Best of Costa Brava and France

The capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, Barcelona, lives up to its reputation as a center of grand architecture and inspiring art. Antoni Gaudi’s Park Guell displays architecture as art, making for a whimsical and colorful stroll through Barcelona. Stretching from La Rambla to Via Laietana you find the Gothic Quarter, the city’s historic center with intricate medieval buildings and streets turned into modern bars, clubs, and restaurants. A short way up La Rambla you’ll come across La Boqueria, one of Europe’s largest and most famous food markets, filled with fruits, pastries, and many tasty samples of local fare.

Palamos, Spain

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore. 

The port town of Propriano on Corsica is prime beach territory. From its most popular Lido to shores further out such as Cala d’Agulia, the beaches offer breathtaking paths. Enjoy active adventures along the coast with opportunities for sea kayaking, standup paddleboarding, and windsurfing. A walk around the picturesque harbor into the town brings you through colorful houses, streets lined with palm trees, and 19th-century architecture. Behind the harbor, a set of steps lead to the Church of Notre Dame de la Misericorde, the main church. Just outside of Propriano, find Filitosa Park, filled with standing stones and neolithic carvings that offer a glimpse into the region’s deep history.

Ile-Rousse, Corsica, France

The jewel in the heart of the spectacular Côte d’Azur, Saint-Tropez was a sleepy seaside village with a rich maritime history that achieved celebrity beginning in the 1960s. Explore the hexagon-shaped Citadelle that once served as the defender of the gulf. The castle contains a maritime museum, and the grounds provide breathtaking views of the Côte d’Azur. La Musée de l’Annonciade is a real treat for art lovers and located just beyond the Quai de l’Epi pier. This 16th-century chapel features a small but powerful collection of paintings by Derain, Signac, and other artists.

Spend your day exploring glamorous and ultra-fashionable Cannes, with its majestic hotels, millionaires, movie stars, and mega-yachts in a gem-like setting along the sparkling Mediterranean. Stroll along the Royal Palm tree-lined Boulevard de la Croisette where world-renowned designers cater to the rich and famous. Beyond Cannes, enjoy a picturesque drive outside the city along the famed Golden Corniche. The fiery colors of the rocks make for a striking contrast against the cobalt blue of the sea. Experience la vie en rose with a visit to the Maison des Vins, a modern cellar with hundreds of bottles on display.

Nice rises from the pebbled coast to lush hills, yet the heart of the city is located between the old port city and the Aeroport de Côte d’Azur. To take it all in, enjoy a jaunt on the Promenade des Anglais along the Mediterranean Sea. The Old Port, located in Vieux Nice (Old Nice), is a colorful and busy place, with various markets. There discover an ensemble of narrow streets, colorful architecture, and picturesque piazzas. Stretch out on Nice’s recognizable blue lounge chairs on one of its iconic beaches. Some of these private beaches, like Blue Beach or Castel Beach, are among the most glamorous beaches on the French Riviera.