Experience the best of the French Riviera this summer

21 April 2025

The French Riviera, or Côte d'Azur, is a sun-soaked haven perfect for a summer escape. With its mix of striking coastlines, glamorous ambience, and charming towns, this region offers something for everyone, from families to couples. From strolling the Promenade des Anglais in Nice to exploring the luxury of Monaco, here are six unmissable destinations to add to your next summer adventure.

Experience the best of the French Riviera this summer

Nice

Start your Riviera experience in Nice, a popular city with a blend of cultural treasures and seaside charm. Walk along the iconic Promenade des Anglais, lined with palm trees and grand architecture, or explore the charming Old Town (Vieux Nice) with its bustling markets and colourful facades. Don’t miss Castle Hill for stunning views of the Baie des Anges and the city below.

Cannes

Known worldwide for its renowned film festival every May, Cannes exudes glamour. Channel your favourite Hollywood icons and spend your time strolling along La Croisette, the city’s fashionable waterfront lined with upscale boutiques and luxury hotels, or relaxing on one of its sandy beaches. For a more tranquil experience away from the crowds, take a short ferry ride to the nearby Lérins Islands, where you can explore nature and history with a view of Cannes from afar.

Monaco

Glamorous and compact, Monaco packs plenty into its famous two-square-kilometre principality. Ideal for a day trip from Nice or one of the nearby towns, make sure you visit the legendary Monte Carlo Casino or enjoy a walk around Port Hercule, where superyachts glimmer under the summer sun. The Prince’s Palace and its changing of the guard ceremony are must-sees too. Sustainability-minded travellers will also love the Oceanographic Museum's dedication to marine conservation.

Saint-Tropez

Once a quaint fishing village, Saint-Tropez is now synonymous with chic summer holidays. Sip cocktails at a beach club on Pampelonne Beach or explore the picturesque Old Port, adorned with colourful fishing boats. Art lovers can admire pieces at the Musée de l’Annonciade, celebrating Saint-Tropez’s ties to modern art movements like Fauvism.

Antibes

For a feel of laid-back Riviera life, Antibes delivers with its markets, marina, and artisanal charm. Wander through Old Town, stop by the Provencal Market, or visit the historic Fort Carré overlooking the Mediterranean. Art enthusiasts will enjoy the Picasso Museum, set in a castle where the artist himself worked in 1946.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

This peninsula is a slice of tranquillity amidst the bustling Riviera. Known for its luxurious villas, you can tour the exquisite Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, complete with stunning gardens. For nature lovers, the coastal walking trails offer unparalleled views of the turquoise waters and hidden coves that are worth discovering.

To book your French Riviera adventure, contact your Travel Counsellor today.

Why Shizuoka, Japan, deserves to be on your bucket list

10 February 2026

Shizuoka is one of those places that quietly delivers on everything people love about Japan, without the intensity that often comes with it. Perfectly placed on the Golden Route between Tokyo and Kyoto, it’s easy to reach yet rarely feels overrun. This is a region where everyday life and travel experiences blend naturally, giving you space to explore at your own pace, whether that’s over a long weekend or as part of a wider journey across the country.

A modern take on Kyoto tradition at Capella Kyoto

09 February 2026

Kyoto’s Gion district is well-known for its heritage and character. Capella Kyoto places guests right in the heart of this cultural scene, surrounded by genuine traditions and the real rhythm of Kyoto life. With celebrated landmarks on all sides - Miyagawa-cho Kaburenjo, where geiko and maiko keep age-old performing arts alive, Kenninji Temple, a peaceful retreat and the city’s oldest Zen Buddhist temple, and Ebisu Shrine for good fortune - every walk from the hotel gives you an immediate sense of the history of this part of Japan.

A family-friendly way to experience Mount Fuji

09 February 2026

Japan has a way of rewarding travellers who slow down, and Hanz Outdoor Resort is especially well suited to families looking for space and ease. Set in the Lake Kawaguchiko area, it offers clear views of Mount Fuji while remaining straightforward to reach from Tokyo. Rather than packing days with long journeys, families can settle into one place and let the mountain become part of daily life, from relaxed mornings to evenings spent outdoors together. It’s a base that works just as well for first visits to Japan as it does for families returning to explore further.