Ile Sainte-Marguerite, one of the largest islands off the coast of Cannes, is made up of magnificent pine forests and charming coves, a world away from the exquisite boutiques and bars of the Côte d'Azur. Crystal-clear waters, the scent of eucalyptus and ancient 17th-century forts, the setting for the film "The Man in the Iron Mask", give Sainte-Marguerite Island a very special character. History buffs will also admire the old prison, the hospital and the Royal Maritime Museum with its shipwreck artefacts. Ile Sainte-Marguerite is every bit the beach paradise you've been hoping for. With its rocky stretches and sugar-coated coves, it's the ideal place to lie in the sun between swims. Although there are a few restaurants on the island, picnics and pure exploration are the best ways to spend your hours here.
Off the coast of Cannes lies the small archipelago of the Lérins Islands, comprising the two largest islands, Ile Sainte-Marguerite and Ile Saint-Honorat, and the two smallest uninhabited islands, Ilot Saint-Ferreol and Ilot de la Tradelière. These unspoilt islands are a wonderful escape from the summer crowds of the Côte d'Azur coastline. Ile Sainte-Marguerite is famous for its fort, where you can visit the cell of "the man in the iron mask", as well as many other archaeological treasures. The island of Saint-Honorat has been inhabited by Cistercian monks since around 410.
The Côte d'Azur is full of splendor, and the magnificent Golfe Juan captures France in all its glory. It was in Golfe Juan that Napoleon began his march to Paris in 1815. Situated between the hustle and bustle of Cannes and the charm of Juan Les Pins, this natural harbor has evolved from a historic fishing port to a suave seaside retreat. Charter passengers who want to soak up the pretty Provence can stroll through the old port, pop into the jazz cafés and sample the local flavors. The pace of life in Golfe Juan is gentle, allowing you to buy handmade ceramics and chocolates, relax on the beach or stroll in the fragrant shade of the Mediterranean forests, and fill up on culture at the Picasso Museum, housed in an impressive 16th-century château.
Antibes is a lively seaside resort located between Nice and Cannes. It's known for its lively social life and its 16th-century fortified old town overlooking the Port Vauban, with its mix of luxury yachts and sailboats. There's a museum in honor of one of France's most popular drinks, absinthe, as well as the more classical Musée Picasso in the former Château Grimaldi. In Antibes, you'll find long stretches of flat, white-sand beaches bordered by turquoise waters. For something a little more secret, anchor your yacht in the Baie des Milliardaires: with its rocky coastline, it's the ideal place for snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.
The eclectic city of Nice is known the world over for its incredible local cuisine, such as socca, pissaladière, farcis nicois and pan bagnats, to name but a few, its wonderful old town, known as Vieux Nice, with its maze of narrow streets filled with delightful boutiques selling local produce, its Belle Époque architecture and its museums. The Baie des Anges is famous for its magnificent 7 km Promenade des Anglais, pebble beach and azure waters surrounded by the backdrop of the Alps.
For a breathtaking 360-degree view, take a stroll up to the Colline du Château overlooking the bay. The town is packed with interesting sites to visit, and we could easily spend a week here trying to see them all! From the Roman amphitheater and ruins of Cimiez to the magnificent Notre Dame de Nice cathedral and the Russian Orthodox cathedral, not to mention the wonderful art galleries, including the Musée d'Art Moderne et Contemporain, the Musée Henri Matisse and the Musée Marc Chagall, Nice is not to be missed.
Monaco is undoubtedly one of the most famous destinations on the Côte d'Azur and one of the most glamorous in the world. The summer season kicks off with the Formula 1 Grand Prix at the end of May, when the country's immaculate streets are transformed into a racetrack and the world's sporting elite, celebrities and car enthusiasts enjoy 5 days of non-stop racing and partying aboard their yachts and on the balconies of their hotels. This little principality is home to all the luxury brands in the new One Monte Carlo district, located right next to the famous Casino de Monte Carlo and the Hôtel de Paris. You'll also find a handful of Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury hotels, casinos and sumptuous spas for a truly luxurious stopover at the top of the Riviera.
Sanremo lies on the sun-drenched Riviera dei Fiori, a poetically named region where flowers bloom by the salty sea. With its 12th-century San Siro cathedral, magnificent Japanese garden, hilly casino and old town perched on a hill with winding alleys, there's something timeless about this spot on the Ligurian coast that recalls the golden age of seaside vacations in Italy. Charter guests should put the famous Teatro Ariston on their list of things to see, as well as the old port, the Santa Tecla fort and Villa Nobel. Cycling enthusiasts can also take the coastal park cycle path to the artistic village of Bussana Vecchia.
Cannes hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, but is world-famous for its film festival held in May, just before the Monaco Grand Prix. The palm-lined boulevard de la Croisette is home to numerous designer boutiques, luxury hotels and spas. This chic seaside resort also boasts fabulous beaches, upscale restaurants and clubs, making it a thriving summer destination not to be missed!