The coastal city of Imperia sits on the lovely Porto Maurizio in an area famed for its flowers and olives. Surrounded by blazing blooms and ancient olive groves and with the salt tang of the sea air, it's no surprise that Imperia is as pretty as a picture. Sparkling blue waters, rolling hills, and a harbor studded with yachts and charming fishing boats set the scene for exploring the narrow alleys, admiring 18th-century cathedrals, hiking, olive tasting, and enjoying the beach scene.
Monaco is without doubt one of the French Riviera's most renowned destinations and one of the most glamorous in the world. The summer season sets off with the Formula 1 Grand Prix at the end of May where the country's pristine streets are transformed in to a racing circuit, and the world's sporting elite, celebrities & car enthusiasts enjoy 5 days of non stop racing and partying from aboard their yachts and hotel balconies. This tiny Principality is home to all the designer brands at the new One Monte Carlo quarter, set right alongside the world famous Casino de Monte Carlo and Hotel de Paris. Here you'll also find a handful of Michelin Star restaurants, luxury hotels, casinos and sumptuous spas to enjoy a truly luxurious stop at the crown of the Riviera.
The last stop before Italy lies the beautiful Belle Epoque town of Menton, which has a lovely old town, a long coastline, and a beach promenade lined with outdoor restaurants and buzzing beach clubs. You're spoiled for choice here with a mix of pebble and sandy beaches boasting all-day-long sunshine. Choose from the family-friendly Les Sablettes Beach or the hidden gem of Le Buse Beach. The town is also well known for the Jean Cocteau museum, botanical gardens, and excellent restaurants, including the world-renowned 3 Michelin-starred Mirazur. This jewel of the Riviera brims with delights, from its decadent gardens to its annual lemon festival.
Saint Tropez is a small village with a big reputation. Made famous by Brigitte Bardot in the 1950's, this sleepy little town was transformed into a chic, hedonist celebrity spot each summer. It is still as chic as ever, a luxury location with extraordinary villas, boutique hotels, designer shops and luxury yachts lining the quaint old town. Not forgetting its beautiful beaches, such as Pampelonne, where you can experience the best clubs and restaurants all summer long.
From its humble origins as a quiet fishing village to becoming a global entertainment capital, Cannes has become one of the world's most prestigious destinations. The epitome of French Riviera glamour, Cannes transforms into a celebrity mecca each May, drawing the world's most celebrated film luminaries to its legendary shores. Beyond the film festival, Cannes offers year-round excitement. Luxury shopping along La Croisette features high-end boutiques, while pristine beaches invite sunbathing and water sports. Evening entertainment ranges from chic bars to exclusive nightclubs, ensuring the city never rests on its laurels.
The eclectic city of Nice is known the world over for its amazing local food, such as socca, pissaladière, farcis nicois and pan bagnats to name a few, its wonderful Old Town, known as Vieux Nice, with its maze of narrow alleys which are filled with delightful shops selling local treats, it's Belle Epoque architecture and its museums. The Baie des Anges, is famous for the maginificent 7km Promenade des Anglais, its pebble lined beach and azur waters surrounded by the backdrop of the Alps.
For amazing 360 degree views, take a walk up to la Colline du Chateau (Castle Hill) which overlooks the bay. Filled with plenty of interesting sights to visit, one could easily spend a week here trying to see them all! From the Roman amphitheatre & ruins in Cimiez to the beautiful Notre Dame de Nice cathedral, the Russian Orthodox Cathedral and last but not least, the wonderful art galleries, including the Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art, the Henri Matisse Museum and the Marc Chagall museum, Nice is not to be missed.
A Belle-Epoque gem on the Côte d'Azur, Beaulieu-sur-Mer has a low key charm and elegance, away from the crowds of her well known neighbours. The two main beaches, La Petite Afrique and the Plage des Fourmis are family favourites. Overlooking their respective bays, they are ideal spots from where you can drop anchor and enjoy some watersports. Beaulieu Port is lined with a choice of fabulous restaurants, which are great spots to enjoy a lunch in the sun while people watching. You will also find here one of the best gelatarias on the Côte d'Azur. For a little culture stop, take a tour of Villa Kerylos, a beautiful reconstruction of an ancient Greek villa built in 1902.
On the sun-soaked and poetically named Riviera dei Fiori, where flowers bloom beside the salt sea, you will find Sanremo. Home to the 12th century San Siro Cathedral, a gorgeous Japanese Garden, a rolling casino, and an old town perched on a hill with twisting alleyways, there's something almost timeless about this Ligurian coastal spot that captures the golden era of seaside holidays in Italy. Charter guests should include the famed Teatro Ariston on their must-see list, along with the old port, the Santa Tecla Fort, and the Villa Nobel. Keen cyclists can also take the coastal park bike path and ride to the artistic village of Bussana Vecchia.