in fresh seafood whilst taking in the view.
Antibes/Cap d’Antibes
The charming walled town of Antibes awaits. With a bustling daily Provencal market, and its small cobbled streets, spend a day exploring this ancient city. Lying to the east of Cannes, it offers a calmer, more traditional vibe. Its old centre is a warren of pretty cafes and bars, ice cream shops and boutiques. On its far side, sandy beaches stretch to Cap Antibes and some of the most sought after real estate on the Cote d’Azur. Take a tender ride to the Baie de Milliardaires (Billionaires Bay), and swim ashore to explore the pretty rocky beach and hike the Sentier du Littoral, a beautiful walking path that skirts the coastline, bordered by gated mansions and historic estates. One more notable property was once owned by Aristotle Onassis, previously owned by the Windsors; and subsequently by his arch rival Stavros Niarchos, and more recently by Roman Abramovich.
**Star performance – Dine at the Michelin Starred Provencal restaurant, Le Figure de Saint-Esprit. Straddling the ramparts of the old town, dine on beautifully prepared dishes, redolent of Provence.
Cannes / Cannes Islands
Famed for its International Film Festival every May, attracting movie stars from around the world, Cannes has all the glamour you’d expect from such a legendary city. From the glitz and stardom of the Palais de Festival and its famous ‘steps’ to the ancient lanes that snake up to Le Suquet, the oldest part of town, Cannes has plenty to offer. If you tire of sightseeing, enjoy a relaxed afternoon anchored off Iles des Lerins, two tiny islands just off the coast. Ile Sainte Marguerite, home to the famous La Guerite beach club and restaurant, is famed for its bone white sand beaches, eucalyptus groves and underwater sculpture park – great for pre lunch snorkelling or diving. The smaller island of St Honorat has been a monastery since the 5th Century, where you climb to the top of the fortification tower that dates back to 1083.
**Make time for lunch at the famous beach club of La Guerite, first established in 1902, this big hitter is renowned for its Mediterranean fare and sophisticated clientele. Don’t be surprised if the afternoon ends in dancing…
St Tropez
Not many towns in the world can boast to have been transformed by sizzling sexpot Brigitte Bardot, but after she starred in Et Dieu Crea la Femme (And God Created Women, 1956) this town transformed overnight from a peaceful fishing village to a jet set favourite. With anything and everything from shoe brands to cakes stealing the name, St Tropez and the Tropezienne style instantly evokes an aura of high fashion and glamour. Find a space in the buzzing town quay marina and step ashore to enjoy this energetic small town. Wander in the maze of narrow streets, beautiful boutiques and fashionable bars and restaurants to see what all the hype is about. Need some beach time? Anchor by Pampelonne Beach, the 5 km long beach, home of some of the most popular beach clubs in the South of France.
**Ride the ‘Golden Wave’ – take the opportunity to dine at the 3 star restaurant Le Vague d’Or, promising its patrons an exceptional experience everyday. Chef Arnaud Donckele pays a heartfelt tribute to Mediterranean cuisine.
