Unique things to do on the French Riviera

Let’s start off with some history and see how the aristocrats used to live on the French Riviera during the la Belle Epoque period. For this purpose, visit the Villa Ephrussi and the Greek styled villa Kerylos. Both can be found in Beaulieu-sur-Mer.

One of the tiniest villages in France, Beaulieu-sur-Mer is nestled in a curve protected by tall, grey slabs of the
surrounding rocky foothills. First, see the Greek villa, located on the rocky tip of the Baie des Fourmis, behind which
stand the monumental cliffs of Eze. An original reconstruction of an ancient Greek dwelling, villa Kerylos is a tribute to Greek civilization. After your visit here, walk along the breathtaking seaside promenade to the second villa.

It took Baroness Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, one of the most original women who lived on the French Riviera, seven years to build one of the most beautiful sites on the Côte d’Azur. An enlightened art enthusiast who travelled back and forth across France and Europe, Béatrice de Rothschild built up an incomparable and eclectic collection of
masterpieces: priceless Sèvres and Vincennes porcelain, works by Fragonard and paintings by the masters.

Your chief stewardess will set you up with a private guide to tour the estate and you may want to take a break and enjoy delicate sandwiches in the room that Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild’s used as a dining room. When the weather is nice, you can sit under the orange trees on the terrace and savor the charm of a day spent on the Riviera.

Make sure you bring comfortable shoes so you can take a walk around the Cap-Ferrat peninsula for the most phenomenal views you have ever seen! Maybe you will feel adventurous and make some time for a romantic bathe at sunset in Villefranche-sur-Mer before you head back to the yacht!

A village considered one of the most beautiful villages in France, all the charms of the Provence are concentrated in Les Baux de Provence: small streets, charming little squares, shaded terraces, fountains, craft shops, but also sunshine and a joyful spirit. In short, a must if you visit the French Riviera! Once in Port-de Bouc, you will be set up by your crew with a private driver to take you to this unique place.

In an exceptional environment, in the heart of the Alpilles, nestled on a rocky plateau, the city dominates the Camargue and Arles. The town itself is well worth visiting and can only be visited on foot. It is a delight to walk through these medieval street. The old houses still have their charm and restored with great taste and attention to detail.

After strolling the tasteful streets, make your way to the most monumental and famous museum here: the Château des Baux. Located on top of a rocky peak, the fortified town of Les Baux was of major strategic importance throughout history.

Standing on the rocky spur, it provided an effective natural protection against the multiple attacks that took place over time. From here, the panoramic views over the entire valley are absolutely breathtaking. Before you head back to the yacht, enjoy a glass of chilled pale rosé at one of the charming cafés of this village that has stolen your heart!

Travelling on your own private yacht gives you the unique opportunity to visit places that are not that easily reached by other forms of transportation. Near Cannes, there are two islands you can visit, the Lérins Islands. The large one of these islands is Ile Sainte-Marguerite, made famous by the legend of the Man in the Iron Mask, who was held in the island’s prison.

Once on the island, make your way over to The Fortress and Maritime Museum. The museum is housed in the island’s 17th century fortress. Here you can learn about the history of Fort Royal and the legends of the Man in the Iron Mask, whose identity remains uncertain even today.

Some historians and writers speculated that he was the illegitimate older brother of King Louis XIV, or even his twin brother, who may have been hidden away during his youth and was locked away when he later laid claim to the throne. Others say he may have been King Louis’ true father instead of King Louis XIII, and alternative theories suggest he was a rebel who was involved in the planning of political uprisings. Many of these theories are explained in the museum, and visitors can visit the cell where the Man in the Iron Mask was held.

After visiting the museum, try out one of the various walking trails on the island, which are all well sign-posted and easy to follow. You may like to allow a few hours for exploring the island and enjoying its iconic umbrella pines and eucalyptus trees.  Not all trails are shaded, so ask your chief stewardess to pack sunscreen and bring a hat!

The beaches on the island are rocky, but they are quiet and the sea is just as beautiful. The atmosphere is peaceful and natural, the perfect place to enjoy a picnic or cocktail. If you are looking for a quiet place to stop for a swim, take the Chemin de Ceinture, which runs along the south side of the island.

There are secluded little creaks and enclaves under the trees here, which offer privacy and nice views of the neighboring island of Saint Honorat. From here, you can be picked up by the crew to make your way back to the yacht after spending a fantastic day on the French Riviera!