Signature French Riviera Itinerary: 12 Days Between Monaco and Saint‑Tropez

Begin your French Riviera itinerary in Monaco, where glamour and Mediterranean elegance blend effortlessly. This sovereign state, smaller than New York’s Central Park yet bursting with sophistication, is a playground for royalty, Formula 1 champions, and international jetsetters. Wander through Monte Carlo’s legendary Casino Square, where Belle Époque grandeur meets modern luxury. Explore Monaco-Ville, “The Rock,” where the Prince’s Palace stands guard over pastel-hued Old Town streets, the stunning Oceanographic Museum overlooks sapphire waters, and the Saint-Martin Gardens offer panoramic views of yacht-filled Port Hercule below. From the iconic Grand Prix circuit to world-class dining and haute couture boutiques, Monaco is a masterclass in the art of living well.

Stay at the legendary Hotel Hermitage, a Belle Époque masterpiece overlooking the sparkling sea. Built between 1890 and 1896 and nestled in Monaco’s prestigious Carré d’Or (Golden Square), this timeless palace embodies elegance and authenticity in equal measure. The hotel’s 280 refined rooms and suites blend period charm with contemporary comfort, many offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and the principality’s legendary harbor. Michelin-starred dining awaits at Le Pavyllon by acclaimed chef Yannick Alléno. Just steps from the Casino de Monte-Carlo and connected to the renowned Thermes Marins spa via an underground passage, the Hermitage sets the tone for your luxurious Riviera journey.

Highlights:

• Menton: Take a private tour of the lemon-scented streets of this enchanting town, renowned for its Belle Époque gardens and pastel façades that cascade down to the azure sea. Discover the artistic legacy of Jean Cocteau, who fell in love with Menton in the 1950s and left an indelible mark on the town, from the whimsical frescoes he painted in the Salle des Mariages (Wedding Hall) to the Bastion, a 17th-century fortress he transformed into his first museum.
• Èze: Discover the medieval hilltop village with panoramic views over the coast, the perfect backdrop for a leisurely stroll through cobblestone lanes lined with artisan galleries and stone archways. At the summit, explore the spectacular Jardin Exotique, perched at 429 meters above the Mediterranean on the ruins of a medieval fortress. This botanical wonderland showcases hundreds of rare cacti and succulent species from around the world, with breathtaking vistas stretching from the Esterel Mountains to the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, one of the Riviera’s most exceptional panoramas.
• Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: Visit the iconic Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, a jewel nestled between fragrant gardens and the cobalt sea. This pink Belle Époque palace, built in the early 20th century by Baroness Béatrice de Rothschild, is surrounded by nine themed gardens, French, Spanish, Florentine, Japanese, and more, each a masterpiece of landscape design. After exploring the villa’s opulent interiors and art collections, descend to the peninsula’s stunning beaches: the secluded Plage de Passable with its calm, crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, or the picturesque coves along the coastal path offering intimate moments of seaside serenity.
• Monaco: Experience a day of luxury shopping in glamorous boutiques in the Carré d’Or, explore the charming old town’s hidden gems and savor an exquisite meal at one of the principality’s renowned fine dining restaurants, from Michelin-starred gastronomy to sophisticated Mediterranean cuisine. Enjoy an afternoon at Larvotto Beach, Monaco’s pristine 400-meter stretch of fine pebbles along the elegant Avenue Princesse Grace, where crystal-clear Mediterranean waters protected by anti-jellyfish nets invite you to swim just steps from the heart of the principality. Lounge at one of the exclusive beach clubs with a refreshing cocktail, or stroll the palm-lined promenade with views of modern high-rises against the azure sea, a perfect blend of urban sophistication and seaside serenity.

Take a sunset moment on the terrace of Hotel Hermitage, a glass of rosé in hand, and feel the Riviera magic settle in.

Your journey continues to Cannes, where the golden beaches meet cinematic allure. This glamorous coastal city, forever linked to the world’s most prestigious film festival, exudes a timeless elegance that has captivated artists, royalty, and Hollywood stars for over a century. Stroll along the legendary Boulevard de la Croisette, the palm-lined two-kilometer promenade where Belle Époque façades gleam in the Mediterranean sun, designer boutiques tempt with haute couture, and exclusive beach clubs invite you to lounge on golden sands. Wander through Le Suquet, Cannes’ charming old town perched on a hilltop, where winding cobblestone streets lead to the 12th-century Notre-Dame d’Espérance church offering panoramic views across the bay to the Lérins Islands. From red-carpet moments at the iconic Palais des Festivals to sunset yacht cruises along the azure coast, Cannes is where sophistication and joie de vivre blend seamlessly.

Your haven, the iconic Carlton Cannes, an emblem of Riviera luxury. Built in 1911 and celebrated for over a century as one of the French Riviera’s most legendary addresses, this Belle Époque palace has welcomed royalty, heads of state, and Hollywood’s elite to its prestigious Croisette address. The Carlton blends historic grandeur with contemporary refinement, its elegant suites showcase Belle Époque heritage through pastel palettes, tactile textures, and residential Mediterranean design, many offering breathtaking views across the Bay of Cannes.

Highlights: 

• Saint-Paul-de-Vence: Enjoy a private tour of the medieval village and the Maeght Foundation, home to modern art treasures. This enchanting hilltop village, with its cobblestone streets, stone archways, and artisan galleries, has captivated artists for generations, Marc Chagall lived here for nearly two decades. The Maeght Foundation, houses one of Europe’s most important collections of modern and contemporary art with over 13,000 works. Your private guide leads you through stunning spaces designed by Catalan architect Josep Lluís Sert, where you’ll discover masterpieces by Miró, Chagall, Giacometti, Braque, and Calder. The sculpture garden is a particular highlight, monumental works dialogue with the Mediterranean landscape in perfect harmony, offering breathtaking views over the Provençal countryside.
• Île Sainte-Marguerite: A private day on the sea to relax, swim and discover the Île Lérins, serene walks and hidden beaches, perfect for quiet contemplation. Just a 15-minute boat ride from Cannes lies this pristine island paradise, the largest of the Lérins Islands, where pine and eucalyptus forests blanket 90% of the protected landscape. Stroll peaceful trails through fragrant pine groves, discover secluded sandy coves with crystalline turquoise waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and explore the historic Fort Royal, where the legendary Man in the Iron Mask was once imprisoned. With only 20 permanent residents, this car-free haven offers a rare escape from the Riviera’s glamour, pure Mediterranean serenity just moments from the mainland.
• Mougins: Immerse yourself in gastronomy and art in this charming hilltop village. Known as the gastronomic capital of the Côte d’Azur, the town is renowned for its refined restaurants, some of which have been awarded Michelin stars. Between tastings, wander the circular village’s stone lanes lined with galleries showcasing contemporary art, following in the footsteps of Picasso, who spent his final years here surrounded by beauty and inspiration.
• Grasse: Discover the birthplace of perfume with private visits to artisanal fragrance houses, followed by an exclusive masterclass to create your own perfume. Nestled in the hills above Cannes, Grasse has been the world’s perfume capital for over 400 years, where legendary fragrances like Chanel No. 5 were born. Your private guide takes you behind the scenes of prestigious perfume houses to learn the secrets of master perfumers, discover rare ingredients cultivated in surrounding flower fields, and explore the delicate art of blending. In your exclusive masterclass, select from precious essences to compose your own signature scent, a unique, personalized fragrance to carry home as the ultimate souvenir of your Riviera journey.

Every evening, return to the Carlton to savor a gourmet dinner at the hotel’s refined restaurant or venture to one of Cannes’ celebrated dining destinations.

Finally, retreat to the unspoiled beauty of La Croix-Valmer, where nature and sophistication coexist. Nestled on the edge of the legendary Saint-Tropez peninsula, this hidden gem offers a serene escape from the Riviera’s glamorous bustle while maintaining its refined elegance. With seven pristine Blue Flag beaches stretching along six kilometers of protected coastline, La Croix-Valmer is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, secluded coves framed by umbrella pines, and dramatic coastal paths that wind through 220 hectares of protected natural reserves. Hike through fragrant pine forests to Cap Lardier, where breathtaking cliffs plunge into the Mediterranean, or explore the coastal trail to discover hidden beaches accessible only on foot, each one more beautiful than the last. This is the French Riviera as nature intended: wild, unspoiled, and utterly captivating, yet just minutes from the vibrant energy of Saint-Tropez.

Retreat to the Lily of the Valley Hotel, which boasts breathtaking Mediterranean views. The hotel’s centerpiece is the spectacular 2,000m² Shape Club, a wellness sanctuary featuring a heated semi-Olympic pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, seven treatment cabins, saunas, hammam, and a relaxation lounge.

Highlights:

• Wellness & Nature: Breathe in the fresh sea air and lounge on the pristine, untouched beaches of Gigaro, where turquoise waters meet soft sand in perfect Mediterranean serenity. Enjoy a private yoga session by the water at sunrise, unwind with personalized spa treatments in the 2,000m² Shape Club, from signature massages and pressotherapy to hammam and relaxation therapies, or explore coastal trails through protected pine forests to discover hidden coves along the dramatic Cap Lardier. This is where wellness meets wild beauty, offering the perfect balance of rejuvenation and natural wonder.
• Enjoy a day in Saint-Tropez: Venture to the legendary village of Saint-Tropez, where glamour and Provençal charm blend seamlessly. Stroll along the iconic Port de Saint-Tropez, admiring superyachts against a backdrop of colorful fishermen’s houses turned chic cafés, and explore the winding cobblestone streets of the old town lined with designer boutiques, from Hermès and Chanel to inspiring local ateliers. Stop for a coffee at the legendary red-canopied Sénéquier on the port, browse the bustling Place des Lices market, and soak in the timeless Riviera elegance that has captivated artists, royalty, and Hollywood stars for over a century.
• Private Wine Tasting: Delight in the local vineyards of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, where rosé wines reign supreme in sun-drenched terroirs kissed by Mediterranean breezes. Your expert sommelier shares the stories behind each vintage, teaching you to appreciate the subtle differences in terroir, from the mineral-rich soils to the maritime influences that make Gulf of Saint-Tropez wines so distinctive.

Conclude your Riviera sojourn with sunset dining on Lily of the Valley’s terrace, where Mediterranean cuisine meets panoramic sea views, the gentle lapping of waves your evening soundtrack.